Connector element for connecting two tubular connecting elements, assembly of a tubular connecting element and the connector element, and method for inserting a fixation wire into the connector element

Abstract

Connector element for connecting two tubular connecting elements, assembly of a tubular connecting element and the connector element, and method for inserting a fixation wire into the connector element The present invention relates to a connector element (1) using a fixation wire (8) comprising a first end (10) and a second end (15) for connecting of two tubular connecting elements. The connector element (1) comprises a longitudinal axis (Z1) and a through-opening (2). The through-opening (2) is formed by a tubular sleeve portion (3) and a nut portion (5). The sleeve portion (3) comprises an outer thread (4). In addition, the connector element (1) comprises an inner circumferential groove (7) at the through-opening (2) configured to receive the fixation wire (8). Further, the connector element (1) comprises an insertion hole (9) which forms a first passage between an outer surface (6) of the connector element (1) and the inner circumferential groove (7) and which is configured to guide the first end (10) into the inner circumferential groove (7) from outside of the connector element (1). To provide an improved connector element which facilitates use, the inner circumferential groove (7) additionally comprises at least one relief recess (11). Further, the relief recess (11) is configured to at least partially receive the first end (10) of the fixation wire (8).

Description

[0001] Connector element for connecting two tubular connecting elements, assembly of a tubular connecting element and the connector element, and method for inserting a fixation wire into the connector element

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector element for connecting two tubular connecting elements, for example two pipes of a refrigerant circuit. Further, the present invention relates to an assembly of at least a first tubular connecting element and the connector element as well as to a method for inserting a fixation wire into the connector element.

[0003] A large number of connector elements, for example, for connecting pipes are known in the art. Typically, the connector elements are adapted to different demands which are required for example depending on the area of application of the connector elements.

[0004] In this regard, for example, systems such as refrigerant circuits typically require good sealing as leaking refrigerant can pose a risk to the environment or decrease efficiency of the refrigerant system. In addition, and in some cases, tubular connecting elements, e.g. the pipes of a refrigerant circuit, to be connected, should generally not or cannot rotate relative to each other during the process of connection. Accordingly, connector elements have been developed that allow tubular connecting elements to be connected without having to rotate the tubular connecting elements. In other words, the tubular connecting elements can be connected by mere rotation of the connector element.

[0005] In this respect, in order to sufficiently seal a connection between two tubular connecting elements, for example by arranging a metal seal between the two tubular connecting elements, an axial force needs to be transferred from the connector element onto to one of the two tubular connecting elements so that the tubular connecting element is axially forced towards the other one of the two tubular

[0006] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO connecting elements by mere rotation of the connector element. Here, friction between the connector element and the tubular connecting element, to which an axial force is exerted, should be minimized when the connector element is rotated.

[0007] Therefore, it is known to use connector elements comprising an inner circumferential groove configured to receive a fixation wire. Such connector elements are thus also known as wire nuts. Consequently, the fixation wire introduced into the connector element may not only serve as a bearing allowing relative rotation of the connector element with respect to a first one of the tubular connecting elements but also to apply an axial force to the first one of the tubular connecting elements towards a second one of the tubular connecting elements when the connector element is for example screwed into the second one of the tubular connecting elements.

[0008] Although in principle such wire nuts are known and are regularly used as connector elements, it was found that there were often difficulties when connecting two tubular connecting elements by means of a corresponding connector element. In particular, difficulties frequently occur when the connector element is tried to be screwed to a second one of the tubular connecting elements in order to provide a connection between the first tubular connecting element and the second tubular connecting element. In some cases, also an impairment in sealing of the connection between the tubular connecting elements is noted. In other cases, the connector element can only be screwed to the second connecting element under immense effort. Based on these difficulties identified when using a wire nut for connecting two tubular connecting elements, there is a need to improve the connector element and to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector element which facilitates use and, in particular, improves a connection of tubular connecting elements which are connected by means of the connector.

[0010] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO The object of the present invention is solved by a connector element according to claim 1 , an assembly according to claim 12 as well as by a method according to claim 14.

[0011] The connector element is configured for connecting a first tubular connecting element (in the following also named 'first connecting element') to a second tubular connecting element (in the following also named 'second connecting element') using a fixation wire. In this regard, the connecting elements are tubular elements such as pipes of a refrigerant circuit, connectors of a valve or the like which are to be connected or coupled to one another by means of the connector element. Preferably, the second connecting element is a connector of a valve.

[0012] The fixation wire comprises a first end and a second end and typically a predetermined length. In one aspect, the fixation wire may for example be cut in advance to a predetermined length. In one aspect, the first end and / or the second end may have a substantially flat end face. In other words, if the fixation wire is aligned straight along an axis and forms a cylinder, for example, then the end faces are flat and at least substantially parallel to each other. In one aspect, the fixation wire may be a metallic wire, for example a steel wire, preferably made of stainless steel. In one aspect, the fixation wire may comprise a diameter of only a few millimeters. However, in this invention, the fixation wire is considered as a separate part with respect to the connector element. In this respect, the fixation wire may be used together with the connector element, for example, to connect a first tubular connecting element to a second tubular connecting element as described below.

[0013] Further, the connector element comprises a longitudinal axis and a through-opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the connector element. Thus, also the connector element comprising the through-opening may extend along the

[0014] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a centered longitudinal axis. In other words, the longitudinal axis may be a longitudinal central axis. The through- opening thus may form a passage opening which is open on both sides.

[0015] The connector element comprises a tubular sleeve portion (in the following also named 'sleeve portion') and a nut portion. The through-opening is formed by the tubular sleeve portion and a nut portion, wherein the nut portion extends from the sleeve portion. In other words, the sleeve portion and the nut portion of the connector element form the through-opening of the connector element. In one aspect, the sleeve portion and the nut portion may thus for example provide a main body of the connector element into which for example a through-bore as a through- opening is introduced.

[0016] The through-opening is configured to accommodate the first tubular connecting element. For example, the first tubular connecting element may be inserted into the through-opening before the connector element is used to connect the first tubular connecting element to a second tubular connecting element. In one aspect, an inner surface of the through-opening forms at least partially a hollow cylinder configured to accommodate the first tubular connecting element.

[0017] Further, the second tubular connecting element may have an inner thread. The sleeve portion comprises an outer thread configured to engage with the inner thread of the second tubular connecting element. In this regard, when the first tubular connecting element may be accommodated in the through-opening of the connector element, mere rotation of the connector element relative to the first tubular connecting element and relative to the second tubular connecting element about the longitudinal axis may allow to connect the first tubular connecting element to the second tubular connecting element. Here, and as aforementioned, a fixation wire may force the first tubular connecting element along the longitudinal axis towards the second tubular connecting element, when the outer thread of the

[0018] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO connector element engages the inner thread of the second tubular connecting element and the connector element is screwed into the second tubular connecting element.

[0019] Further, the connector element comprises an inner circumferential groove at the through-opening. In one aspect, the inner circumferential groove may be provided as part of the nut portion. In an alternative aspect, the inner circumferential groove may be provided as part of the sleeve portion. In this regard, the inner circumferential groove may for example be provided, for example introduced, in an inner lateral surface of the through-opening, for example in the inner lateral surface forming the hollow cylinder of the through-opening as aforementioned. The inner circumferential groove may thus form a recess in the inner lateral surface and may open into the through-opening. The inner circumferential groove may be arranged inside the through-opening. Further the inner circumferential groove may extend in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element. Additionally or alternatively, the inner circumferential groove may at least partially be arranged in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector element. The inner circumferential groove may circumvent the longitudinal axis of the connector element. In one aspect, the inner circumferential groove may be circular. Further, the inner circumferential groove is configured to receive the fixation wire.

[0020] In one aspect, the inner circumferential groove is configured to completely receive the fixation wire. In a further aspect, when the fixation wire is completely received in the inner circumferential groove, the first connecting element may still be pulled out of the through-opening of the connector element without having to remove the fixation wire. In this regard, the first connecting element may comprise a first step portion as described below.

[0021] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO Further, the connector element comprises an insertion hole which forms a first passage between an outer surface of the connector element and the inner circumferential groove. When the inner circumferential groove is provided in the nut portion of the connector element, the insertion hole is preferably also provided as part of the nut portion. The insertion hole may be introduced into the connector element, for example into the nut portion or the sleeve portion, by a drill. The fixation wire may thus be pushed through the insertion hole into the inner circumferential groove. Therefore, the insertion hole is configured to guide the first end of the fixation wire, i.e. the end of the fixation wire which is introduced first into the insertion hole, into the inner circumferential groove from outside of the connector element. Typically, the fixation wire may be inserted into the insertion hole until the fixation wire is completely received inside the connector element, for example until the fixation wire is completely received in the inner circumferential groove as aforementioned. In other words, the fixation wire may be inserted via the insertion hole until the second end of the fixation wire no longer protrudes out of the insertion hole and until the second end is for example also received in the inner circumferential groove. In yet other words, the first end of the fixation wire may at least be advanced, for example pushed, until the second end no longer protrudes out of the insertion hole of the connector element.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner circumferential groove of the connector element additionally comprises at least one relief recess. The relief recess is configured to at least partially receive the first end of the fixation wire. In this regard, the relief recess may enlarge the inner circumferential groove at least in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element. In one aspect, the relief recess may result in the inner circumferential groove not being smooth and providing an offset in the radial direction. In one aspect, the inner circumferential groove, which may in principle be circular, may no longer be circular, when the relief recess is provided. In one aspect, the relief recess may thus be provided by removing material of the connector element. In one aspect, the relief recess may thus

[0023] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO provide a relief step portion, i.e. a step portion as part of the relief recess, at the inner circumferential groove.

[0024] In one aspect, the relief recess adjoins the otherwise circular inner circumferential groove tangentially. In other words, and in one aspect, the relief recess may be arranged tangentially with respect to the circular inner circumferential groove. The relief recess may thus be an area inside the inner circumferential groove which the first end of the fixation wire reaches when the fixation wire is completely inserted into the connector element. By providing a relief recess and a connector element according to the aforementioned aspects, it was surprisingly noted that use of the connector element as well as the connection between the two connection elements is improved.

[0025] The effect of the relief recess was subsequently inferred. The relief recess may thus allow a substantially tangential movement of the first end of the fixation wire with respect to an otherwise circular inner circumferential groove, whereby bias of the fixation wire is reduced. Thus, when the fixation wire may be inserted via the insertion hole into the connector element, the fixation wire comprises a straight first end, wherein the fixation wire adapts to the inner circumferential groove and bends when advanced into the inner circumferential groove. Deformation of the fixation wire may be at least partially elastic, for example elastic-plastic. However, the fixation wire starts bending as late as possible. In other words, the fixation wire may remain straight for as long as possible due to its own rigidity. The first end of the fixation wire may thus remain at least substantially straight which causes the fixation wire to press in a radial (outward) direction against the inner circumferential groove due to internal tension, i.e. stress caused by bending. If the first tubular connecting element is arranged in the through-opening of the connector element, this results in the connector element being pushed out of a desired centric position when being used with the first tubular connecting element, in which the longitudinal axis of the connector element is in line with a longitudinal axis of the first tubular connecting element, and thus becomes eccentric.

[0026] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO The relief recess, which is configured to receive the first end of the fixation wire, thus allows to receive the first end of the fixation wire so that a force provided by the fixation wire and pushing against the inner circumferential groove in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element is at least limited, preferably eliminated. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the connector element and the longitudinal axis of the first tubular connecting element preferably remain in line or are brought in line when the fixation wire is inserted in the inner circumferential groove. In other words, the connector element remains centric or is brought into a centric position with respect to the first tubular connecting element.

[0027] Thus, when the connector element is screwed into the second tubular connecting element, it can be ensured that faces of the two tubular connecting elements, i.e. a coupling end face of the first tubular connecting element and a sealing face of the second tubular connecting element, are aligned and are not displaced by the fixation wire acting on the connector element. It can also be ensured that the outer thread of the connector element can be screwed into the inner thread of the second tubular connecting element without any problems, for example without canting. The connecting element is therefore easier to use and facilitates the connection of two tubular connecting elements. In addition, the sealing of the connection may be improved as a coupling end face of the first tubular connecting element may be pressed more evenly, i.e. with a uniform force with respect to different areas of the coupling end face, against a sealing end face of the second tubular connecting element.

[0028] In more compact terms, providing a relief recess allows the first end of the fixation wire to be at least partially received in the relief recess when the fixation wire is arranged in the inner circumferential groove, resulting in fewer off-center forces,

[0029] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO i.e. fewer forces directed away from a center of the connector element formed by the longitudinal axis of the connector element.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the sleeve portion and the nut portion may be formed in one piece. In other words, the sleeve portion and the nut portion may be provided as a single part. In yet other words, the sleeve portion and the nut portion may be integrally formed. The sleeve portion and the nut portion may thus only define different portions of one single main body defining the connector element. Providing the sleeve portion and the nut portion in one piece facilitates the use of the connector when connecting two tubular connecting elements, as there are fewer free parts. In addition, a one-piece connector element enables production in fewer manufacturing steps and may thus allow manufacturing with fewer costs.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the relief recess, which is arranged to extend the inner circumferential groove, adjoins the insertion hole. In other words, the relief recess may be directly adjacent to the insertion hole so that the relief recess opens into the insertion hole and both together form a continuous volume. In yet other words, the relief recess may partially remove a lateral surface of the insertion hole so that the relief recess adjoins the insertion hole. In one aspect, the relief recess may extend at least partially in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element as aforementioned. The relief recess may thus extend the inner circumferential groove in a radial direction. A corresponding formation of an adjoining relief recess in the inner circumferential groove may be less complicated as, for example, the insertion hole may allow easier access to an area of the relief recess during formation. Further, when the adjoining relief recess is formed, insertion of a fixation wire into the inner circumferential groove, so that the fixation wire surrounds a circumference formed by the through- opening at least almost completely and still receiving the first end of the fixation wire in the relief recess, is allowed.

[0032] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO In one aspect, the fixation wire may be inserted into the connector element until the first end of the fixation wire at least partially abuts onto the fixation wire, for example on the second end or a lateral surface of the fixation wire. In other words, and according to one aspect, the fixation wire may completely circumvent the through-opening of the connector element when being completely inserted into the connector element.

[0033] Further, in one aspect, the relief recess may be provided by a relief hole which forms a second passage between the outer surface of the nut portion and the inner circumferential groove. The relief hole may be introduced into the nut portion by a drill. Although the relief recess may be formed by a relief hole, the relief hole as such does not represent or embody the relief recess. To be in a better position to understand what is meant by the relief hole not representing or embodying the relief recess, the following explanation is made. As aforementioned, the relief recess may have a relief step portion. This relief step portion may be formed by a relief hole. In this regard, the relief hole which may be considered a through hole with respect to the outer surface of the nut portion and a partial blind hole with respect to the inner circumferential groove. A partial blind hole may mean that when the relief hole is for example drilled, a drill may partially hit material that the drill does not completely drill through. The relief recess may then only be the part of the relief hole that was formed by removing material from the inner circumferential groove, and wherein the removed material was still present before the relief hole was inserted. A transition between the drill cylinder and the inner circumferential groove may thus not be smooth. If the relief hole and the insertion hole intersect, the relief recess may thus only affect a region that is located after (or downstream) a drill cylinder of the insertion hole seen in a drilling direction of the relief hole.

[0034] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO The relief hole and the insertion hole may be introduced by a same drill which simplifies manufacturing. The insertion hole may extend along a first longitudinal axis, which may for example be a first drilling axis, and the relief hole may extend along a second longitudinal axis, which may for example be a second drilling axis. In one aspect, the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole may be arranged such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis intersect respectively. In one aspect, the intersecting first and second longitudinal axes provide an intersecting area, i.e. an intersecting area in which, for example, drill cylinders of the insertion hole and the relief hole intersect. In one aspect, the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole may intersect inside the connector element. In other words, a point of intersection of the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole lies within the connector element. In other words, the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole converge within the connector element. The fixation wire may be inserted so that when the first end is at least partially received in the relief recess, the second end of the fixation wire may be at least partially arranged in the intersecting area. In this regard, the second end of the fixation wire may enter partially into the relief hole towards the outer surface of the nut portion of the connector element. Still the fixation wire may be completely received inside the connector element. This may reduce or preferably eliminate any further off-center forces that may be caused by the second end of the fixation wire. In this respect, however, the second end of the fixation wire is less relevant than the first end of the fixation wire and in some cases may even be negligible. Therefore, in one aspect the second end of the fixation wire may also end before or after the intersecting area when the fixation wire is completely inserted into the connector element.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, a first diameter of the insertion hole and a second diameter of the relief hole may be the same. Additionally or alternatively

[0036] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO a first depth of the insertion hole and a second depth of the relief hole are the same. In this regard, the first diameter of the insertion hole and the second diameter of the relief hole may correspond to a bore diameter provided by a corresponding drill. The first diameter and the second diameter may be measured at a location at which the respective holes are introduced into the outer surface of the nut portion. Further, the first depth of the insertion hole and the second depth of the relief hole may be measured along the corresponding first longitudinal axis and the corresponding second longitudinal axis. In this regard, the first depth and the second depth may correspond to a bore depth provided by a drill when the insertion hole and the relief hole are manufactured. In this respect, the first depth may correspond to an advancing distance of the drill along the first longitudinal axis and the second depth may correspond to an advancing distance of the drill along the second longitudinal axis, wherein the advancing distance may be the distance which the drill moves from contact with the outer surface of the nut portion up to a point at which the drill is moved out of the connector element again, i.e. a point at which the drill is retracted. Providing the relief hole and the insertion hole identically in size simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs, for example because a same drill bit may be used to drill both holes.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole may be arranged at an angle of more than 90° and less than 130°. Preferably the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole may be arranged at angle of 120°. According to one aspect, the insertion hole and the relief hole together form a V- shape. Due to the relative arrangement, the ends of the fixation wire, i.e. the first end and the second end of the fixation wire, can make particularly good use of the insertion hole and the relief hole as described above, so that the off-center forces are particularly low, preferably non-existent.

[0038] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO According to a further aspect of the invention, the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and / or the second longitudinal axis of the relief hole may be arranged orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element. Thus, when the longitudinal axis of the connector element is for example arranged in a horizontal plane, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are arranged in vertical planes and vice versa. Preferably, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are arranged in a same plane that is arranged orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element. Thus, when the longitudinal axis of the connector element is arranged in a horizontal plane, i.e. a plane to which the direction of gravity runs vertically, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are preferably arranged in the same vertical plane. The corresponding arrangement of the holes simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs, for example because relative movement between nut portion and the drill bit can be reduced.

[0039] In one aspect, the nut portion may be a polygonal nut portion. In other words, the nut portion has outer surfaces which are arranged at an angle to one another, with the sleeve portion forming an at least substantially cylindrical outer surface apart from the outer thread. The polygonal nut portion provides surfaces which are particularly well suited to engage with a tool such as a wrench or pliers in order to rotate the connector element around its longitudinal axis. In a further aspect, the sleeve portion may be a cylindrical sleeve portion comprising the outer thread on the cylindrical sleeve portion.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the nut portion may be formed by six surfaces of the outer surface together forming a hexagon. In others, the nut portion forms a hexagonal nut portion. The six surface sections of the hexagon together may form an outer surface. The insertion hole and the relief hole may be formed on adjacent surfaces, i.e. surface sections, of the outer surface of the hexagonal nut portion. Preferably, edges formed between the surfaces of the outer surface of the

[0041] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO hexagon are chamfered and / or rounded. In this regard, adjacent subsections or surfaces of a hexagon are forming an angle of 120°, i.e. an inside angle of 120°. Thus, in other words, the insertion hole and the relief hole may be provided on adjacent subsections of the hexagonal nut portion together forming an angle of 120°. Providing the respective holes on adjacent surfaces allows particularly easy handling of the connector element, especially during its manufacture. At the same time, an angle between the drill and the surface into which the respective hole is introduced may be not too large, which may simplify the drilling process.

[0042] Furthermore, the insertion hole and the relief hole may be positioned with respect to the nut portion, for example the hexagonal nut portion, so that a relief recess is not only provided by the relief hole but also by the insertion hole. In other words, the connector element may comprise two relief recesses, wherein one relief recess is provided by the insertion hole and the other relief recess is provided by the relief hole. In yet other words, and according to one aspect, the relief hole may also be configured to guide the first end of the fixation wire into the inner circumferential groove from outside of the connector element, wherein a relief recess provided by the insertion hole may be configured to at least partially receive the first end of the fixation wire, at least when the fixation wire is completely inserted into the connector element.

[0043] In one aspect of the invention, when the nut portion is a hexagonal nut portion, the insertion hole and the relief hole may be symmetrical to a plane of symmetry of the hexagonal nut portion. In other words, there may be a plane of symmetry which runs for example through two edges, for example chamfered and / or rounded edges, provided by two adjacent surfaces of the hexagonal nut portion, and wherein the insertion hole and the relief hole are symmetrical to the plane of symmetry. In this regard, the plane of symmetry may be spanned by the longitudinal axis of the connector element and a symmetry axis running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connector element and through the edges. In one

[0044] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO aspect, a first angle between the symmetry axis and the first longitudinal axis of the insertion hole and a second angle between the symmetry axis and the second longitudinal axis may be the same in size. The symmetry not only simplifies manufacturing of the connector element, but also facilitates insertion of a fixation wire, because in this regard it is irrelevant to the user through which of the two holes, i.e. the insertion hole or the relief hole, the fixation wire is inserted into the connector element.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, the threaded sleeve portion of the connector element may provide for a male connector element configured to engage with the threaded second connecting element as a female connector element. Consequently, the connector element may be configured to engage with the second tubular connecting element providing a receptacle configured to receive and hold the male connector element. The connector element may thus be configured to be at least partially housed or recessed in the second connecting element.

[0046] Furthermore, the insertion hole and / or the relief hole may be configured to guide a fixation wire of less than 3 mm diameter, preferably of between 2 mm and 2.5 mm, into the inner circumferential groove. The first diameter and the second diameter may therefore be large enough according to one aspect so that the fixation wire may be pushed through the insertion hole or the relief hole.

[0047] In addition or alternatively, the connector element may be made of steel, preferably stainless-steel. Providing the connector element by steel, for example stainless steel, may be particularly helpful in the manufacturing of the connector element. It is also particularly well suited to interacting with other solid materials of the fixation wire, the first tubular connecting element and the second tubular connecting element, for example, which may for example also be provided by steel, preferably stainless steel.

[0048] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO According to a further aspect of the invention, the object may also be solved by an assembly comprising at least a first tubular connecting element and the connector element according to the aforementioned aspects. The first tubular connecting element may for example be a pipe in a refrigerant circuit, for example, an outlet pipe of an evaporator.

[0049] The first tubular connecting element may comprise at least a first step portion forming a transition between portions of the first tubular connecting element having different outer diameters. The first tubular connecting element may for example comprise a portion having a smaller outer diameter, i.e. a small diameter portion, compared to another large diameter portion having a larger outer diameter compared to the small diameter portion. The first step portion may be provided between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion.

[0050] Further, the first tubular connecting element may have a coupling end face, i.e. an end face used for coupling or connecting the first tubular connecting element to a second tubular connecting element. In one aspect, the first tubular connecting element may for example not directly abut with the coupling end face to a corresponding sealing face of a second connecting element, but a first sealing element may be arranged between the coupling end face and the corresponding sealing face of the second connecting element. In one aspect, for example, the first sealing element may be made of aluminum or copper and may be arranged between the coupling end face and the corresponding sealing face of the second connecting element. The coupling end face may therefore be a surface that is axially orientated and is forced towards the second connecting element when the connector element is screwed into the second connecting element.

[0051] Further, the first tubular connecting element may be partially accommodated inside the through-opening of the connector element such that the sleeve portion of

[0052] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO the connector element may be arranged closer to the coupling end face than the nut portion of the connector element. In one aspect, the first connecting element may extend on both sides out of the through-opening of the connector element.

[0053] The first tubular connecting element and the connector element may further be relatively arranged such that the inner circumferential groove of the connector element and the first step portion of the first tubular connecting element may be aligned. At this point, 'alignment' or 'to be aligned' may mean that there must be a relative arrangement between the first connecting element and the connector element so that a fixation wire can be inserted into the inner circumferential groove. However, 'alignment' or 'to be aligned' should not necessarily be understood to mean that the first step portion and the inner circumferential groove are at the same level. Moreover, when the first tubular connecting element is positioned inside the through-opening of the connector element so that a fixation wire cannot be inserted into the inner circumferential groove, the inner circumferential groove of the connector element and the first step portion of the first tubular connecting element would not be considered aligned. In this respect, it does not matter that the fixation wire could also be inserted into the connector element first and only then the first tubular connecting element may be inserted into the through-opening of the connector element. The state in which the first tubular connecting element may be arranged inside the connector element and the fixation wire may be arranged inside the inner circumferential groove may be considered to be an alignment between the inner circumferential groove and the first step portion.

[0054] In this regard, an 'alignment' may for example be present when the small diameter portion of the first connecting element extends axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element so that the inner circumferential groove of the connector element is arranged in an axial position that is at least partially referring to the same axial position as a portion of the small diameter portion of the first

[0055] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO connecting element. In other words, there may be an imaginary axis in radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the connector element on which both a part of the inner circumferential groove and a part of the small diameter portion are located.

[0056] Further, the inner circumferential groove of the connector element and the first step portion of the first tubular connecting element may also be considered to be aligned when the inner circumferential groove, which opens towards the through- opening of the connector element, opens towards the small diameter portion of the first connecting element. Since the small diameter may extend in the axial direction, an alignment may be assumed for several different axial relative positions between the first connecting element and the connector element.

[0057] Further, a fixation wire may be arranged inside the inner circumferential groove of the connector element and may be configured to abut on the first step portion of the first tubular connecting element such that relative axial movement between the connector element and the first tubular connecting element may be limited. In other words, insertion of the fixation wire may prevent that the first connecting element may still be pulled out of the connector element on both sides of the through-opening once being inserted into the connector element. In this respect, a relative arrangement between the connector element and the first connecting element is preferably such that the first connecting element may only be removed from the connector element on the side of the sleeve portion of the connector element and that the first step portion prevents removal in the other direction along the longitudinal axis of the connector element, with the first step portion resting on the fixation wire.

[0058] When the connector element may thus be screwed into a second connecting element, the fixation wire may move towards the second connecting element and may therefore force the first connecting element in an axial direction towards the

[0059] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO second connecting element. The first connecting element may together with the connector element at least partially insert into the female second connecting element. Further, the force exerted onto the first connecting element may be exerted by mere rotation of the connector element about its longitudinal axis without having to rotate any one of the connecting elements. In this regard, the fixation wire may transfer force to the first connecting element, i.e. the inner part arranged inside the through-opening of the connector element. By exerting this force, a previously mentioned first sealing element, for example made of a metallic material such as copper or aluminum, may be compressed, i.e. squeezed, between the coupling end face of the first connecting element and the corresponding sealing face of the second connecting element. The fact that there is no relative rotation between the connecting elements and consequently also no rotation relative to the first sealing element results in that the first sealing element is not impaired.

[0060] If a first sealing element is used to be squeezed as aforementioned, it may be advantageous if the fixation wire, the connector element, the first connecting element and / or the connecting element are made of a material with greater robustness than, for example, the first sealing element. For example, the fixation wire, the connector element, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element may be made of steel, e.g. stainless steel, whereas the first sealing element is made of aluminum or copper.

[0061] According to the aforementioned aspects, when the connector element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are fully assembled, a connection between the connector element and the second connecting element may be provided by a screw connection, wherein the first connecting element may be clamped between the fixation wire and the sealing face of the second connecting element.

[0062] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO According to one aspect, the first tubular connecting element may further comprise an outer circumferential groove in a region between the first step portion and the coupling end face. The outer circumferential groove may be configured to receive a second sealing element, for example an O-ring, for example made of rubber. When the first connecting element is accommodated in the through-opening of the connector element, the outer circumferential groove is preferably not covered by the connector element. When the first connecting element is coupled to a second connecting element by means of the connector element, the second sealing element may be in abutment with the second connecting element in order to provide for an additional sealing. The second sealing element may thus prevent moisture to reach the first sealing element and may thus prevent corrosion of the first sealing element in case the first sealing element is made from a metallic material. Providing a second sealing element in the outer circumferential groove of the first tubular connecting element in a region between the first step portion and the coupling end face, at which the first sealing element may be arranged, may thus also contribute to an improved and, in particular, more durable sealing between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

[0063] In one embodiment of the assembly, the fixation wire may comprise a first end, which may have been inserted through the insertion hole into the inner circumferential groove. Further, when the fixation wire may have been completely inserted into the inner circumferential groove, the first end of the fixation wire may at least partially be received in the relief recess provided in the inner circumferential groove of the connector element. Further and as aforementioned, a second end of the fixation wire may in one aspect be located in an intersecting area of the insertion hole and the relief hole when the first end reaches its final position. The corresponding arrangement of the first end and / or the second end of the fixation wire may thus reduce, preferably eliminate, off-center forces as aforementioned.

[0064] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO According to a further aspect of the invention, the object may also be solved by a method for inserting a fixation wire into the connector element according to the aforementioned aspects. In this regard, the connector element may be pushed on a first tubular connecting element.

[0065] Further, the method may comprise at least the following steps:

[0066] • aligning the inner circumferential groove of the connector element and a first step portion of the first tubular connecting element;

[0067] • inserting a first end of the fixation wire into the insertion hole of the connector element;

[0068] • advancing the fixation wire so that the first end of the fixation wire winds around the first tubular connecting element in the inner circumferential groove until the first end of the fixing wire reaches the relief recess of the connector element and partially projects therein.

[0069] Here, 'aligning' may again mean that the first connecting element and the connector element are arranged so that the fixation wire can be introduced into the inner circumferential groove as aforementioned.

[0070] In this regard, when the connector element may be used to connect a first tubular connecting element to a second tubular connecting element, the method may comprise at least one of the additional steps of:

[0071] • arranging a first sealing element on a coupling end face of the first tubular connecting element; and / or

[0072] • arranging an inner thread of the second tubular connecting element in a proximity of an outer thread of the connector element so that the inner thread of the second tubular connecting element and the outer thread of the connector element are configured to engage up on rotation of the connector element; and / or

[0073] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO • screwing the connector element into the second tubular connecting element so that the coupling end face of the first tubular connecting element is pressed against a corresponding sealing face, for example a projection, of the second tubular connecting element, thereby compressing, i.e. squeezing, the first sealing element.

[0074] Furthermore, the aforementioned step of advancing the fixation wire into the inner circumferential groove may be done manually and / or by using a tool. In this regard, a tool may be an automated tool that enables the fixation wire to be advanced into the connector element. In addition or alternatively, the fixation wire may be advanced into the inner circumferential groove so that a second end of the fixation wire is arranged in an intersecting area of the insertion hole and the relief hole. Furthermore, in addition or alternatively, after fully inserting the fixation wire into the inner circumferential groove the longitudinal axis of the connector element and a longitudinal axis of the first tubular connecting element may be in line. In a further additional or alternative aspect, the method may comprise that stainless-steel is used as a material for the first tubular connecting element, the connector element and the fixation wire.

[0075] Consequently, the improved connector element allows to limit or preferably remove off-center forces effected by a fixation wire being inserted into the connector element. Hence, an improved connector element which facilitates use and, in particular, improves a connection of tubular connecting elements by means of the connector is provided.

[0076] Additional features, advantages and possible applications of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the drawings. All the features described and / or illustrated graphically here form the subject matter of the invention, either alone or in any desired combination, regardless of how they are combined in the claims or in their references back to preceding claims.

[0077] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0078] Fig. 1 A shows an exemplary side view of a connection of a first tubular connecting element and a second tubular connection element by means of an exemplary embodiment of a connector element;

[0079] Fig. 1 B shows a sectional view along the line A-A shown in Fig. 1 A;

[0080] Fig. 2A shows an exemplary side view of a connector element accommodating a first tubular connecting element;

[0081] Fig. 2B shows a sectional view of the connector element shown in Fig. 2A along line C-C shown in Fig. 2C;

[0082] Fig. 2C shows a sectional view along line B-B shown in Fig. 2A;

[0083] Fig. 2D shows a detailed view of section D shown in Fig. 2C;

[0084] Fig. 2E shows a view comparable to Fig. 2C in which a fixation wire has been advanced further into the connector element;

[0085] Fig. 2F shows a view comparable to Figs. 2C and Fig. 2E in which a fixation wire is completely received in the connector element; and

[0086] Fig. 2G shows a detailed view of section E shown in Fig. 2F.

[0087] In Figs. 1 A to 2G same elements, i.e. elements that perform a similar function or serve a similar purpose, may have the same reference numbers.

[0088] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO Fig. 1A shows a connection of a first tubular connecting element 100 to a second tubular connecting element 200 by means of a connector element 1. As can be seen from Fig. 1 B, the first tubular connecting element 100 and the second tubular connecting element 200 may be pipes, for example pipes of a refrigerant circuit. The first tubular connecting element 100 is accommodated in a through-opening 2 of the connector element 1 .

[0089] The connector element 1 comprises a tubular sleeve portion 3 having an outer thread 4 and a nut portion 5. The outer thread 4 of the sleeve portion 3 is screwed into the second tubular connecting element 200. In this regard, the outer thread 4 of the connector element 1 engages an inner thread 201 of the second tubular connecting element 200.

[0090] The nut portion 5 here is a polygonal nut portion. More precisely, an outer surface 6 of the nut portion 5 forms a hexagon. In order to screw the outer thread 4 provided on the tubular sleeve portion 3 of the connector element 1 into the inner thread 201 of the second tubular connecting element 200, the nut portion 5 may be rotated about a longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 . In this regard, for example a wrench may be used to rotate the connector element 1 about its longitudinal axis Zi relative to the first tubular connecting element 100 and the second tubular connecting element 200. Here, the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 is in line with a longitudinal axis Z o of the first tubular connecting element 100.

[0091] When rotating the connector element 1 , the outer thread 4 of the tubular sleeve portion 3 screws into the inner thread 201 of the second connecting element 200, and an inner circumferential groove 7 of the connector element 1 in which a fixation wire 8 is arranged is moved axially along the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 together with the connector element 1 towards the second

[0092] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO tubular connecting element 200. The fixation wire 8 thus transfers a force from the connector element 1 onto the first connecting element 100 when being axially moved.

[0093] The first tubular connecting element 100, which has a first step portion 101 that is formed between a portion having a larger outer diameter, a large diameter portion 102, and a portion having a smaller outer diameter, a small diameter portion 103, abuts against the fixation wire 8, as can be seen from Fig. 1 B. Consequently, the first tubular connecting element 100, which could in principle for example be pulled out of the through-opening 2 of the connector element 1 on one side of the connector element 1 if the second tubular connecting element 200 would not be present, is moved axially together with the connector element 1. In other words, the fixation wire 8 may transfer force from the connector element 1 to first tubular connecting element 100, for example via the engagement between the first step portion 101 and the fixation via 8.

[0094] In addition to the small diameter portion 103 and the large diameter portion 102 of the first tubular connecting element 100, the first tubular connecting element 100 may comprise further portions which may comprise further different diameters as can be noted from Figs. 1A and 1 B.

[0095] A coupling end face 104 of the first tubular connecting element 100, which is moved towards a sealing face 202 of the second tubular connecting element 200 when the first tubular connecting element 100 is axially moved, can compress or squeeze a first sealing element 105 arranged between the coupling end face 104 and the sealing face 202. Still, however, only the connector element 1 has to be rotated in order to connect the first tubular connecting element 100 to the second tubular connecting element 200 and in order to squeeze the first sealing element 105.

[0096] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO The first sealing element 105 may, for example, be made of a metallic material such as aluminum or copper, wherein the other components, i.e. the connector element 1 , the first tubular connecting element 100, the second tubular connecting element 200 and the second tubular connecting element 200 may be made for example of stainless steel.

[0097] Further, the first tubular connecting element 100 as shown in Fig. 1 B comprises an outer circumferential groove 106 in a region between the first step portion 101 and the coupling end face 104. A second sealing element 107, here an O-ring, is inserted into the outer circumferential groove 106. Now, when the first tubular connecting element 100 is coupled to the second tubular connecting element 200 as shown in Figs. 1 A and 1 B, the second sealing element 107 abuts against the second tubular connecting element 200 thereby providing an additional sealing. The second sealing element 107 may thus prevent moisture to reach the first sealing element 105 and may thus prevent corrosion of the first sealing element 105 in case the first sealing element 105 is made from a metallic material. The second tubular connecting element 200 thus provides for a female connector element configured to at least partially receive the connector element 1 as well as the first tubular connecting element 100.

[0098] A further connector element 1 accommodating a first tubular connecting element 100 and not being screwed to a second tubular connecting element 200 is shown in Figs. 2A to 2G. As can be noted (also for Figs.1 A and 1 B), the connector element 1 is formed in one piece.

[0099] In addition, the first tubular connecting element 100 and the connector element 1 are aligned and more precisely the inner circumferential groove 7 of the connector element 1 and the first step portion 101 of the first tubular connecting element 100 are aligned in such a way that the fixation wire 8 can be inserted into the inner circumferential groove 7. In this regard, the inner circumferential groove 7 opens

[0100] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO towards the small diameter portion 103 of the first tubular connecting element 100. Further, there may be an imaginary axis (not shown) in a radial direction Ri , for example shown in Fig. 2B, wherein this imaginary axis in the radial direction Ri with respect to the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 runs through the inner circumferential groove 7 of the connector element 1 and the small diameter portion 103 of the first tubular connecting element 100.

[0101] Further, Fig. 2B shows the fixation wire 8 only on the left side as the fixation wire 8, as can be seen from Fig. 2C, has not yet been fully or completely inserted into the connector element 1 . In other words, the fixation wire 8 needs to be advanced further to be completely received in the inner circumferential groove 7. Still, in Fig. 2B, the first tubular connecting element 100 already abuts the partially inserted fixation wire 8. In this regard, the connector element 1 comprises an insertion hole 9 as for example depicted in Figs. 2C to 2G through which the fixation wire 8 is advanced into the inner circumferential groove 7.

[0102] The insertion hole 9 forms a first passage between the outer surface 6 of the nut portion 5 and the inner circumferential groove 7. Further, the insertion hole 9 is configured to guide a first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 into the inner circumferential groove 7 from outside of the connector element 1 . The insertion hole 9 may be introduced into the nut portion 5 by a drill. As can be noted from Fig. 2F and 2G, the insertion hole 9 runs along a first longitudinal axis Xi. The first longitudinal axis Xi may be a first drilling axis.

[0103] When the fixation wire 8 and more precisely the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 is inserted into the insertion hole 9 and advanced towards the inner circumferential groove 7, the fixation wire 8 bends. However, the fixation wire 8 starts bending as late as possible so that the fixation wire 8 remains straight for as long as possible due to its own rigidity. The first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 thus remains at

[0104] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO least substantially straight, even when the fixation wire 8 is completely inserted into the connector element 1 as can be noted for example from Fig. 2F.

[0105] If the inner circumferential groove 7, which would in principle be a circular inner circumferential groove 7, would run as shown for example by the dotted line in Fig. 2D, the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 would apply a force in radial direction Ri away from the center of the connector element 1 due to the stress caused by bending or due to lack of sufficient bending as the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8, i.e. the end of the fixation wire 8 to be inserted first into the inner circumferential groove 7, for example via the insertion hole 9, may remain straight and will not bend. Consequently, at least one relief recess 11 is provided in the inner circumferential groove 7 which is configured to at least partially receive the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8. If the first end 10 of the fixation wire 10 is at least partially received in the relief recess 11 , the off-center force described above can at least be reduced, preferably even eliminated. Consequently, the connector element 1 is not pushed off-center with respect to the first tubular connecting element 100, i.e. the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 is not moved out of line, for example, with the longitudinal axis Z o of the first tubular connecting element 100.

[0106] Here, two relief recesses 11 are provided as can be noted from Fig. 2G. In addition, one of the relief recesses 11 is provided in an area which the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 reaches when the fixation wire 8 is completely inserted into the connector element 1 as shown in Fig. 2F or Fig. 2G. In this regard, one of the relief recesses 11 , which is arranged to extend the inner circumferential groove 7, adjoins the insertion hole 9. In other words, this relief recess 11 is directly adjacent to the insertion hole 9. Therefore, the relief recess 11 opens into the insertion hole 9. In other words, the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 could be pushed out of the relief recess 11 on one side and would directly enter a volume referring to the insertion hole 9.

[0107] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO The relief recess 11 may be provided by a relief hole 12. The relief hole 12 forms a second passage between the outer surface 6 of the nut portion 5 and the inner circumferential groove 7. The relief hole 12 may be introduced into the nut portion 5 by a drill. As can be noted from Figs. 2F and 2G, the relief hole 12 runs along a second longitudinal axis Yi. The second longitudinal axis Yi may be a second drilling axis.

[0108] As may be noted, for example from Fig. 2G, the relief recess 11 may provide a relief step portion 11 A. Consequently, the transition between the drill cylinder of the relief hole 12 introducing the relief recess 11 and the inner circumferential groove 7 is not smooth.

[0109] The relief hole 12 and the insertion hole 9 as shown here comprise same diameters and depths. In other words, a first diameter of the insertion hole 9 and a second diameter of the relief hole 12 are the same and a first depth of the insertion hole 9 and a second depth of the relief hole 12 are the same. The insertion hole 9 and the relief hole 12 may thus be introduced into the nut portion 5 by an identical drill and are merely provided on adjacent surfaces of the outer surface 6 of the hexagonal nut portion 5, i.e. in different orientation. Edges 13 between these adjacent surfaces of the outer surface 6 of the nut portion 5 are chamfered and / or rounded.

[0110] When looking for example at the detailed view shown in Fig. 2G, it can be seen that the insertion hole 9 and the relief hole 12 intersect. A volume or area, in which the insertion hole 9 and the relief hole 12 intersect, defines an intersecting area 14. Thus, the first longitudinal axis Xi of the insertion hole 9 and the second longitudinal axis Yi of the relief hole 12 are arranged such that the first longitudinal axis Xi and the second longitudinal axis Yi intersect respectively. In this regard, the first longitudinal axis Xi of the insertion hole 9 and the second longitudinal axis Yi of the relief hole 12 intersect inside the connector element 1 .

[0111] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO Further, the first longitudinal axis Xi of the insertion hole 9 and the second longitudinal axis Yi of the relief hole 12 are arranged orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1. In addition, the first longitudinal axis Xi of the insertion hole 9 and the second longitudinal axis Yi of the relief hole 12 are both arranged in a same plane that is arranged orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 . An angle a between the first longitudinal axis Xi and the second longitudinal axis Yi as shown in Fig. 2G may be more than 90° and less than 130°. The angle a as shown in Fig. 2G may be 120°.

[0112] The insertion hole 9 and the relief hole 12 as shown for example in Fig. 2F are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry, wherein the plane of symmetry is spanned by the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 and a symmetry axis Si running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element

[0113] I . The plane of symmetry here also defines a plane of symmetry of the hexagonal nut portion 5. Consequently, the connector element 1 shows two relief recesses

[0114] I I , one for the insertion hole 9 and one for the relief hole 12 as aforementioned.

[0115] Therefore, the fixation wire 8 may be inserted into the connector element 1 either via the insertion hole 9 or via the relief hole 12. When the fixation wire 8 is inserted via the insertion hole 9, the fixation wire 8 may be advanced until the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 is at least partially received in the relief recess 11 provided by the relief hole 12. However, when the fixation wire 8 is inserted via the relief hole 12, the fixation wire 8 may be advanced until the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 is at least partially received in the relief recess 11 provided by the insertion hole 12. Hence, depending on whether the fixation wire 8 is inserted via the insertion hole 9 or via the relief hole 12, the fixation wire 8 may wind around the first tubular connecting element 100 clockwise or anti-clockwise.

[0116] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO In either case, when the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 is advanced so that the first end 10 is at least partially received in one of the relief recesses 11 , a second end 15 of the fixation wire 8 may be at least partially arranged in the intersecting area 14 provided by the insertion hole 9 and the relief hole 12. In this regard, when the fixation wire 8 is inserted via the insertion hole 9, the second end 15 of the fixation wire 8 may enter or protrude partially into the relief hole 12 towards the outer surface 6 of the nut portion 5 of the connector element 1. This may reduce or preferably eliminate any further off-center forces that may be caused by the second end 15 of the fixation wire 8. However, when the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 is inserted into via the relief hole 12, the second end 15 of the fixation wire 8 may enter or protrude partially into the insertion hole 9 towards the outer surface 6 of the nut portion 5 of the connector element 1 . Although not necessarily required, this aspect may be advantageous.

[0117] Therefore, when the inner circumferential groove 7 of the connector element 1 and the first step portion 101 of the first tubular connecting element 100 are aligned and the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 is inserted into the insertion hole 9 of the connector element 1 , the relief recess 11 , which may be provided to enlarge the inner circumferential groove 7 at least in the radial direction Ri with respect to the longitudinal axis Zi of the connector element 1 , allows to at least partially receive the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8, when the fixation wire 8 is completely inserted into the connector element 1. Consequently, advancing the fixation wire 8 so that the first end 10 of the fixation wire 8 winds around the first tubular connecting element 100 in the inner circumferential groove 7 until the first end 10 of the fixing wire 8 reaches the relief recess 11 of the connector element 1 and partially projects therein, allows to reduce, preferably eliminate, off-center forces.

[0118] Thus, the connector element 1 not only facilitates use but also improves a connection of the first tubular connecting element 100 and the second tubular

[0119] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO connecting element 200 by means of the connector 1 as the coupling end face 104 is pressed evenly, i.e. with a uniform force with respect to different areas of the coupling end face 104, against the sealing end face 202 of the second tubular connecting element 200.

[0120] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO List of reference signs

[0121] 1 connector element

[0122] 2 through-opening

[0123] 3 sleeve portion

[0124] 4 outer thread

[0125] 5 nut portion

[0126] 6 outer surface

[0127] 7 inner circumferential groove

[0128] 8 fixation wire

[0129] 9 insertion hole

[0130] 10 first end (of the fixation wire)

[0131] 11 relief recess

[0132] 11A relief step portion

[0133] 12 relief hole

[0134] 13 edge

[0135] 14 intersecting area

[0136] 15 second end (of the fixation wire)

[0137] 100 first tubular connecting element

[0138] 101 first step portion

[0139] 102 large diameter portion

[0140] 103 small diameter portion

[0141] 104 coupling end face

[0142] 105 first sealing element

[0143] 106 outer circumferential groove

[0144] 107 second sealing element

[0145] 200 second tubular connecting element

[0146] 201 inner thread

[0147] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO 202 sealing face a angle

[0148] Ri radial direction Si symmetry axis

[0149] Xi first longitudinal axis

[0150] Yi second longitudinal axis

[0151] Zi longitudinal axis (of the connector element)

[0152] Z100 longitudinal axis (of the first tubular connecting element)

[0153] August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO

Claims

1. Claims:

1. A connector element (1 ) for connecting a first tubular connecting element (100) to a second tubular connecting element (200) having an inner thread (201 ) using a fixation wire (8) comprising a first end (10) and a second end (15), wherein the connector element (1 ) comprises a longitudinal axis (Zi) and a through-opening (2) extending along the longitudinal axis (Zi), wherein the through-opening (2) is formed by a tubular sleeve portion (3) and a nut portion (5) extending from the sleeve portion (3) and configured to accommodate the first tubular connecting element (100), wherein the sleeve portion (3) comprises an outer thread (4) configured to engage with the inner thread (201 ) of the second tubular connecting element (200), wherein the connector element (1 ) comprises an inner circumferential groove (7) at the through-opening (2), wherein the inner circumferential groove (7) is configured to receive the fixation wire (8), and wherein the connector element (1 ) comprises an insertion hole (9) which forms a first passage between an outer surface (6) of the connector element (1 ) and the inner circumferential groove (7) and which is configured to guide the first end (10) of the fixation wire (8) into the inner circumferential groove (7) from outside of the connector element (1 ), characterized in that the inner circumferential groove (7) of the connector element (1 ) additionally comprises at least one relief recess (11 ), and wherein the relief recess (11 ) is configured to at least partially receive the first end (10) of the fixation wire (8).August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO2. The connector element (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one relief recess (11 ) provides a relief step portion (11 A) at the inner circumferential groove (7).

3. The connector element (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve portion (3) and the nut portion (5) are formed in one piece.

4. The connector element (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the relief recess (11 ), which is arranged to extend the inner circumferential groove (7), adjoins the insertion hole (9), and wherein the relief recess (11 ) extends at least partially in a radial direction (Ri) with respect to the longitudinal axis (Zi).

5. The connector element (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the relief recess (11 ) is provided by a relief hole (12) which forms a second passage between the outer surface (6) of the nut portion (5) and the inner circumferential groove (7), and wherein a first longitudinal axis (Xi) of the insertion hole (9) and a second longitudinal axis (Yi) of the relief hole (12) are arranged such that the longitudinal axes (Xi , Yi) intersect respectively.

6. The connector element (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the first longitudinal axis (Xi) of the insertion hole (9) and the second longitudinal axis (Yi) of the relief hole (12) intersect inside the connector element (1 ).

7. The connector element (1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a first diameter of the insertion hole (9) and a second diameter of the relief hole (12) are the same, and / or wherein a first depth of the insertion hole (9) and a second depth of the relief hole (12) are the same.August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO8. The connector element (1 ) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first longitudinal axis (Xi) of the insertion hole (9) and the second longitudinal axis (Yi) of the relief hole (12) are arranged at an angle (a) of more than 90° and less than 130°, preferably at angle of 120°.

9. The connector element (1 ) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first longitudinal axis (Xi) of the insertion hole (9) and / or the second longitudinal axis (Yi) of the relief hole (12) are arranged orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis (Zi) of the connector element (1 ), and wherein the first longitudinal axis (Xi) and the second longitudinal axis (Yi) are preferably arranged in a same plane that is arranged orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis (Zi).

10. The connector element (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nut portion (5) is a polygonal nut portion.

11. The connector element (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the nut portion (5) is formed by six surfaces of the outer surface (6) together forming a hexagon, and wherein the insertion hole (9) and the relief hole (12) are formed on adjacent surfaces of the outer surface (6) of the hexagonal nut portion, and wherein preferably edges (13) formed between the surfaces of the outer surface (6) of the hexagon are chamfered and / or rounded.

12. The connector element (1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the insertion hole (9) and the relief hole (12) are symmetrical to a plane of symmetry of the hexagonal nut portion.

13. The connector element (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the threaded sleeve portion (3) of the connector element (1 ) provides for a male connector element configured to engage with the threaded second connecting element (200) as a female connector element, and / orAugust 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WOwherein the insertion hole (9) and / or the relief hole (12) are configured to guide a fixation wire (8) of less than 3 mm diameter, preferably of between 2 mm and 2.5 mm, into the inner circumferential groove (7), and / or wherein the connector element (1 ) is made of steel, preferably stainless-steel.

14. Assembly comprising at least a first tubular connecting element (100) and the connector element (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first tubular connecting element (100) comprises at least a first step portion (101 ) forming a transition between portions of the first tubular connecting element (100) having different outer diameters, wherein the first tubular connecting element (100) has a coupling end face (104), and wherein the first tubular connecting element (100) is partially accommodated inside the through-opening (2) of the connector element (1 ) such that the sleeve portion (3) of the connector element (1 ) is arranged closer to the coupling end face (104) than the nut portion (5) of the connector element (1 ), wherein the first tubular connecting element (100) and the connector element (1 ) are further relatively arranged such that the inner circumferential groove (7) of the connector element (1 ) and the first step portion (101 ) of the first tubular connecting element (100) are aligned, and wherein a fixation wire (8) is arranged inside the inner circumferential groove (7) of the connector element (1 ) and configured to abut on the first step portion (101 ) of the first tubular connecting element (100) such that relative axial movement between the connector element (1 ) and the first tubular connecting element (100) is limited.August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO15. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the fixation wire (8) comprises a first end (10), which has been inserted through the insertion hole (9) into the inner circumferential groove (7), and wherein, when the fixation wire (8) has been completely inserted into the inner circumferential groove (7), the first end (10) is at least partially located in the relief recess (11 ) provided in the inner circumferential groove (7) of the connector element (1 ).

16. The assembly according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the fixation wire (8) is arranged inside the inner circumferential groove (7) of the connector element (1 ) so that the first end (10) of the fixation wire (8) at least partially abuts onto the fixation wire (8).

17. Method for inserting a fixation wire (8) into the connector element (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 or 13 being pushed on a first tubular connecting element (100), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:• aligning the inner circumferential groove (7) of the connector element (1 ) and a first step portion (101 ) of the first tubular connecting element (100);• inserting a first end (10) of the fixation wire (8) into the insertion hole (9) of the connector element (1 );• advancing the fixation wire (8) so that the first end (10) of the fixation wire (8) winds around the first tubular connecting element (100) in the inner circumferential groove (7) until the first end (10) of the fixing wire (8) reaches the relief recess (11 ) of the connector element (1 ) and partially projects therein.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:• advancing the fixation wire (8) into the inner circumferential groove (7) manually and / or by using a tool; and / or• advancing the fixation wire (8) into the inner circumferential groove (7) so that a second end (15) of the fixation wire (8) is arranged in an intersectingAugust 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WOarea (14) of the insertion hole (9) and the relief hole (12), and / or wherein after fully inserting the fixation wire (8) into the inner circumferential groove (7) the longitudinal axis (Zi) of the connector element (1 ) and a longitudinal axis (Zwo) of the first tubular connecting element (100) are in line; and / or • using stainless-steel as a material for the first tubular connecting element(100), the connector element (1 ) and the fixation wire (8).August 20, 2025 D 200 P 2643 WO

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