Plug connector for hose connections and / or pipe connections having an assembly securing means

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for hose connections and / or pipe connections, comprising: a coupling part (4) having a receiving opening (10) into which a plug part (S) having a plug shaft (S1) can be inserted in an insertion direction (SR) along a plug-in axis (X-X); and a retaining clamp (5) which has a U-shaped basic shape and four spring arms (51, 52, 53, 54) and which can be pre-assembled on the coupling part (4) by radial insertion in an assembly direction (M). According to the invention, the retaining clamp (5) is composed of two retaining clips (A, B) having the same U-shaped basic shape, wherein at least one of the retaining clips (B) consists of a metal wire, and the retaining clips (A, B) are interconnected at the crossbar of the U by means of a bridge piece (V).

Description

[0001] P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0002] 1

[0003] VOSS Automotive GmbH, Leiersmühle 2-6, 51688 Wipperfürth

[0004] "Connectors for hose and / or pipe connections with mounting lock"

[0005] The invention relates to a connector for hose and / or pipe connections, comprising a coupling part with a receiving opening into which a plug part with a plug shaft can be inserted in an insertion direction along a plug axis, and a radially slotted, at least partially spring-elastic retaining clip having four spring arms, which can be pre-assembled on the coupling part by radial insertion in an assembly direction, wherein the retaining clip in a pre-assembly position assumes an insertion position for the plug part in which the plug part can be inserted into the receiving opening, and wherein, in an assembly position after the insertion of the plug part, the retaining clip assumes a holding position for the inserted plug part in which the plug part is positively locked against being pulled out in the receiving opening by means of the retaining clip, and wherein the retaining clip is U-shaped in its basic form.and the legs of the U form two pairs of diametrically opposed spring arms, arranged one behind the other in the axial direction, each separated from each other by a slot and spring-elastic in the radial direction.

[0006] Such a connector is known from DE 10 2019 111 199 A1. In this known connector, it is additionally provided that on one side of the first pair of locking arms facing the insertion direction of the plug part, which lies on one side of the retaining clip facing the insertion direction of the plug part, there are forward inclined surfaces which interact with the plug part in the opposite direction to the insertion of the plug part. P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0007] 2 diverge. In order to increase the flexibility of the plug system and to provide a connector that is highly functional and easy to assemble and disassemble with minimal effort, it is provided that the front inclined surfaces are arranged on radially inward-facing teeth – towards the plug axis – of the first pair of locking arms – viewed in the insertion direction of the retaining clip – below the plug axis, the teeth being spaced apart such that the front inclined surfaces are spread apart by a sealing section of the plug part, which lies in front of a collar of the plug part in the insertion direction, when the plug part is inserted. The retaining clip, like the coupling part, can preferably be made of a technical plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced plastic. In both the pre-assembly position and the assembly position, all legs of the retaining clip are inserted into the coupling part.

[0008] A connector of the type mentioned above is also known from DE 10 2022 104 970 A1. The technical solution described therein relates to a connector for connecting a first fluid line to a mating connector, comprising a base body with a through-channel that is fluidically connected to an end of the base body designed as a socket section. In contrast to the aforementioned DE 102019 111 199 A1, a clamp cage is arranged in a receiving channel of the socket section. This clamp cage can be inserted into the receiving channel of the socket section in one assembly direction and is held axially in a form-fit manner relative to the assembly direction. Two parallel retaining arms of a retaining clamp project into a through-opening of the clamp cage when the retaining arms are at rest and are designed to expand elastically into a tension state radially relative to the through-opening.The retaining clip is designed to be displaceable between an insertion position and a locking position, wherein the retaining arms can be expanded into their tension state in the insertion position of the retaining clip and are blocked against expansion into the tension state in the locking position of the retaining clip. The retaining clip has two bearing arms that are elastic radially to the through-hole, P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß.

[0009] 3 which positively lock the clamp cage in the receiving channel and, in a resting state, project into the through-opening and are radially elastically expandable into a tension state. The implementation of a clamp cage represents – in comparison with DE 102019 111 199 A1 – the use of an additional component and an additional assembly step.

[0010] A connector of the type mentioned above (without an additional clamp cage) is also known from WO 2017 / 067950 A1, where the technical solution described therein provides a connector in which both the pre-assembly process of the retaining clip and the assembly and disassembly process of the plug part are improved compared to the prior art. In particular, the retaining clip can also be secured against loss. The axially arranged pairs of spring arms fulfill different functions. The first pair of locking arms fulfills a primary function by positively locking the plug part in the holding position against being pulled out, and the second pair of locking arms fulfills a secondary function by holding the retaining clip securely in the coupling part in both the pre-assembly and assembly positions.In this known connector, the pre-assembly position and the assembly position of the retaining clip coincide, i.e., the retaining clip is aligned coaxially to the axis of the coupling part in both positions - pre-assembly position and assembly position.

[0011] Connector parts, as mentioned above, can be, for example, male connectors designed according to the SAE J 2044 standard, which are also described in detail in WO 2017 / 067950 A1. Such a connector part is hollow and cylindrical. It has an insertion section with a circumferential collar on its outer circumference. The collar divides the insertion section into a sealing section and a locking section, with the sealing section being arranged axially, i.e., on the longitudinal axis of the connector part, in front of the locking section in the insertion direction. In the assembled state, the P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0012] 4

[0013] A retaining clip is located behind the collar formed in the SAE connector contour. A sealing assembly is typically seated on the sealing section after the connector is inserted.

[0014] Although the design of the retaining clips, as described in the aforementioned documents, is somewhat complex due to the various details requiring precise execution, the plug-in system is successfully used in automotive engineering, particularly in fuel systems and in heated and unheated SCR systems. SCR stands for "Selective Catalytic Reduction" and refers to a technology for reducing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases.

[0015] German patent DE 20 2019 002 026 U1 discloses a receiving nozzle for a connection that allows the insertion of a plug-in nozzle with reduced force. Like DE 102019 111 199 A1, this nozzle also lacks a clamp cage; however, it features a retaining ring that is inserted into the main body of the nozzle on the side of one connection end and serves, among other things, to hold an O-ring in the main body. The ring is held in the main body by a U-shaped bridging clip with angled ends, which can be made of metal and, in particular, of wire, and is inserted into recesses in the ring and the main body. Such a clip, which can also be used in other applications and is often referred to as a standard clip, has, unlike the aforementioned retaining clamps, only one pair of opposing U-shaped legs. A retaining clip, as used in the connector according to DE 10 2019 111 199 A1, is not present.

[0016] These and similar fluidic connectors, such as those according to EP 3 736 481 A1, including the aforementioned standard clip, are referred to as VDA-standard coupling systems, insofar as they can preferably be, or usually are, manufactured according to the geometric specifications and dimensional standards of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). Their P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0017] 5

[0018] Due to the binding standard specifications, components can advantageously be combined universally.

[0019] EP 3 904 746 A1 describes a quick connector characterized in that it comprises a sleeve component and a sliding locking mechanism designed as a clamp, wherein the sleeve component has a main body that defines a receiving hole for receiving a fluid line, which can be inserted or is inserted therein in the axial direction and has an annular groove. The sliding locking mechanism extends in a transverse direction to the axial direction in an inner recess in the main body of the sleeve component and is configured such that, during the insertion of the fluid line into the sleeve component, it deforms radially elastically towards the outside of the sleeve component through mechanical interaction with one end of the fluid line, and tends to move automatically in the transverse direction towards the inside of the sleeve component in response to the radial elastic deformation.The sleeve component further comprises a stop element designed to halt the automatic movement of the sliding lock during insertion of the fluid line and to release the sliding lock's stop function when the fluid line is fully inserted into the main body of the sleeve component. The sliding lock further comprises at least one locking hook that engages with a locking lug provided in the main body of the sleeve component, the locking hook moving over and ultimately engaging the locking lug when the fluid line is fully inserted into the main body of the sleeve component.

[0020] US 2017 / 0146173 A1 also describes a known connector, similar to the type mentioned above, with a clamping cage, which, however, can also be manufactured as a single piece with the coupling part containing the receiving opening. Like the connector according to EP 3 904 746 A1 and the one according to US 2021 / 301961 A1, which is discussed below, this connector advantageously features an automatic connection mechanism, also known as an "AutoLatch" (P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß).

[0021] 6 marked, which also addresses an important feature that is highly relevant for such plug connections.

[0022] This is an indicator of the mating status. For example, a U-shaped clip may be provided in addition to a retaining clip, serving as an indicator of the assembly status. When the plug is correctly inserted into the socket, the clip initially protrudes from the connector, i.e., it is in a raised position, allowing an operator to perform an initial visual and / or tactile check to determine if the connector is properly assembled. A second operator then performs a second check, confirming that the clip is still in a protruding position, and manually pushes it back into the connector so that it is no longer protruding but in a lower position.This two-stage test makes it possible to monitor the proper assembly of the coupling and thereby limit assembly errors on an assembly line, but it also requires two operators.

[0023] US Patent 2021 / 301961 A1 describes a pipe connection device comprising a socket into which a plug, provided with an annular groove, can be inserted. The socket has two lateral slots. The device also includes a U-shaped, preferably metallic, clip consisting of a head and two legs that span the socket. Each leg projects into a lateral slot of the socket and terminates in an angled foot. Similar to US Patent 2017 / 146173 A1, the clip serves as an indicator of insertion. Thus, the clip can assume a raised position when no connection is made and a depressed position when locked. An intermediate position, in which the clip is located at a height between these two positions, is also possible.The device further comprises a ring with two lateral openings corresponding to the lateral slots P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß.

[0024] The guide system consists of two lateral guide systems that interact with the clip's feet to hold it in the raised or depressed position. Each guide system comprises a notch, a plate defining the lower edge of the notch, and a lug located on a flexible tab supported by the ring. The annular groove faces the lateral slots to facilitate the clip's movement between the depressed and raised positions. This guide system represents an additional mechanism that makes the construction of the pipe fitting comparatively more complex.

[0025] The invention is based on the objective of providing a connector of the type mentioned above that can be manufactured with minimal effort while offering high functionality and simple assembly, in particular automatic locking after insertion of a connector part. Furthermore, the connector should also enable a simple, unambiguous, and reliable indication of the mating status and be compatible with the geometric specifications and dimensional standards of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), preferably also using VDA-standardized parts, such as the aforementioned standard clip.

[0026] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0027] Accordingly, the retaining clamp is designed to be composed of two retaining clips with the same U-shaped basic shape, wherein at least one of the retaining clips consists of a metal wire, and the retaining clips are connected to each other on the crossbar of the U using a bridge piece.

[0028] Regarding the design of the retaining clip according to the invention, it is extremely advantageous in terms of manufacturing and assembly technology that the retaining clip is composed of two retaining clips with the same U-shaped basic shape, P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0029] 8 are preferably each symmetrically designed with respect to a longitudinal axis running through them. In particular, it can be provided that the respective legs of the U-shape of the retaining clip with the first pair of spring arms are each straight at their ends and each has a convex arc-shaped section in the middle with respect to the longitudinal axis, while the respective legs of the U-shape of the retaining clip with the second pair of spring arms are straight along their entire length. The retaining clips can be connected to each other by a material bond, for example by welding between the respective crossbars of the U, or by a force-fit connection, for example by interlocking. For the at least one retaining clip consisting of a metal wire, it is particularly advantageous to use a so-called VDA standard clip.

[0030] Regarding the assembly of the retaining clip, it can be provided in particular that the spring arms of the retaining clip are received in grooves formed in the coupling part, at least partially slot-like, both in the pre-assembly position and in the assembly position, which extend circumferentially on the outside of the coupling part, wherein in the pre-assembly position

[0031] - the spring arms of a first pair of spring arms, which are facing away from the plug part to be inserted, are under radial tension, the free ends of these spring arms lying in an outer recess of the coupling part and being supported there, thereby fixing the retaining clip to the coupling part, and

[0032] - the spring arms of a second pair of spring arms, which are facing the plug part to be inserted, are also under radial tension, wherein the free ends of these spring arms lie on the outer circumference of the coupling part and are supported there, and wherein in the assembly position

[0033] - the spring arms of the first pair of spring arms are under less radial tension than in the pre-assembly position, with the free ends of the first P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0034] 9

[0035] The pair of spring arms lie on the outer circumference of the coupling part and are supported there,

[0036] - the spring arms of the second pair of spring arms engage positively in the plug part, thereby fixing the plug part in the coupling part, wherein the free ends of the second pair of spring arms lie on the outer circumference of the coupling part and are supported there, wherein in the pre-assembly position a central axis of the retaining clip is eccentric to a central axis of the coupling part and in the assembly position the central axis of the retaining clip is concentric to the central axis of the coupling part.

[0037] As in the prior art, the axially arranged pairs of spring arms fulfill different functions according to the invention, although the manner in which these functions are fulfilled differs from the prior art in detail. The pair of spring arms facing the plug part during insertion serves to fulfill the main function of establishing and securing the plug connection in the assembly position, i.e., to radially secure the plug part in the coupling part by means of the retaining clip, in particular by means of its clips formed from a metal wire, while the pair of spring arms facing away from the plug part during insertion serves to control the function of the automatic retraction of the retaining clip when the plug part is inserted into the coupling part. A clip cage as in the prior art is not necessary in this case.

[0038] Furthermore, the first pair of spring arms, facing away from the plug part during insertion, serves to fix the retaining clip to the coupling part in the pre-assembly position, thus advantageously already representing a stable delivery state of the assembly. A sealing assembly, or at least an elastomeric O-ring seal, can be arranged in the coupling part, particularly in its base body, and is held in the receiving opening by a bushing ring. P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0039] 10

[0040] Since in the pre-assembly position the center axis of the retaining clip is arranged eccentrically to a center axis of the coupling part, the retaining clip projects radially towards the coupling part, thus indicating in a simple way that the assembly position has not yet been reached.

[0041] The pair of spring arms facing the connector part during insertion can also advantageously serve a simple function of indicating the insertion status, insofar as it can preferably be provided that, in the assembly position, when the spring arms of the second pair of spring arms engage positively with the connector part, a marking, in particular a printed barcode or QR code / DMC, is exposed on the outer circumference of the coupling part by at least one spring arm of the second pair, wherein this marking is at least partially covered by the spring arms of the second pair of spring arms in the pre-assembly position. For example, an angled end piece located at a free end of at least one spring arm can serve to cover the marking.

[0042] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0043] They show:

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a perspective three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the invention, including a connector part in the front view,

[0045] Figs. 2a to 2d show the first embodiment of a connector according to the invention as depicted in Fig. 1 in a pre-assembled position, in the front view (Fig. 2a), in longitudinal section along P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0046] 11 of line AA in Fig. 2a (Fig. 2b), in cross-section along line BB in Fig. 2a (Fig. 2c) and in cross-section along line CC in Fig. 2a (Fig. 2d),

[0047] Figs. 3a to 3d show the first embodiment of a connector according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in a first intermediate position during assembly, in the front view (Fig. 3a), in longitudinal section along line DD in Fig. 3a (Fig. 3b), in cross-section along line EE in Fig. 3a (Fig. 3c) and in cross-section along line FF in Fig. 3a (Fig. 3d),

[0048] Figs. 4a to 4d show the first embodiment of a connector according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in a second intermediate position during assembly, in the front view (Fig. 4a), in longitudinal section along line GG in Fig. 4a (Fig. 4b), in cross-section along line HH in Fig. 4a (Fig. 4c) and in cross-section along line ll1 in Fig. 4a (Fig. 4d),

[0049] Figs. 5a to 5d show the first embodiment of a connector according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1 in the assembly position, in the front view (Fig. 5a), in longitudinal section along line JJ in Fig. 5a (Fig. 5b), in cross-section along line KK in Fig. 5a (Fig. 5c) and in cross-section along line LL in Fig. 5a (Fig. 5d),

[0050] Figs. 6a to 6d show a retaining clip of the first one shown in Fig. 1.

[0051] Embodiment of a connector according to the invention in three-dimensional perspective view (Fig. 6a), in front view (Fig. 6b), in side view (Fig. 6c) and in top view (Fig. 6d), and P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0052] 12

[0053] Figs. 7a to 7c show a retaining clip of a second embodiment of a connector according to the invention in a three-dimensional perspective view, with Figs. 7a and 7b showing the individual parts and Fig. 7c showing the assembly of the retaining clip.

[0054] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labeled with the same reference symbols and are therefore generally described only once below. However, for the sake of clarity, not all parts in every figure of the drawing are labeled with their reference symbols.

[0055] The following description claims that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features; rather, each individual partial feature of the exemplary embodiment(s) is also significant for the subject matter of the invention, independent of all other partial features described in connection therewith, both on its own and in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 1 shows a detailed view of an advantageous embodiment of a connector 1 according to the invention for connecting a plug part S designed as a pipe fitting. Such a plug S is also shown in Fig. 1 - in a coaxial position with respect to the longitudinal axis XX with the connector 1 according to the invention.

[0057] The connector part S is hollow and cylindrical and has an insertion section (connector shaft S1) on the outer circumference of which a circumferential section S2, widening conically in the opposite direction of insertion, is arranged. The conical section S2 has a larger diameter D2 than the rest of the insertion section S1 (base diameter D1). The conical section S2 divides the insertion section S1 into a sealing section S3 and a P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0058] 13

[0059] Locking section S4, wherein the sealing section S3 is arranged axially (longitudinal axis XX) in the insertion direction SR in front of the locking section S4. A circumferential groove N is located in the locking section S4. The sealing section S3 has a smaller diameter (base diameter D1 of the insertion section S1) than the diameter D4 of the locking section S4. After the connector S is inserted, a sealing assembly belonging to the connector 1, or – as shown – an O-ring seal 2, sits on the sealing section S3. A bushing ring 3, also belonging to the connector 1, serves to retain the sealing assembly or the O-ring seal. For clarity, the individual sections of the connector S are only labelled with reference numerals in Fig. 1.

[0060] The connector 1 further comprises a coupling part 4 and a retaining clip 5 that is at least partially spring-elastic.

[0061] The coupling part 4 has a base body 6, in particular designed as a socket part, which serves as a receiving body for the retaining clip 5. The base body 6 can advantageously be manufactured in a simple design as an injection-molded part made of plastic, wherein the coupling part 4 can be made in particular of an engineering plastic such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), or polyamide (PA), especially glass fiber-reinforced polyamide. For higher temperature loads, polyphthalamides (PPA) are also considered particularly suitable.

[0062] The coupling part 4 can be connected on one side to a fluid line (not shown). For this purpose, a connection section 7 is formed on the base body 6, which is shown by way of example in a configuration with a dome. The media line to be connected can be designed in particular as a hose or pipe. P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0063] 14

[0064] On the side opposite the connection section 7 for the media line, the coupling part 4 has a receiving opening for inserting the plug part S. This is designated by reference numeral 10 in Figures 2b, 3b, 4b and 5b.

[0065] The retaining clip 5 – individual views of two different versions are shown in Figs. 6a to 6d and 7c – can be pre-assembled on the coupling part 4 and, after radial insertion in the assembly direction MR, assumes the pre-assembly position shown in Figs. 2a to 2d, which represents the insertion position for the plug part S. The pre-assembly position of the retaining clip 5 is only completely released when the plug part S is fully inserted into the coupling part 4 and the assembly position shown in Figs. 5a to 5d is reached.

[0066] In the assembly position, after the insertion of the plug part S, the retaining clip 5 assumes a holding position for the inserted plug part S, in which the plug part S is positively locked against being pulled out in the receiving opening 10 by means of the retaining clip 5.

[0067] The retaining clip 5 has two pairs 51 / 52, 53 / 54, i.e., four spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54, which are at least partially spring-elastic, with free ends 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a. In each pair of spring arms 51 / 52, 53 / 54, these spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54 are separated from each other by a radial slot 50. The spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54 form spring-elastic sections of the retaining clip 5 and are particularly spring-elastic in the radial direction.

[0068] With regard to the radial insertion of the retaining clip 5 in the assembly direction MR, it should be noted that this – in contrast to the prior art, more precisely – is only a sliding of the retaining clip 5 onto the coupling part P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0069] 15

[0070] 4 can be seen because the free ends 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a of the spring arms 51 , 52, 53, 54 never enter the interior of the base body 6.

[0071] The retaining clip 5 is U-shaped in its basic form, and the legs of the U form the two pairs 51 / 52, 53 / 54 of diametrically opposed spring arms 51 , 52, 53, 54, which are arranged one behind the other in axial direction XX, and are also separated from each other in this direction by a slot (axial slot 55).

[0072] The spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54 of the retaining clip 5 are received – both in the pre-assembly position and in the assembly position – in grooves N1, N2 formed in the coupling part 4, which are at least partially slot-like and extend circumferentially on the outside of the coupling part 4.

[0073] In the pre-assembly position - see Figures 2a to 2d - the spring arms 51, 52 of the first pair 51 / 52 of spring arms, which are facing away from the plug part S to be inserted, are not under radial mechanical tension, after the radial tension generated by the radial expansion of the spring arms 51, 52 during pre-assembly has been relieved by compression, with the free ends 51a, 52a of these spring arms 51, 52 lying in an outer recess 41 of the coupling part 4 and being supported there, whereby the retaining clip 5 is fixed to the coupling part 4. The spring arms 53, 54 of the second pair 53 / 54 of spring arms, which are facing the plug part S to be inserted, are also radially expanded and are also under radial tension, with the free ends 53a, 54a of these spring arms lying freely on the outer circumference U of the coupling part 4 - i.e. in particular not in a recess like the first pair of spring arms 51 / 52 - and being supported there.Due to the position of the first pair of spring arms 51 / 52 in the recess 41 and the guidance of all spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54 in the grooves N1, N2 formed in the coupling part 4, the retaining clip 5 is sufficiently secured to the coupling part 4 in a captive manner. It is advantageous if a P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß. is located at a free end.

[0074] 16

[0075] 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a at least one spring arm 51, 52, 53, 54 has an angled end piece, in particular an L-shaped one. In the illustrated embodiments, as can be seen from the drawing, angled end pieces are located on all spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54. As shown in Figs. 7b and 7c, these can also be flat.

[0076] In the assembly position – see Figures 5a to 5d – the spring arms 51, 52 of the first pair 51 / 52 of spring arms are under less radial tension than in the pre-assembly position, with the free ends 51a, 52a of the first pair 51 / 52 of the spring arms resting on and supported by the outer circumference U of the coupling part 4. They can even be completely free of tension. During assembly, the spring arms 51, 52 are lifted out of the recess 41 of the coupling part 4 by the action of the inserted plug part S, in particular by interaction with its conical section S2, and are springed radially inwards. This is shown particularly in Figure 5c. The plug connection 1 / S is functional in this state.

[0077] The spring arms 53, 54 of the second pair 53 / 54 of spring arms engage, in particular without tension, in a form-fitting manner with the plug part S, especially with its groove N, whereby the plug part S is fixed in the coupling part 4, the free ends 53a, 54a of the second pair 53 / 54 of the spring arms still lie on the outer circumference U of the coupling part 4 and are supported there. This is shown in particular in Fig. 5d.

[0078] In the pre-assembly position, the central axis ZZ of the retaining clip 5 is eccentric to the central axis XX of the coupling part 4, and in the assembly position, the central axis ZZ of the retaining clip 5 is concentric to the central axis XX of the coupling part 4. Since the central axis ZZ of the retaining clip 5 is eccentric to the central axis XX of the coupling part 4 in the pre-assembly position, the retaining clip 5 projects radially and noticeably beyond the outer circumference U of the coupling part 4, resulting in simple, but P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0079] 17. It is clearly and unambiguously indicated that the assembly position has not yet been reached in which the central axis ZZ of the retaining clip 5 (see in particular Fig. 5c and also Fig. 6b) and the central axis XX of the coupling part 4 coincide, and the retaining clip 5 protrudes little or not at all from the circumference U of the coupling part 4, i.e., almost without protrusion, which indicates that the locked assembly state has been reached. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for manual pressing of the retaining clip 5 and double operator checks, as described in the prior art.

[0080] Figures 3a to 3d and 4a to 4d depict individual phases of the assembly process between the pre-assembly position (Figures 2a to 2d) and the assembly position (Figures 5a to 5d).

[0081] Particularly from the sequence of sectional views 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, it is clearly evident how the plug part S penetrates progressively deeper into the coupling part 4. This can be achieved, for example, by manual insertion or, advantageously, by automation. The conical section S2 of the plug part S gradually widens the pair of spring arms 51 / 52 under the influence of an insertion force until, due to this expansion, the diameter D2 of the conical section S2, which is larger than the base diameter D1, lifts the first pair 51 / 52 out of the recess 41 of the coupling part 4. Simultaneously or slightly later, the plug part S reaches a position relative to the second pair 53 / 54 in which the spring arms 53, 54 can spring radially into the groove N of the locking section S4 to lock them in place.All these movements of the spring arms 51 , 52, 53, 54 advantageously take place automatically, i.e. exclusively under the effect of the insertion of the plug part S, which is also referred to as the “AutoLatch” function.

[0082] Furthermore, the achievement of the locked assembly state can also be advantageously indicated by the fact that, in the assembly position, when the spring arms 53, 54 of the second pair 53 / 54 of spring arms are positively engaged in the P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0083] 18

[0084] When the plug part S engages, a marking M, which may in particular be a printed barcode or QR code / DMC, is released on the outer circumference U of the coupling part 4 by at least one spring arm 53, 54 of the second pair (see Fig. 5a), wherein this marking M is at least partially covered by the at least one spring arm of the second pair 53 / 54 in the pre-assembly position (see Fig. 2a) and before completion of assembly (see Figs. 3a and 4a). This allows for digitized verification.

[0085] As shown in particular by the individual part illustrations in Figs. 2a to 6d and 7a to 7c, the retaining clip 5 is, according to the invention, composed of two retaining clips A, B with the same egg-shaped basic form, which are preferably each symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis YY passing through them.

[0086] As already mentioned, the retaining clip 5, i.e., each of its clips A, B, is U-shaped in its basic form – viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis XX of the connector 1 – with the legs of the U forming the pairs 51 / 52, 53 / 54 of diametrically opposed spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54. The spring arms 51, 52, 53, 54 form resilient sections of the retaining clip 5. The legs of the U are each separated radially by a slot 50 and axially also by a slot 55.

[0087] The two retaining clips A and B can preferably differ in that the legs of the U of retaining clip B with the second pair 53 / 54 are straight along their entire length, which advantageously allows the use of a so-called standard clip as described above in the sense of a modular system, while the legs of the U of retaining clip A with the first pair 51 / 52 of spring arms are at least straight at their ends, but in the middle - in deviation from the standard clip - each has a convex circular arc with respect to the longitudinal axis YY P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0088] 19

[0089] Section K. This is illustrated very clearly in Figures 6b and 7b.

[0090] Regarding the technical significance of this convex arc-shaped section K, reference is made to Fig. 5c, which shows that this convex arc-shaped section K can advantageously engage positively with the outer circumference of the mounted connector part S in the assembly position, particularly in the conically widening section S2, which widens in the opposite direction of insertion SR. This allows the spring arms 51 and 52 to be in the aforementioned preferably mechanically stress-free state in the assembly position. The transverse axis ZZ, whose relative arrangement to the longitudinal axis XX of the coupling part 4 defines the eccentric or concentric position of the retaining clip 5 to the coupling part 4, runs through the centers of the convex arc-shaped sections K of the opposing spring arms 51 and 52.

[0091] The two retaining clips A and B are fixed to one another by means of a bridge section V between the respective crossbeams of the U, which connects these crossbeams either by a material bond (Figs. 6a to 6d), for example by welding, or by a force-fit connection (Figs. 7a to 7c), for example by interlocking. In the second case, the crossbeam of the U of one retaining clip A or B, in particular that of retaining clip A, can be designed with the first pair 51 / 52 of spring arms as a locking bridge spanning the crossbeam of the U of the other retaining clip B and can have a corresponding locking groove N3 on its inner side, as shown in Fig. 7b.

[0092] The front clip B, which faces the axial direction XX of the insertion direction SR of the connector part S, serves to fulfill the main function of establishing the connection, i.e., it provides the locking arms 53, 54 for radially angling the connector part S, while the axial direction XX of the insertion direction SR P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß

[0093] 20 of the plug part S, rear clip A serves to fulfill the secondary function of indicating the locking state of the retaining clip 5 in its holding position.

[0094] Both retaining clips A, B of the retaining clamp 5 can be made of metal, in particular of metal wires, which is particularly characteristic of the design of the connector 1 according to Figures 6a to 6d.

[0095] The design of the retaining clip 5 according to Figures 7a to 7c illustrates that only one retaining clip B can be made of metal, i.e., a metal wire. The other retaining clip A, in particular the retaining clip in which the bridge piece V is designed as a locking bridge overlapping the crossbar of the U of the other retaining clip B, can advantageously be designed as a molded part made of plastic. For the plastic retaining clip A, high-performance plastics such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), or polyimide (PI) are particularly suitable due to their high strength. However, glass fiber-reinforced polyamides (PA), which offer higher thermal resistance compared to other polyamides, are also suitable.

[0096] The design of the retaining clip 5 itself - in particular according to Figures 6a to 6d and 7a to 7c - is also considered to have inventive significance.

[0097] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described, but also includes all embodiments that have the same effect in the sense of the invention. It is also expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all their features in combination; rather, each individual feature can have inventive significance independently of all other features. P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0098] 21

[0099] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the combination of features defined in claims 1 and 18, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features from all disclosed individual features. This means that, in principle, virtually any individual feature of the independent claims can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application.

[0100] P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0101] 22

[0102] Reference symbol list

[0103] 1 connector

[0104] 2 seals from 1

[0105] 3 bushing rings of 1

[0106] 4 coupling parts from 1

[0107] 5 retaining clip of 1 50 radial slot between 51 and 52, 53 and 54

[0108] 51 spring arm of 5

[0109] 52 spring arm of 5

[0110] 53 spring arm of 5

[0111] 54 spring arm of 5

[0112] 55 axial slot between 51 and 53, 52 and 54

[0113] 51a free end of 51

[0114] 52a free end of 52

[0115] 53a free end of 53

[0116] 54a free end of 54

[0117] 6 basic shapes of 4

[0118] 7 Connection section of 4

[0119] 10 Intake opening in 4 for S

[0120] A first clip of 5

[0121] B second clip of 5

[0122] D1 base diameter of S1

[0123] D2 diameter of S2

[0124] M marking on U

[0125] MR assembly direction from 5 to 4

[0126] N Nut in S4

[0127] N1 first groove in 4

[0128] N2 second groove in 4

[0129] N3 locking groove in A P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß

[0130] 23

[0131] S connector part

[0132] 51 Insertion section of S

[0133] 52 conical section of S

[0134] 53 Sealing section of S

[0135] 54 Locking section of S

[0136] SR Insertion direction from S into 1

[0137] U Scope of 4

[0138] V Bridge section to connect A and B

[0139] XX Longitudinal axis of 1

[0140] YY Longitudinal axis of 5

[0141] ZZ transverse axis of 5

Claims

P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß 24 Claims 1. Connector (1) for hose and / or pipe connections, comprising a coupling part (4) with a receiving opening (10) into which a plug part (S) with a plug shaft (S1) can be inserted in an insertion direction (SR) along a plug axis (XX), and a radially slotted (50), at least partially spring-elastic, retaining clip (5) having four spring arms (51, 52, 53, 54), which can be pre-assembled on the coupling part (4) by radial insertion in an assembly direction (M) and the retaining clip (5) in a pre-assembly position assumes an insertion position for the plug part (S) in which the plug part (S) can be inserted through the retaining clip (5) into the receiving opening (10), and the retaining clip (5) in an assembly position after the insertion of the plug part (S) assumes a holding position for the inserted plug part (S),in which the plug part (S) is positively locked against being pulled out in the receiving opening (10) by means of the retaining clip (5), wherein the retaining clip (5) is U-shaped in its basic form, and the legs of the U form a first pair (51 / 52) and a second pair (53 / 54) of diametrically opposed spring arms (51, 52, 53, 54) which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction (XX), each separated from the other by a slot (55) and are spring-elastic in the radial direction, characterized in that the retaining clip (5) is composed of two retaining clips (A, B) with the same U-shaped basic form, wherein at least one of the retaining clips (B) consists of a metal wire, and the retaining clips (A, B) are connected to each other on the crossbar of the U by means of a bridge piece (V). P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß 25 2. Connector (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the retaining clips (A, B) are each symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis (YY) passing through them.

3. Connector (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the legs of the U of the retaining clip (B) are formed in a straight line over their entire length with the second pair (53 / 54) of spring arms.

4. Connector (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the legs of the U of the retaining clip (A) with the first pair of spring arms (51 / 52) are at least at their ends straight and each has a section (K) in the middle that is convex with respect to the longitudinal axis (YY) in the shape of a circular arc.

5. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the retaining clips (A, B) are connected to each other by means of the bridge piece (V) either by material bonding, for example by welding between the respective crossbars of the U, or by force-fit connection, for example by interlocking.

6. Connector (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the crossbar of the U of a retaining clip (A, B), in particular of the retaining clip (A) with the first pair (51 / 52) of spring arms, is designed as a locking bridge overlapping the crossbar of the U of the other retaining clip (B), in particular having a locking groove (N3). P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß 26 7. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that both retaining clips (A, B) are made of metal, in particular of metal wires.

8. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a retaining clip (A) is designed as a molded part made of plastic.

9. Connector (1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the retaining clip (A) made of plastic is formed from a high-performance plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) or polyimide (PI).

10. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at a free end (51a, 52a, 53a, 54a) of at least one spring arm (51 , 52, 53, 54), preferably at each spring arm (51 , 52, 53, 54) there is an angled end piece, in particular L-shaped.

11. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the spring arms (51, 52, 53, 54) of the retaining clip (5) are received in grooves (N1, N2) formed in the coupling part (4), at least partially slot-like, both in the pre-assembly position and in the assembly position, which extend circumferentially on the outside of the coupling part (4), wherein in the pre-assembly position - the spring arms (51, 52) of a first pair (51 / 52) of spring arms, which are facing away from the plug part (S) to be inserted, are not under radial tension, wherein the free ends of these spring arms (51a, P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß 27 52a) lie in an outer recess (41) of the coupling part (4) and are supported there, whereby the retaining clip (5) is fixed to the coupling part (4), and - the spring arms (53, 54) of a second pair (53 / 54) of spring arms, which are facing the plug part (S) to be inserted, are also under radial tension, wherein the free ends (53a, 54a) of the spring arms (53, 54) lie on the outer circumference (U) of the coupling part (4) and are supported there, and wherein in the assembly position - the spring arms (51, 52) of the first pair (51 / 52) of spring arms are under less radial tension than in pre-assembly position, wherein the free ends (51a, 52a) of the first pair (51 / 52) of the spring arms lie on the outer circumference (U) of the coupling part (4) and are supported there, - the spring arms (53, 54) of a second pair (53 / 54) of spring arms engage positively in the plug part (S), thereby fixing the plug part (S) in the coupling part (4), wherein the free ends (53a, 54a) of the second pair (53 / 54) of the spring arms are on the outer circumference (U) of the coupling part. (4) lie and support themselves there, wherein in the pre-assembly position a central axis (ZZ) of the retaining clip (5) eccentric to a central axis (XX) of the coupling part (4) and in the assembly position the central axis (ZZ) of the retaining clip (5) is arranged concentrically to the central axis (XX) of the coupling part (4).

12. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11 , characterized in that in the pre-assembly position a marking (M), in particular a printed barcode or QR code / DMC, on the outer circumference (U) of the coupling part (4) of at least one spring arm (51 , 52, 53, 54), in particular of the second pair (53 / 54) of spring arms, is at least partially covered and released in the assembly position. P45661 PCOO / VIII / Mß 28 13. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the coupling part (4) has a base body (6) designed as a sleeve part, in particular a one-piece, which is designed as an injection-molded part made of plastic, wherein the coupling part consists of an engineering plastic such as polymethacrylic acid methyl ester (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM) or polyamide (PA), in particular glass fiber-filled polyamide.

14. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connector part (S) is shaped like a hollow cylinder and has an insertion section (S1 ) on the outer circumference of which a section (S2), in particular circumferential, is arranged which widens conically in the opposite direction of insertion (SR) and which divides the insertion section (S1 ) into a sealing section (S3) and into a locking section (S4), wherein the sealing section (S3) is arranged axially, i.e. on the longitudinal axis (XX) of the connector part (S), in the insertion direction (SR) in front of the locking section (S4).

15. Connector (1 ) according to claim 14, characterized in that the retaining clip (5) in the assembly position, in particular its second pair (53 / 54) of spring arms, engages in a groove (N) in the locking section (S4) behind the section (S2) which widens conically in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

16. Connector (1 ) according to claims 6 and 14, characterized in that in the assembly position the first pair (51 / 52) of spring arms with the respective convex arc-shaped section (K) encompasses the conical section (S2) of the connector part (S). P45661 PC00 / VIII / Mß 29 17. Connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 16, in particular according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that in the assembly position on the connector part (S), in particular on its sealing section (S3), a sealing package or at least one O-ring seal (2) and a bushing ring (3) for retaining the sealing package or the at least one O-ring seal (2) are arranged.

18. Retaining clip (5) for a connector (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 in combination with the features of the characterizing part of one or more of claims 2 to 10.

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