Coupling part and plug connector comprising at least one coupling part and at least one plug part

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling part (2), comprising at least one coupling part body (20), at least one holding clamp (4) for holding a plug part (3) inserted into the coupling part (2), and at least one plug indicator (5) for indicating a successful, fully completed plug-in process of the coupling part (2) and the plug part (3) inserted into the coupling part (2), which coupling part (2) comprises at least one indicator ring as a plug indicator (5) and at least one locking ring, which can be inserted or are inserted into the coupling part body (20), wherein the at least one indicator ring (50) and the at least one locking ring (60) are connected to one another to form a unit or the at least one indicator ring (80) is formed integrally with a locking ring.

Description

[0001] P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0002] 1

[0003] Coupling part and connector, comprising at least one coupling part and at least one plug part

[0004] The invention relates to a coupling part comprising at least one coupling part body, at least one retaining clip for holding a plug part inserted into the coupling part, and at least one plug indicator for indicating a successful, fully completed plugging process of the coupling part and the plug part inserted into the coupling part, as well as a connector comprising at least one coupling part and at least one plug part, wherein the plug part can be inserted into or is inserted into the coupling part.

[0005] Coupling components and connectors with at least one coupling component and at least one plug component are known in the prior art. These can, for example, be connected to or integrated with fluid lines or assemblies. The plug component and the coupling component are connected by nesting them together. Particularly when dealing with pressurized media flowing through fluid lines and the coupling components and plug components connected to them, it is crucial that the plug component and coupling component are fully nested, thus ensuring a successful and complete mating process before the pressurized medium flows through the fluid line(s) and the connector consisting of the nested coupling component and plug component.

[0006] Connectors with a coupling part and a plug part are known in the prior art, particularly in combination with a retaining clip. Retaining clips serve to enable the locking of a plug part of a connector inserted into a connection port or coupling part. Depending on the design of the retaining clip, either a releasable or a permanent locking mechanism is possible. For example, EP 1 781 979 B1 discloses a connector for fluid lines that comprises a locking device and two pluggable coupling parts which, when plugged together, can be releasably locked via the locking device. The locking device consists, on the one hand, of two P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0007] The coupling consists of two outer, radial, flange-like retaining lugs of the two coupling parts, which are axially adjacent in the insertion direction and have the same diameter when inserted, and a retaining element which, with at least one C-shaped retaining section in axial section, engages the axially adjacent retaining lugs of the two coupling parts in a form-fitting manner both axially and radially. The retaining element is designed and captive pre-mounted on one of the two coupling parts in such a way that it is fixed axially and radially, and is also radially elastically movable in the area of ​​each retaining section. The retaining element is designed to align with each retaining section and the retaining lugs of the other coupling part to form a form-fitting, interlocking connection in the insertion direction.The retaining element is at least partially designed as a plastic molded part, especially for use with the plug connection at higher hydraulic pressures made of metal, such as brass.

[0008] From US Patent 7,699,356 B2, a quick connector is known that comprises either a straight or an angled coupling element, a plug element connected to a heating element, a socket, a sealing element, and a locking ring, which components maintain the connection between the plug element and the coupling element. The plug element has a chamfered surface that is complementary to a chamfered surface of the socket element. The locking ring is arranged around the coupling element and has a number of indentations that project through openings around a collar end of the coupling element. These indentations form an intermediate connection to an annular groove around the plug element once it is inserted into the coupling element, thus securing the connection.The locking ring is essentially C-shaped and has indentations spaced evenly apart. One of these indentations is located proximally at each of the distal ends of the locking ring, and one is positioned between the two. Once the locking ring is positioned in the annular groove of a receiving end of the coupling element, the indentations protrude through a slot in the receiving end of the coupling part to engage according to P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0009] 3

[0010] The coupling element and plug element are inserted into each other, engaging in the ring-shaped groove on the outside of the plug element.

[0011] From DE 103 46 712 A1, a push-fit connection for pipes and hoses is known, consisting of a fitting with a locking shoulder that at least partially circumferentially surrounds the outer circumference. This shoulder is formed by a ramp rising from the outer circumference and a locking surface adjoining it in the insertion direction. The connection also includes a plug that can be locked to the fitting via two spaced-apart locking points on the locking surface of the fitting. The plug carries a radially displaceable, approximately O-shaped locking spring, the two side legs of which are designed as locking legs. The locking spring forms a further locking point approximately in the middle between the plug and the fitting, with this further locking point extending ahead of the two side locking points in the insertion direction.When the socket is inserted into the plug, the central locking mechanism on the locking spring first engages with the locking surface on the socket. This is followed by a radially inward-facing, relatively moving locking spring on the plug, which, with an axial offset, engages the two lateral locking arms of the spring with the locking surface of the socket. The next locking point, approximately in the middle, is designed as a radially inward-facing control lever on the locking spring.

[0012] Particularly during a mating operation using the detent spring according to DE 103 46 712 A1, incorrect mating can occur if, at the position where the radius of the detent spring is at the apex of the corresponding mating body, the person performing the mating operation decides to abort it. This is because the detent spring can then slip into the locked position, leading to the assumption of a complete mating operation, even though one has not actually been completed. However, such a possibility of incorrect mating should be eliminated when using a retaining clip for a connector.

[0013] From DE 10 2023 133 217 A1, a fluid coupling device for coupling two fluid lines is known, comprising a tubular bushing element with a line side and a coupling side, wherein in the bushing element a P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0014] The fluid coupling device comprises a locking sleeve that is axially displaceable towards the line side and fixes a pre-assembly position. It also includes a tubular plug element with a line side and a coupling side, a locking groove, and a locking element. The locking element is pre-tensioned in the pre-assembly position and can be released by sliding the locking sleeve towards the line side of the socket element using the plug element. In the final assembly position, the locking element is received in the locking groove, thereby securing a complete coupling between the socket and plug elements. The retaining ring is integrally connected to the socket element and secures a sealing element.Furthermore, a locking indicator ring is provided, which activates an electronic RFID transponder, RFID tag, or RFID chip that sends a locking confirmation signal to a receiver, such as a worker or computer on the production line. The connector element can have a color marking that is visible in the final assembly position through a recess in the socket element. Since the connector element is often already present at a positioning point of a fluid connection and thus a connector, providing a corresponding color marking there proves to be relatively complicated. Providing electronic components for successful mating verification by including an RFID transponder, RFID tag, or RFID chip that sends a locking signal to a receiver also proves problematic and correspondingly complicated, especially when using the connector for fluid transport.It would therefore be desirable to provide a simpler non-electronic control, which is nevertheless provided on the coupling part of the connector.

[0015] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of further developing a coupling part and a connector with at least one coupling part and at least one plug part in such a way that a very reliable plug indicator, especially for fluid transport, is provided as a display device to indicate a successful, completely completed plugging process of the coupling part and the plug part inserted into the coupling part, and at the same time the number of components in the coupling part body P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0016] 5 can be arranged and serve on the one hand to secure the plug part in the coupling part and on the other hand to indicate a successful, fully completed plugging process of plug part and coupling part, which can be further reduced compared to the prior art.

[0017] The problem is solved for a coupling part according to the preamble of claim 1 in that the coupling part comprises at least one indicator ring as a plug-in indicator and at least one locking ring, which can be inserted into or are inserted into the coupling part, wherein the at least one indicator ring and the at least one locking ring are connected to each other or the at least one indicator ring is formed integrally with a locking ring. For a connector according to the preamble of claim 12, the problem is solved in that the coupling part is such a coupling part. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0018] This creates a coupling part and a connector with at least one such coupling part and at least one plug part, wherein the plug part can be or is inserted into the coupling part, wherein the coupling part has at least one coupling part body in which the interconnected components of the at least one indicator ring as a plug-in indicator and the at least one locking ring as interconnected components or integrally formed components are inserted or are inserted. To provide a fluid seal, at least one sealing element, in particular an O-ring, can be arranged adjacent to the at least one locking ring inside the coupling part body.The at least one sealing element, in particular the at least one O-ring, can not only be designed as a separate element, but can also be injection-molded onto the locking ring, so that the locking ring and the at least one sealing element together form a two-component part. Furthermore, at least one retaining clip is provided to lock a fully completed mating operation between the plug part and the coupling part. Accordingly, only very few components are provided, namely the combination of the interconnected indicator ring and locking ring or the indicator ring and locking ring formed as a single piece, and the at least one sealing element, which may already be shown on P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0019] 6 the locking ring or the locking ring formed in one piece with the indicator ring is injection molded, so that instead of three components (indicator ring, locking ring, sealing element) only one component comprising all three components is provided, and which includes at least one retaining clip that is arranged on or in the coupling part body of the coupling part.

[0020] To indicate a successful, fully completed mating process between the coupling part and the plug part inserted into the coupling part, at least one indicator ring is used, but no marking is required on the plug part itself. Since a plug part is usually already present at an installation location, it is advantageous that no modifications need to be made to it. Providing the indicator ring is sufficient. Likewise, it is not necessary to use electrical or electronic components, as described in the prior art.

[0021] DE 10 2023 133 217 A1 is to be provided, so that a plug-in indicator, which is particularly safe for fluid transport, is provided in this case. Furthermore, in contrast to DE 10 2023 133 217 A1, no fixed connection is provided between the locking ring and the coupling part body. Rather, a connection between the indicator ring and the locking ring is provided according to the present invention, so that the assembly of the coupling part according to the present invention is also simpler and therefore more cost-effective than the assembly of the fluid coupling device according to the prior art.

[0022] When a locking ring and an indicator ring are provided that can be connected or joined together, the at least one locking ring advantageously has a ring body with crown-like projecting locking elements on its upper surface. Furthermore, when a locking ring and an indicator ring are provided that can be connected or joined together, the at least one indicator ring has a ring body that is provided around its circumference with at least two recesses and / or indentations and / or openings for engaging and connecting with the locking elements of the at least one locking ring. The locking elements of the at least one locking ring and the recesses and / or indentations and / or openings of the at least one indicator ring can be connected to each other by the interlocking of these elements. They can be connected sequentially or as a single, connected indicator ring-locking ring unit in the P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0023] 7

[0024] The coupling component body is inserted. It is therefore not necessary to first insert the at least one locking ring into the coupling component body and then the at least one indicator ring. Instead, both can be connected to each other during pre-assembly before being inserted into the coupling component body. Insertion into the coupling component body is thus easier, especially when the indicator ring and locking ring are formed as a single piece, than if the at least one locking ring were inserted first and then the at least one indicator ring.

[0025] The at least one locking ring advantageously has at least two projecting, in particular convex, sections on its underside, especially a bulging shape and / or a wave-like profile. This makes it possible for the at least two, in particular convex, projecting sections to hold a sealing element, or the at least one sealing element, such as a sealing ring, in a wave-like position on a bearing surface inside the coupling part body, and thereby significantly reduce the insertion forces during insertion or movement of the plug part in the coupling part compared to a flat underside of the locking ring. Particularly preferably, a sealing element, or the at least one sealing element, e.g., an O-ring, is first inserted into the coupling part body of the coupling part before the indicator ring with locking ring is inserted, and only subsequently are the locking ring and indicator ring or the sealing ring inserted.The one-piece combination of locking ring and indicator ring. If the sealing element is injection-molded onto the locking ring or the one-piece combination of locking ring and indicator ring, separate insertion of the at least one sealing element into the coupling body of the coupling part is not required, since it is inserted into the coupling body of the coupling part together with the locking ring or the one-piece combination of indicator ring and locking ring. The underside of the at least one locking ring thus rests on the sealing element, in particular O-ring, with its particularly wave-shaped profile or the very small areas of the at least two projecting, in particular convex, projecting sections, or, if the at least one is provided with the locking ring or the combination of indicator ring and locking ring P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0026] The 8 injection-molded sealing element follows the shape of the underside of the locking ring. The unit consisting of the at least one locking ring and the at least one indicator ring, or the indicator ring formed integrally with the locking ring, is pre-assembled in the coupling body. When the at least one plug part is inserted into the at least one coupling part, the indicator ring is moved by the plug part into its final position inside the coupling part body, whereby the at least one plug part pushes the indicator ring, or the unit consisting of the locking ring and indicator ring, into its final assembly position inside the coupling part body. The insertion forces required for this by the plug part are, as mentioned, achieved by the bulging shape on the underside of the locking ring or the indicator ring formed integrally with it.whose underside wave-shaped profile and the corresponding wave-shaped counter-contour in the coupling part body, as is already known in principle from WO 2007 / 012362 A1, reduce the usual insertion forces that occur or are required, for example, in the prior art of DE 10 2023 123 217 A1.

[0027] A further advantage is that the at least one indicator ring is provided on its upper surface with projecting locking elements for engaging with the coupling body. These projecting locking elements serve to engage the unit consisting of the indicator ring and locking ring, or the indicator ring formed integrally with the locking ring, on the coupling body of the coupling part. This engagement preferably occurs only in the final assembly position of the plug part within the coupling part of the connector. The at least one indicator ring can be moved within the coupling body by means of the at least one plug part into its final position, in which the projecting locking elements on its upper surface can engage, or do engage, in corresponding locking recesses or openings of the coupling body.Advantageously, the at least one indicator ring can have at least one support surface, in particular a concave support surface, especially an elongated concave support surface, on the outside of its ring body for supporting and holding the retaining clip. In the pre-assembled state, the retaining clip with its legs thus advantageously lies in the two P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0028] 9

[0029] Support surfaces arranged on the outside of the ring body of at least one indicator ring.

[0030] The retaining clip itself is preferably approximately U-shaped in plan view, with two legs extending essentially straight and parallel to each other and an intermediate section connecting them. The intermediate section has a slightly curved central section and two slightly curved lateral sections adjacent to it on both sides, adjoining the central section and merging into the two legs, to maintain a substantially parallel alignment of the two legs relative to each other and to ensure that this parallel alignment is maintained. The legs of the retaining clip of the coupling part, which engage in or lie within the respective support surface of the ring body of the at least one indicator ring, can experience a slight outward spreading force within this respective support surface.Accordingly, at least one retaining clip grips very securely on the outer support surfaces of the indicator ring. In the pre-assembled state on the coupling body, this creates a positive-locking connection between the indicator ring and the retaining clip. The retaining clip engages from the outside of the coupling body into corresponding slot-shaped recesses in the body and passes through them to support itself on the outer surface of the ring body of at least one indicator ring.

[0031] When at least one plug part is inserted into at least one coupling part of the connector, and the indicator ring is engaged by at least one plug part, and the indicator ring is moved further towards the interior of the coupling part body by and together with the plug part, the two legs of the retaining clip spread further apart. Thus, when they leave the support surfaces, which are particularly concave, on the outside of the ring body of at least one indicator ring, they spread further apart and, due to their axially fixed positioning in the slot-shaped recesses in the coupling part body, reach the outside of the P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb after leaving the support surface on the indicator ring.

[0032] 10 at least one plug part. Only when the at least one plug part is pushed so deeply into the coupling part that at least one outer groove of the plug part is positioned aligned with the slot-shaped recesses in the coupling part body, do the two legs of the retaining clip fit into this at least one groove on the outside of the plug part and can thus lock the plug part into the coupling part.

[0033] Inside the coupling part body, at least one rib can be provided to create a clamping point for the retaining clip. After the retaining clip has passed over a particularly upper edge of the rib(s), it can then be released. To hold the retaining clip on the indicator ring until at least one plug part is completely inserted into the coupling part, and only then to lock the plug part in place with the retaining clip, at least one locking tab can be arranged, particularly on the indicator ring, extending up to the height of the locking elements projecting from the top of the indicator ring for locking onto the coupling part body. Due to the particularly concave-shaped support surfaces on the outside of the indicator ring body, the retaining clip is held in place during delivery or...The pre-assembled state of the coupling part, and thus also of the connector, is held in place by the retaining clip, the legs of which are designed to grip the indicator ring, in particular by clamping. Even in the operating state or in the final assembly state of the connector, i.e., of the plug part and coupling part, the legs of the retaining clip slide independently into the slot-shaped recesses in the coupling part body and into a groove in the plug part, where they remain.

[0034] In a one-piece formation of the at least one indicator ring and the at least one locking ring, the at least one indicator ring advantageously has a ring body which has at least two projecting, in particular convex, sections on its underside, especially a bulged shape and / or a wave-like profile, and which is provided on its upper side with projecting locking elements for locking onto the coupling component body. Providing such a one-piece formation of the indicator ring and locking ring proves particularly advantageous for reducing [P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb]

[0035] The reduction of the number of individual elements required for constructing the coupling part of the connector is very advantageous. In contrast to forming an indicator ring on one side and a locking ring on the other, which are then joined together, forming the indicator ring and locking ring as a single piece proves to be more cost-effective and also simpler to assemble.

[0036] The at least one indicator ring can furthermore be conically shaped on the inside of its ring body towards its underside facing the locking ring, or, in the case of a one-piece design with the locking ring, on its underside. The conical shape of the inside of the indicator ring can advantageously be adapted to the conically tapered outer surface of a plug part that is to be inserted into the coupling part. This also allows for optimal axial movement of the at least one indicator ring within the coupling part during the insertion process. Furthermore, this creates an optimal sealing surface inside the coupling part between the indicator ring and the plug part.

[0037] Advantageously, the coupling body can have at least one window and optically readable information arranged on at least one indicator ring. This information can be, for example, a code such as a QR code and / or a Data Matrix Code (DMC), and / or at least one marking, in particular a colored marking. The optically readable information can be read through the at least one window in the coupling body when the plug part is successfully and completely inserted into the coupling part. In particular, the indicator ring can have a radially projecting section in the area where the optically readable information is arranged. This radially projecting section engages the window in the coupling body and / or a groove or recess provided therein.Furthermore, due to the radially projecting section on the outside of the indicator ring, twisting of the indicator ring within the P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb is prevented.

[0038] 12

[0039] The coupling component body cannot be adjusted, so the indicator ring is always inserted into the coupling component body in the correct position and remains there, as the radially projecting section on its outer side prevents it from being inserted in any other position. This radially projecting section on the outer side of the indicator ring thus also serves as a positioning aid for correctly positioning the indicator ring within the coupling component body.

[0040] The connector, consisting of a coupling part and a plug part, thus features a dual or double insertion indicator for a successful, fully completed mating process between the plug and coupling parts, thanks to at least one indicator ring in the coupling part and at least one retaining clip. The correct positioning of the indicator ring can be easily verified visually through at least one window in the coupling part body. The final positioning of the retaining clip can also be easily checked both visually and haptically. This allows for both visual and haptic confirmation of a successful, fully completed mating process between the plug and coupling parts of the connector.

[0041] To further explain the invention, exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings. These show:

[0042] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the invention, comprising a coupling part and a plug part, as well as a retaining clip for locking the plug part into the coupling part.

[0043] Figure 2a shows a top view of a first embodiment of an indicator ring according to the invention, formed in one piece with a locking ring, which is inserted into the coupling part body of the coupling part according to Figure 1, P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0044] 13

[0045] Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view along line AA of the indicator ring according to Figure 2a.

[0046] Figure 2c shows a side view of the indicator ring according to Figure 2a.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an indicator ring according to the invention, which is connected to the locking ring according to Figures 4 to 4c to form a unit and is inserted into the coupling part body of the coupling part according to Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 3a shows a side view of the indicator ring according to Figure 3.

[0049] Figure 3b shows a top view of the indicator ring according to Figure 3,

[0050] Figure 3c shows a cross-sectional view of the indicator ring according to Figure 3 along line BB from Figure 3b.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a locking ring according to the invention.

[0052] Figure 4a shows a side view of the locking ring according to Figure 4.

[0053] Figure 4b shows a top view of the locking ring according to Figure 4.

[0054] Figure 4c shows a cross-sectional view of the locking ring according to Figure 4 along line CC from Figure 4b.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a perspective top view of the coupling part body of the coupling part of the connector according to Figure 1.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a side view of the coupling component body according to Figure 5.

[0057] Figure 7 shows a top view of the coupling part body according to Figure 5,

[0058] Figure 8 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling component body according to Figure 5 along line DD from Figure 7.

[0059] Figure 9 shows another longitudinal sectional view of the coupling component body according to Figure 5 along line EE from Figure 7.

[0060] Figure 10a shows a perspective top view of a retaining clip according to the invention for the connector according to Figure 1 ,

[0061] Figure 10b shows a top view of the retaining clip according to Figure 10a,

[0062] Figure 11 shows a perspective top view of an O-ring for placement in the coupling part body according to Figure 5 of the coupling part of the connector according to Figure 1, wherein the O-ring serves as a sealing ring for fluidic sealing of the connector part inserted into the coupling part, P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0063] 14

[0064] Figure 12 shows a side view of the coupling component body according to Figure 5 with the locking ring according to Figure 4, indicator ring according to Figure 3 and retaining clip according to Figure 10a inserted therein.

[0065] Figure 13 shows a top view of the coupling part according to Figure 12, wherein the retaining clip is in its pre-assembly position, in which its intermediate section protrudes outwards from the coupling part body,

[0066] Figure 14 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling part according to Figure 12 along line FF from Figure 13.

[0067] Figure 15 shows a top view of the coupling part according to Figure 12 in a final assembly state of its components inserted therein, but without the plug part inserted into the coupling part.

[0068] Figure 16 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the coupling part according to Figure 15 along line GG,

[0069] Figure 17 shows a top view of the coupling part and plug part of a connector according to the invention in their final assembly position, i.e. with the plug part fully inserted into the coupling part and the retaining clip in its final assembly position which locks the plug part onto the coupling part.

[0070] Figure 18 shows a side view of the connector according to Figure 17 with the plug part inserted into the coupling part.

[0071] Figure 19 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the connector according to Figure 17 along line HH,

[0072] Figure 20 shows another longitudinal sectional view of the connector according to Figure 17 along line 11, and

[0073] Figure 21 shows another longitudinal section view of the connector according to Figure 17 along line KK.

[0074] Figure 1 shows a connector 1 comprising a coupling part 2 and a plug part 3. In the illustration in Figure 1, plug part 3 and coupling part 2 are joined together and secured by a retaining clip 4. To allow visual confirmation of a proper, i.e., successful, fully completed mating process between plug part 3 and coupling part 2 from the outside of the coupling part 2, the connector 1 has a mating indicator 5 in the area of ​​its coupling part 2. This indicator is in the form of P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0075] An indicator ring 50 or an indicator ring 80 is formed, which can be seen in detail in Figures 2a to 2c and Figures 3 to 3c. The indicator ring 50 can be visually detected through a window 21 in the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2. In the embodiment of the coupling part body 20 in Figure 1, a rectangular window 21 is shown. Instead of just one window 21, more than one can also be provided. Furthermore, a different shape of window(s) can also be provided. The indicator ring 80 can be formed in one piece with a locking ring, as shown in the embodiment according to Figures 2a to 2c, or in the form of the indicator ring 50 according to Figures 3 to 3c, which is connected to the locking ring 60 according to Figures 4 to 4c to form a unit, wherein the indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 are first formed as separate parts and subsequently connected to each other.

[0076] Figures 2a to 2c show the indicator ring 80 formed integrally with the locking ring, Figures 4 to 4c show the locking ring 60, and Figures 3a to 3c show the indicator ring 50 in the second embodiment, in which it can be connected to the locking ring 60 according to Figures 4 to 4c by nesting and interlocking them. The indicator ring 50 shown in Figures 3 to 3c has a ring body 51 with an outer surface 52 and an inner surface 53. On the outer surface 52 of the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50, recesses 54 and concave support surfaces 55 as well as a radially projecting section 56 are arranged. On the upper surface 57 of the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50, axially projecting locking elements 58 are also arranged. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 3c and also in Figure 3, the axially projecting locking elements 58 are shaped as a bead-like thickening at their distal ends.These axially projecting locking elements 58 serve to lock onto the coupling part body 20 or onto the locking recesses, openings, or notches 22 arranged therein, as shown in Figure 5. The retaining clip 4, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b, can engage with its legs 40, 41 into the two opposing concave support surfaces 55, which are also arranged on the outer surface 52 of the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50, and remain in place therein until, during the assembly process of the plug part 3 in the coupling part 2, P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0077] 16 the plug part 3 of the indicator ring 50 has been moved into its final assembly position inside the coupling part body 20.

[0078] In particular, the radially projecting section 56, but also the indicator ring 50, can be colored on their outer surface to serve as a highly visible plug indicator 5, enabling it to be visually detected through the at least one window 21 in the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2. When the plug part 3 is fully engaged in the coupling part 2 of the connector 1, as shown in Figure 1, the radially projecting section 56 of the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50, which is located on the inner surface of the coupling part body 20, is visible through its window 21. The coupling part body 20 can be provided with a corresponding groove or recess 24 on its inner surface 23, specifically in the area of ​​its window 21, into which the radially projecting section 56 of the indicator ring 50 fits.This also ensures that the indicator ring 50 is positioned correctly inside the coupling body 20, as it would otherwise not fit into the coupling body 20 due to the radially projecting section 56. In the correct position, the axially projecting locking elements 58 can then engage in the corresponding locking recesses 22 on the inner surface 23 of the coupling body 20. This is not possible if the radially projecting section 56 is not positioned in the recess or groove 24 on the inner surface 23 of the coupling body 20 intended for its reception.

[0079] The indicator ring 50 according to Figures 3 to 3c has four axially projecting detent elements 58. Two of the four axially projecting detent elements 58 are arranged adjacent to both sides of the radially projecting section 56 of the indicator ring 50, the radially projecting section 56 also projecting slightly in the axial direction beyond the height of the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50, as can be seen particularly well in Figures 3 and 3a. The radially projecting section 56 thus also projects axially beyond the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50 and is flanked on both sides by two of the axially projecting detent elements 58. In principle, more or P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0080] 17 Fewer than four axially projecting locking elements 58 are provided on the ring body 51 of the indicator ring 50. However, by providing four axially projecting locking elements 58, a very good hold of the indicator ring on the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2 can be achieved.

[0081] The locking ring 60 shown in Figures 4 to 4c has an annular body 61 with axially and also slightly radially crown-like projecting locking elements 63 on its upper surface 62. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 4c, four projecting locking elements 63 are arranged on the upper surface 62 of the annular body 61 of the locking ring 60. However, more or fewer such projecting locking elements 63 can also be provided. These projecting locking elements 63 are essentially flat and, when the locking ring 60 and the indicator ring 50 are joined, engage in the recesses 54 provided on the outer surface 52 of the annular body 51 of the indicator ring 50. This allows the indicator ring 50 and the locking ring 60 to be connected by simply inserting or joining them.

[0082] The ring body 61 of the locking ring 60 has a radially projecting detent 64 on its outer surface. This radially projecting detent 64 allows the locking ring 60 to engage in a correspondingly shaped recess or longitudinal groove 25 on the inner surface 23 of the coupling part body 20. This allows for a clear and simple positioning of the locking ring 60 within the coupling part body 20, ensuring reproducibly accurate positioning. Proper, rotationally secure positioning of the locking ring 60, which is connected to the indicator ring 50, is thus guaranteed within the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2.

[0083] The ring body 61 of the locking ring 60 further features a doubly bulged shape or a wave-like profile on its underside 65 in the form of two convexly projecting sections 66, 67. These two convexly shaped projecting sections 66, 67 can be seen particularly well in Figures 4, 4a and 4c. With these two projecting sections 66, P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0084] 18

[0085] 67 The locking ring 60 can be supported inside the coupling part body 20 on a shoulder 26 or on a sealing ring, here O-ring 7, mounted thereon. The O-ring 7 resting on the shoulder 26 provided inside the coupling part body 20 can be clearly seen, for example, in Figures 14, 16, and 19 to 21. The O-ring 7 is shown as a component of the connector 1 in Figure 11. It serves as a sealing ring for a fluid-tight seal of the plug part 3 of the connector 1 inserted into the coupling part 2. The sealing ring, or more generally the sealing element, here the O-ring 7, can not only be provided as a separate element or component and mounted on the shoulder 26, but can also be directly injection-molded onto the locking ring 60, so that the locking ring 60 and the sealing ring are formed as a two-component part. The special bulged shape, orThe wave-shaped profile of the underside 65 of the locking ring 60 makes it possible to reduce the insertion forces when inserting the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2 during the final assembly process of the connector 1 compared to a locking ring that is only uniformly straight on its underside.

[0086] Figures 2a to 2c show a second embodiment of the plug-in indicator 5 in the form of an indicator ring 80 formed in one piece with a locking ring. Instead of providing a unit consisting of a joined indicator ring 50 and a locking ring 60, an indicator ring 80 formed in one piece with a locking ring can thus be provided, which has the top side of the indicator ring 50 and the bottom side of the locking ring 60. The indicator ring 80 has an annular body 81 with an outer surface 82 and an inner surface 83. To support the retaining clip 4, the annular body 81 has two opposing concave support surfaces 85 on its outer surface 82. These can be seen particularly well in Figure 2c. Furthermore, the annular body 81 is also provided with a radially projecting section 86, as can be seen particularly well in Figure 2a.This can be arranged, as with the indicator ring 50, on the inside 23 of the coupling part body 20 in overlapping of the window 21 of the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2. Since the radially projecting section 86 also fits in the recess or longitudinal groove 25 provided on the inside 23 of the coupling part body 20 P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0087] If the indicator ring 80 is positioned 19, it is also possible to clearly position it inside the coupling part body 20.

[0088] The radially projecting section 86 of the indicator ring 80 can also be colored or marked with a colored or other marking to allow visual verification of a proper and complete insertion of the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2 through the window 21 of the coupling part body 20. As with the indicator ring 50, the radially projecting section 86 of the indicator ring 80 can also be additionally marked with a code or other optically readable information, for example, a QR code and / or a Data Matrix code (DMC). These can also be read visually, thus confirming a successful, i.e., completely completed, insertion process or the insertion status of the plug part into the coupling part of the connector.

[0089] The indicator ring 80 also has projecting locking elements 88 on its upper surface 87, as can be clearly seen in Figures 2b and 2c. Two of the four projecting locking elements 88 shown here flank the radially projecting section 86, which, as with the indicator ring 50, not only projects radially but also axially, like the projecting locking elements 88, extends beyond the upper extent of the ring body 81. This is particularly evident in Figure 2c. The indicator ring 80 can also have more or fewer projecting locking elements 88 than four. With these projecting locking elements 88, the indicator ring 80 engages in the locking recesses 22 of the coupling body 20 of the coupling part 2 when the plug part 3 and coupling part 2 of the connector 1 are fully inserted.Just like the projecting locking elements 58 of the indicator ring 50, the projecting locking elements 88 are also thickened distally at their ends to form a bead, in order to enable particularly good and secure locking on the coupling body 20. P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0090] 20

[0091] The indicator ring 80, like the locking ring 60 on its underside 65, has a bulged shape or a wave-like profile in the form of two convexly projecting sections 90, 91. The indicator ring 50 is flat on its underside 59, while the indicator ring 80 has a bulged shape or a wave-like profile on its underside 89, which, similar to the locking ring 60, reduces the insertion forces when inserting the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2 compared to a flat underside 89 of the indicator ring 80. The shoulder 26 inside the coupling part body 20, onto which the sealing ring in the form of the O-ring 7 is fitted, also has a wave-like profile, which is the opposite shape to the wave-like profile of the underside 89 of the indicator ring 80.also the underside 65 of the locking ring 60, so that the wave-like shape of the shoulder 26 inside the coupling part body 20 corresponds to the wave-like profile of the underside 89 of the indicator ring 80 or the underside 65 of the locking ring 60. A reduction in insertion forces when inserting the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2 is possible because, during the insertion process of the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2, i.e., when the indicator ring is inserted into the coupling part 2, the sealing ring or O-ring 7 is pressed into the wave-like shape of the wave-like profile. This wave-like profile facilitates or reduces the insertion forces, since the plug part 3 then does not directly contact the entire sealing ring or O-ring 7, but rather first reaches the crests of the wave-like profile.

[0092] To ensure the desired positioning of the plug part 3 in the coupling part 2 during insertion of the plug part into the coupling part, as well as during the subsequent plugging process and after the plug part has been finally positioned in the coupling part, and to prevent rotation, the coupling part body 20 has a longitudinal groove 27, which can be seen particularly well in Figures 5, 7, and 9. The plug part 3 has an externally projecting section 30 for engaging in the longitudinal groove 27. This section can be seen very well in Figures 1, 17, and 19. Furthermore, the plug part 3 has another, slightly smaller, externally projecting section 30 opposite the radially projecting section 30.

[0093] 21 projecting section 31, as can also be clearly seen in Figures 17 and 19. With this section, the plug part 3 engages in the recess or longitudinal groove 25, into which the radially projecting locking projection 64 of the locking ring 60 can also engage, or does engage, as already mentioned above.

[0094] Figures 12 to 21 show the individual steps of assembling the plug-in indicator 5, plug part 3, and coupling part 2. In a first step, the sealing ring or O-ring 7 is placed onto the shoulder 26 in the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2. If the plug-in indicator 5 is formed in multiple parts, namely the indicator ring 50 and the locking ring 60, the latter is inserted into the coupling part body 20 in a second step and placed onto the O-ring 7. Subsequently, in a third step, the indicator ring 50 is inserted into the coupling part body 20 and brought into its pre-assembly position. Figure 12 shows the indicator ring 50 still partially outside the coupling part body 20, with two of its axially projecting locking elements 58 visible above and aligned with recesses or windows 122 in the coupling part body 20.In the longitudinal section view in Figure 14, the indicator ring 50 is already pushed deeper into the interior of the coupling part body 20, with the axially projecting locking elements 58 already positioned at the level of the recesses or windows 122.

[0095] In principle, the indicator ring 50 and the locking ring 60 can be connected to each other by push-fit before being inserted into the coupling body 20. Whether the locking ring 60 and the indicator ring 50 are connected to form a unit before being inserted into the coupling body 20, or whether the locking ring 60 is inserted sequentially first, followed by the indicator ring 50, the crown-like, projecting locking elements 63 engage in the recesses 54 on the indicator ring 50 and are held in place, at least in the final assembly position. If a pre-assembled unit consisting of the indicator ring 50 and the locking ring 60 is provided, it can be inserted as a whole into the coupling body 20, as indicated in Figures 12 to 14. Are the individual components of the indicator ring 50 and the locking ring 60 used instead of the individual components, or is the one-piece P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb used instead of the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60?

[0096] 22. An indicator ring 80, which has the upper side of the indicator ring 50 and the lower side of the locking ring 60, is provided and is inserted into the coupling part body 20 during pre-assembly. By inserting the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2, the indicator ring 80 or the indicator ring 50 is moved by the plug part 3 into its final assembly position inside the coupling part body 20. If both the indicator ring 50 and the locking ring 60 are provided, the indicator ring 50 is / is locked into the locking ring 60 at the latest in this final assembly position.

[0097] The retaining clip 4 is already attached to the coupling component body 20 during pre-assembly, as can also be seen in Figures 12 to 14. The approximately U-shaped retaining clip has, in addition to the two legs 40, 41, an intermediate section 42 connecting them. The intermediate section 42 is formed from a central, slightly curved section 43 and two lateral, slightly curved sections 44, 45 adjacent to it on both sides, adjoining it and merging into the two legs. The curvature of the two lateral, slightly curved sections 44, 45 can roughly correspond to the outer shape of the coupling component body 20 in the area where, in the final assembly position, the retaining clip 4 rests against its outer surface. The middle slightly curved section 43 projects beyond the outer surface 28 of the coupling part body 20, as can be seen in Figures 15, 17 and 19.In the pre-assembly position shown in Figures 12 to 14, both the central slightly curved section 43 and the two flanking lateral slightly curved sections 44, 45 of the retaining clip 4 project significantly beyond the outer surface 28 of the coupling body 20. This is particularly evident in Figure 13 and serves as a further indicator of the connection. The two legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 are already positioned in slot-shaped openings or recesses 29 of the coupling body 20 in the pre-assembly position, as can be seen in Figures 12 and 14. At their distal ends, the two legs 40, 41 are provided with end sections 46, 47 angled approximately at right angles to their extension, as can be seen in Figures 10a and 12. The two end sections 46, 47 are angled in opposite directions and serve as a locking device for the retaining clip 4 according to P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0098] 23

[0099] Insert into the slot-shaped openings or recesses 29 on the coupling part body 20. Without the angled end sections 46, 47, the retaining clip 4 could again be inserted along the slot-shaped openings or recesses.

[0100] The recesses 29 slide out of the coupling part body 20. However, this is prevented by the angled end sections 46, 47. Movement of the retaining clip 4 is therefore possible transversely to the longitudinal extent of the coupling part body 20 along the slot-shaped openings or recesses 29 in it until an end stop is reached, which is formed by the outer surface 28 of the coupling part body 20 when the two end sections 46, 47 of the retaining clip 4 come into contact with it.

[0101] In the pre-assembly position, the legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 are held under tension in the grooves 55 and 85 of the indicator ring 50 and the indicator ring 80, respectively. This is because the distance between the legs 40, 41 in this pre-assembly position on the indicator ring 50 and 80 is greater than in the unassembled state of the retaining clip 4, as shown in Figures 10a and 10b. In the pre-assembly position on the indicator ring 50 and 80, the legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 are slightly spread apart and are therefore no longer parallel to each other, as in their initial position in Figures 10a and 10b. Thus, in this pre-assembly position, the retaining clip 4 is moved radially outwards by the restoring forces of the legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 transversely to the longitudinal extent of the coupling part 2, until its angled end sections 46, 47 come to rest against the outside of the coupling part body 20 and remain there.On the outer surface of the coupling part body 20, corresponding grooves or recesses for the end sections 46, 47 of the legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 may be provided, within which the two end sections 46, 47 can move. When the plug part 3 is inserted into the coupling part 2, this position of the retaining clip 4 with the spread legs 40, 41 is essentially maintained until the retaining clip 4 with its legs 40, 41 can engage or engages in the grooves 35 of the plug part 3. Only then does the retaining clip 4 move radially slightly inwards along slot-shaped openings or recesses 29 of the coupling part body 20 in the direction of the plug part 3 in the coupling part body 20, as shown in particular P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0102] 24

[0103] as can be seen in Figure 17, and no longer protrudes so far beyond the outside of the coupling part body 20.

[0104] In the delivered state of the connector 1, i.e., in the pre-assembled state shown in Figures 13 and 14, the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60, or the indicator ring 80, is already inserted into the coupling body 20. The retaining clip 4 is also already arranged on the coupling body 20. However, due to the positioning of the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60, or the indicator ring 80, the retaining clip cannot be moved into its final position, which is shown in Figures 15 to 21, because it is held in the two concave support surfaces 55 of the indicator ring 50 or in the concave support surfaces 85 of the indicator ring 80. In this arrangement, movement of the retaining clip 4 transversely to the axial extent of the coupling body 20, i.e., along the slot-shaped openings or recesses 29, is prevented.

[0105] The coupling part 2, which is pre-assembled and therefore in its delivery state, is first fitted with the O-ring 7, then with the plug indicator 5 either in the form of the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 or in the form of indicator ring 80 or in the form of locking ring 60 and indicator ring 50 as individual parts to be assembled sequentially, and then with the retaining clip 4, can in the next step be joined with the plug part 3 by inserting the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2 to form the connector 1. The plug part 3 enters the coupling part body 20 with its front-facing first cylindrical plug section 32, whereby, as the plug part 3 is moved axially in the coupling part body 20, a conical transition section 33 of the plug part 3 comes into contact with the also conically shaped inner surface 53 of the indicator ring 50 or the also conically shaped inner surface 83 of the indicator ring 80.During the further insertion of the connector part 3 into the coupling part body 2, the indicator ring 50 or the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60, or the indicator ring 80, is carried along by the connector part 3, depending on the embodiment. This occurs before the connector part 3 reaches its final assembly position in the P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0106] 25

[0107] The legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 of the coupling part 2 disengage from the concave support surfaces 55 of the indicator ring 50 and from the concave support surfaces 85 of the indicator ring 80, respectively, but remain in contact with the outer surface 52 of the indicator ring 50 and the outer surface 82 of the indicator ring 80, respectively. The retaining clip 4 is thus prevented from reaching its final position on the coupling part body 20. The axially projecting detent elements 58 of the indicator ring 50 and the axially projecting detent elements 88 of the indicator ring 80 continue to bear against the inner surface 23 of the coupling part body 20.

[0108] Only when the connector part 3 reaches its final assembly position in the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2, i.e., when the front-facing first cylindrical connector section 32 reaches almost to or up to the inner shoulder 126, is the connector part 3 in its final assembly position. In this position, the grooves 35 on the outside of the connector part 3, which are arranged between the conical transition section 33 and a second cylindrical connector section 34, are aligned with the two slot-shaped openings or recesses 29 in the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2, as can be seen particularly well in Figure 20. In this position, the two legs 40, 41 of the retaining clip 4 can slide radially inwards and engage in the two grooves 35 on the outside 36 of the connector part 3. This secures the final assembly position of the plug part 3 in the coupling part 2 via the retaining clip 4 or its two legs 40, 41.In this final assembly position, the two radially projecting outer sections 30, 31, which are arranged on the second cylindrical connector section 34 of the connector part 3, are also located in the corresponding recess or longitudinal groove 25 and the longitudinal groove 27 of the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2, as can also be clearly seen in Figure 19. The indicator ring 50 or the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 or the indicator ring 80 are engaged with their respective axially projecting detent elements 58 or 88 in the corresponding recesses or grooves 24 of the coupling part body 20. This can also be seen in Figures 16 and 19. P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb.

[0109] 26

[0110] In Figures 15 and 16, the plug part 3 is not inserted into the coupling part 2, whereas in Figures 17 to 21 it is inserted into the coupling part 2. The components of the unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60, or the indicator ring 80 and the retaining clip 4, are in the coupling part 2 in Figures 15 and 16 in the same final position as in Figures 17 to 21. With regard to the retaining clip 4, it can be seen from Figures 15 and 16 that its two legs 40, 41 have reached the position in which the plug part 3 can be locked into the coupling part 2 in the area of ​​its two outer grooves 35. The two legs 40, 41 are therefore no longer held spread apart by the plug indicator 5, either in the embodiment as indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 or as a unit consisting of indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 or in the embodiment as indicator ring 80.

[0111] In the final assembly position of connector 1, i.e., the operating state of connector 1, it can be verified not only by the position of the retaining clip 4, but especially by reading the mating indicator 5, whether a successful, fully completed mating process between coupling part 2 and plug part 3 inserted into coupling part 2 has occurred. This is possible by optically or visually inspecting the at least one window 21 on the coupling part body 20. As can be seen in Figure 18, the radially projecting section 56 of the indicator ring 50 or the radially projecting section 86 of the indicator ring 80 can be detected through the window 21 in the coupling part body 20. Especially when the radially projecting section 56 or 86 is colored, a very quick visual verification of a proper, fully completed, and therefore successful mating process between plug part 3 and coupling part 2 is possible.If, alternatively or additionally, a code is applied to the radially projecting section 56 or 86 which can be optically detected, it is also possible to quickly detect this optically readable information and accordingly recognize the successful, fully completed insertion process.

[0112] Checking the mating status of coupling part 2 and plug part 3 of connector 1 is therefore possible using only a few components, P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0113] 27, which are inserted into the coupling part body 20 of the coupling part 2, is possible, namely simply by including the indicator ring 80 or alternatively the indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 or the unit consisting of the indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 and the retaining clip 4. For sealing, only the sealing ring in the form of the O-ring 7 is inserted into the coupling part body 20. If necessary, the sealing ring, in particular the O-ring 7, can be directly molded onto the underside 65 of the locking ring 60 or the underside 89 of the indicator ring 80, so that the sealing ring does not need to be inserted separately into the coupling part body 20, but is inserted together with the indicator ring 80 or the unit consisting of the indicator ring 50 and locking ring 60 into the coupling part body 20. No further components are required besides the aforementioned components.

[0114] The bulging shape of the underside 89 of the indicator ring 80 and the underside 65 of the locking ring 60, which is connected to the indicator ring 50, in conjunction with the sealing ring in the form of the O-ring 7 and the wave-shaped profile of the shoulder 26 in the coupling part body 20, which is shaped opposite to the underside 89 of the indicator ring 80 and the underside 65 of the locking ring 60, further reduces the insertion forces when inserting the plug part 3 into the coupling part 2 compared to a straight design of the respective underside of the indicator ring 80 and locking ring 60. This thus enables a less forceful insertion process and an easier insertion of the plug part 3 and coupling part 2.

[0115] In addition to the embodiments of a connector or coupling part described above and shown in the figures, comprising at least one coupling part body, at least one retaining clip for holding a plug part inserted into the coupling part, and at least one insertion indicator for indicating a successful, fully completed insertion process of the coupling part and the plug part inserted into the coupling part, numerous other embodiments can be formed, in particular any combination of the aforementioned features, wherein the coupling part as insertion indicator is either a unit from P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0116] 28 comprising at least one indicator ring and at least one locking ring or at least one indicator ring formed in one piece with at least one locking ring.

[0117] P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0118] 29

[0119] Reference symbol list

[0120] 1 connector

[0121] 2 Coupling part

[0122] 3 connector part

[0123] 4 retaining clips

[0124] 5 Plug indicator

[0125] 7 O-ring

[0126] 20 coupling component bodies

[0127] 21 windows

[0128] 22 Rest recess

[0129] 23 Inside

[0130] 24 Recess / groove

[0131] 25 Recess / longitudinal groove

[0132] Paragraph 26

[0133] 27 longitudinal groove

[0134] 28 Outside

[0135] 29 slot-shaped recesses / openings

[0136] 30 Outer radially projecting section

[0137] 31 Outer radially projecting section

[0138] 32 front-facing first cylindrical connector section

[0139] 33 conical transition section

[0140] 34 second cylindrical plug section

[0141] 35 Nut

[0142] 36 Outside

[0143] 40 thighs

[0144] 41 thighs

[0145] 42 Intermediate section

[0146] 43 middle slightly curved section

[0147] 44 lateral slightly curved section

[0148] 45 lateral slightly curved section

[0149] 46 Final section

[0150] 47 Final section

[0151] 50 indicator ring P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb

[0152] 30

[0153] 51 ring bodies

[0154] 52 Outside

[0155] 53 Inside

[0156] 54 Exclusion

[0157] 55 concave support surface

[0158] 56 radially projecting section

[0159] 57 Top

[0160] 58 axially projecting locking element

[0161] 59 Subpage

[0162] 60 locking ring

[0163] 61 Ring bodies

[0164] 62 Top

[0165] 63 projecting locking element

[0166] 64 radially projecting detent projection

[0167] 65 Underside

[0168] 66 convex projecting section

[0169] 67 convex projecting section

[0170] 80 indicator rings

[0171] 81 Ring bodies

[0172] 82 Outside

[0173] 83 Inside

[0174] 85 concave support surface

[0175] 86 radially projecting section

[0176] 87 Top

[0177] 88 projecting locking element

[0178] 89 Underside

[0179] 90° convex projecting section

[0180] 91 convex projecting section

[0181] 122 Recess / Window

[0182] 126 internal paragraph of 20

Claims

P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb 31 Claims 1. Coupling part (2), comprising at least one coupling part body (20), at least one retaining clip (4) for holding a component in the coupling part (2) inserted plug part (3) and at least one plug indicator (5) to indicate a successful, fully completed plugging operation of coupling part (2) and plug part inserted into the coupling part (2). (3) characterized in that the coupling part (2) comprises at least one indicator ring as a plug-in indicator (5) and at least one locking ring which can be inserted into or are inserted into the coupling part body (20), wherein the at least one indicator ring (50) and the at least one locking ring (60) are connected to each other to form a unit or the at least one indicator ring (80) is formed integrally with a locking ring.

2. Coupling part (2) according to claim 1 , characterized in that when a unit of interconnected indicator ring (50) and locking ring (60) is provided, the at least one locking ring (60) has a ring body (61) which has crown-like projecting locking elements (63) on its upper side (62).

3. Coupling part (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one locking ring (60) has at least two projecting, in particular convex, projecting sections (66, 67) on its underside (65), in particular a bulged shape and / or a wave-shaped profile.

4. Coupling part (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, when providing a unit of interconnected indicator ring (50) and locking ring (60), the at least one indicator ring (50) has a ring body P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb 32 (51) has a circumferentially provided with at least two recesses and / or openings (54) and / or openings for engaging and connecting with locking elements (63) of the at least one locking ring (60).

5. Coupling part (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one indicator ring (50) is provided on its upper side (57) with projecting locking elements (58) for locking onto the coupling part body (20).

6. Coupling part (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one indicator ring (50) has at least one support surface, in particular a concave support surface (55) for supporting and holding the retaining clip (4) on the outside (52) of its ring body (51).

7. Coupling part (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the case of a one-piece formation of the indicator ring (80) and the locking ring, the at least one indicator ring (80) has a ring body (81) which has at least two projecting, in particular convex, projecting sections (90, 91) on its underside (89), in particular a bulging shape and / or a wave-shaped profile, and which is provided on its upper side (87) with projecting locking elements (88) for locking onto the coupling part body (20).

8. Coupling part (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one indicator ring (50, 80) is conically formed on the inside (53, 83) of its ring body (51, 81) in the direction of its underside (59) facing the locking ring (60) or, in the case of a one-piece design, with the locking ring on its underside (89). P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb 33 9. Coupling part (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling part body (20) has at least one window (21) and optically readable information is arranged on the at least one indicator ring (50, 80), in particular at least one encoding, such as a QR code and / or Data Matrix Code (DMC), and / or at least one marking, in particular a colored marking, wherein in the successfully completed insertion state of the plug part (3) in the coupling part (2) the optically readable information can be read through the at least one window (21) in the coupling part body (20).

10. Coupling part (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one indicator ring (50, 80) has a radially projecting section (56, 86) in the area in which the at least one optically readable information is arranged.

11. Coupling part (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining clamp (4) is approximately U-shaped in plan view with two legs (40, 41) extending substantially straight and parallel to each other and an intermediate section (42) connecting them, wherein the intermediate section (42) has a central slightly curved section (43) and two lateral slightly curved sections (44, 45) adjacent to it on both sides, adjoining it and merging into the two legs (40, 41) to maintain a substantially parallel alignment of the two legs (40, 41) to each other.

12. Connector (1) comprising at least one coupling part and at least one plug part (3), wherein the plug part (3) can be inserted into or is inserted into the coupling part (2), characterized in that P3020PCT / VOSS Automotive GmbH / R-aw-kb 34 the coupling part is a coupling part (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images