Connector

A connector, having a socket part and a plug part being insertable into a socket section of the socket part, wherein the plug part is provided with a retaining element for detachably retaining the plug part in the socket part, the retaining element having a retaining arm with at least one outwardly projecting engaging catch, a free end, and an end secured to the retaining element body and can be spring-elastically moved in the radial direction in relation to the plug part for blocking the engaging catch on a blocking surface or a blocking opening of the socket part and releasing it from same, and a locking device being provided for securing the blocking status of the plug part and socket part and for indicating an incorrect assembly thereof, the locking device cooperating with the retaining element, and being a radially insertable locking element that cooperates with the retaining element in the region of the retaining arm thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a connector, in particular for hose lines and/or pipelines, comprising at least one socket part and at least one plug part, wherein the plug part can be or is inserted into a socket portion of the socket part and wherein at least one holding element is provided for releasably holding the plug part in the socket part and wherein the plug part can be or is provided with the holding element and the holding element is radially expandable in at least one portion and has at least one holding arm having at least one outwardly protruding latching lug on its outer surface, wherein the at least one holding arm has a free end and an end fixed to the holding element body and is resiliently movable in the radial direction relative to the plug part in order to latch the at least one latching lug on at least one latching surface or latching opening of the socket part and release it therefrom, and wherein at least one locking device is provided for securing the latching state of the plug part and the socket part and for indicating incorrect assembly thereof, wherein the at least one locking device cooperates with the at least one holding element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A very wide variety of connectors having a plug part and a socket part are known in the prior art. In order to secure the plug part in the socket part, it is likewise known to provide holding elements for this purpose. A very wide variety of forms of such holding elements are known. For example, according to EP 0 999 398 B1, a plug-in connector for hose lines and/or pipelines consists of a socket part and a plug part, the plug part being inserted with a plug shaft into a receiving opening of the socket part. The inserted plug part is sealed relative to the socket part by a peripheral seal and is locked against being pulled out by a locking device. Inside the socket part there is arranged a hollow-cylindrical plug-in pin which engages axially into the inserted plug shaft. The locking device consists of at least two diametrically opposite latching arms of the plug part which extend axially in the release direction approximately parallel to the plug axis and are resilient in the axial direction, wherein the latching arms in the inserted state each engage in an interlocking manner behind an undercut surface formed in the receiving opening of the socket part. The locking device is formed in one piece with the plug part.

From DE 86 04 217 U1 there is known a further plug-in connector for pressure-medium lines, in particular for connecting brake lines to a brake valve body, which plug-in connector consists of a housing and a plug, having a through-opening, which can be inserted with its plug shaft into a connecting bore of the housing. The plug is held in the axial direction against displacement by means of a holding element and is sealed by means of a peripheral seal arranged between the plug shaft and the housing. The plug is fixed against rotation relative to the housing by an interlocking connection. The interlocking connection consists of two latching elements arranged on the periphery of the plug shaft and non-rotatably connected thereto, which latching elements, in the inserted state of the plug, latch into openings in the housing, the latching elements consist of latching tongues. A safety cap is further pushed over the insertion opening and covers it with its cap bottom. With its outer wall it encloses the housing. The holding element consists of a bayonet catch, which is formed by a locking sleeve arranged on the plug shaft and the housing. Only a radial release movement is prevented with a construction of the plug-in connector. EP 2 224 156 A2 discloses a plug-in connector for media lines which comprises a plug part which can be inserted with a plug shaft in a sealing manner into a receiving opening of a connector counter-part and can be releasably locked relative thereto in a latching manner against being pulled out. The latching means consist of at least two latching arms of the plug part, which extend in the release direction approximately parallel to the insertion axis and are resilient in the radial direction. In the inserted state, the latching arms each engage in an interlocking or friction-based manner behind a latching step inside the receiving opening of the connector counter-part. The plug part is in the form of an integral, monolithic shaped part with the latching arms. A locking element is movably connected to the plug part in such a manner that, in a securing position, it blocks the latching means against release and, in a release position, it frees the latching means for a release movement which removes the blocking. The latching means are further so configured that different forces are to be overcome in the insertion and release directions. Disassembly is carried out by engaging end portions of the latching arms which protrude from the connector counter-part and are arranged adjacent to the plug part.

EP 1 106 896 B1 discloses a further plug-in connector for pressure-medium lines, which consists of a housing part and a plug part. The plug part is inserted with its plug shaft in a sealing manner into a receiving opening of the housing part and releasably blocked by means of a separate holding element having holding means which are resiliently movable in the radial direction. This is effected in that the holding element, in a blocking position, is seated with the holding means between an inner annular step in the receiving opening and an outer annular step of the plug shaft, wherein the holding element is so seated on the plug shaft, in order to be displaceable in the axial direction between a securing position and a freeing position, that the holding means in the securing position are blocked against a radial release movement and in the freeing position are freed for a radial release movement. A spring element is so arranged between the plug part and the holding element that the holding element can be brought automatically into the securing position by spring force and into the release position against the spring force. Assembly and disassembly take place axially by an axial lifting movement by engaging the holding element by means of a release or lifting tool. Apart from the holding element, the provision of the spring element is necessary to permit the desired blocking.

A further form of a plug-in connector for an overflow oil line is known from FR 2 930 621 A1. For latching there are provided in this solution on the one hand an annular holding element which partly surrounds the plug part, and on the other hand a tongue-shaped latching element which engages into a gap in the annular holding element in order that locking means are in their locking position and deformation of the annular holding element out of its blocking position into its release position is prevented.

DE 39 24 173 A1 further discloses a connection fitting consisting of a connection element which has a receiving bore for a pipe end provided with a fastening bead, and a sealing ring which encompasses the pipe end. For fastening in the connection element, there is fitted to the pipe end a bush which can be inserted into the receiving bore and which has a region which is resiliently deformable in the radial direction. This is provided in its bore with a groove which can be latched over the fastening bead and forms a latching catch engaging into a groove in the connection element. The pipe end is connected to the connection element by a simple insertion operation and is released again by opening the latching catch.

From U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,654 B2 there is known a one-piece connector having a tubular element and a collar. A pair of diametrically opposite actuating arms hangs from the collar and lies in a first plane. A pair of diametrically opposite locking arms likewise hangs from the collar and lies in a second plane, which is perpendicular to the first plane. The locking arms serve to interlock with an edge at the end of a line. They can be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position, depending on the movement of the actuating arms.

From WO 2015/058857 A2 there is further known a connector comprising a socket part and a plug part, wherein the plug part is inserted into a receiving opening of the socket part and wherein a holding element is provided for releasably latching the plug part in the socket part. The holding element and the plug part are in two-part form, and the holding element is radially expandable and mounted in a captive and rotationally fixed manner on the receiving portion of the plug part. The holding element has at least one holding arm having a protruding holding lug on its outer surface, wherein the holding arm extends approximately parallel to the insertion axis of the plug part and can be moved resiliently in the radial direction relative to the plug part in order to latch the holding lug with a latching surface of the socket part or unlock it. For the guided engagement of a release tool with the holding element in order to release the connection between the plug part with the holding element and the socket part, guide surfaces or guide portions are provided on the holding element body adjacent to the free end of the at least one holding arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object underlying the present invention is to further develop a connector in such a manner that the latching state of the socket part and the plug part can be secured and incorrect assembly of the socket part and the plug part can quickly be recognized in order to make such a connector even more reliable in particular when pressurized medium is being passed through the connector.

The object is achieved by a connector according to the claims in that at least one locking device is a radially insertable locking element which cooperates with the holding element in the region of the at least one holding arm thereof. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

There is accordingly provided a connector which comprises at least one socket part and at least one plug part which can be inserted into one another, wherein the plug part is inserted into a socket portion, having a receiving opening, of the socket part. In addition to the at least one holding element for releasably holding the plug part in the socket part, at least one locking device is provided for locking the inserted position of the plug part and the socket part. The at least one holding element is either integral with the plug part or connected thereto, in particular by pushing on. It is advantageously mounted in a captive manner on a receiving portion of the plug part. The holding element can be radially expanded in at least one portion and has at least one holding arm having at least one protruding latching lug on its outer surface, wherein the at least one holding arm has a free end and an end fixed to the holding element body, that is to say the body of the holding element, and can be moved resiliently in the radial direction relative to the plug part. It is thereby possible to latch the at least one latching lug, which is arranged on the holding arm, on a latching surface or latching opening of the socket part or to release it from the latching position again. In order to secure the latching of the plug part and the socket part, the at least one locking device is provided, by means of which incorrect assembly of the plug part and the socket part can also be indicated. The at least one locking device is pushed radially onto the holding element and thereby cooperates with the holding element in the region of the holding arm(s) thereof so that, when the locking device is actuated, the plug part and the socket part cannot be assembled completely, that is to say the plug part and the socket part cannot be fully inserted into one another. Furthermore, the locking device cooperates with the holding element on the plug part in such a manner that the locking device can be released and brought into a position securing the plug connection between the plug part and the socket part only when the plug part is fully inserted into the socket part. Accordingly, it is possible to visually recognize, but also haptically identify by touch, whether a correct and complete plug connection and end position, that is to say complete assembly, of the plug part and the socket part is present or not. If, for example, the locking device protrudes above the surface of the connector in an unintended manner, it can be determined visually and haptically that incorrect assembly or incomplete assembly of the plug part and socket part must be present. Furthermore, if the plug part and the socket part cannot be fully inserted into one another because the locking device has been brought into its position which under normal conditions secures and blocks the complete assembly of the plug part and the socket part, it can likewise readily be determined that complete assembly of the plug part and the socket part is not present and there is accordingly a risk that, if pressurized medium is passed through the connector while the plug part and the socket part are in that position, the plug part and the socket part will separate. It is precisely in the case of pressurized media sent through hose lines or pipelines provided with the connector that there is a risk from the pressurized medium, which may then abruptly separate the incomplete connection between the plug part and the socket part and escape from the separated connector. In order to be able to reliably avoid this, incorrect assembly of the plug part and the socket part, or complete and incomplete assembly of the plug part and the socket part, can be determined visually and haptically by the locking device. In addition, for example, the at least one second locking device can be colored or have a colored marking, optionally all parts of the connector can be of different colors or marked with different colors, so that a visual check of a correct insertion position of the plug part and the socket part and of the locking device by a visual check of the at least one locking device, that is to say the positioning thereof on the connector, is possible.

By providing the at least one locking device in the form of a radially insertable locking element, in particular similar to a holding clamp, a visual and haptic check, for example, of a correct assembly state of the connector, that is to say of a correct and complete insertion state of the plug part and the socket part in one another, is possible by visually and/or haptically checking the position of the radially insertable locking element. In particular, an incomplete insertion state or incorrect assembly of the plug part and the socket part can be recognized in that the radially insertable locking element protrudes far above the surface of the socket part and the plug part and does not engage in a holding manner with the holding element. By cooperating with the at least one holding arm of the holding element, it is possible for the radially insertable locking element to block the holding element as long as an incomplete or incorrect insertion state, that is to say incorrect assembly of the plug part and the socket part, is present. On the other hand, the holding arm of the holding element can prevent the radially insertable locking element from being inserted into its fully inserted position as long as the holding arm is not in the latching position of its at least one latching lug on the latching surface or latching opening of the socket part. Particularly advantageously, therefore, the radially insertable locking element, when seen from above, is U-shaped with two legs and a transverse portion arranged therebetween, wherein at least one portion, or blocking portion, of the legs or on the legs serves for engagement between the free end of the at least one holding arm and the plug part. Between the free end of the holding arm and the outside of the plug part, a space is thus advantageously provided, in the fully latched state of the holding element and the latching groove or opening or surface in the socket part, whereby the legs of the radially insertable locking element or of the locking device in the form of such a radially insertable locking element engage into that space, or gap, and are accordingly able to engage the holding element or the holding arms thereof. The legs of the radially insertable locking elements advantageously have blocking portions for engaging behind the holding arms of the holding element in a blocking manner.

The provision of the at least one locking device accordingly serves to securely lock the plug part and the socket part of the connector to one another and also to indicate incorrect assembly of the plug part and the socket part. The locking device, or the radially insertable locking element, is accordingly movable radially relative to the holding element, or the plug part, and socket part, and can be or is preassembled on the holding element, and can be displaced from a preassembled position into a locking position. By means of the locking device it is possible to detect a correct insertion position of the plug part and the socket part with one another in two respects, since complete radial insertion of the locking device in the form of a radially insertable locking element is possible only when the plug part and the socket part are fully inserted and are thus fully assembled with one another and in the desired end position. A transport lock position of the locking device is advantageously provided, wherein at least one blocking portion, or at least one blocking element, prevents the locking device from being able to be brought or pushed radially into its end position if the plug part and the socket part are not inserted fully, that is to say if the plug connection is not inserted fully and securely.

If the radially insertable locking element is brought into its end position improperly and with the application of force, without the plug part and the socket part being in the fully inserted state, it is no longer possible for the socket part to be fitted to the plug part in this position since this is prevented by the radially insertable locking element inserted between the holding arms and the plug part, because the holding arms are blocked and the latching lug is thus prevented from engaging behind the holding arm and the latching surface or latching opening on the socket part. Accordingly, when the radially insertable locking element is fully inserted, the holding arm or holding arms of the holding element is/are blocked, so that they are no longer movable in the radial direction relative to the plug part and latching of the at least one latching lug on at least one latching surface or latching opening of the socket part is thereby prevented.

The transverse portion arranged between the legs of the radially insertable locking element is advantageously provided with at least one protruding blocking element which can be engaged or engages into at least one opening in the holding element. Particularly advantageously, the blocking element is tongue-like and has an end that is fastened to the transverse portion or fixed and a free end, wherein the free end is provided at the end with at least one protruding lug-shaped latching portion. The protruding lug-shaped latching portion serves on the one hand to engage into an opening in the holding element and for securing the blocking element in the opening against automatically moving out, such as sliding out or slipping out, or release from that opening, and on the other hand to prevent engagement by abutment of the lug-shaped latching portion on the outside of the holding element. Without application of a pressure to the blocking element transversely to the blocking element, the lug-shaped latching portion prevents the radially insertable element from being inserted radially into its fully inserted position. Furthermore, an anti-loss means holds the radially insertable locking element in a captive position so that the radially insertable locking element, once fitted onto the holding element, is fixed in a captive and radially displaceable manner on the holding element. The pressure for deflecting the blocking element in order to bring it into an aligned position above the opening can be exerted on the blocking element by the socket part. When the radially insertable locking element is brought into the fully inserted position in which the holding arms of the holding element are thus held and locked against unintentional release of the plug part from the socket part, the blocking element engages into the opening in the holding element and is secured therein by latching with the lug-shaped latching portion. Accordingly, the locking element, which is fitted to the plug part, advantageously has, in the region between the at least two mutually opposite holding arms, the corresponding opening into which the blocking element, in particular the tongue-like blocking element, can engage and be secured therein by the protruding lug-shaped latching portion. Dual detection of the insertion position of the plug part by the holding arms and the blocking element of the locking device, or of the radially insertable locking element, is thus possible, wherein one detection relates to the position of the edge of the socket part and a further detection relates to the fully (radially) outwardly deflected position of the holding arms. When the plug part is inserted sufficiently deeply into the socket part, the socket part is able to engage the blocking element with, for example, an edge or a protruding or projecting portion and deflect it, so that the blocking element is located above the opening and the radially insertable locking element can be brought into its fully inserted position when a pressure directed radially relative to the holding element is exerted on the radially insertable locking element. In that position, the holding arms are prevented from being actuated in the radial (release) direction which, in the case of a fully inserted connection/connector, has the effect that the holding arms cannot be brought into the release position and, when the socket part is absent, has the effect that the socket part can no longer be fitted to the plug part. When the radially insertable locking element is in the fully inserted position on the holding element, the latching portion arranged at the end of the blocking element is located in the opening in the holding element and is secured in the opening or at the edge thereof. The locking device can thus advantageously be brought or inserted fully into its end position only when the blocking element projects into the opening of the holding element, or the lug-shaped latching portion of the blocking element is located in that opening, and the holding arms of the holding element are radially movable.

The blocking element and the edge or the radially projecting portion of the socket part are thus able to cooperate in such a manner that the blocking element is released by the edge or the radially projecting portion of the socket part and is guided into the opening of the holding element. Accordingly, when the socket part is pushed axially onto the plug part, such an edge or such a radially projecting portion in particular at the edge of the socket part presses against the tongue-like blocking element, so that its lug-shaped latching portion arranged at the end is deflected and thereby brought above the opening in the holding element. In this position, the radially insertable locking element can be pushed radially into the fully inserted position, in which the plug part and the socket part are thus locked together. The lug-shaped latching portion thus serves to prevent the locking device from being displaced radially into a locking position in which the blocking element engages into the opening in the holding element, and to prevent the blocking element from being pulled back out of that opening.

Furthermore, the positioning of the radially insertable locking element, that is to say its actual insertion position, or a release position and a blocking position of the locking device in the form of the radially insertable locking element can be ascertained by means of the blocking element. Engagement of the blocking element, or of its protruding lug-shaped latching portion at the end of the tongue-like blocking element, into the at least one opening in the holding element is possible, when the plug part and the socket part are inserted one into the other, only when the plug part and the socket part are fully in the correct insertion position. Thus, when the plug part and the socket part are fully inserted correctly, full insertion of the radially insertable locking element is enabled and, when the plug part and the socket part are incorrectly assembled or not inserted fully, it is correspondingly blocked. At the same time, the second locking device in particular in the form of the radially insertable locking element serves the purpose of secondary locking. Accordingly, accidental release of the holding element from the latching position in the socket part is thereby reliably prevented, because the fully inserted radially insertable locking element as the locking device prevents the holding element from being unlocked or released from its latching position on the socket part, since it engages the holding arms which optionally effect such a release and pushes or holds them into/in the latching position. The legs of the radially insertable locking element therefore advantageously have such a shape and are at such a distance from one another that, when they are fully fitted onto the holding element, they engage two mutually opposite holding arms and block them against a radial release movement in the direction towards the plug axis. Because the holding arms are prevented by the corresponding portion of the legs of the radially insertable locking element from springing freely and instead are held spaced apart radially from the plug part by the corresponding blocking portion of the legs of the radially insertable locking element, latching of the at least one latching lug of the at least one holding arm of the holding element on the at least one latching surface or latching opening of the socket part is no longer possible because the latching lug protrudes too far radially to come into engagement with the latching surface or latching opening on the socket part. Thus, if the radially insertable locking element is fitted completely, that is to say in the end position, onto the plug part, or the holding element thereof, by improper treatment and by overcoming the blocking function by the transport lock by means of the tongue-like blocking element having a lug-shaped latching portion, before the socket part has been fitted completely onto the plug part, such complete fitting of the socket part onto the plug part is no longer possible on account of the latching lugs, which project too far radially, on the holding arms of the holding element of the plug part. Conversely, in the case of an incomplete insertion operation of the plug part and the socket part, complete insertion of the radially insertable locking element is not possible because the legs, or the corresponding blocking portion of the of the legs, of the radially insertable locking element cannot engage into the region between the free ends of the holding arms and the plug part because, in the case of an incomplete insertion operation, the holding arms are pressed too far radially in the direction towards the plug part by the socket part to allow the legs of the radially insertable locking element to engage therebetween. An additional safeguard is thus provided. Accordingly, in the case of an incomplete insertion operation of the plug part and the socket part, the radially insertable locking element protrudes at least so far above the outer periphery of the plug part that it is detectable visually and haptically. Only when the holding arms of the holding element are free, that is to say their latching lugs engage beneath the corresponding latching surfaces or latching surface of the socket part or engage into corresponding latching openings in the socket part and latch therein, is it possible to push the legs of the radially insertable locking element with the corresponding blocking portion between the holding arms and the plug part and thereby bring them into the position blocking the holding arms.

The plug part can on the one hand be in the form of a monolithic plug part, wherein the holding arms are arranged directly on the body of the plug part, in particular are formed in one piece therewith. It is further possible to form a separate holding element and to fit or push it axially onto a receiving portion of the plug part. The plug part and the holding element are then multi-part. However, it has been found to be advantageous to provide an anti-loss means in order to prevent the unintentional release of the holding element from the plug part.

The holding element advantageously has holding arms having latching lugs which are directed inwards and outwards relative to the holding element. A combination of outwardly and inwardly directed latching lugs on the holding element and acting therewith not only serves as an anti-loss means but especially serves to latch the holding element on the plug part. The inwardly directed latching lugs thereby absorb the same forces as the outwardly directed latching lugs.

It is further found to be advantageous, in the case of a two-part configuration of the plug part and the holding element, to provide at least one of the two parts with an anti-rotation means in order to prevent the plug part and the holding element from unintentionally rotating relative to one another on assembly and during operation. In particular, the plug part can be in polygonal form on the outside in at least one portion in order to provide such an anti-rotation means. It is further possible that the socket part also has at least one anti-rotation means in order to allow the socket part to be fitted to the plug part in the desired orientation and positioning relative thereto. In particular, the socket part can have at least one protruding element and/or at least one surface and/or shaping that secures against rotation. Particularly advantageously, the plug part and/or the holding element which is fitted thereto or formed in one piece therewith has a corresponding counter-surface so that the surfaces of the socket part and the plug part, or the holding element thereon, that are in contact prevent the plug part and the socket part from rotating. This can also be provided by a complementary element, or a groove, cut-out or recess on the plug part or on the holding element, on the plug part or at the plug part, which interlocks with the at least one protruding element on the socket part and accordingly forms an anti-rotation means and/or positioning aid for the socket part relative to the plug part. Furthermore, the socket part can also have a groove, cut-out or recess or a corresponding undercut surface into which a correspondingly protruding element on the plug part or holding element engages in order thereby to form an anti-rotation means and/or positioning aid.

It is further found to be advantageous if the plug part, in particular the receiving part on the plug part for receiving the holding element, is provided with at least one device for pressure locking which cooperates with the holding element and prevents the holding element from being unlocked when there is pressure inside the connector. When a pressure lock is provided, it is sufficient to provide the connector having the at least one plug part and the at least one socket part, wherein the plug part can be inserted into the socket portion of the socket part, wherein the at least one holding element is provided for releasably holding the plug part in the socket part and wherein the plug part can be or is provided with the holding element. Particularly preferably, the pressure locking device comprises at least one element that protrudes from the outside of the receiving portion of the plug part, in particular at least one protruding pin or at least one protruding elevation. The holding element advantageously comprises at least one opening. This at least one opening is advantageously arranged in (at least) one of the holding arms of the holding element. Specifically, when there is pressure inside the connector, for example due to the flow of pressurized medium through the connector, it is important that the plug part and the socket part are securely fixed to one another. When the plug part and the holding element are in the form of two parts which are fitted together, it is accordingly found to be advantageous to lock and secure the holding element via the pressure locking device, in particular one or more projecting elements on the receiving portion of the plug part, when there is media pressure inside the connector. A relative axial movement between the holding element and the plug part is brought about by applying pressure to the plug part. The plug part thereby moves axially in the counter-insertion direction, that is to say contrary to the insertion direction, while the holding element is fixed in an axially non-displaceable manner in the socket part. For pressure locking, the protruding element, as a result of displacement of the holding element relative to the plug part in the axial direction of the holding element, is advantageously located outside an opening in the holding element. A radial movement of the holding arm or holding arms is thereby blocked. Accordingly, the axial play of the holding element on the receiving portion of the plug part is advantageously such that the holding element is at least at a sufficient distance from the opening into which the at least one protruding element dips that the holding arms are not in a release position when the at least one protruding element is outside the opening. As a result of the axial displacement between the plug part and the holding element, the protruding elements are displaced out of the region of the opening(s) and thus block the holding arms radially.

The receiving portion can further have edges and/or be in polygonal form and/or have projecting elements, such as rods, extending in the longitudinal direction of the plug part, which elements on the one hand interlock with correspondingly complementary surfaces or portions of the holding element and on the other hand effect an anti-rotation means for preventing the holding element from rotating on the receiving portion of the plug part.

It is further found to be advantageous if the socket part consists of at least one plastics material and is provided with the at least one latching opening on the lateral surface. Alternatively, the socket part can be in the form of a machined part, in particular consist of at least one metal, and be provided with at least one undercut surface as the latching surface for latching of the at least one latching lug of the holding arm of the holding element. Accordingly, the socket part, when formed from at least one plastics material, advantageously has a latching opening on the lateral surface in order that the at least one latching lug of the at least one holding arm of the holding element, which has been or is arranged on the plug part, is able to engage therein. Alternatively, the socket part can be formed as a machined part of at least one metal. In this case, it advantageously has a latching surface, which is in particular an undercut surface, in order that the at least one latching lug of the at least one holding arm of the holding element, which is arranged on the plug part, can engage thereon. The plug part can accordingly be combined both with a socket part of a plastics material and with a socket part of at least one metal. The plug part can also consist of at least one plastics material or at least one metal. In particular, the socket part can further be in the form of a straight plug part or right-angle plug part or have any shape, including a bent shape.

When a polygonal form, in particular a tetragonal form, of the receiving portion of the plug part, on which the holding element is received or seated, is provided, the position of the holding element with the locking device fitted thereto can be varied in 90° steps on the plug part or around the periphery thereof, in order to allow the locking device to be actuated from different actuation directions. This is found to be advantageous in particular when the connector has been or is arranged in an inaccessible manner, for example in a vehicle, in particular in a very confined space. The possibility of arranging the locking device in different positions on the holding element or the plug part provides great flexibility in connection with the possibility of additional blocking of the holding arms of the holding element. The arrangement of the locking element provides greater resistance to lateral loading forces which act on the connector, as well as against forces acting on the connection between the plug part and the socket part in the removal direction. Such removal forces act in the release direction for releasing the connection between the plug part and the socket part, that is to say contrary to the insertion direction thereof. Forces in the removal direction can occur as a result of the action of forces on the hose lines or pipelines with which the plug part and the socket part are connected, which forces act on the plug part and the socket part, or on the connector, specifically in the removal direction with respect to the connection between the plug part and the socket part. Lateral loading forces can occur during operation, for example, in a vehicle during operation thereof, in particular during journeys on uneven ground. Furthermore, adjacent components, such as, for example, other lines or cable harnesses, can act on the connector and exert removal forces. However, owing to the locking device in particular in the form of the radially insertable locking element, the connection of the plug part and the socket part to one another is additionally secured, so that particular protection can thereby be provided also against removal forces and forces acting laterally on the connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS.1ato1fshow a connector1which comprises a plug part2, a socket part3, a holding element4, which is fitted to the plug part2, and a locking device in the form of a radially insertable locking element5. The connector1is shown inFIGS.1to1fin the so-called delivery state, that is to say in the preassembly state. The plug part2and the socket part3have not yet been inserted into one another, but the holding element4has been pushed onto a receiving portion20of the plug part2. This can be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.1eand1f, but also inFIGS.1to1c. The radially insertable locking element5is in a preassembly position in which it has been radially fitted to the plug part2but is in the preassembly inserted state in which the holding element4is not blocked but is released. Apart from the receiving portion20, the plug part2comprises a mandrel portion21via which a connection can be made in particular with a pipeline or hose line, which is not shown inFIG.1. Such a pipeline or hose line is pushed at its end onto the mandrel portion21, that is to say is fitted thereto by expansion. The socket part3also has a corresponding mandrel portion30, in order to allow in particular a pipeline or hose line also to be fixed thereto by expansion.

The socket part3further has a socket portion31which receives the plug part2and is provided at the end with a portion33arranged in the axial direction of the socket part3and protruding above the upper edge32of the socket portion31of the socket part3, and with a portion34projecting radially from the upper edge32of the socket portion31approximately opposite the axially protruding portion33. Offset by approximately 90° to the two portions33,34, the socket portion31of the socket part3has two mutually opposite window openings35,36which serve as latching openings for latching lugs40,41on the holding element4. The latching lugs40,41are arranged facing outwards on holding arms42,43of the holding element4, as can be seen not only inFIGS.1,1a,1b,1cand1fbut particularly clearly also inFIGS.13ato13l, in which the holding element4is shown in detail. The holding element4, or the holding element body44, has at its two mutually opposite ends a terminal continuous circumferential edge, namely at one end a continuous edge148and at the opposite other end of the holding element4or holding element body44a bead-like protruding terminal edge47. The holding arms42,43and140,141are fixed alternately to one edge148and to the other edge47, that is to say the holding arm42is fixed to the edge148, the holding arm140is fixed to the edge47, the holding arm43is fixed to the edge148and the holding arm141is fixed to the edge47. Apart from the end242,243fixed to the edge148or to the holding element body44, the holding arms42,43each have an opposite free end142,143which is resiliently movable in the radial direction (relative to the holding element4or holding element body44). The latching lugs40,41are arranged on the two holding arms42,43not at the end but along the longitudinal extent thereof, in particular approximately in the middle region between the free end142or143and the fixed end242,243of the holding arms42,43. Apart from the end244,245fixed to the edge148, the holding arms140,141each likewise have an opposite free end240,241which is resiliently movable in the radial direction (relative to the holding element4or holding element body44).

An actuating element45,46projects approximately radially outwards, that is to say away from the holding element body44of the holding element4, at the end of each of the free ends142,143of the holding arms42,43. By application of a force directed radially inwards relative to the holding element4, the latching lugs40,41can be brought from a latching position into an unlatched position in order to release the plug part with the holding element fitted thereto from the socket part, that is to say to move the latching lugs40,41out of the latching openings or window openings35,36and allow the plug part2to be removed axially from the socket part3or, conversely, the socket part3to be removed axially from the plug part2.

As can further be seen in particular inFIGS.13ato13l, the holding element4has the bead-like protruding terminal edge47adjacent to the respective actuating element45,46but spaced apart therefrom. At the opposite end, the holding element4has the continuous edge148. In the region of the actuating element45, a portion48projects in the axial direction of the holding element4from the bead-like protruding terminal edge47. Offset by approximately 90° thereto, that is to say between the two actuating elements45,46or the corresponding holding arms42,43, that is to say at the location of the holding arm140, adjacent to the fixed end244thereof, a radial portion49protrudes radially outwards from the bead-like protruding terminal edge47. That radial portion serves for interlocking with the radially insertable locking element5, which has a corresponding groove or cut-out50(seeFIG.15d) into which the radial portion49engages (see in particularFIG.1das well asFIGS.14aand14c). Adjacent to the radial portion49, two axial webs149,249are arranged on the holding element body44. On the side of the holding element body44opposite the radial portion49, two corresponding axial webs150,250protrude axially from the bead-like protruding terminal edge47, as can be seen particularly clearly inFIG.1as well asFIGS.13aand13b. The spacing of the two axial webs150,250from one another is in particular such that the axially protruding portion33at the upper edge32of the socket portion31of the socket part3is able to engage into that spacing in order to provide a positioning aid and also an anti-rotation means for the socket part3relative to the plug part2provided with the holding element4. In the region of the axial webs149,249and150,250, the holding element body44is tongue-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction or axial direction of the holding element body44as the holding arm140or141provided with the free end240or241already mentioned. The two holding arms140,141and two holding arms42,43with their outwardly facing latching lugs40,41are distributed alternately over the periphery of the holding element4. The two holding arms140,141also each have a latching lug146,147, which latching lugs are, however, directed inwardly in the direction towards the receiving portion20of the plug part2(see in particularFIGS.2g,5g,19). The latching lugs146,147are arranged at the ends of the holding arms140,141, that is to say at the free ends240,241of the two holding arms140,141. The holding arms140,141are radially deflectable relative to the holding element4at their ends in the region of their free ends240,241for latching on a latching surface or a latching shoulder or latching element of the plug part. By means of the latching lugs146,147, they are retained at a correspondingly shaped shoulder or element on the outside of the receiving portion20of the plug part2, come into engagement therewith (see, for example,FIG.3g). As can be seen inFIG.3g, the latching lugs146,147of the two holding arms140,141engage into the corresponding grooves or flattened portions on the periphery of the receiving portion20of the plug part2and are supported therein and on the surface thereof in the removal direction of the socket part3from the plug part2at a respective shoulder26,27of the plug part2, which delimits the receiving portion20, or at a respective shoulder206,207of the plug part200(see alsoFIGS.7,7a,8,8a). However, a certain degree of axial maneuverability or movability of the holding element4relative to the plug part2or on the receiving portion20thereof continues to be maintained.

The two holding arms140,141with their inwardly facing latching lugs146,147for retention on the plug part2or the receiving portion20thereof, and the two holding arms42,43with their outwardly facing latching lugs40,41for retention on the socket part3are accordingly arranged alternately over the periphery of the holding element4, in each case offset by 90° relative to one another. The mutually opposite holding arms140,141are thereby fixed to the edge47and the two mutually opposite holding arms42,43are fixed to the edge148. The free ends240,241of the two holding arms140,141extend almost as far as, and end at a distance from, the edge148, arranged between the two fixed ends242,243of the two adjacent holding arms42,43. The free ends142,143of the two holding arms42,43extend almost as far as, and end at a distance from, the edge47, arranged between the two fixed ends244,245of the two adjacent holding arms140,141, as can be seen in particular inFIGS.11kand11l.

At least the holding arm140has in the region between the two axial webs149,249a through-opening144which is in the form of a small window. The blocking element51of the radially insertable locking element5is able to engage into this through-opening144and latch onto the edge bordering the through-opening144or be supported in the preassembly position on the outside of the holding arm140next to the through-opening144. For this purpose, the blocking element51has a latching lug52at the end. The position of the latching lug52bearing on the outside of the holding arm140next to the through-opening144forms a transport lock for preventing the radially insertable locking element5from being unintentionally pushed into a fully inserted position. In the position introduced into the through-opening144, the latching lug52can be retained on the edge bordering the through-opening144and secure the blocking element51and thus the radially insertable locking element against being unintentionally released from the locking position. Furthermore, in that position the holding arms42,43of the holding element4are prevented from moving radially in the direction towards the plug part, because the radially insertable locking element5engages behind the holding arms with blocking portions153,154. The blocking portions153,154can be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.14b,14dand14g. If the latching lug52is supported on the outside of the holding arm140next to the through-opening144, the blocking portions153,154of the radially insertable locking element5also do not engage behind the holding arms42,43of the holding element4(see e.g.FIG.2d). In this preassembly position of the radially insertable locking element5, the holding arms42,43are thus freely movable radially for latching interlocking with the corresponding latching opening35,36of the socket part3.

The tongue-like blocking element51with the latching lug52arranged at the end can be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.14b,14d,14fto14l. As can be seen in particular inFIGS.14band14e, the blocking element51is slightly bent in order to be supported without application of a pressure by the socket part3on the outside of the holding arm140next to the through-opening144.

The blocking element51also serves the dual detection of a complete or sufficiently complete movement of the radially insertable locking element5into its locking position on the holding element4. In this dual detection, the position of the blocking element51and the radial movability of the holding arms42,43cooperating with the radially insertable locking element5are detected, it being necessary for insertion of the radially insertable locking element5into its end position for the radially protruding portion34or the edge32of the socket part3to position the blocking element51, or the terminal lug-shaped latching portion52thereof, in front of the through-opening or the window144and also for the holding arms42,43to be fully deflected and to engage into the window or latching openings35,36. It is thereby possible to determine the insertion state of the radially insertable locking element5.

As can likewise be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.14ato14l, the radially insertable locking element5is U-shaped when seen from above and has two mutually opposite legs53,54and a transverse portion55arranged therebetween. The tongue-like blocking element51is arranged along the transverse portion55, protruding approximately perpendicularly therefrom. It projects into the inner region of the U-shaped radially insertable locking element5spanned between the two legs53,54. The transverse portion55can, as shown, be provided on the outside with ribbing155for better, non-slip engagement. For protecting the tongue-like blocking element51and as spacer elements and for support, as guide elements and for preventing rotation, two dogs56,57arranged on the left and right adjacent to the blocking element51are provided, which dogs can be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.14c,14d,14fand14g. The two dogs56,57adjacent to the blocking element51serve in particular to protect the blocking element51from being accidentally bent or broken off in the incompletely inserted state of the radially insertable locking element5on the holding element4and additionally support the radially insertable locking element5, in particular against rotation.

The radially insertable locking element5further has at the ends of each of the two legs53,54a protruding anti-loss portion156,157which is in part of stepped shape. The anti-loss portion engages in an interlocking manner with at least one portion of correspondingly complementary shape on the holding element4; for the fully inserted state of the radially insertable locking element5, this can be seen in particular inFIGS.4,4band18e. According toFIG.4dit can be seen that, in the fully inserted position of the radially insertable locking element5, the anti-loss portions156,157are rounded on the outside in such a manner that an even end surface is formed externally on the holding element4. If the radially insertable locking element5is in an incomplete insertion position, in particular in the preassembly position, as is shown inFIGS.1ato3gand19, the anti-loss portions156,157engage in an interlocking manner with the respective holding arm42,43in the region of its respective actuating element45,46. Removal of the radially insertable locking element5from the holding element4is thereby prevented or made more difficult, so that the anti-loss portions156,157form an anti-loss means for the radially insertable locking element5on the holding element4(see alsoFIG.19).

The two legs53,54of the radially insertable locking element5each further have a protruding guide web158,159, as can be seen in particular inFIGS.14ato14c,14e,14fand14i,14jand14l. The protruding guide web serves to guide the radially insertable locking element5linearly during movement thereof during the radial insertion operation. The protruding guide webs158,159accordingly engage in an interlocking manner with correspondingly complementary shaped surfaces or shoulders of the holding element4, as can also be seen in particular in the enlarged view of the connector1inFIG.19.

InFIG.1, the radially insertable locking element5is merely arranged in a preassembly position on the holding element4, wherein it engages with its two legs53,54between the actuating elements45,46and the bead-like protruding terminal edge47. Both the holding element body44in the region of its bead-like protruding terminal edge47and the two legs53,54of the radially insertable locking element5have protruding and recessed portions which are of corresponding complementary shape on the holding element4and the radially insertable locking element5and can accordingly interlock. This can be seen in particular inFIGS.2d,3dand14d. In the preassembly position of the radially insertable locking element5on the holding element4, the holding arms42,43of the holding element are not yet blocked. This can be seen in particular inFIGS.1and1f. The preassembly position of the radially insertable locking element5on the holding element4is thus a release position as regards the movability of the holding arms40,43of the holding element4.

The socket part3is pushed onto the plug part2preassembled with the holding element4and the insertable locking element5, as is shown inFIGS.2to2g. The radially insertable locking element5thereby remains in the preassembly position, in which the holding arms42,43thus remain freely resiliently movable in the radial direction of the plug part2as a result of the radially insertable locking element5. Accordingly, the two mutually opposite holding arms42,43are pressed radially in the direction towards the receiving portion20of the plug part2when the socket part3is pushed with its socket portion31onto the plug part2provided on its receiving portion20with the holding element4. This can be seen in particular inFIG.2f. As it crosses the latching lugs40,41, the socket portion31presses the holding arms42,43, on which the latching lugs40,41are arranged, radially in the direction towards the receiving portion20of the plug part2. The actuating elements45,46thereby also move radially in the direction towards the plug part or recede, so that they protrude less far above the outer extent of the holding element body44than in the preassembly position, which is shown inFIG.1. This can be seen in particular by comparingFIGS.2and1. It is thus possible to recognize visually and optionally also haptically by touch that an incomplete insertion operation of the plug part2and the socket part3is present here. An unchecked insertion position is indicated by the incompletely pushed in radially insertable locking element5. The radially insertable locking element5projects above the outer periphery of the holding element4. If pressurized medium were to be sent through the connector1in this position, the plug part and the socket part would sooner or later become detached from one another. However, for safe use of the connector1, the plug connection between the plug part and the socket part must be complete, which can be monitored via the radially insertable locking element, as described hereinbefore.

In the still incomplete insertion position of the plug part2and the socket part3shown inFIGS.2to2g, a sealing ring or O-ring22, which on a terminal portion of the plug part2in a peripheral groove therein, which is inserted first and accordingly deeply into the socket portion31of the socket part3, rests in a sealing manner on the inner surface of the socket portion31in that region, as can be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.2fand2g. It can also be seen in particular in those figures that the plug part2has not yet been inserted fully into the socket part3, because the latching lugs40,41are not yet able to latch into the latching openings35,36of the socket portion31of the socket part3.

The fully inserted end position of the plug part2and the socket part3is shown inFIGS.3to3g. This is already recognizable visually and haptically in particular from the actuating elements45,46of the holding element4which again protrude radially far above the surface of the holding element4. As can be seen in particular inFIGS.3and3f, the latching lugs40,41are in the latched position in the two latching openings35,36in the socket portion31of the socket part3. The latching lugs40,41are supported in the latching openings35,36and thus lock the assumed latching position of the plug part with the holding element4fitted thereto and the socket part3. Because the socket portion31no longer presses radially against the latching lugs40,41and thus the holding arms42,43, they are able to spring back into the starting position or preassembly position, as is also shown inFIGS.1to1f, so that the actuating elements45,46again protrude radially outwards far above the surface of the holding element body44arranged adjacent to the actuating elements45,46. This can be seen in particular inFIGS.3and3f. The latched connection of the latching lugs40,41in the latching openings35,36of the socket portion31of the socket part3can be released by exerting a pressure radially in the direction towards the plug part2, as indicated by the arrows P1and P2. After the latching lugs40,41have been threaded into and latched in the latching openings35,36of the socket part3, the holding element4, which has been pushed onto the plug part2, is held captively thereon and the insertion position of the plug part2with the holding element4and the socket part3is secured or blocked.

As can be seen in particular inFIG.3d, the radially insertable locking element5continues to be in the preassembly position, that is to say has not been pushed further into the gap between the actuating elements45,46and the bead-like protruding terminal edge47of the holding element4. The additional block or locking of the plug connection between the socket part and the plug part with the holding element4fitted thereto that can be effected by the radially insertable locking element5is thus not yet active in the insertion state according toFIGS.3to3g. The radially insertable locking element5is active as a locking device only in the insertion state according toFIGS.4to4g. As can be seen in particular from the cross-sectional view along line C-C fromFIG.4binFIG.4d, the two legs53,54of the radially insertable locking element5engage with their respective blocking portion153,154behind the two holding arms42,43of the holding element4. Furthermore, the tongue-like blocking element51engages with its latching lug52into the through-opening144in the holding arm140of the holding element4and the two dogs56,57flanking the blocking element51are supported on the surface of the holding arm140. The latching lug52of the blocking element51can be supported in particular on the outside of the receiving portion20of the plug part2, as has already been described and as can be seen in particular inFIG.4g. Because the radially insertable locking element5rests in its inserted end position tightly, closely or in an interlocking manner on the outside of the plug part2, the end position of the insertion operation of the radially insertable locking element5can be determined or monitored not only visually but also haptically. As can be seen in particular inFIGS.4and4eand also4f, the actuating elements45,46continue to protrude beyond the surface of the holding element4, in particular of the bead-like protruding terminal edge47thereof, whereby the plug connection between the plug part and the socket part cannot be released by exerting pressure in the direction of arrows P1and P2in the insertion state according toFIGS.4to4gbecause it is prevented by the radially insertable locking element5which has been brought into its end position.

As can be seen in particular inFIGS.3gand4g, as well as inFIGS.3fand4f, a distance can continue to remain between the front side of the plug part2, that is to say the portion of the plug part which is sealed by the O-ring22relative to the inside of the socket portion31, and the shoulder37in the socket portion31, which distance is denoted a1inFIGS.3gand4g. InFIGS.2gand2f, on the other hand, a denotes the distance of the front side of the plug part2from the inside of the socket portion31, which arises on account of the unlatched, that is to say only incompletely inserted, position of the plug part and the socket part.

FIGS.5to5glikewise show the connector1on the one hand in the end position of the latching of the socket part3and the plug part2with the holding element4fitted thereto, and on the other hand in the end position of the radially insertable locking element5, which secures the latching state of the socket part3and the plug part2provided with the holding element4. Unlike in the embodiment according toFIGS.1to4g, the socket part300according toFIGS.5to5gis in the form of a machined part, in particular made of metal, and does not have a mandrel portion at the end. In its place, the socket part300is provided with a small fastening piece301, for example for connection with a pipeline. Connection to a pipeline or also to a unit is thus possible via the fastening piece301. The fastening piece301can be seen particularly clearly in section inFIGS.5fand5g. For connection to a pipeline, a unit, a machine, etc., different forms of connections of the connector1can be provided, such as a form as a socket part or portion, mandrel portion, threaded portion, etc. It is also possible to provide two coupling parts at the two sides/ends of the connector or of the socket part and/or of the plug part or of a connection in or to a machine with which the connector is to be connected.

Like the socket part3, the socket part300has a socket portion302but, instead of the latching openings35,36of the socket portion31of the socket part3, it has an internal latching groove303with a latching surface304. This can likewise be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.5fand5g. The latching lugs40,41on the holding arms42,43of the holding element4, which is again arranged on the plug part2, engage into the latching groove303, whereby they are supported on the latching surface304. Accordingly, the two actuating elements45,46again protrude beyond the surface of the socket part302or the bead-like protruding terminal edge47of the holding element4on the plug part2, as can be seen particularly clearly inFIGS.5c,5eand5fand also in the perspective view of the connector inFIG.5. As is shown inFIG.5d, the two legs53,54of the radially insertable locking element5again engage behind the two holding arms42,43with their blocking portions153,154and thus additionally secure the end position of the plug connection between the socket part300and the plug part2with the holding element4fitted thereto. The socket part300can, for example, consist of at least one metal, such as in particular aluminum, brass, steel or an alloy, such as an aluminum alloy. By contrast, the socket part3, which is provided with the mandrel portion30, can consist, for example, of a plastics material. The socket part, in both embodiments, can likewise consist of at least one plastics material and/or of at least one metal. The plug part2can consist both of a plastics material and of a metal, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The choice of material for the plug part and the socket part can be governed by the particular application, that is to say in particular the plug part and the socket part can consist of the same material or of different materials, in particular plastics material and/or metal. The holding element can also consist of one or more plastics material(s) and/or one or more metal(s).

In the latched end position of the plug part2with the holding element4fitted thereto and the socket part300, a distance a2remains, at least in the embodiment shown, between the front side of the plug part2, whereby the O-ring22on the plug part again serves to seal the plug part relative to the inner surface of the socket part302, and a shoulder306in the socket part300, as can be seen inFIG.5gand alsoFIG.5fandFIG.12a.

FIGS.6to6gshow the connector1with the socket part3not yet fitted to the plug part2, but the radially insertable locking element5has already been inserted into the holding element4into its end position, that is to say the fully inserted position. Accordingly, the holding arms42,43are prevented from permitting substantially radial deflection in the direction towards the plug part2. Actuation of the actuating elements45,46is thus not possible because they are prevented by the legs53,54of the radially insertable locking element5from being moved and are thereby blocked. This can be seen in particular in the cross-sectional view inFIG.6d. It is accordingly not possible to push and latch the socket part3with its socket portion31onto the plug part2with the holding element4fitted thereto, because the latching lugs40,41cannot be moved radially inwards in the direction towards the plug part2, and thus disappear, in order to slide inside the socket portion31until they are in alignment with the latching openings35,36in the socket portion31of the socket part3and can engage in a latching manner into the latching openings. A latching connection of the plug part with the holding element and the socket part is thus not possible when the radially insertable locking element5has been inserted, that is to say brought into the end position. The fully inserted state, that is to say the end position, of the radially insertable locking element5on the plug part2, or holding element4, can readily be ascertained both visually and haptically, thus for the radially insertable locking element5incorrect assembly, which prevents latching of the plug part and the socket part. In order to enable the socket part and the plug part with the locking element fitted thereto to be fitted together again and latched, the radially insertable locking element5must be released from its end position again and brought, for example, into the position shown inFIGS.1to1gand19.

In each of the figures described hereinbefore, straight plug parts and straight socket parts are shown.FIGS.7,7aand8, on the other hand, show right-angle plug parts200. In each ofFIGS.9,9aand10,10a, straight plug parts2are again shown. In all the plug parts2and200, the receiving portion20or201is in each case polygonal in order to provide an anti-rotation means for the holding element4fitted thereto. However, it is likewise also possible to form the plug part2or200with a round cross-section in the region of its receiving portion20or201. In particular when the provision of an anti-rotation means is not required there or when a different type of anti-rotation means is provided, the plug part can have a round cross-section throughout. Mixed forms of a round cross-section and flattened portions or at least one flattened portion are also possible along the peripheral surface in particular of the receiving portion20or201of the plug part2or200.

In the plug part200according toFIG.7and the plug part2according toFIG.9, protruding pin elements23and202are provided on each of the four surfaces of the respective polygonal receiving portion20and201. The protruding pin elements23and202serve to provide a pressure lock when there is pressure inside the plug part2or200, that is to say when pressurized medium is flowing through the plug part. For pressure locking, the protruding pin elements23,202are located outside a respective opening145in the holding arms42,43, as a result of displacement of the holding element4relative to the plug part2in the axial direction of the holding element4. A radial movement of the holding arms42,43is thereby blocked, as is shown inFIGS.17dand17e. The axial play of the holding element4on the receiving portion20of the plug part2that is provided is thus such that the holding element is at least sufficiently far away from the opening145into which the at least one protruding pin element23,202dips, so that the holding arms42,43are then not in a release position when the protruding pin element23,202is situated outside the opening145. As a result of the axial displacement between the plug part2and the holding element4that occurs when there is pressure inside the connector1, the protruding pin elements23,202are displaced out of the region in which they are aligned with the openings145and thus block the holding arms42,43radially. Actuation of the holding arms42,43in order to release their latching lugs40,41from latching in the latching openings35,36in the socket part3is thus prevented in that position. Only when the holding element4and the plug part2are in the position in which they are not axially displaced are the protruding pin elements23,202able to dip into the openings145and thus actuation of the holding arms42,43is possible only when there is no media pressure inside the connector1. The openings145in the two holding arms42,43can be seen in particular inFIGS.13e,13h,13iand13l. Such a freed pressure lock is shown inFIGS.16ato16e, in particular16d, whileFIGS.17ato17eshow a blocked pressure lock in which the protruding pin elements23and202are not able to dip into the respective opening145in the two holding arms42,43. For a pressure lock, axial movability of the holding element relative to the plug part is thus provided. When there is no media pressure inside the connector, it is possible to release the plug part from the socket part. By manually inserting the plug part2as far as the stop, that is to say into the furthest possible position inside the socket part, manual unlocking of the latching lugs40,41of the holding arms42,43from their latching in the latching openings35,36or from a shoulder or an undercut surface as the latching surface304,405in the socket part can take place.

As is likewise apparent fromFIGS.16ato16eand17ato17e, the radially insertable locking element5in those figures is not or has not yet been brought into its end position, that is to say it still perceptibly protrudes laterally above the surface in particular of the plug part but also of the socket part. When a pressure lock is provided, it is sufficient to provide the plug part2and the socket part3. The radially insertable locking element5can thereby be omitted.

Apart from the right-angle shape, the plug parts2and200according toFIGS.7,7a,8,8a,9,9aand10,10ado not differ from one another, because all the plug parts are designed for the expansion fitting in particular of pipelines or hose lines and accordingly each have a mandrel portion21or203.

As can be seen from the plug parts2to200inFIGS.7to10abut also from the other plug parts in the figures already described hereinbefore, those plug parts each have not only a receiving groove24or204for receiving the sealing ring or O-ring22at one end, but also a respective engagement opening or two mutually opposite engagement openings25,205between the receiving portion20or201and the respective mandrel portion21or203. These engagement openings serve for engagement, for example, by a robot arm for carrying out automated assembly of the connector1. Instead of such engagement openings25,205, other engagement surfaces may also be provided which can be gripped by robots or engaged during automated assembly in order on the one hand to provide the respective plug part2or200with the respective holding element4and on the other hand to permit correct assembly of the holding element4on the plug part, as well as subsequently correct assembly of the radially insertable locking element5on the holding element4and optionally also of the respective socket part3or300on the plug part with the holding element and the radially insertable locking element.

FIGS.11,11aand12,12aagain show the socket part3and the socket part300on their own. In the socket part300, the fastening piece301arranged at the end can clearly be seen, as can the latching groove303provided inside the socket portion302with its latching surface304for engagement of a respective latching lug40or41of the holding arms42,43of the holding element4, which is fitted to the respective plug part2or200. It is likewise apparent, when the socket part3is compared with the socket part300, that, in the case of the socket part300in the form of a machined part made of metal, portions do not project either radially or axially from the upper edge305, thus interlocking with corresponding grooves or webs, such as the axial webs150,250, is not provided. The reason for this is in particular that there are no latching openings in the form of window openings35,36through which the latching lugs40,41must engage as exactly as possible in order to effect latching of the latching lugs40,41thereon, but instead the latching groove303is provided, which is provided all round the inside of the socket portion302so that the particular position of the latching lugs40,41along the latching groove303, based on the peripheral extent thereof, is random. The situation is different, as already discussed hereinbefore, with the socket part3provided with window openings or latching openings35,36, in which both the axially protruding portion33and the radially projecting portion34ensure correct positioning of the socket part3on the plug part2or plug part200with the holding element4fitted thereto.

FIGS.18ato18dshow the connector1in which the plug part2is provided at the end with a sensor210instead of a mandrel portion or another connecting portion. The sensor210is fitted to the plug part2or connected thereto by a material-bonded connection and has at the end an electrical and/or data connection211, as can be seen in particular in the top view thereof inFIG.18d. The sensor210can be connected via the electrical and/or data connection211to an electrical power source and/or a data acquisition and/or processing unit (not shown). At the opposite end of the plug part2, which is provided with the receiving portion20with the holding element4fitted thereto and the radially insertable locking element5fitted thereto in the preassembly position, the socket part3can again be fitted, as described above.FIGS.18b,18cin particular clearly show the blocking element51with the terminal latching lug52, which rests on the outside of the holding arm140and can be actuated by the socket part3or the radially projecting portion34thereof and guided into the opening144in the holding arm140.

FIGS.15ato15dshow, in the manner of a modular system, the various types of plug parts and socket parts which can be combined with one another as desired. For latching the plug part and the socket part, the holding element4is provided in each case and, for the additional blocking of the latched position of the plug part with the holding element and the socket part, the radially insertable locking element5is provided on the holding element4. For sealing the plug part2or200in the respective socket part, the sealing ring or O-ring22is further also shown.

Instead of the socket parts3with a mandrel portion30and the socket part300in the form of a machined part which have already been described above,FIGS.15ato15dadditionally show the variant of a socket part400having a hexagonal portion401, wherein the socket part400is intended for screw connection with a pipeline or a unit, wherein engagement and holding during screwing on of the socket part400is accordingly possible via the hexagonal portion. For connection to a pipeline, the socket part400has a connecting portion402. Connection with the plug part2or200with the holding element4fitted thereto is again possible via a socket portion403. The socket portion403, corresponding to the socket portion302of the socket part300, likewise has a latching groove404with a latching surface405for the latching of the latching lugs40and41on the holding arms42and43of the holding element4.

Accordingly, the three variants of socket parts3,300and400can be combined, for example, with one of the variants of plug parts2and200. InFIGS.15ato15d, the plug parts2and200are each shown without protruding pin elements23and202. However, these may likewise be arranged on the respective receiving portions20and201in order to provide a pressure lock.

FIG.15cshows particularly clearly, in a perspective view, the preassembly position of the radially insertable locking element5on the holding element4. The blocking element51thereby still bears with its latching lug52on the outside of the holding arm40of the holding element4, adjacent to but not yet in engagement with the through-opening144. It will likewise be seen that can be engaged by the radially projecting portion34on the blocking element51and this can be pressed in the insertion direction of the socket part3, in the direction towards the plug part2, and the latching lug52can thereby be pressed into position in alignment above the through-opening. In the latter position, it is possible to press the radially insertable locking element5into its end position, provided that the holding elements42,43are completely deflected, whereby the blocking element51is located in the through-opening144and the latching lug52latches inside the holding element4on the underside of the holding arm40at the edge bordering the through-opening144, that is to say is retained on the inside on the holding arm40and counteracts unintentional removal of the blocking element51with the latching lug52.FIG.15clikewise shows the arrangement of the leg53adjacent to the holding arm43with the latching lug41and the actuating element46.

By providing the radially insertable locking element5, an additional blocking function for the holding arms42,43of the holding element4is thus possible. This brings advantages in terms of an improved and more reliable plug connection not only in respect of forces acting in the removal direction of the plug part and the socket part, but also in the case of lateral loading forces on the inserted connector.

The radially insertable locking element5, or the locking device, accordingly has as its main function the securing of the inserted plug part and socket part against unintentional release. Furthermore, insertion monitoring takes place in two respects, on the one hand in that the radially insertable locking element, or the locking device, merely has to be actuated once the plug part is inserted fully into the socket part, and on the other hand in that the plug part is not insertable when the radially insertable locking element, or the locking device, is in the locking position. A blocking function against unintentional pushing of the locking element into the opening in the holding element is also provided. In addition, a dual detection of the insertion state in the region of the holding arms and in respect of the tongue-like blocking element and its terminal lug-shaped latching portion takes place. Furthermore, the radially insertable locking element, or the locking device, has a support function for the plug part, the socket part and the holding element. Appearance and/or haptics can likewise be ascertained in order to be able to determine a correct insertion position of the plug part and the socket part. In addition, the radially insertable locking element, or the locking device, has an anti-loss means in order to be held captively on the holding element, in particular in a (first) preassembly position.

In addition to the variants of connectors described hereinbefore and shown in the exemplary embodiments, which are intended in particular for hose lines and/or pipelines, many further variants can also be formed, including any desired combinations of the features mentioned hereinbefore of the respective connectors, in which in each case at least one socket part and at least one plug part are provided, wherein the plug part can be inserted or is inserted into a socket portion of the socket part and wherein a holding element is provided for releasably locking the plug part into the socket part, wherein the holding element can be mounted or is mounted captively on a receiving portion of the plug part and has at least one portion which is radially expandable and comprises at least one holding arm which is provided with at least one protruding latching lug on its outer surface, wherein the holding arm is movable resiliently in the radial direction relative to the plug part in order to be able latch the at least one latching lug on at least one latching surface or latching opening of the socket part and to release it from the latching position again, wherein at least a second locking device is provided for locking and blocking the latching position of the plug part and the locking element and the socket part.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS