Electric plug having fuel return

The invention relates to a plug module (24, 124) for being received in an attachment component (10), which must be contacted at least electrically, particularly a fuel injector for installation in the cylinder head region of an internal combustion engine. Said engine is supplied with fuel via a fuel injection system, which has a low-pressure region. The plug module is a combined plug module (24, 124), which has a first plug part (26) for electrical contacting and a replaceable return component (38, 138) for a fluid to be removed from the attachment component (10).

This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/EP2008/059687, filed 24 Jul. 2008, which claims benefit of Ser. No. 10 2007 038 139.7, filed 13 Aug. 2007 in Germany and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Besides a high-pressure pump, a high-pressure accumulator body, unit injector units and the fuel injectors, plastic pipes are used in the return region for the fuel (i.e. on the low pressure side of the injection system) as a part of fuel injection systems like, for example, Unit Injector systems (UI) or also high-pressure accumulator injection systems (Common Rail). The fuel, as, for example, the de-energized control quantity within the fuel system or the leaked volume within said system, which accrues when the fuel injectors are actuated, is again carried back into the tank via these plastic pipes disposed in the low pressure region of the fuel injection system.

The pipes used within the low pressure region are generally preformed pipes from plastic, which due to the installation conditions often have a form deviating from a straight line and are bent in a curved fashion. Plastic molded pipes can have a form deviating from a straight line in relation to the inner contour and to an outer contour, which is independent of said inner contour and geometrically extends differently than the same. Plastic molded pipes, which carry fuel, must meet high strength requirements and furthermore demonstrate a high resistance to bursting in the case of an accident. The plastic molded pipes used in the return region on the low-pressure side of the fuel system can be manufactured with or without a flow control valve depending on the pressure to be maintained in the low-pressure region. Plastic molded pipes, which have a bend or an angulated section or the like, can not be molded or can only be molded in a relatively cumbersome manner due to their inner contour. An inner contour bent in a curved fashion can of course be molded; however a flanging radius cannot be formed. Furthermore, a surface free from burrs cannot necessarily be assured. In the case of fuel-conducting plastic molded pipes, which lie in the crash area and as a rule are manufactured from durable plastic, a risk of breakage remains, which increases with dropping temperatures, whereby the danger exists when outside temperatures are low that a plastic molded pipe of this kind will burst and fuel will escape into the surroundings.

The connection between the fuel injectors, which are implemented in series production—be it electromagnetic valve-actuated injectors or be it injectors actuated by a piezoactuator—is electrically contacted via electrical plug connections and is configured by a fuel return connector between a collecting return line and the individual injectors. In the case of fuel injectors in use today, the fuel return connection is tightly formed on the retaining body via a final overmolding made from plastic. The firm fixation of the fuel return connection at the fuel injector makes reclamation of the individual parts: retaining body, actuator, return line and plug-in connector impossible. The German patent DE 10 2004 055 297 A1 shows a solution, wherein an electrical plug is directly plugged into the retaining body and sealed there. The German patent DE 10 2004 055 297 A1 further discloses a plug-in connector arrangement with a plug, which has first detent arms disposed parallel to the plug-in direction and a secondary locking device. The plug-in connector arrangement is furthermore fitted with a mating plug having a collar, behind which detent projections engage with the first detent arms in the plugged-in final position. The secondary locking device is released from a pre-engaged position by the mating plug during the insertion operation and upon achieving its undetented position is impeded by the first detent arms up until its detent projections engage behind the collars of the mating plug. The electrical contacting of a fuel injector is possible by means of the plug-in connector arrangement disclosed in the German patent DE 10 2004 055 297 A1.

SUMMARY

In light of the outlined technical field, the task underlying the invention is to create a combined plug module, which simultaneously on the one hand allows for an electrical contacting of an attachment component like, for example, a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine while taking into account restricted space conditions and on the other hand provides for the connectivity of the attachment component like, for example, a fuel injector to a part of a fuel injection system, in particular a return pipe.

According to the invention, a combined plug module is proposed, which allows for an electrical contacting and which, for example, is plugged into a locating bore, for example, into the retaining body, which is configured at90E to the axis of the attachment component, in particular a fuel injector. In order to fix the plug part, which provides an electrical contacting of the attachment component, a retaining clip can, for example, be used, which is configured U-shaped and engages with detent-shaped projections configured on the circumference of the retaining body. On one side, preferably a flat side, in particular the upper surface, the plug body of the first plug part, which serves the purpose of electrically contacting the attachment component, has a linear guide, into which a return component, which is preferably configured as an injection molded part, is guided. This return component is preferably produced as an injection molded part and is connected to the fuel return, which is provided in the attachment component like, for example, a fuel injector. The return component can, for example, have a sealing element like, for example, an o-ring and return outlets, which during the course of the injection molding process can be molded in different angles of departure.

The return component, which is preferably produced as a plastic injection molded part, is mounted, for example, in a linear guide configured as a dovetail guide in particular on the upper surface of the body of the first plug part, which serves to electrically contact the attachment component. The return component has, for example, a flexibly configured, tongue-shaped detent mechanism on its lower surface. Said mechanism can be engaged with a detent projection beneath the linear guide on the upper surface of the plug body of the first plug part, which serves to electrically contact the attachment component. A protection of the plug body of the first plug part, which serves to electrically contact the attachment component, takes place via a slide displaceably mounted on the plug body of the first plug part, said slide being displaceable between a secured position and an unsecured position. The first plug part, which constitutes the electrical contacting of the attachment component, with the aid of the retaining clip is secured in its locked position by means of the component which is configured as a slide. At the same time, the slide, which is displaceably mounted on the first plug part with two retaining elements, takes over the securing of the fuel return element, which is guided on the upper surface of the first plug part and is configured in a replaceable manner.

The combined plug module according to the invention allows for the installation height to be reduced by the integration of the return component, which is attached to the low pressure region of the fuel injection system of the internal combustion engine, in such a way that the restricted installation conditions in the region of the cylinder head of internal combustion engines is taken into account. Due to the inventive guide and detent mechanism of the return component located on the upper surface of the first plug part, which serves to electrically contact the attachment component, additional fastening elements can be dispensed with for the fuel return in the attachment component, such as, for example, a fuel injector. By means of a positively controlled, incremental disassembly beginning with the detaching of the return element which is configured in a replaceable manner, fuel possibly escaping from said element cannot flow into the attachment component like, for example, a fuel injector and from there into the plug contact region. This results by virtue of the fact that said region is protected by the separate plug seal in the forward region of the first plug part. The electrical contacting and the connection of the fuel return with the fuel injection system can be implemented in one assembly operation with the combined plug module according to the invention. The variety of options and the flexibility with respect to attaching onto attachment components which are variously configured can be accommodated by virtue of the fact that the return component, which can be simply and cost effectively produced, can simply be replaced if, for example, other angles should be required with respect to the return pipe geometry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The combined plug module in the assembled condition on an attachment component of an internal combustion engine can be seen in the sectional depiction according toFIG. 1.

FIG. 1shows that an attachment component10can, for example, be configured as a fuel injector, which comprises a return bore12, which runs perpendicular to the axis of the attachment component10. A leakage oil bore14opens out into the return bore12of the attachment component10. Furthermore, an inlet bore16runs through the attachment component10, which deals with a fuel injector according to the depiction inFIG. 1. A filter cartridge18is accommodated in the inlet bore16. A peripheral surface of the attachment component10, which deals with a fuel injector, is pointed out by the reference numeral20. Electrical contacts22, which in this instance are configured as tongue-shaped, are disposed within the attachment component10. The electrical contacts serve to activate an actuator like, for example, a magnetic valve or a piezo-actuator for the actuation of a fuel injector. The electrical contacts22of the attachment component10are contacted via a combined plug module24which comprises a first plug part26. The first plug part26forms a plug body, whereupon a plug seal28is mounted. Plug slots30, via which the electrical contacts22of the attachment component10are electrically contacted, are configured on the end of the first plug part26which faces a plug bore31The plug bore31is sealed off from fuel and other mediums via the plug seal28, whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the plug bore31of the attachment component10.

A slide32, which is displaceable relative to the first plug part26, is situated on the plug module24according to the sectional depiction inFIG. 1. The slide is displaceably mounted in the lower region of the combined plug module24according to the sectional depiction inFIG. 1.

The depiction according toFIG. 1shows that the slide32inFIG. 1assumes a secured position denoted by the reference numeral34. In this state the slide32is inserted into the plug body of the first plug part26and secures it.

Reference numeral31denotes the plug bore31, which is configured in the body of the attachment component10—a fuel injector in the depiction according toFIG. 1. The plug bore31runs perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the attachment component10. It can furthermore be seen inFIG. 1that the combined plug module24has besides the slide32and the first plug part26a return component38, which is preferably produced in the course of the injection molding process, on an upper surface36of the first plug part36.FIG. 1shows that a connection piece branches off at an angle on the return component38. A hose connection of a fuel return system on the low pressure side can, for example, be connected to said connection piece. Because the return component38depicted inFIG. 1is detachably mounted on the upper surface36of the first plug part26, said component38can be easily replaced. In the case of different required angle geometries, said component38can be replaced with respect to the connection piece with correspondingly differently configured return components38. The return component38according to the depiction inFIG. 1comprises a handle piece denoted with the reference numeral42, whereat it can be moved relative to the upper surface36of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24. The first plug component38, which is produced in the course of the injection molding process, is preferably detached from the upper surface36of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24.

In the assembled state of the combined plug module24, which is depicted inFIG. 1, a sealing element46, which is mounted on the pin of the return component38and is designed as an o-ring, is inserted into the return bore12of the attachment component10and seals the return bore12off to prevent fuel leakage. At the same time, it can be seen in the depiction according toFIG. 1that the first plug part26of the combined plug module24contacts the electrical contacts22of the attachment component10in the plug bore31. The electrical contacting of the electrical contacts22of the attachment component10occurs concurrently, simultaneously with the sealing off of the return bore12by the o-ring46of the return component38.

It can furthermore be seen in the depiction according toFIG. 1that a detent projection40is configured on the lower surface of the return component38, which is preferably produced in the course of the injection molding process, The detent projection40is engaged with, i.e. fixed to, a detent projection44on the upper surface36of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24. Moreover, it becomes apparent from the depiction according toFIG. 1that the return component38, which is preferably produced in the course of the injection molding process, is fixed by the detent projection40, which is engaged with the detent projection44of the first plug part26, to the upper surface36of the first plug part26. In the fixed state of the return component38of the combined plug module24, which is depicted inFIG. 1, stop faces48respectively50of the first plug part26and the return component38lie in contact with each other.

It can be seen fromFIG. 1that the return bore12preferably runs parallel to the plug axis of the first plug part26so that a common assembly, i.e. a common insertion of the return component38, respectively of the first plug part26, into the respective corresponding bores12,31of the attachment component10is assured during assembly of the combined plug module24according to the depiction inFIG. 1.

The return pin bore preferably has a lateral offset chosen so that the return bore runs coaxially to the return pin bore and so that a connection with little offset to the leakage oil bore can be configured. As a result, the return bore and the return pin bore can be manufactured in a single operation with simultaneous low burr formation at the borehole cut.

FIG. 1further shows that the slide32is locked in a secured position34. For this purpose, a nose on a lug of the slide32catches in an opening at the bottom of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24. The first plug part26of the combined plug module24is locked in the secured position34because a forward edge of the slide32pushes on a retaining clip66, with whose help the combined plug module24is engaged with the attachment component10, such as, for example, a fuel injector, in the region of the cylinder head.

A preparation for assembling the combined plug module according to the invention to an attachment component, which relates to a fuel injector, can be seen inFIG. 2.

FIG. 2shows the combined plug module24, which comprises the first plug part26with the return component38, which is slid thereon, and the slide32, which is relatively movable on the first plug part26. As can be seen inFIG. 2, a pin60of the return component38, on which an o-ring46for sealing off fuel leakage is situated, and the front end—not depicted in FIG.2—of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24are inserted into the return bore12as well as the plug bore31. The insertion of the first plug part26into the plug bore31, respectively of the pin60into the plug bore12, occurs at the same time during the mounting of the combined plug module24into the openings12respectively31, which run axially parallel to each other, in the attachment component10. After inserting the first plug part26of the combined plug module24, the electrical contacts22(cf. depiction according toFIG. 1), which run inside the attachment component10, are electrically contacted. At the same time, the return bore12, into which the leakage oil bore14opens out according to the depiction inFIG. 1, is connected to a return of a fuel injection system, which is not depicted inFIG. 2by means of the return component38, respectively the pin60with the o-ring46mounted thereon.

FIG. 2shows that a retaining clip66is mounted on the first plug part26of the combined plug module24. The forward regions of the retaining clip66, i.e. on the end of the first plug part26that faces the attachment component10, are engaged by securing lugs62of the slide32. In the assembly region of the combined plug module24to the attachment component10, said component10has at least one detent projection52. The at least one detent projection52is configured in a lateral flattening portion on the attachment component10above a lower bottom shoulder88, which is configured on the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10. It can be seen from the depiction according toFIG. 2that the combined plug module24is mounted via the first plug part26to the mutually opposed detent projections52on the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10between the collars88,89.FIG. 2shows that a first retaining projection56as well as a second retaining projection58is configured on the slide32, which is displaceable relative to the first plug part26. The replaceable return component38which is guided on the upper surface36of the first plug part26is secured with said retaining projections56,58. Moreover, clip legs70of the retaining clip66extend across the lateral cheeks of the first plug part26in order to lock the first plug part26of the combined plug module24to the at least one detent projection52on the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10.

FIG. 2shows that a semicircular collar64extends across the upper surface36of the first plug part26.

FIG. 3shows a first assembly step, i.e. the inserting of the inventive combined plug module into the openings of the attachment component.

FIG. 3shows that in this state the first plug part26of the combined plug module24is inserted into the plug bore31depicted inFIG. 2. Plug slits30configured on the front end of the first plug part26contact electrical contacts22, which make electrical contact inside of the attachment component10, which relates to a fuel injector. The electrical contacting is therefore separated from the seal of a return bore12, i.e. a separation of the electrical contacting from the fuel system exists in the return region of the attachment component10like, for example, a fuel injector.

It can be seen fromFIG. 3that the first plug part26is in fact inserted into the attachment component10perpendicularly to the axis of symmetry of said component10and that the detent projections52depicted inFIG. 2engage with the attachment component10. Said first plug part26, however, is not yet secured to the attachment component10. The return component38is inserted with its pin60, whereupon the o-ring46is mounted, into the return bore12, which is depicted inFIG. 2, in the upper region of the attachment component10and seals the return bore12and the leakage oil bore14, which opens out into it, from leaking fuel.

FIG. 3furthermore shows the slide32, which can be moved relative to the plug part26, to still be situated in a slide position “unsecured”, which is denoted by reference numeral54. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the securing lugs62in the forward region of the slide32have not yet covered the retaining clip66so that the first plug part26is in fact attached to the attachment component; however, is not yet locked.

The slide position54“unsecured” is thereby characterized, in that the slide32laterally projects beyond a handle piece42, which is configured on the return component38, with its front side. In the position of the slide32depicted inFIG. 3, its retaining projections56respectively58also do not engage with the first and the second securing lugs57,59, which laterally extend from the securing lug62and are configured below the handle piece42of the return component38. This means that when the slide32is in the position depicted inFIG. 3, the return component38is also still unsecured. This is locked by the detent hook40with respect to the detent projection44. In addition the pin60with the o-ring46mounted thereon is inserted in the return bore12and seals the same. The first plug part26is supported in relation to the attachment component10by the guide rail99, which is joined in a recess94with low contact stress. In order to ensure the low contact stress despite necessary tolerances due to production technology, provision is made in each case for a prismatic upsetting edge97,98on the lower and upper surface of the guide rail, which limits the amount of the contact stress through plastic deformation.FIG. 3additionally shows that the retaining clip66has two clip legs70, which run substantially parallel to each other.

FIG. 4shows an additional assembly step, namely the securing of the combined plug module according to the invention to the attachment component.

FIG. 4shows the slide32, which is displaceably mounted on the first plug part26of the combined plug module24, pushed into the slide position72“secured”. In the safety position72, the slide lug33covers the retaining clip66, whose clip legs70extend on both sides along the lateral surfaces of the first plug part26, with its forward regions.FIG. 4furthermore shows the securing of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24on the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10in the position of the slide32depicted inFIG. 4, whose retaining projections56,58cover the first and second securing lugs57,59on the front side of the return component38. In the safety position72of the slide32, the slide32therefore secures the first plug part26to the detent projections52on the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10and at the same time secures the return component38to the upper surface36of the first plug part26.

It can furthermore be seen fromFIG. 4that recessed grips68are configured as to run laterally between the clip legs70. Said grips68are described in more detail with reference toFIG. 6.

FIG. 4shows that the first plug part26is fixed to the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10between the collars88,89when said plug part26is in the safety position72“secured”.

The combined plug module24is ready for operation in the state depicted inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5shows a first disassembly step of the combined plug module according to the invention.

When disassembling said plug module, the slide32, which is displaceably mounted in the first plug part of the combined plug module24, is pulled in the designated direction76. At the same time a counterholding force78is applied to the return component38so that a free force does not act on the combined plug module24.

When pulling the slide32in the designated direction76, the clip legs70of the retaining clip66are released at the slide lug33of the slide32. In the depiction according toFIG. 5, the slide lug33is situated in its retracted position, i.e. the slide32as such assumes the slide position54“Unsecured”.

In this state, the first plug part26is inserted as before into the plug bore31of the attachment component10.FIG. 5shows that the clip legs70of the retaining clip66with their clip ends80end up in front of the locking lug32beneath the handle piece42of the return component38.FIG. 5further shows that the first and second retaining projections56,58of the slide32release the securing lugs57,59of the return component38in the slide position54“unsecured”.

An additional, subsequent disassembly step can be seen inFIG. 6, which occurs after the slide32has been pulled into the position “unsecured”.FIG. 6shows that the clip legs70of the retaining clip66can be pushed into the recessed grips68. The distance remaining between the recessed grips68of the combined plug module24constitutes a limit82, which is measured in such a way that the retaining clip66is deformed to such an extent that the detent projections52on the attachment component10are not yet released. At the same time, the retaining clip ends80are pressed against lifting slopes84, cf.FIGS. 7.1and7.2, the detent projection40on the lower surface of the return component38lifting out of its locked position (cf.FIG. 7.1) upon the retaining clip ends80running onto the lifting slopes84while being pushed along the same. While the retaining clip66is being compressed, the return component38can be taken by the handle42out of the attachment component10and off of the combined plug module24.

FIG. 7shows that when the slide32is retracted, the clip legs70of the retaining clip66can be compressed in the region of the recessed grips68. The detent projection40is thereby withdrawn from the upper surface36of the first plug part23because the retaining clip ends80are guided along the lifting slopes84depicted inFIGS. 7.1and7.2during this deformation process.FIG. 7shows that in the “unsecured” state via position54(in contrast to the depiction according toFIG. 1), the slide32is not engaged with its projection on its lower surface with the opening, which is provided in the first plug part23beneath the lower retaining clip leg70.

Up until the return component38has been completely removed, the limit82prevents the complete actuation of the retaining clip66until it is in abutment in the recessed grip68, whereby the first plug part26can not be unlocked. This stipulated sequence of disassembly assures that the fuel situated in the return does not flow into the plug bore31after the return component38has been detached. As a result, said fluid does not ingress into the region of the electrical contacting because the first plug part26, which is still situated in the plug bore31, and the plug seal28, which is provided on said part26, prevent such an ingress.

It can be seen from the depictions according toFIGS. 7,7.1and7.2that when the slide32is unlocked, the return component38is also unsecured and can be disassembled from the upper surface36of the first plug part26away from the attachment component10. For that purpose, the retaining clip66must be actuated up to the limit82on the return component38while the handle piece42is simultaneously pulled.

Because the first plug part26is still mounted in the plug bore31of the attachment component10in this stage of disassembly, no fuel can enter into the electrical contacting of the attachment component10during disassembly of the return component38after the slide32has been unlocked. This is a result of said contacting being sealed off from the fuel by the plug seal28on the end of the first plug part26facing the attachment components10.

FIG. 8shows a further disassembly step of the combined plug module from the attachment component.

FIG. 8shows that the slide32has released the retaining clip66with its slide lug33. Although the securing lugs57,59periodically cover the retaining projections56,58when the return component38is being detached, the complete removal of said component38is possible because the detent hook40is already disengaged from the detent projection44at this position.

For this reason, the return component38can be taken out of the return bore12, in which the leakage oil bore14opens out. Because the plug body of the first plug part26is mounted as before in the plug bore31of the attachment component10, leaking fuel cannot enter into the region of the electrical contacting of the attachment component when the return component38is being disassembled. This results from said contacting being sealed off from the fuel by the plug seal28and the first plug part26being situated in the plug bore31. By means of the position54of the slide32and the associated release of the return component38at the locking lug32, said component38can be detached from the upper surface36of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24in the removal direction86.

FIG. 9shows that a guide90, which, for example, can be constructed as a dovetail guide, is configured in the upper surface36of the first plug part26of the combined plug module24according to the invention. The return component38is inserted with its lower surface into this guide on the upper surface36of the first plug part26. In the positions of the slide32depicted inFIGS. 8 and 9and in those of the already partially, respectively completely, retracted return component36depicted there, the locking engagement of the return component38is released so that the return component38—as indicated in FIG.8—can be withdrawn in the removal direction86out of guide90, which is constructed, for example, as a dovetail, on the upper surface. After the disassembly of the return component38, as depicted inFIG. 9, its pin60with the o-ring46mounted thereon is removed from the return bore12. After the return component38has been removed, as depicted inFIG. 9, the clip legs70can be compressed (now that the limit82has been removed) to the extent that the clip legs70of the retaining clip66release the detent projections52in the flattened portions on the peripheral surface20of the attachment component10. The first plug part26of the combined plug module24can also now be withdrawn from the plug bore31of the attachment component10.

In the unlocked position92of the locking lugs62of the slide32, which is depicted inFIG. 9, the first plug part26of the combined plug module24can be removed from the plug bore31of the attachment component10. This procedure is only possible after the return component38has previously been disassembled. Said attachment component10is thus protected from ingressing fuel as long as the first plug part26with the plug seal28mounted thereon remains in the plug bore31.

The stipulated sequence according to the invention for the disassembly of the combined plug module24from the attachment component10assures that the fuel situated in the low pressure region, respectively return region, does not ingress into the plug bore31and flow into the plug contact region after withdrawing the return element38in the removal direction86. The first plug part26with the plug seal28mounted thereon prevents this ingress of fuel.

FIG. 10shows a combined plug module as an embodiment with an intermediate limit stop of the return component.

An embodiment, wherein the plug module124, respectively its slide132, has axial detent limit stops100,101on the upper ends of the retaining projections156,158. The return component138rests on said plates156,158when it is refracted in an intermediate detent position102. In the intermediate detent position102, a pin160is retracted to such an extent that an o-ring146from the return bore112loses contact, and the fuel situated in the return, can flow out. Said fuel does not, however, move into the plug bore131because said bore131is closed attributable to positive flow. The limit of the actuating stroke travel182is constituted with respect to the length dimension in such a way that the retaining clip66can just now be completely actuated in the intermediate detent position102. The intermediate detent position102assures that the return component138is unlocked by pressing on the locking lug162and that the return component138can be lifted off from the first plug part124when the handle piece142is simultaneously pulled. The combined plug module124can be disassembled and assembled as one piece by means of the intermediate detent position102without having to lift off the return component138and reinsert it into the guide190, which, for example, can be designed as a dovetail guide.

The complete disassembly of the plug module124can selectively occur in two parts, as in the basic embodiment, or in one part. In the case of the two-parted disassembly, the securing lug162is actuated in the removal direction so that the securing lug extensions157,159disengage from the axial detent limit stops100,101. When the handle piece is pulled at the same time, the return component138can be withdrawn from the first plug part126. The further disassembly takes place as described in context with the basic embodiment.

In the case of the one-parted disassembly, the limit of the actuating stroke travel182is constituted with respect to the length dimension in such a way that the retaining clip66can just now be completely actuated in the intermediate detent position102. When the retaining clip166is fully actuated and the handle piece of the return component138and/or the slide132is simultaneously pulled, the plug module124can be taken off as a whole from the attachment component10.

By displacing the slide132as well as the return component138, the actuating states of a retaining clip166in relation to the recessed grip168, which are depicted in theFIGS. 10.1,10.2,11.1,11.2,12.1and12.2, can be represented.

InFIGS. 10.1and10.2, the combined plug module124is depicted in the ready-to-operate state. An actuation of the retaining clip166is prevented by the actuator limit183on the slide132.

InFIGS. 11.1and11.2the slide is depicted in the unsecured position. An actuation of the retaining clip166is thereby prevented by the actuator limit183on the return component138, whereby only the return component138can itself be unlocked.

InFIGS. 12.1and12.2, the return component138is placed into an intermediate detent position. In said position, the retaining clip166can be actuated up to the recessed grip168, whereby the first plug part124can be completely unlocked.

When assembling the combined plug module124, the contacting of the electrical contacts can simultaneously occur with the sealing up of the return component138or optionally in a reverse order of disassembly in order, for example, to reduce the insertion forces, respectively to allow for assembly when the bores are not embodied parallel to each other.