CONNECTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR MEDIA PIPELINES, AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING MEDIA PIPELINES

Abstract

A plug connector arrangement for media lines including a connecting body and a lug component. The connecting body features a fluid channel and at least one receiving opening for at least partial accommodating of the lug component in communication with the fluid channel. The connecting body and the lug component being connected to each other by a connecting element that establishes a first positive-locking snap-in connection with the connecting body and a second positive-locking snap-in connection with the lug component. Also provided is a method for connecting media lines for production of such a plug connector arrangement.

Claims

1. A plug connector arrangement for media lines, the arrangement comprising: at least one connecting body and at least one lug component, the connecting body having at least one receiving opening for at least partial accommodating of the lug component and defining a fluid channel, the lug component being in connection with the fluid channel, at least one connecting element connecting and retaining the connecting body and the lug component to each other the connecting element engaging the connecting body in a first positive-locking snap-in connection and the connecting element engaging the lug component in a second positive-locking snap-in connection.

2. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the perimeter of the first snap-in connection and the perimeter of the second snap-in connection a closed perimeter.

3. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element includes at least one slot oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the connecting element.

4. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the at least one slot extends from at least one edge of the connecting element or that the at least one slot is disposed at a distance to at least one edge of the connecting element.

5. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element includes a first snap-in section and a second snap-in section, at least one of the first and second snap-in sections defining section.

6. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the connecting element and an inner perimeter of the connecting element is of a circular ring shape.

7. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element includes an elastic compensating element positioned between the connecting body and the lug component.

8. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the compensating element has a modulus of elasticity that is smaller than a modulus of elasticity of a base body of the connecting element, the modulus of elasticity of the base body of the connecting element being in the range between 1 GPa and 10 GPa and the modulus of elasticity of the compensating element being in the range between 0.0004 GPa and 0.1 GPa.

9. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the compensating element features has in axial cross section one of a polygonal shape, a trapezoidal shape, circular shape, oval shape, concave region or convex region.

10. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the compensating element is arranged one of centrally or offset in the axial direction relative to the connecting element.

11. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element and compensating element is provided at least in part with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating.

12. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element includes at least two set fracture sites configured to irreversibly separate in one of a radial or axial direction.

13. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the set fracture sites include at least one tool engagement groove and collar defined on an outer perimeter of the connecting element.

14. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element includes along an inner perimeter at least one of a snap-in recess or one snap-in protrusion defining an angle of rotation between connecting element and at least one of the lug component and the connecting body.

15. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element includes at least one first snap-in surface and at least one second snap-in surface, at least one positioning means provided on at least one of the first snap-in surface and the second snap-in surface and defining an angle of rotation between connecting element and one of the lug component and the connecting body.

16. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is retained by a radial pre-tensioning force applied against one of a first ring collar on the connecting body or a second ring collar on the lug component.

17. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body includes at least one contact surface engaged with the connecting element.

18. The plug connector arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body includes a retaining area having at least one retaining surface configured to receive radially insertable retaining arms of an assembly tool.

19. A connecting element for a plug connector arrangement according to claim 3.

20. A method for establishing a plug connector arrangement with a connecting body and a lug component of a media line according to claim 1, the method comprising the following steps: establishing a first positive-locking snap-in connection between the connecting element and the lug component by pressing the connecting element in a first pressing direction and at least partly onto the lug component, establishing a second positive-locking snap-in connection between the connecting element and the connecting body by pressing the connecting element in a second pressing direction and at least partly onto the connecting body, wherein the lug component is connected to the connecting body by the connecting element.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first positive-locking snap-in connection and the second positive-locking snap-in connection are formed under elastic deformation of the connecting element with an elastic deformation of between 6% and 7%.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein one of the first snap-in connection and the second snap-in connection are closed about the perimeter.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein during one of the steps of establishing the first positive-locking snap-in connection or the second positive-locking snap-in connection, a pressing force is applied directly onto a front surface of the connecting element.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein during the establishing of the second positive-locking snap-in connection, the connecting component is held by two radially inserted retaining arms and a pressing force is applied by an assembly adapter onto a front surface of the connecting element.

Description

[0066] Additional favorable refinements of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims. The invention will be explained in greater detail below based on the design embodiments depicted in the drawings. The figures show:

[0067] FIG. 1 One exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement in partial cut-away view,

[0068] FIG. 2 One exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement in partial cut-away view,

[0069] FIG. 3 One exemplary embodiment of a connecting element in partial cut-away view,

[0070] FIG. 4 One exemplary embodiment of a connecting element in partial cut-away view,

[0071] FIG. 5 One exemplary embodiment of a connecting element in partial cut-away view,

[0072] FIG. 6a An exemplary embodiment of a connecting element mounted on one side, perspective view,

[0073] FIG. 6b One exemplary embodiment of a connecting element in side view,

[0074] FIG. 7 An exemplary embodiment of a part of a connecting body, perspective view,

[0075] FIG. 8 The assembly of a plug connector arrangement, perspective view,

[0076] FIG. 9 An exemplary embodiment of a connecting element mounted on one side, partial cut-away view, and

[0077] FIG. 10 One exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement in partial cut-away view,

[0078] FIG. 11 One exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement,

[0079] FIG. 12 One exemplary embodiment of a connecting element in partial cut-away view,

[0080] FIG. 13a An exemplary embodiment of a connecting element mounted on one side, partial cut-away view,

[0081] FIG. 13b The cut-away view according to FIG. 13a along line A-A,

[0082] FIG. 14 One exemplary embodiment of a connecting element in partial cut-away view,

[0083] FIG. 15 One exemplary embodiment of a connecting body and

[0084] FIG. 16 A schematic flowchart of the method for connecting of media lines.

[0085] The same parts in the various figures are always denoted by the same reference symbols.

[0086] With regard to the following description it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the design examples and not to all or a plurality of features of described feature combinations, rather each individual partial feature of the/of each design example is also of importance to the subject matter of the invention, even detached from all other part features described in connection therewith, and also in combination with any other particular features of another design example.

[0087] FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement 1 for media lines. The plug connector arrangement 1 comprises a connecting body 2, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a 90°-arc with mandrel, and also a lug component 3 which in this exemplary embodiment is also designed as a 90°-arc with mandrel. The lug component 3 is accommodated at least in part in a receiving opening 4 of the connecting body 2 and is held stable in its position. The connecting body 2 and the lug component 3 are connected together with a connecting element 5. The connecting element 5 features a first snap-in section 6 and a second snap-in section 7, wherein the first snap-in section 6 snaps-in with the connecting body 2 and the second snap-in section 7 snaps-in with the lug component 3, and forms a positive-locking snap-in connection that is enclosed in particular along the perimeter. The first snap-in section 6 and the second snap-in section 7 of the connecting element 5 in this exemplary embodiment are designed as snap-in setbacks.

[0088] The connecting body 2 features a fluid channel 32, which in this exemplary embodiment is connected to the lug component 3, in that the fluid channel 32 is connected to a fluid channel 33 of the lug component 3.

[0089] The connecting element 5 in this exemplary embodiment is designed on its inside circumference 8 and also overall as a circular ring shape. The connecting element 5 comprises an elastic compensating element 9 that is arranged at least in part between the connecting body 2 and the lug component 3 and causes an axial pre-tension. The compensating element 9 is produced from a different material than the remaining connecting element 5—the base body 16—and is molded onto the base body 16 of the connecting element 5 (see FIG. 3).

[0090] In this exemplary embodiment, the compensating element 9 is positioned centrally, so that it has an equal distance to the front surface 10 oriented in the direction of the lug component 3, and also to the front surface 11 oriented in the direction of the connecting body 2. Furthermore, the compensating element 9 in this exemplary embodiment features a polygonal cross section, namely a trapezoidal-shaped cross section, which is tapered in the direction of the longitudinal axis L (see FIG. 3) of the connecting element 5.

[0091] The connecting element 5 additionally features a set fracture point 12a for irreversible [sic], axial separating of the connecting element 5. The set fracture point 12a comprises an engagement groove 13 and also a grooved collar 14 on each groove flank which promotes its engagement with a tool. The engagement groove 13, and thus also the set fracture point 12a, is offset in the direction of the front surface 11 and/or in the direction of the connecting body 2, so that a separation occurs underneath the compensating element 9.

[0092] The first snap-in section 6 snaps into a first ring collar 20 of the connecting body 2, in that the first ring collar 20 rests fully against the perimeter of a snap-in surface 21 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) of the first snap-in section 6. In addition, the first ring collar 20 features an over-dimension, so that the connecting element 5 produces a radial pre-tensioning force on the connecting body 2 in the region of the first snap-in section 6. Furthermore, the second snap-in section 7 snaps into a second ring collar 22 of the lug component 3, in that the second ring collar 22 rests fully against the perimeter of a second snap-in surface 23 (see FIGS. 3 to 5). In addition, the first ring collar 22 features an over-dimension, so that the connecting element 5 produces a radial pre-tensioning force on the connecting body 3 in the region of the first snap-in section 7.

[0093] The connecting element 5 has been pressed onto the lug component 3 [sic] in a first pressing direction A1. Furthermore, the connecting element 5 is pressed onto the connecting body 2 in a second pressing direction A2.

[0094] The lug component 3 is brought at least partly with a receiving counter-piece 24 into the receiving opening 4 of the connecting body 2. The receiving opening 4 features a first recess 25, a second recess 26 and also a third recess 27, against which the receiving counter-piece 24 rests. The receiving counter-piece 24 features a sealing groove 28 which is provided for accommodating of a gasket (not depicted).

[0095] The connecting body 2 features a retaining region 34 for retaining arms 18 of an assembly tool (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 8). The retaining region 34 features in particular a retaining surface 34a against which the retaining arms 18 are braced in order to create a pressing force directed opposite to the holding force.

[0096] FIG. 2 shows one exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement 1 with a connecting body 2 and a lug component 3. The plug connector arrangement 1 is designed nearly identical to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, with the sole difference that the compensating element features a different cross section.

[0097] In addition, an assembly adapter 29 is depicted in FIG. 2; it at least partly extends over the lug component 3 and can apply a pressing force onto the front side 10 of the connecting element 5 in the second pressing direction A2. Furthermore, retaining arms 18 are illustrated which hold the connecting body 2 while the connecting element 5 is being pressed on. The retaining arms 18 hold the connecting body 2 such that when pressing in the second pressing direction A2, an opposing force is created which is directed toward the first pressing direction A1, that is, it is directed oppositely. The retaining arms 18 are brought radially up to the connecting body 2 and engage the connecting body 2 in a holding area 34. In particular the retaining arms 18 are braced against the retaining surface 34a. The fluid channel 32 of the connecting body 2 is connected here also with the fluid channel 33 of the lug component 3.

[0098] FIG. 3 shows one exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 which features a set fracture point 12a for radial separating and likewise also a set fracture point 12b for axial separating. In addition, each of the set fracture points 12a, 12b features an engagement groove 13 and a grooved collar 14. In both press-on directions A1, A2 along the longitudinal axis L, the connecting element 5 features slanting insertion surfaces 15 which simplify pressing on the connecting element 5. The compensating element 9 in this exemplary embodiment features a trapezoidal-shaped cross section, and is held in a positive-lock against the ring-shaped base body 16 in a snap-in recess 30 of the connecting element 5. A first support surface 35 and a second support surface 36 are used to support a connecting body 2 and/or to support a lug component 3 (see FIG. 1). Along its inside perimeter 8 the connecting element 5 features snap-in recesses 17 in the first snap-in section 6 and in the second snap-in section 7; these recesses provide the rotational alignment of the lug component 3 with respect to the connecting body 2. Due to the plurality of snap-in recesses 17, different positions can be adjusted.

[0099] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, the set fracture site 12a with its engagement groove 13 and the grooved collar 14 are arranged at an offset; in this exemplary embodiment they are arranged at an offset in the direction of the front surface 11 so that a separation always occurs—according to FIG. 3—underneath the compensating element 9. This will ensure that the at least partly separated connecting element 5 remains largely on the lug component 3. This is an advantage in particular when the lug component 3 (see FIG. 1) is provided for one-time use and for example, the disconnected separated element 5 is to be disposed together with the lug component 3.

[0100] FIG. 4 shows one exemplary embodiment that is designed similarly to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3. The difference is that the compensating element 9 features a rectangular cross section. The first support surface 35 and the second support surface 36 are each arranged in a plane whose normal is the longitudinal axis L of the connecting element 5. The compensating element 9 is likewise held in a positive-locking manner in a snap-in recess 30. Here too, the compensating element 9 is produced from a different material than the base body 16 of the connecting element 5—namely from a material that has a smaller modulus of elasticity.

[0101] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the connecting element 5 in which again the set fracture point 12a is arranged at an offset. This exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 features only one set fracture point 12a for axial separating. The compensating element 9 is molded onto the base body 16 and consists of a different material than the base body 16. The cross section of the first support surface 35 and of the second support surface 36 are inclined toward each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. For example, the base body 16 of the connecting element is produced from polyoxymethylene (POM) and the compensating element 9 is produced from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0102] FIG. 6a shows an exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 in perspective view, which is brought onto an at least partially represented connecting body 2. The configuration of the radial set fracture site 12a and of the axial set fracture site 12b are clearly seen, namely that the set fracture site 12a passes into the set fracture site 12b in a T-shaped region. Likewise the engagement grooves 13 pass into the grooved collars 14. The axial set fracture site 12b with its engagement groove 13 is designed so that it extends up to the engagement groove 13 of the radial set fracture site 12a and thus a radial separating is possible only at the connecting body 2.

[0103] FIG. 6b shows one exemplary embodiment of a connecting element which corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6a. The axial set fracture site 12b passes into the radial set fracture site 12a and/or its engagement groove 13 in a T-shaped region.

[0104] FIG. 7 shows a partial exemplary embodiment of a connecting body 2 with a receiving opening 4. Snap-in protrusions 31 are arranged on the first ring collar 20 and can cooperate with the snap-in recesses 17 in a first snap-in region 6 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and thus they make it possible to align the lug component 3 with respect to the connecting body 2. The contact surface 19 is used for axial positioning of the assembled connecting element 5 and thus relieves the compensating element 9.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows one exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 according to FIG. 2 at the time of assembly. The connecting element 5, after completion of the pre-assembly, is pressed with the assembly adapter 29 onto the connecting body 2. Thus the connecting body 2 is held by the retaining arms 18 in the retaining region 34. During the press-on step, an elastic expansion of the connecting element 5 takes place, in order subsequently to form the positive-locking, in particular enclosed perimeter snap-in connection.

[0106] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 mounted on one side, in a partial cut-away view. The connecting element 5 is mounted to one side on the connecting body 2 and snapped in and positive-locked. The compensating element 9 features a rectangular cross section. The first contact surface 35 rests against the connecting body 2. An additional movement of the connecting element 5 in the direction of the connecting body 2, and thus a load placed on the compensating element 9 is prevented by the contact surface 19.

[0107] In this exemplary embodiment, the compensating element 9 is arranged axially offset, namely in the direction of the lug component 3 (see FIG. 1). For this reason the base body 16 of the compensating element 9 features a longer section 16b and a shorter section 16a. The longer section 16b has been pressed onto the connecting component 2 the second pressing direction A2, and snapped in to make a positive-locked connection, in that the first snap-in surface 21 cooperates with the first ring collar 20 to create the positive lock. Due to this embodiment of the connecting element 5, a preferred press-on direction is defined, so that the assembly of the connecting element 5 with the longer section 16b of the base body 16 can only be effected onto the connecting body 3.

[0108] On the inside circumference 8 of the connecting element 5 there are snap-in recesses 17 formed on the second snap-in section 7; they make it possible to define the rotation of the lug component 3 with respect to the connecting element 5. The first ring collar 20 rests under pre-tension in the first snap-in section 6. The contact surface 19 in this exemplary embodiment is oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L and/or rests in a plane with the longitudinal axis L as its normal. The retaining surface 34a in this exemplary embodiment is oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L and/or rests in a plane with the longitudinal axis L as its normal.

[0109] FIG. 10 shows one exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement 1 in partial cut-away view. With the connecting element 5, a positive-locking connection is obtained firstly with the connecting body 2 and also with the lug component 3. In this exemplary embodiment the compensating element 9 is firmly bonded to the connecting element 5.

[0110] The lug component 3 is designed as a sensor and features a sensor channel 38 connecting the fluid channel 32 and a sensor chamber 37. The sensor channel 38 in this exemplary embodiment is sealed with a membrane 39, so that no fluid can enter from the fluid channel 32 into the sensor chamber 37. The lug component 3 designed as sensor additionally features a connecting section 40 for electrical supply and signal lines.

[0111] FIG. 11 shows one exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement 1 in the assembled state. Viewed along the longitudinal axis L, the connecting element 5 features in a first edge region 41, and also in an opposite, second edge region 42, a plurality of slots 43 which are distributed uniformly along the perimeter and then proceeding from the first edge region 41 and/or the second edge region 42, extend in the direction of the snap-in regions 6, 7 and penetrate partially therein. The slots 43 each have a length that corresponds to about one-third of the height of the connecting element.

[0112] FIG. 12 shows one exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11. The slots 43 each emanate from the first edge region 41 and the second edge region 42 and extend in the direction of snap-in regions 6, 7. The first snap-in surface 21 is interrupted by the slots 43, which are distributed uniformly around the perimeter, so that the slots 43 form separate snap-in surfaces 21.

[0113] FIG. 13a shows an exemplary embodiment of a connecting element mounted on one side, and FIG. 13b depicts a cross section along line A-A according to FIG. 13a. In this exemplary embodiment, the second snap-in surface 23 of the connecting element 5 features a positioning means 44, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as multiple trapezoidal elevations 45 which are spaced uniformly and distributed across the perimeter. The trapezoidal elevations 45 engage in the assembled state into trapezoidal setbacks 46 at the ring collar 20 of the connecting body 2, so that a tight rotational fit is obtained between the connecting element 5 and the connecting body 2 for the transfer of torque around the longitudinal axis L.

[0114] The snap-in surface 23 and the trapezoidal elevations 45—with the exception of the slanting trapezoidal surfaces—are aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L. Due to the plurality of elevations 45, the angle of rotation can be adjusted in steps which correspond to the spacing of the elevations 45 around the perimeter.

[0115] FIG. 14 shows one exemplary embodiment of a connecting element 5 in partial cut-away side view. In this exemplary embodiment the compensating element 9 features a fully circular-shaped cross section. Furthermore, the first snap-in surface 21 is designed with trapezoidal elevations 45 so that a cooperation with corresponding trapezoidal setbacks 46 on the connecting body 2 (see e.g. FIG. 15) and/or on the lug component 3 is possible. In addition, in this exemplary embodiment there are snap-in recesses 17 provided, which likewise prevent any rotation.

[0116] FIG. 15 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a connecting body 2 according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 13a, in which the trapezoidal setbacks 46 to accommodate the trapezoidal elevations 45 of a connecting element 5 can be accommodated on the ring collar 20 according to FIG. 13a and/or according to FIG. 14. With the exception of the angled trapezoidal surfaces, the trapezoidal setbacks 46 are aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis, like the contact surface for the snap-in surface 23 on the connecting element 5.

[0117] FIG. 16 shows the schematic progress of a method for connecting of a connecting body 2 and of a lug component 3 of a media line, in which firstly the establishment 100 of a first positive-locking, especially a circumferentially enclosed snap-in connection is established between a connecting element 5 and a lug component 3, in that the connecting element 5 is pressed under elastic deformation at least partly onto the lug component 3, in particular onto a second ring collar 22. Next, there is the establishment 200 of a second positive-locking, in particular a circumferentially enclosed snap-in connection between the connecting element 5 and the connecting body 2, in that the connecting element 5 is pressed at least partly onto the connecting body 2, in particular onto the first ring collar 20, so that the lug component 3 is connected to the connecting body 2 by means of the connecting element 5.

[0118] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but rather encompasses also all designs which are equivalent within the sense of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to all features in combination, rather, each individual part feature can by itself also have inventive significance even detached from all other part features. Furthermore, the invention is also not limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but rather can also be defined by any other particular combination of particular features of all the disclosed individual features. This means that basically virtually each individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted and/or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0119] 1 Plug connector arrangement [0120] 2 Connecting body [0121] 3 Lug component [0122] 4 Receiving opening [0123] 5 Connecting element [0124] 6 First snap-in section [0125] 7 Second snap-in section [0126] 8 Inside perimeter of the connecting element 5 [0127] 9 Compensating element [0128] 10 Front surface in direction of lug component 3 [0129] 11 Front surface in direction of connecting body 2 [0130] 12a Set fracture site for axial separation [0131] 12b Set fracture site for radial separation [0132] 13 Engagement groove [0133] 14 Groove collar [0134] 15 Slanting insertion element [0135] 16 Base body [0136] 16a Shorter section of the base body 16 [0137] 16b Longer section of the base body 16 [0138] 17 Snap-in recesses [0139] 18 Retaining arms [0140] 19 Contact surface [0141] 20 First ring collar [0142] 21 First snap-in surface [0143] 22 Second ring collar [0144] 23 Second snap-in surface [0145] 24 Receiving counter-piece [0146] 25 First recess [0147] 26 Second recess [0148] 27 Third recess [0149] 28 Recess for gasket [0150] 29 Assembly adapter [0151] 30 Snap-in recess [0152] 31 Snap-in protrusions [0153] 32 Fluid channel [0154] 33 Fluid channel [0155] 34 Retaining area [0156] 34a Retaining surface [0157] 35 First contact surface [0158] 36 Second contact surface [0159] 37 Sensor area [0160] 38 Sensor channel [0161] 39 Membrane [0162] 40 Connecting section [0163] 41 First edge area [0164] 42 Second edge area [0165] 42 Slot [0166] 44 Positioning means [0167] 45 Trapezoidal-shaped elevation [0168] 46 Trapezoidal-shaped set-back [0169] 100 Establishment of the snap-in connection between 5 and 3 [0170] 200 Establishment of the snap-in connection between 5 and 2