EP3427348B1 - Plug-in connection having a plugging indicator - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a plug connection comprising a male plug part which can be or is plugged into a female plug part along a connection axis, both plug parts having a rectangular cross section along a connection plane. The invention also comprises a retaining clip and a male and a female plug part for a plug connection according to the invention.

EP 1 006 380 A1 discloses an electrical and / or optical connection structure with a male connector part, with a female connector part and a locking device. The locking device is a U-shaped retaining clip that is attached to the male or female connector.

EP 1 006 380 A1 discloses the preamble of claim 1.

The invention is based on the object of creating a plug connection for two plug parts which indicates whether both plug parts are completely plugged into one another and locked into place.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features of claim 1.

Fig. 1

perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Halteklammer,

Fig. 2

eine alternative perspektivische Ansicht der Halteklammer nach Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Halteklammer nach Fig. 1 zur Verbindung von einem männlichen Steckerteil in einem weiblichen Steckerteil,

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Ansicht des weiblichen Steckerteils mit der Halteklammer nach Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht des männlichen Steckerteils nach Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Hälfte des weiblichen Steckerteils nach Fig. 3 und Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

ein Ausschnitt einer Verbindung der Steckerteile mit der Halteklammer nach Fig. 3 mit gekennzeichneten Schnittebenen,

Fig. 8a

eine Schnittansicht einer Schnittebene D-D nach Fig. 7 in einer Vormontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 8b

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene E-E nach Fig. 7 in einer Vormontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 8c

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene F-F nach Fig. 7 in einer Vormontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 9a

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D nach Fig. 7 in einer Übergangsposition der Halteklammer von der Vormontageposition in eine Rastposition,

Fig. 9b

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene E-E nach Fig. 7 in einer Übergangsposition der Halteklammer von der Vormontageposition in eine Rastposition,

Fig. 9c

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene F-F nach Fig. 7 in einer Übergangsposition der Halteklammer von der Vormontageposition in eine Rastposition,

Fig. 10a

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D nach Fig. 7 in der Rastposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 10b

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene E-E nach Fig. 7 in der Rastposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 10c

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene F-F nach Fig. 7 in der Rastposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 11a

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D in einer Betriebsposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 11b

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene E-E nach Fig. 7 in einer Betriebsposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 11c

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene F-F nach Fig. 7 in einer Betriebsposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 12a

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D in einer Demontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 12b

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene E-E nach Fig. 7 in einer Demontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 12c

eine Schnittansicht der Schnittebene F-F nach Fig. 7 in einer Demontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 13a

eine weitere Ausführungsform in einer Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D nach Fig. 7 in einer Übergangsposition der Halteklammer von der Vormontageposition in eine Rastposition,

Fig. 13b

eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Anschlags der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 13a,

Fig. 13c

die weitere Ausführungsform in einer Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D in einer Betriebsposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 13d

die weitere Ausführungsform in einer Schnittansicht der Schnittebene D-D in einer Demontageposition der Halteklammer,

Fig. 13e

eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Anschlags der weiteren Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 13d,

Fig. 14a

Längsschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Steckverbindung und

Fig. 14b

vergrößerte Darstellung des Details bei A in Fig. 14a.

Show it:

Fig. 1

perspective view of a retaining clip according to the invention,

Fig. 2

an alternative perspective view of the retaining clip according to Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the retaining clip according to Fig. 1 to connect a male connector to a female connector,

Fig. 4

a perspective view of the female connector part with the retaining clip according to Fig. 3 ,

Fig. 5

a perspective view of the male connector part according to Fig. 3 ,

Fig. 6

a perspective view of one half of the female connector part according to FIGS. 3 and 4 ,

Fig. 7

a section of a connection of the plug parts with the retaining clip Fig. 3 with marked cutting planes,

Figure 8a

a sectional view of a cutting plane DD according to Fig. 7 in a pre-assembly position of the retaining clip,

Figure 8b

a sectional view of the cutting plane EE according to Fig. 7 in a pre-assembly position of the retaining clip,

Figure 8c

a sectional view of the cutting plane FF according to Fig. 7 in a pre-assembly position of the retaining clip,

Figure 9a

a sectional view of the cutting plane DD according to Fig. 7 in a transition position of the retaining clip from the pre-assembly position to a latching position,

Figure 9b

a sectional view of the cutting plane EE according to Fig. 7 in a transition position of the retaining clip from the pre-assembly position to a latching position,

Figure 9c

a sectional view of the cutting plane FF according to Fig. 7 in a transition position of the retaining clip from the pre-assembly position to a latching position,

Figure 10a

a sectional view of the cutting plane DD according to Fig. 7 in the locking position of the retaining clip,

Figure 10b

a sectional view of the cutting plane EE according to Fig. 7 in the locking position of the retaining clip,

Figure 10c

a sectional view of the cutting plane FF according to Fig. 7 in the locking position of the retaining clip,

Figure 11a

a sectional view of the section plane DD in an operating position of the retaining clip,

Figure 11b

a sectional view of the cutting plane EE according to Fig. 7 in an operating position of the retaining clip,

Figure 11c

a sectional view of the cutting plane FF according to Fig. 7 in an operating position of the retaining clip,

Figure 12a

a sectional view of the sectional plane DD in a dismantling position of the retaining clip,

Figure 12b

a sectional view of the cutting plane EE according to Fig. 7 in a dismantling position of the retaining clip,

Figure 12c

a sectional view of the cutting plane FF according to Fig. 7 in a dismantling position of the retaining clip,

Figure 13a

a further embodiment in a sectional view of the cutting plane DD according to Fig. 7 in a transition position of the retaining clip from the pre-assembly position to a latching position,

Figure 13b

an enlarged view of a stop of the embodiment according to Figure 13a ,

Figure 13c

the further embodiment in a sectional view of the cutting plane DD in an operating position of the retaining clip,

Figure 13d

the further embodiment in a sectional view of the sectional plane DD in a dismantling position of the retaining clip,

Figure 13e

an enlarged view of the stop of the further embodiment according to Figure 13d ,

Figure 14a

Longitudinal section through a connector according to the invention and

Figure 14b

enlarged view of the detail at A in Figure 14a .

In the various figures of the drawing, the same parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

A connector, for example according to Fig. 3 comprises a male plug part 11 which is plugged into a female plug part 9 along a connection axis X, both plug parts 9, 11 preferably having a rectangular cross section along a connection plane, for example in Figures 8 to 12 .

According to the invention, the male connector part 11 can be inserted into the female connector part. The female connector part 9 has a U-shaped outer groove 24 with a retaining clip 1 plugged onto the outer groove 24 from the outside, the outer groove 24 each having an opening 26 on its two opposite legs, which is formed by a retaining rib 21 and a shoulder 22 of the Holding clip 1 is penetrated to interact in the inserted state of the male connector part 11 with the male connector part 11 arranged guide cams 37a, 37b and a retaining lug 36 so that the retaining clip 1 has a pre-assembly position, a latching position, an operating position and a Can take dismantling position, wherein the retaining clip 1 shows as a plug indicator whether a complete plugging of the plug parts 9, 11 is available.

It is e.g. it is also possible for the two plug parts 9, 11 to have an oval cross section with the sunk retaining clip 1.

The exemplary Figs. 1 and 2 disclose in particular the U-shaped retaining clip 1 for the plug-in indication of the plug parts 9, 11 of fluid lines along a connection axis X, provided that the two plug parts 9, 11 are completely plugged into one another and latched. The retaining clip 1 comprises a connecting web 2 with a first and a second connecting end 3a, 3b, a locking web 7 and a guide web 8 being formed on each of the two connecting ends 3a, 3b perpendicular to the connecting web 2 along a holding clamp extension axis Y separated by a slot 6.

The retaining clip 1 is preferably designed in one piece, particularly preferably monolithic, and in particular consists of a plastic, in particular a glass fiber reinforced plastic. The retaining clip 1 according to the invention can preferably occupy four positions on the female plug part 9, divided into a pre-assembly position, a latching position, an operating position and a dismantling position.

The connecting web 2 preferably has haptically palpable profiles 12 on its surface facing away from the plug parts 9, 11. The connecting web 2 has a longitudinal edge 13 which runs perpendicular to the retaining clip extension axis Y and to the connecting axis X, wherein at the longitudinal edge 13 e.g. a tongue 14 can be formed which is aligned along the connection axis X in FIG.

The locking webs 7 preferably have on their outer surfaces facing away from one another along their longitudinal axis, which is the

Retaining clip extension axis Y corresponds to a longitudinal rib 16 to increase the rigidity. Furthermore, at least the guide webs 8 preferably have, on their outer surfaces facing away from one another, along their longitudinal axis, which corresponds to the retaining clip extension axis Y, for example a framework reinforcement 17 in order to achieve increased rigidity.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the retaining clip 1, the free ends of the locking webs 7 have latching projections 18 facing inwardly towards one another.

The locking webs 7 are preferably narrower than the guide webs 8 and preferably longer than the guide webs 8. It is also possible for the guide webs 8 to be longer than the locking webs 7 or the same length.

The two guide webs 8 have stop cams 19 on their undersides facing away from the locking webs 7. Furthermore, each guide web 8 comprises the retaining clip 1 on its mutually facing side surfaces, i.e. its inner surfaces, retaining ribs 21 projecting from the respective inner surface, which extend along the retaining clip extension axis Y.

Furthermore, each guide web 8 comprises a shoulder 22 with an inclined surface 22a along the holding clamp extension axis Y between the holding rib 21 and the connecting web 2, the inclined surface 22a enclosing an angle of less than 90 ° with a lower edge of the guide web 8 running parallel to the holding clamp extension axis Y, so that the apex 23 of the shoulder 22 faces the lower edge of the respective locking web 7.

The exemplary Fig. 4 discloses the female plug part 9 with the retaining clip 1, the retaining clip 1 being guided in every position in the U-shaped outer groove 24 of the female plug part 9. E.g. Fig. 5 discloses the male plug part 11 with the guide cams 37a, 37b and the retaining lug 36.

As in Fig. 3 can also be seen, the outer groove 24 is preferably formed by a first and a second boundary wall 27a, 27b, which are opposite one another, for example in Fig. 6 The boundary walls 27a, 27b are each arranged on three circumferential outer surfaces of the female plug part 9, the three surfaces being arranged to one another, preferably at an angle of 90 ° each, that they are suitable for receiving the retaining clip 1. The first delimitation wall 27a is the delimitation wall closer to the male plug part 11 along the connection axis X, while the second delimitation wall 27b is the delimitation wall further away from the male plug part 11 along the connection axis X. A separating rib 28, which engages in the respective slot 6 between the locking web 7 and the guide web 8, runs between the two boundary walls 27a, 27b. The separating rib 28 serves to support the insertion force.

The first delimiting wall 27a has a stop cam recess 29 for each of the two guide webs 8 along the retaining clip extension axis Y, the stop cam recess 29 for the respective stop cam 19 on each of the guide webs 8 having an outwardly connecting locking extension 31 which interacts with the stop cams 19 such that a spreading of the guide web 8 is prevented in particular in the operating position.

The stop cam recess 29 has a conically rising course along the retaining clip extension axis Y on its end wall 32 facing the free end of the guide web 8, so that the guide web 8 is spread apart when the stop cam 19 rests on the end wall 32.

In order to additionally ensure an undesired detachment of the retaining clip 1 from the female connector part 9, the stop cam recess 29 comprises a stop shoulder 33 on its edge directed towards the connecting web 2, against which the stop cam 19 strikes when the retaining clip 1 along the retaining clip extension axis Y in the direction of the Connecting web 2 is pushed.
The tongue 14 of the connecting web 2 is preferably guided between the two boundary walls 27a, 27b in a tongue receptacle 34 of the female plug part 9 along the axis Y of the holding clip extension.

To fix the male connector part 11 in the female connector part 9, the retaining clip 1 has the protruding retaining rib 21 on its inner surface directed towards the male connector part 11. In the completely inserted state of the male connector part 11, this retaining rib 21 engages in a form-fitting manner behind a retaining lug 36 arranged on the male connector part 11 in the penetration direction of the male connector part 11.

The retaining lug 36 of the male plug part 11 is preferably arranged between two guide cams 37a, 37b along the retaining clip extension axis Y. During the connection and dismantling process of the plug parts, these are guided in internal guide grooves 40 of the female plug part 9, shown for example in FIG Figure 8c . At least one guide cam 37a, 37b is arranged along the retaining clip extension axis Y in such a way that it is guided through its respective guide groove 40 along the connecting axis X during the insertion of the male plug part 11 into the female plug part 9, that the guide cam 37a, 37b on the shoulder 22 of the guide web 8 meets.

Optionally, between the guide cams 37a, 37b of the male connector part 11 and the guide grooves 40 of the female connector part 9, a poka yoke configuration be trained. Poka Yoke is a principle that includes technical precautions for the immediate detection and prevention of errors. For this purpose, one of the two guide cams 37a, 37b is made thicker than the other guide cams 37a, 37b along the retaining clip extension axis Y, the guide grooves 40 being correspondingly correlated. The purpose of a poka yoke configuration in the present case is to ensure the plug-in arrangement of the plug parts 9, 11, so that the male plug part 11 is prevented from being inserted into the female plug part 9 rotated by 180 °, which could damage components.

The outer groove 24 comprises an outer groove end 24a which correlates with the free ends of the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 and which has a conically rising guide shoulder 38 along the retaining clip extension axis Y and in the orientation of the course of the end wall 32. The guide shoulder 38 is suitable for guiding the respective ends of the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8. The free ends of the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 can slide along their conically rising guide shoulder 38, whereby the locking webs 7 and the guide webs 8 assume a spread position in a simplified manner .

The locking projection 18 can engage in a window 39 in order to secure the retaining clip 1 against axial movement along the retaining clip extension axis Y and against undesired detachment from the female connector part 9 when the retaining clip is pushed along the retaining clip extension axis y in the direction of the connecting web 2.

The window 39 is adjoined along the holding clamp extension axis Y towards the free ends of the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 by a window holding edge 41 for locking the holding clamp 1 and for insertion indication using the latching projection 18.

In particular, a dummy connection does not exist when the plug parts 9, 11 are plugged together if the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 are arranged flush with the plug parts 9, 11 and the connecting web 2 is arranged in alignment with the boundary walls 27a, 27b. Flush means here that the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 are not spread apart. In the present case, in alignment means that the connecting web 2 does not protrude beyond the boundary walls 27a, 27b along the retaining clip extension axis Y. The problem with false connections is that apparently closed connections can be loosened from each other by vibrations during use. Furthermore, with electrical connections, the friction of electrical line connections can cause hotspots, which can damage the surrounding components due to high temperatures.

Overall, the retaining clip 1 according to the invention can assume four positions. In the following, possible positions of the retaining clip 1 are shown on the basis of the sections according to the exemplary Fig. 7 explained. The e.g. Figures 8a, 9a, 10a, 11a and 12a each include the sectional view DD of the exemplary Fig. 7 in different positions of the retaining clip 1. The example Figures 8b, 9b, 10b, 11b and 12b each include the sectional view EE of the exemplary Fig. 7 in different positions of the retaining clip 1. FIGS. 8c, 9c, 10c, 11c and 12c each include the sectional view FF of the exemplary Fig. 7 in different positions of the retaining clip 1. The pre-assembly position, latching position and operating position follow one another while the retaining clip 1 is being fixed to the plug parts 9, 11. The dismantling position follows the operating position in order to release the plug parts 9, 11 from one another.

The first position is called the pre-assembly position in the following and is the position of the retaining clip 1 in front of the guide cams 37a, 37b along the connecting axis

X touch the shoulder 22, e.g. in Figures 8a, 8b and 8c . The locking projections 18 are for example Figure 8a each arranged on the conical lugs of the guide shoulders 38. The connecting web 2 is aligned with the boundary walls 27a, 27b, for example in Figures 8a, 8b . The guide cams 37a, 37b are, for example, after Figure 8c along the connecting axis X in the area of the cutting plane FF. The respective stop cam 19 is located, for example, according to Figure 8c along the retaining clip extension axis Y in the area of the respective externally protruding locking extension 31, whereby the guide webs 8 are secured against widening in relation to the connection axis X.

From the preassembly position, the retaining clip 1 moves into the latching position via a transition position that results during the plugging movement of the male plug part 11 into the female plug part 9 after the guide cam 37b of the male plug part 11 is opposite the preassembly position along the connection axis X in the direction of the female plug part 9 has been moved on. As soon as the guide cam 37b meets the shoulder 22 along the connecting axis X, this moves due to its inclined surface 22a, and thus also the entire holding element 1 along the holding clamp extension axis Y in the direction of the connecting web 2, for example in Figure 9b . The respective locking projection 18 slides out of its position on the conical extension of the guide shoulder 38 into the window 39 and is secured there against further axial movement by the window holding edge 41, for example in Figure 9a . The retaining clip 1 is further secured against axial movement along the retaining clip extension axis Y by the stop of the respective stop cam 19 on the stop shoulder 33.

The second position is referred to below as the latching position and is the position of the retaining clip 1 when the retaining rib 21 is arranged in a form-fitting manner behind that which is arranged on the male connector part 11 in the penetration direction of the male connector part 11 Retaining lug 36 engages. As a result of the male connector part 11 penetrating into the female connector part 9, the retaining lug 36 displaces the retaining rib 21 in such a way that the respective guide web 8 is spread outward, for example in Figures 10a, 10b and 10c . As soon as the male connector part 11 is guided further along the retaining clip extension axis Y into the female connector part 9 and the retaining lug 36 overcomes the retaining rib 21 axially along the connecting axis X, the respective guide web 8 snaps back into its non-spread position. In the latching position, each of the two latching projections 18 is pressed out of the respective window 39 by the respective guide cam 37a, 37b when the plug parts 9, 11 are plugged in, whereby the locking web 7 assumes a spread position, for example in Figure 10a . As a result of the spread position of each of the two locking webs 7, the locking projections 18 are no longer blocked by their respective window retaining edge 41 and the retaining clip 1 is no longer secured against displacement along the retaining clip extension axis Y.

In order to reach the next, third position of the assembly positions, the connecting web 2 of the retaining clip 1 is manually pressed along the retaining clip extension axis Y in the direction of the free ends of the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 until the latching projections 18 are each arranged on the conical attachment of the respective guide shoulders 38 and the connecting web 2 is arranged in alignment with the boundary walls 27a, 27b. The manual pressing of the retaining clip 1 is only possible in the aforementioned, plugged-in state of the two connector parts 9, 11 if the male connector part 11 is guided so far into the female connector part 9 that each of the co-operating with the respective inclined surfaces 22a of the corresponding shoulder 22 Guide cam 37a, 37b is guided along the connecting axis X completely past the respective shoulder 22. Otherwise, the retaining clip 1 is blocked at its shoulders 22 from moving along the retaining clip extension axis Y in the direction of the connecting web 2 by the respective guide cam 37a, 37b.

The third position is called the operating position in the following and is the position of the retaining clip 1 when the two connector parts 9, 11 are in the completed fixing position, a dummy plugging being excluded. Here, each of the two locking projections 18 is, for example, after Figure 11a arranged on the conical extension of the respective guide shoulders 38, whereby the locking webs 7 are flush with the boundary walls 27a, 27b. Due to the positive connection between the retaining lug 36 and the retaining rib 21, the two plug parts 9, 11 are secured against axial loosening along the connection axis X, for example in Figure 11b . The respective stop cam 19 is located, for example, according to Figure 11c along the retaining clip extension axis Y in the area of the respective externally protruding locking extension 31, whereby the guide web 8 is secured against widening.

To release the two connector parts 9, 11, the connecting web 2 of the retaining clip 1 is manually pressed into a dismantling position along the retaining clip extension axis Y in the direction of the free ends of the locking webs 7 and guide webs 8 until the connecting web 2 strikes the female connector 9. The locking projections 18 slide along the conical guide shoulders 38, as a result of which the respective locking web 7 is spread apart, for example in Figure 12a . The guide web 8 is spread apart in that the respective stop cam 19 of the guide web 8 slides along the conical end wall 32, for example in Figure 12c . Supporting the free end of the guide web 8 can slide along the guide shoulder 38, for example in Figure 12b .

In the Figures 13a to 13e a further embodiment of the retaining clip 1 is shown. In the Figures 13a and 13b the pre-assembly position is shown in which the latching projection 18 of the locking web 7 of the retaining clip 1 rests against a stop 42 of the female connector part 9. In the pre-assembly position, the latching projection 18 lies in particular on a stop plane 42a of the Stop 42, the stop plane 42a extending at an acute angle at an angle in a range from 80 ° to 85 °, in particular 82 °, with respect to the retaining clip extension axis Y (illustrated by a first dashed auxiliary line in Figure 13e that crosses a second dashed auxiliary line that extends parallel to the retaining clip extension axis Y).

In particular, a latching plane 18a of the latching projection 18 lying on the stop plane 42a of the stop 42 extends at an acute angle at an angle in a range from 80 ° to 85 °, in particular 82 °, with respect to the retaining clip extension axis Y (illustrated by a third dashed auxiliary line in Figure 13b that crosses a second dashed auxiliary line that extends parallel to the retaining clip extension axis Y). Particularly preferably, there is a difference between the angles of the orientations of the planes 18a, 42a. In the preferred embodiment of the retaining clip 1, it cannot be transferred into the operating position, even with increased effort, without the male connector part 11 being plugged into the female connector part 9.

Preferably, a first transition plane 42b and a second transition plane 42c adjoin the stop plane 42a of the stop 42 in the specified order in the direction of the guide shoulder 38, which are designed in such a way that in the spread state of the retaining clip 1 the latching projection 18 moves from the second to the third Position is transferable. For example, for this purpose, the second transition plane 42c can extend parallel to the retaining clip extension axis Y and the first transition plane 42b can extend like a ramp to the second transition plane 42c, i. H. enclose an obtuse angle with the second transition plane 42c.

In the third position, the operating position, see Figure 13c , the locking projection 18 rests on the conical approach of the guide shoulder 38. The guide shoulder 38 preferably has a first guide plane 38a that extends extends at an acute angle with respect to the holding clip extension axis Y at an angle α. In particular, the angle α lies in a range from 72 ° to 77 °, in particular from 75 °. A second guide plane 38b preferably adjoins the first guide plane 38a in the direction of the dismantling position of the locking projection 18. The second guide plane 38b extends in particular at a smaller angle β than the angle α of the first guide plane 38a, preferably in a range from 42 ° to 47 °, in particular 45 °, with respect to the holding clamp extension axis Y.

The latching projection 18 preferably has a rounded portion 18b adjoining the latching plane 18a in the direction of the male plug part 11, which is adjoined by a support plane 18c, which in particular extends parallel to the retaining clip extension axis Y, see Figure 13b . In the dismantling position, the locking projection 18 rests on its support plane 18c on a support plane 38c of the guide shoulder 38 that adjoins the second guide plane 38b, the support plane 38c extending in particular parallel with respect to the retaining clip extension axis Y, see FIG Figure 13e . The preferred configuration of the guide shoulder 38 improves the haptics when using the retaining clip 1: When transferring the locking projection 18 of the retaining clip 1 from the first guide plane 38a to the support plane 38c, a user has to apply a greater force to move the locking projection 18 away from the first To move management level 38a to the second management level 38b. Subsequently, a smaller force has to be applied to transfer the locking projection 18 from the second guide plane 38b to the support plane 38c. The second support plane 38b makes it easier to return the retaining clip 1 from the support plane 18c to the operating position.

In particular, the stop 42 is formed on an opening 43 on the female plug part 9 (see FIG Figure 13a ), in which the male connector part 11 engages in the second and third positions, see Figures 13c and d.

In the Figures 14a and 14b Preferred embodiments of the retaining rib 21 of the guide web 8 of the retaining clip 1 and the retaining lug 36 of the male connector part 11 are shown. Here, the retaining clip 1 and the male connector part 11 and the female connector part 9 are shown in the operating position. In particular, the retaining rib 21 of the retaining clip 1 has a retaining plane 21a resting on the retaining lug 36, which extends at an acute angle at an angle in a range of 80 ° to 88 °, in particular 85 °, with respect to the connecting axis X, see FIG Figure 14b . In particular, a retaining lug plane 36a of the retaining lug 36 resting on the retaining plane 21a extends at an acute angle at an angle in a range from 80 ° to 88 ° with respect to the connecting axis X, see FIG Figure 14b . Particularly preferably, there is a difference between the angles of the orientations of the planes 21a, 36a, the retaining lug plane 36a being in particular oriented at an angle of 88 ° with respect to the connecting axis X. For example, the difference between the two angles of the orientations is 3 °. Due to the preferred configuration of the retaining lug 36 and the retaining rib 21, the retaining force of the latching connection is increased. Furthermore, the holding rib 21 is preferably prevented from sliding off under load and the associated deformation of the components of the plug connection.

The present invention also relates to the fact that the plug connection is fastened in a holder. This holder has one or more inner contour / s, which is / are adapted to the outer contour of the plug connection, and / or holding means for the plug connection. This brings about a fixation and increased security against ice pressure. Furthermore, the inner contour or inner contours present in the holder can be designed in such a way that it is impossible to open the retaining clip 1 when the plug connection is inserted in the holder.

List of reference symbols

1

Retaining clip

2

Connecting bridge

3a

first end of connection

3b

second connection end

6

slot

7th

Locking bar

8th

Guide bar

9

female connector part

11

male connector part

12

Circular lips

13

Long edge

14th

tongue

16

Longitudinal rib

17th

Truss reinforcement

18th

Locking projection

18a

Locking plane

18b

Rounding off

18c

Support level

19th

Stop cam

21st

Retaining rib

21a

Retaining rib level

22nd

shoulder

22a

sloping surface

23

Vertex

24

External groove

24a

Outside groove end

26th

breakthrough

27a

first boundary wall

27b

second boundary wall

28

Dividing rib

29

Stop cam recess

31

Locking process

32

End wall

33

Stop shoulder

34

Tongue recording

36

Retaining lug

36a

Holding nose level

37a

first guide cam

37b

second guide cam

38

Leadership shoulder

38a

first management level

38b

second management level

38c

Support level

39

window

40

Guide grooves

41

Window retaining edge

42

attack

42a

first stop level

42b

first transition level of the attack

42c

second transition level of the attack

43

breakthrough

X

Connection axis

Y

Retaining clip extension axis

Claims (19)

1. Plug-in connection, comprising a male plug part (11) and a female plug part (9), wherein the male plug part (11) can be inserted or is inserted into the female plug part (9) along a connection axis (X), wherein the two plug parts (9, 11) have a rectangular cross section along a connection plane, wherein the female plug part (9) can be connected to the inserted male plug part (11) by means of a U-shaped holding clip (1), which is guided on the female plug part (9), and assumes a latching position and an operating position,
   characterized in that the holding clip (1) comprises a connection web (2) with a first and a second connection end (3a, 3b), wherein a locking web (7) and a guide web (8) are integrally formed at the two connection ends (3a, 3b) perpendicular to the connection web (2) along a holding clip extent axis (Y) in a manner separated by a slot in each case, wherein the female plug part (9) has a U-shaped outer groove (24), and the holding clip (1) is fitted onto the outer groove (24), and the outer groove (24) comprises in each case one aperture (26) on its two opposite limbs, and the free ends of the locking webs (7) have latching projections (18) which face one another towards the inside and the two guide webs (8) have stop cams (19) on their bottom sides which are averted from the locking webs (7), wherein each guide web (8) comprises, on its inner faces which face one another, holding ribs (21) which project from the said inner faces and extend along a holding clip extent axis (Y), and a holding rib (21) and a shoulder (22) of the holding clip (1) pass through the respective aperture (26), wherein the holding ribs (21) and the shoulders (22), when the male plug part (11) is in the inserted state, interact with guide cams (37a, 37b), which are arranged on the said male plug part, and a holding lug (36) in such a way that the holding clip (1) can assume a pre-mounting position, the latching position, the operating position and a removal position,
   wherein the pre-mounting position is that position which the holding clip assumes before the guide cams (37a, 37b) make contact with the shoulders (22) along the connection axis (X),
   wherein the latching projections (18) engage into a window (39) in a transfer position of the holding clip (1) from the pre-mounting position to the latching position,
   wherein, in the latching position, each of the two latching projections (18) is pressed through the respective guide cam (37a, 37b) out of the respective window (39) when the plug parts (9, 11) are in the plugged state, as a result of which the locking web (7) assumes a spread position, and the latching position occurs when the holding rib (21) latches in in an interlocking manner behind the holding lug (36) which is arranged on the male plug part (11) in the penetration direction of the male plug part (11), and the operating position is the position of the holding clip (1) when the fixing positioning of the two plug parts (9, 11) is completed, wherein a pseudo plug-in connection is precluded, wherein the outer groove (24) has in each case one outer groove end (24a) which is correlated with the free ends of the locking webs (7) and guide webs (8), wherein the outer groove end (24a) has a guide shoulder which rises conically along the holding clip extent axis (Y) for the locking web (7) and for the guide web (8) in each case, the locking web (7) and the guide web (8) being mounted in a sliding manner on the said guide shoulder in the removal position, and wherein, in the removal position, the connection web (2) of the holding clip (1) is pressed along the holding clip extent axis (Y) in the direction of the free ends of the locking webs (7) and of the guide webs (8) and the connection web (2) stops on the female plug part (9), and wherein the holding clip (1), as a plug-in indicator, indicates whether the female and the male plug part (9, 11) are fully plugged one into the other.
2. Plug-in connection according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the connection web (2) has a longitudinal edge (13) which runs perpendicular to the holding clip extent axis (Y) and to the connection axis (X) .
3. Plug-in connection according to either of Claims 1 and 2,
   characterized in that at least the guide webs (8) have a framework reinforcement (17) on their outer surfaces, which are averted from one another, along their longitudinal axis which corresponds to the holding clip extent axis (Y).
4. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that the locking webs (7) are narrower than the guide webs (8).
5. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that the holding ribs (21) are arranged on side surfaces of each guide web (8) that face one another.
6. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that the locking webs (7) and the guide webs (8) are arranged flush with the plug parts (9, 11) when the plug parts (9, 11) are in the plugged-together state.
7. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 3 to 6,
   characterized in that each guide web (8) comprises in each case one shoulder (22) with an oblique face (22a) between the holding rib (21) and the connection web (2) along the holding clip extent axis (Y).
8. Plug-in connection according to Claim 7,
   characterized in that the oblique face (22a) encloses an angle of less than 90° with a bottom edge of the guide web (8) that runs parallel to the holding clip extent axis (Y).
9. Plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that each holding rib (21) engages in each case in an interlocking manner behind the holding lug (36) which is arranged on the male plug part (11) in the penetration direction of the male plug part (11).
10. Plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the holding clip (1) is designed in one piece, preferably monolithically.
11. Plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the holding clip (1) comprises plastic, preferably glass fibre-reinforced plastic.
12. Plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the outer groove (24) is formed by a first and a second boundary wall (27a, 27b) which are situated opposite one another.
13. Plug-in connection according to Claim 12,
    characterized in that the first boundary wall (27a) has in each case one stop cam recess (29) for the two guide webs (8) along the holding clip extent axis (Y).
14. Plug-in connection according to Claim 1 and Claim 13,
    characterized in that the stop cam recess (29) for the respective stop cam (19) has an outwardly adjoining locking extension (31) on each of the guide webs (8), which locking extension interacts with the stop cam (19) in such a way that spreading of the guide web (8) is prevented, in particular in the operating position.
15. Plug-in connection according to Claim 1 and either of Claims 13 and 14,
    characterized in that the stop cam recess (29) has a conically rising profile along the holding clip extent axis (Y) at its end wall (32) which points in the direction towards the free end of the guide web (8), so that the guide web (8) is spread when the stop cam (19) bears against the end wall (32).
16. Plug-in connection according to Claim 9 and one of Claims 13 to 15,
    characterized in that the stop cam recess (29) has a stop shoulder (33) on its edge which is directed towards the connection web (2), the stop cam (19) stopping against the said stop shoulder when the holding clip (1) is pushed along the holding clip extent axis (Y) in the direction of the connection web (2).
17. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 1 to 16,
    characterized in that, in the pre-mounting position in which the latching projection (18) of the locking web (7) of the holding clip (1) bears against a stop (42) of the female plug part (9), the stop plane (42a) of the said stop extends at an acute angle, in particular in a range of from 80° to 85°, in particular of 82°, with respect to the holding clip extent axis (Y), and a latching plane (18a) of the latching projection (18), which latching plane bears against the stop plane (42a) of the stop (42), extends at an acute angle with a corresponding angle, in particular in a range of from 80° to 85°, in particular of 82°, with respect to the holding clip extent axis (Y).
18. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 1 to 17,
    characterized in that the latching projection (18) bears against a conical attachment of the guide shoulder (38) in the operating position, wherein the guide shoulder (38) has a first guide plane (38a) which extends at an acute angle (α) with respect to the holding clip extent axis (Y) which has a magnitude of from 72° to 77°, in particular of 75°, and a second guide plane (38b) adjoins the said first guide plane in the direction of the removal position, which second guide plane is at a smaller angle β than the first guide plane (38a), in particular an angle of from 42° to 47°, in particular of 45°, to the holding clip extent axis (Y), and a supporting plane (38c) adjoins the second guide plane (38b).
19. Plug-in connection according to one of Claims 1 to 18,
    characterized in that the holding rib (21) of the holding clip (1) has a holding rib plane (21a) which bears against the holding lug (36) and extends at an acute angle to the connection axis (X) at an acute angle of from 82° to 88°, in particular of 88°, and wherein a holding lug plane (36a) of the holding lug (36), which holding lug plane bears against the holding rib plane (21a), extends at an acute angle with respect to the connection axis (X) at an acute angle of from 82° to 88°, in particular of 85°.

Images