DE102019218338A1 - Connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Plug connection arrangement for connecting a fuel line to a fuel-carrying device (1), with a plug body (2), in which a channel (4) is formed, which opens into a line (3) connected to the plug body (2). A receiving opening (20) for sealingly receiving the plug body (2) is formed in the device (1), the plug body (2) being insertable into the receiving opening (20) in an insertion direction (22). A locking surface (21) is formed in the receiving opening (20), which forms an undercut when viewed in the insertion direction (22). A spring element (10) for locking the plug body (2) in the receiving opening (20) is arranged on the plug body (2), the spring element (10) comprising two spring arms (11) which extend with respect to a longitudinal axis (7) of the plug body ( 2) lie opposite each other, with a latching hook (12) being formed on each spring arm (11), which interacts with the latching surface (21) for locking the plug body (2) in the receiving opening (20).

Description

The invention relates to a connector arrangement, as is preferably used to connect a fuel line to a fuel-carrying device, for example a fuel injector.

State of the art

In many fuel-carrying devices, for example in fuel injectors or fuel pumps, fuel that occurs in these devices as a leak or as a control quantity has to be returned to a tank. For this purpose, these devices are connected to a return line via a plug connection. Such a connector is for example from the published patent application EP 0 886 065 A1 known. The plug connection comprises a plug body connected to a line, which is inserted into a corresponding receiving opening of the device and which contains a channel through which the fuel to be discharged is discharged into the line. The plug body is locked in the receiving opening during operation so that no leaks occur. This is from the EP 0 886 065 A1 known to press the plug body into the receiving opening and to fix it in the end position by means of a securing element. This is inserted laterally into a corresponding receiving groove on the connector body and prevents the connector from accidentally sliding out of the receiving opening.

The known securing element is designed as a separate component which has to be inserted perpendicularly to the direction of insertion of the plug body in the exception opening and thereby fixes the plug body in the receiving opening. Since the securing element has to be made relatively small, handling is not always easy and the release process cannot always be carried out without tools if the plug body is to be removed from the device again.

Disclosure of the invention

The plug connection arrangement according to the invention has the advantage that a simple assembly of a plug body in a receiving opening of a fuel-guiding device is possible and a simple configuration of the plug is achieved. For this purpose, the plug connection arrangement has a plug body in which a channel is formed which opens into a line connected to the plug body. A receiving opening for sealingly receiving the plug body is formed in the fuel-guiding device, the plug body being insertable into the receiving opening in an insertion direction. A catch surface is formed in the receiving opening, which forms an undercut when viewed in the insertion direction. A spring element for locking the plug body in the receiving opening is arranged on the plug body, the spring element comprising two spring arms which lie opposite one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the spring body. A locking hook is formed on each spring arm, which interacts with the locking surface for locking the plug body in the receiving opening.

Due to the locking hooks, which are formed at the ends of the spring arms, the spring element comes to rest on the locking surface and thereby locks the plug body in the receiving opening. Since the latching surface forms an undercut in the direction of insertion of the plug body, the plug body is fixed in the receiving opening and forms a liquid-tight connection via the channel to the drain line.

In a first advantageous embodiment, the spring arms are connected to the plug body at one end and, viewed from this end, are directed outward away from the longitudinal axis of the plug body. This ensures flexibility of the spring arms and thus a secure hooking on the locking surface. The latching hooks are advantageously directed outwards from the longitudinal axis of the spring body.

Both spring arms are advantageously part of a single, continuous metal element. This can easily be designed as a stamped and bent part and mounted on the plug body. The two spring arms are connected to one another by a connecting section, the connecting section of the spring element abutting the plug body. On the one hand, a secure power transmission from the latching hook to the plug body is ensured via the connecting section and, on the other hand, this connecting section allows the spring element to be fixed on the plug body, for example by gluing or caulking.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the connecting section has two bends which limit the connecting section and which form a clamp connection with the plug body. As a result, the spring element can be simply plugged onto the plug body without additional fixing elements being necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a sliding surface inclined to the longitudinal axis is formed on the spring arms, by means of which a force can be exerted on the spring arm towards the longitudinal axis. The spring arms become an appropriate design of this sliding surface Longitudinal axis of the connector body pressed when the connector body is inserted into the receiving opening. As a result, the plug body can be fixed in the receiving opening without the spring arms having to be pressed inwards by a tool or by a person during the assembly process.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a contact surface is formed on the plug body, which cooperates with a contact surface of the device for limiting the insertion movement of the plug body into the receiving opening. In this case, the latching hooks and the latching surface are advantageously designed such that they only cooperate when the contact surface rests on the contact surface. This configuration ensures that the locking takes place only when the plug body is in its end position in the receiving opening.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a spring tongue is formed on the spring arms, which protrudes inwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the respective spring arm, wherein a plurality of spring tongues can also be provided. This increases the force required to bend the spring arms inwards and thereby release the latching hooks, and accordingly reduces the risk of the plug being unintentionally released from the receiving opening by a strong pull. In addition, the resilience of the spring arms in the locking position is improved by the spring tongues, in that the spring tongues support the spring arms in their movement toward the latching position.

For better fixation of the plug body in the receiving opening, a securing bracket can also be attached. The securing bracket is designed in a U-shape, a pin extension being formed at each end, which is perpendicular to the plane formed by the U-shape. The pin extensions can be inserted between the spring arms and the plug body and then block the inward movement of the spring arms. This prevents inadvertent loosening of the plug body, since the loosening force of the plug is then only given by the elasticity of the latching hooks, which due to their dimensions have a significantly higher strength than the entire spring arm. This considerably increases the necessary withdrawal torque which is necessary to pull the plug body out of the receiving opening while deforming the spring arms.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the fuel-carrying device is a fuel injector.

Figure list

• 1 in schematischer Darstellung eine Steckverbindungsanordnung in Kontakt mit einer kraftstoffführenden Vorrichtung, hier in Form eines Injektors,
• 1a eine gegenüber 1 um 90° gedrehte Darstellung des Steckerkörpers,
• 2 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Steckerkörpers mit dem Federelement,
• 3 einen Längsschnitt durch den Steckerkörper und die entsprechende Aufnahmeöffnung an der kraftstoffführenden Vorrichtung,
• 4 eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung der 3 in dem mit IV bezeichneten Ausschnitt,
• 5a und 5b zwei Ausführungsbespiele des Federelements,
• 6 eine Ausschnittsvergrößerung des in 5a bzw. 5b gezeigten Federelements im Bereich des Rasthakens und
• 7a und 7b ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Steckerkörpers mit einem Sicherungsbügel.

In the drawing, embodiments of the connector assembly according to the invention are shown. This shows

• 1 a schematic representation of a connector arrangement in contact with a fuel-carrying device, here in the form of an injector,
• 1a one opposite 1 representation of the plug body rotated by 90 °,
• 2nd a perspective view of the plug body with the spring element,
• 3rd a longitudinal section through the plug body and the corresponding receiving opening on the fuel-carrying device,
• 4th an enlargement of the 3rd in the section marked IV,
• 5a and 5b two examples of execution of the spring element,
• 6 an enlarged section of the in 5a or. 5b shown spring element in the region of the locking hook and
• 7a and 7b a further embodiment of a connector body according to the invention with a securing bracket.

Description of the embodiments

In the 1 is a connector assembly according to the invention for a fuel-carrying device 1 represents, here in the form of a fuel injector, as used, for example, to inject fuel under high pressure into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector generates at its combustion chamber end 1 several injection jets 9 that can be dispensed periodically by alternately opening and closing injection openings in the interior of the fuel injector, not shown in the drawing. The fuel injector is located opposite the end on the combustion chamber side 1 a connector body 2nd arranged in a receiving opening 20th on the injector 1 is introduced. In the receiving opening 20th A discharge channel, which is formed in the injector and is not shown in the drawing, opens out, via which fuel which is produced in the injector as a leak or as a control quantity is discharged. On the connector body 2nd is a nipple 6 trained through which a line 3rd is pushed as in 1a in one opposite 1 Representation of the connector body rotated by 90 ° 2nd is shown. This creates a liquid-tight connection of the line 3rd to a channel 4th formed in the connector body 2nd runs and into the receiving opening 20th flows where it flows into the Leakage or control amount of fuel initiated discharge opening.

In 2nd is the connector body 2nd enlarged again and shown in perspective view. The connector body 2nd has a connection piece 5 with a longitudinal axis 7 on that in the receiving opening 20th is introduced and on which to seal the connection to the channel 4th in the connector body 2nd is formed, a sealing ring 24th is arranged. The essentially cylindrical central area of the connector body 2nd has two groove-shaped recesses 8th that face each other. At right angles to the connector 5 is on the connector body 2nd the nipple 6 trained through which the line 3rd , which is made of a flexible material, can be pushed so that a liquid-tight connection to the channel 4th is formed.

In the middle area of the connector body 2nd is a spring element 10th arranged, which is designed as a continuous sheet metal bent part and the two spring arms 11 trains that in the recesses 8th protrude. The spring arms point at their end 11 is a snap hook 12 on, which is directed outwards and thus away from the longitudinal axis 7 . The two spring arms 11 are through a connecting section 15 connected that on the connector body 2nd lies on. The connecting section 15 is made of two bends 16 limited, so that this creates a clamp connection on the connector body 2nd is formed, the spring element 10th on the connector body 2nd holds. Sufficient the clamping effect of the spring element 10th not off the spring element 10th on the connector body 2nd to fix, the connection section can alternatively or additionally 15 with the connector body 2nd be connected, for example by gluing.

In 3rd is a longitudinal section through the connector assembly in the region of the receiving opening 20th the fuel-carrying device 1 shown. In the opening 20th is a resting area 21st formed, which is substantially conical and with respect to an insertion direction 22 in which the connector body 2nd into the receiving opening 20th is introduced, forms an undercut. The spring arms 11 with their snap hooks 12 are designed so that when inserting the plug body 2nd into the receiving opening 20th the locking hooks 12 on the rest area 21st hook and thereby the connector body 2nd in the receiving opening 20th fix. The connector body 2nd points to limit this insertion movement into the receiving opening 20th an investment area 26 with which the connector body 2nd on a support surface 27th the fuel-carrying device 1 comes to the plant. The spring element 10th is dimensioned so that the locking hook 12 only then at the rest area 21st engage around the connector body 2nd in its end position in the receiving opening 20th to fix when the contact surface 26 on the contact surface 27th is present. The sealing ring 24th serves the annular gap between the connector body 2nd and the wall of the receiving opening 20th seal so that the in the receiving opening 20th inflowing fuel only through the channel 4th can expire.

4th shows an enlargement of the locking hook 12 , ie the section of IV 3rd . The locking hook 12 is from the longitudinal axis 7 seen towards the outside and has a sliding surface 13 on, which is directed so that the spring arms 11 when inserting the connector body 2nd into the receiving opening 20th be pushed in by pressing on the edge of the receiving opening 20th slide off. This allows the connector body 2nd - without the spring arms 11 to be pushed in by a tool or by a person - into the receiving opening 20th be pressed. The locking hooks 12 snap in the end position, i.e. when the contact surface 26 on the contact surface 27th is applied to the locking surface 21st a. Alternatively, of course, the spring arms 11 can also be compressed by a tool or by a person and the connector body 2nd then into the receiving opening 20th be introduced. After the spring arms 11 are released, the locking hooks snap 12 again at the rest area 21st a.

To the connector body 2nd from the receiving opening 20th to remove the spring arms 11 by a tool or by a person inwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 pressed, causing the locking hook 12 inwards from the rest area 21st be pushed away and the connector body 2nd from the emergency opening 20th can be easily removed.

In 5a is a further embodiment of the spring element according to the invention 10th shown. In this embodiment, the spring element 10th additionally two spring tongues 18th on by punching the spring arms 11 are formed and inward in the direction of the longitudinal axis 7 of the connector body 2nd point. The spring tongues 18th prevent the connector body 2nd unintentionally by a train from the receiving opening 20th loosens because the spring tongues 18th increase the force that is necessary to the spring arms 11 to bend inwards. Nevertheless, they still allow the connector body to be released 2nd by the spring arms 11 are deformed inwards with a correspondingly large force. In addition, the spring tongues improve 18th due to the additional, outward force, the reliable engagement of the locking hooks 12 . Alternatively shows 5b a further embodiment of the spring element according to the invention 10th where the spring tongues 18 ' in the area of the locking hook 12 are trained, but the same effect as the spring tongues 18th of the 5a to have. It can also be provided the spring tongues 18th train in a different way, as long as they have the force described on the spring arms 11 exercise.

6 shows the locking hook again in an enlarged view 12 with its sliding surface 13 , which is directed so that when inserting the connector body 2nd at the edge of the receiving opening 20th slides and so the spring arms 11 Push in until the spring arms 11 in the receiving opening in its end position spring outwards again and on the locking surface 21st get caught.

Because the spring element 10th is preferably designed as a continuous stamped and bent part, the plug connection can be easily replaced. Because the spring element 10th also independent of the connector body 2nd can be exchanged, the connector body 2nd can also be used if the spring element 10th when disassembling the connector body 2nd should be bent or damaged so that it is no longer functional.

In 7a Another embodiment of a connector body according to the invention is shown. The spring arms 11 are executed here in a square shape, so that the part of the spring arms protruding beyond the recess 11 forms a flat surface and so far over the recess 8th protrudes that a loop-like opening is formed. A safety bracket 30th is U-shaped, with a pin extension at each end 31 is formed, which is aligned perpendicular to the plane formed by the U-shape. The pin extensions 31 are shaped so that they fit into the opening between the safety bracket 11 and the connector body 2nd can be introduced like this in 7a is shown. The safety bracket 30th prevents the spring arms 11 accidentally pressed inward and the connector body 2nd to solve. The pull-off torque to pull the connector body out of the mounting hole 20th to pull, is then only by the strength of the locking hook 12 fixed, which due to their dimensions have a significantly higher strength than the entire, relatively flexible spring arm 11 . Should the connector body 2nd - deliberately - will be released, the safety bracket 30th towards the fuse extensions 31 subtracted like this in 7b is shown. The safety bracket 30th is preferably made of metal, but can also be made of a plastic, since it usually does not have to absorb large forces.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 0886065 A1 [0002]

Claims (14)

Plug connection arrangement for connecting a fuel line to a fuel-carrying device (1), with a plug body (2), in which a channel (4) is formed, which opens into a line (3) connected to the plug body (2), and with a of the device (1) formed receiving opening (20) for sealingly receiving the plug body (2), the plug body (2) being insertable in an insertion direction (22) into the receiving opening (20), and with a formed in the receiving opening (20) Locking surface (21), which forms an undercut when viewed in the insertion direction (22), characterized in that a spring element (10) for locking the plug body (2) in the receiving opening (20) is arranged on the plug body (2), the spring element ( 10) comprises two spring arms (11), which lie opposite one another with respect to a longitudinal axis (7) of the plug body (2), a latching hook (12) being formed on each spring arm (11), which engages with the latching surface (21) for locking purposes tion of the plug body (2) in the receiving opening (20) interacts. Connector arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the spring arms (11) are connected at one end to the plug body (2) and, starting from this end, are directed outwards and away from the longitudinal axis (7). Connector arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the latching hooks (12) are directed away from the longitudinal axis (7) of the plug body (2). Connector arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that both spring arms (11) are formed by a single, continuous metal element. Connector arrangement according to Claim 4 , characterized in that the connecting section of the spring element (10), which connects both spring arms (11), forms a connecting section (15) on which the spring element (10) bears against the plug body (2). Connector arrangement according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the connecting section (15) of the spring element (10) is connected to the plug body (2) by gluing. Connector arrangement according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the connecting section (15) is delimited by two bends (16) which form a clamping connection with the plug body (2). Connector arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a sliding surface (13) inclined to the longitudinal axis (7) is formed on the spring arms (11), by means of which a force can be exerted on the spring arm (11) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7). Connector arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a contact surface (26) is formed on the plug body (2), which cooperates with a contact surface (27) of the device (1) for limiting the insertion movement of the plug body (2) into the receiving opening (20). Connector arrangement according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the latching hook (12) only interacts with the latching surface (21) when the contact surface (26) bears against the bearing surface (27). Connector arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one spring tongue (18; 18 ') is formed on the spring arms (11) and projects inwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7) from the respective spring arm (11). Connector arrangement according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the spring tongue (18; 18 ') or the spring tongues (18; 18') exert a spring force on the spring arms (11) outwards away from the longitudinal axis (7) when the spring arms (11) inwards are compressed in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7). Connector arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 12 , characterized in that the plug connection arrangement comprises a securing bracket (30) with two pin extensions (31), the pin extensions (31) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (7) between the spring arms (11) and the plug body (2) so that a Inward movement of the spring arms (11) is blocked. Connector arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 , characterized in that the fuel-carrying device (1) is a fuel injector.

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