EP1275173B1 - Plug-in connector with a bushing - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug-in connector has an insulating body which holds electrical contacts, for example contact pins or contact tubes, in bores which extend in the axial direction. On its outside, the insulating body has a groove which opens outwardly and which intersects the holes or bores for the contacts over part of their radial extension. A retaining ring fits into the groove and in the working position, simultaneously engages in groove-like recesses provided on the contacts, thereby fixing the contacts in an axial direction. The retaining ring can also support at least one retaining tongue protruding preferably radially inwardly in the plane of the retaining ring. The retaining tongue extends into the area of a further bore for a middle contact through a channel or opening in the insulating body and in the working position, engages in the recess thereof so that this middle contact is also axially fixed.

Description

The invention relates to a plug with a sleeve and with a in the position of use in the sleeve arranged insulating body and with elongated, pin-like contacts - contact pins or Contact sockets - the holes or holes that receive them of the insulating body in the use position by means of projections are fixed, which in the transverse to the longitudinal direction of the Contacts on these located groove-like depressions intervene, the holes or holes with the elongated contacts on a concentric to the center of the sleeve or the insulating body imaginary cylinder and thus in the same Distance from the inside of the sleeve or the surface of the Insulator body, with another contact inside of the imaginary cylinder parallel to the other contacts is arranged within a perforation or bore.

Such electrical plugs are known and have proven themselves, because the contacts are fixed and held in the axial direction when the connector is plugged together with a counterpart or is released from it, which often involves overcoming is connected by clamping forces through which the contacts in their Longitudinal direction are subjected to a force.

So far, the mutual assignment of the projections is too the recesses on the plug contacts complex. In many cases the insulating body is formed in several parts around the contacts with their depressions on corresponding projections within to determine the insulating body when it is disassembled. This means that it has to be put together afterwards, so that both the manufacture and assembly as expensive are to be seen.

Another known solution looks in one piece with the insulating body manufactured projections before the insertion of the pin-like First dodge contacts and then into the recesses on the Can snap contacts. This requires one accordingly elastic material and beyond are elaborate shapes required to manufacture such an insulating body.

A connector according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from document FR-A-1 547 023.

The invention has for its object an electrical To create plugs of the type mentioned in the Manufacturing is simple and with a one-piece design of the Insulator the definition of the contacts, be it contact pins or contact sockets, by means of recesses and engaging therein Projections made easy.

To solve this problem is the connector mentioned above characterized in that the insulating body at least one has a circumferential and open groove on the outside, the holes or holes for the contacts over a part of the radial extent of which on the outside of the Insulator facing side cuts or penetrates, and that the groove on the insulating body is arranged at the level on which the recesses of the contacts are in the position of use find that an insulating material at least over part of the total circumference of the insulating body Reaching locking or retaining ring is provided in the groove of the insulating body fits and in the use position at the same time engages as a projection in the recesses of the contacts, and that the retaining ring has at least one inwardly projecting retaining tongue carries in the use position in one of the groove engages inward channel or breakthrough and up into the recess of the inside of the imaginary cylinder located further contact and the receiving this Perforation or hole protrudes.

In this way, a one-piece and one-piece insulating body be provided in which corresponding perforations or Bores arranged for inserting the pin-like contacts are, which fix these contacts in the axial direction Projections are formed by a common retaining ring which in a groove of the insulating body, which surrounds the perforations or cuts holes in the contacts or slightly penetrates them, so that the retaining ring located in this groove in the same Height recesses of the contacts can intervene. A Multipart of the insulating body or complex molded Projections on the insulating body for axially fixing the contacts are avoided.

For easy assembly, it is convenient if the retaining ring only runs over a pitch circle and its two free ends are elastically at least so far apart that you Distance in this deformed state the diameter of the Insulating body in the area of the bottom of the groove corresponds. The Retaining ring is therefore interrupted and has two free ends and can be bent up so that despite the insulator in the function enclosing the groove in the position of use initially can be attached from the side. This due to its Elastic bendable retaining ring then snaps due to the Elasticity and the resulting restoring force in Use position in the groove and is already there established. At the same time, its elasticity also allows that he dodges again when the contacts in her Perforations into which the retaining ring engages somewhat are inserted become.

It is useful if the on the elongated contacts or contact pins, especially around their circumference groove-like depressions each one from the Contact area radially projecting collar or the like limited are and this covenant on the side facing away from the recess has a slope or a cone that when inserting the Contact in his hole against the retaining ring and this deflects radially outward until the recess of the contact in Correspondence with the groove of the insulating body, so that the Retaining ring then automatically into the recess of the contact occurs, that is, defines the contact axially. It follows that the actual contact area of the contact is smaller Cross-section than this covenant and the other side extending part of the contact.

One of the contacts arranged on an imaginary cylinder can formed as a ground contact and released from the retaining ring be and this grounding contact can with a in the groove of the Insulator matching and in the use position in the Depressing the contact engaging the contact in particular with spring arms which engage electrically conductive retaining spring or the like in the axial direction be definable. This arrangement is in several ways advantageous because such a connector usually one Earth contact required. The presence of this ground contact is used to the effect that the retaining ring only over part of the The circumference of the insulating body must run, i.e. when assembling is also correspondingly little to bend, which is the risk of a Fracture of this retaining ring is reduced during assembly or avoids. At the same time, there is a practical solution for the attachment of the earth contact, in which the presence corresponding to the circumferential groove on the insulating body can be exploited. The earthing contact holder, namely a retaining spring, also the same as the earth contact connection form.

Overall, there is an arrangement in which not only one simple manufacture, but also a very simple and yet effective assembly is made possible by the retaining ring first is placed on the insulating body in its groove and then the Contacts in the axial direction in the perforations or holes are inserted that their actual contact areas in Insert direction in the front. They then displace with theirs conical area or protrusion the retaining ring, which then but automatically reverts to its deepening and thus already done the attachment. Because the retaining ring is resilient is, it can dodge until the recess when axially inserted of the contact in this area and then the retaining ring can spring back. Because of the elasticity of the retaining ring So the contact pins already secured after insertion, whereby this also applies to an internal contact pin that comes with a corresponding conical projection or area on the radially inwardly pointing tongue of the retaining ring and this can move radially outwards, which is due to the Elasticity of the retaining ring is also possible.

The free ends of the retaining ring are in the use position arranged on both sides of the earth contact at a distance from it. The inward protruding, corresponding breakthrough or channel of the insulating body penetrating retaining tongue ensures that exact and correct positioning of the retaining ring.

In the final position of use, the retaining ring is against an unwanted bend through the insulating body in itself receiving sleeve, which usually forms the connector housing, secured.

The retaining spring for the ground contact can be made of metal or consist of electrically conductive plastic and on the outside in particular have a bead or projection that is in the use position the surface of the insulating body at least around the game of the insulating body relative to the sleeve and / or the game of Retaining spring protrudes in the groove of the insulating body. electrical conductive plastic can also be such a plastic, which is coated on the outside with metal or vapor-coated. By the bead also protrudes the retaining spring in the use position slightly above the surface of the insulating body, so that in any case to the usually metallic sleeve an electrical terminal contact for the ground contact results, so that there are other measures to connect the grounding contact not needed. This proves that on the insulating body arranged groove as advantageous because it is next to the retaining ring also the retaining spring for the ground contact in a simple way can pick up and keep in contact with the outer sleeve.

The cross section of the retaining ring can in the use position Fill in the cross section of the groove or at least the radial one Extension or width of the retaining ring can that of the groove correspond and the sleeve receiving the insulating body can Determine the position of use of the retaining ring accordingly. Practically in this way forms the outer peripheral side of the retaining ring a continuation of the outer surface or peripheral surface of the Insulator, that is, the retaining ring can be in the use position be approximately flush with the surface of the insulating body.

The already mentioned, radially inwardly projecting retaining tongue of the Retaining rings can be concave on their end face and thereby at least partially to the circumferential shape of the one to be held by it Contact be adapted to the bottom of its depression. The The end face of the retaining tongue can therefore have a concave curvature get the radius of curvature, the radius of the contact within its depression, so that there is a largest possible contact area between the retaining tongue and this Contact results and the contact from this retaining tongue partially is embraced. The area of Retaining tongue which engages in the recess of the contact and ensures the axial fixation.

The retaining ring can be more than 180 ° of the insulator inside the groove running around this, preferably over the entire circumference entwine. Because the retaining ring does not cover the entire circumference the groove does not necessarily need to be continuous to circulate, however, this is useful for manufacturing and easier. A loop through more than 180 ° causes the Haltering the aforementioned automatic determination on the Insulator allowed before the outer sleeve assembly encloses and an escape of the retaining ring from the groove of the Insulator prevents and locks. But it would also be conceivable assemble the retaining ring from sections that are in the groove are clamped and finally fixed by the sleeve.

The free ends of the one-piece retaining ring can be against each other be so beveled that they are postponed or To facilitate insertion into the groove of the insulating body Form insertion funnel. This in turn makes assembly easier.

The sleeve surrounding the insulating body can consist of metal and form the housing of the plug, possibly on the outside wear a thread. This gives this sleeve in itself known way a corresponding additional function by on the one hand inside the insulating body and the retaining ring and thus also determines the contacts and on the other hand with the Earth contact interacts and as a mounting part in a housing or a handle part or the like can be screwed in.

The sleeve can have positioning projections on its inside or - recesses and the insulating body matching them Have deformations when the insulator is inserted axially determine its preselected rotational position. Get through it then at the same time the contact pins their precise positioning relative to the sleeve.

Inside the sleeve can be effective in the axial direction Undercut can be provided, behind which in the direction of insertion seen at least one on the insulating body in radial Radially compliant or compressible direction protruding Snap tongue fits, which can be pivoted resiliently. Will the Insulating body is inserted axially into the sleeve by a such locking tongue automatically sets the axial position and it are no further measures for the axial fixation of the Insulator inside the sleeve is required, though would also be possible. In any case, this will also make the predetermined axial position of the insulating body within the sleeve and fixed.

The one that is elastically flexible or deformable in the radial direction Locking tongue can be parallel to the central axis of the Insulating body or the swivel axis of the plug be pivotable and in the circumferential direction of the insulating body extend. Locking tongues are often known, which are in axial or insert direction and extend correspondingly transverse Axes are pivotable. By arranging the Latching tongue in the circumferential direction can be a relatively large one Preserve length and width and thus a large area Connection to the interior behind the undercut of the sleeve produce.

The elastically deformable locking tongue can be used with a Adjacent side surface to the groove and limit the groove and the Retaining ring or spring can in the use position elastic resilient locking tongue against axial deformation lock. Since the locking tongue is flexible in the radial direction, is a certain axial deformation with appropriate forces not completely excluded, but the advantageous way the retaining ring or the retaining spring in the groove of the insulating body is prevented. This gives the retaining ring another one Function.

The latching tongue can have a latching projection on the outside, its radial expansion is equal to or less than the deformation path the locking tongue is in the radial direction. This lead jumps into the sleeve behind the one already mentioned Undercut and ensures the axial fixation.

It should also be mentioned that the width of the retaining ring, so its radial dimension, on the radial distance from the outside facing surface of a contact or contact pin from the Outside of the insulator is adjusted and that the width of the retaining ring in the area of thin contact pins or Contact sockets larger than in the area of thicker contact pins or contact sockets. The retaining ring can therefore with regard its breadth is different in its scope and attached to it be adapted to how far the respective contact due to its own dimensions from the outer surface of the insulating body is removed.

Overall, there is an electrical connector in which a one-piece insulating body the contact pins in large Number can take and this in the axial direction of one common retaining ring can be fixed, although at least one the contacts are arranged within an imaginary cylinder. The basic shape of the insulating body is simple because none projections integrally formed on it for fixing the Contacts are required. The items used are easy to manufacture and the entire assembly is also simple and quickly feasible, yet effective and ensures for an exact position of the individual contacts within the Connector housing and relative to each other.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Seitenansicht der Einzelteile eines erfindungsgemäßen Steckers noch vor dem Zusammenfügen und Montieren, also in einer "Explosionsdarstellung",

Fig.2

eine der Fig.1 entsprechende Darstellung nach dem Zusammenfügen der in diesem Falle als Stifte ausgebildeten Kontakte mit dem Isolierkörper noch vor dessen Einschieben in die als Gehäuse dienende Hülse,

Fig.3

eine den Figuren 1 und 2 entsprechende Darstellung nach der endgültigen Montage des Steckers, das heißt nach dem Einbringen des mit den Kontakten versehenen Isolierkörpers in die Hülse,

Fig.4

eine perspektivische Draufsicht des mit den als Stifte ausgebildeten Kontakten versehenen Isolierkörpers nach ohne die das Steckergehäuse bildende Hülse,

Fig.5

eine der Fig.4 entsprechende abgewandelte Ausführungsform, bei welcher der Isolierkörper zur Aufnahme von als Buchsen ausgebildeten Kontakten gegenüber Fig.4 abgewandelt ausgebildet ist, aber zur Festlegung der Kontakte in gleicher Weise wie im Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Figuren 1 bis 4 gestaltet ist,

Fig.6

eine Draufsicht des in Fig.4 perspektivisch dargestellten Isolierkörpers,

Fig.7

einen Längsschnitt des Isolierkörpers mit daran befestigten, als Stifte ausgebildeten Kontakten gemäß der Linie A-A in Fig.6,

Fig.8

einen Querschnitt des mit Kontakten bestückten Isolierkörpers gemäß der Schnittlinie B-B in Fig.7, die durch den die Kontakte in axialer Richtung festlegenden Haltering verläuft,

Fig.9

einen der Fig.8 entsprechenden Querschnitt nach dem Einfügen des mit den Kontakten versehenen Isolierkörpers in die Hülse sowie

Fig.10

einen der Fig.9 entsprechenden Querschnitt durch einen Stecker mit acht Kontakten, wobei vier Kontakte einen geringeren Querschnitt und Durchmesser als die übrigen Kontakte und als die Kontakte gemäß Fig.9 haben und der Haltering demgemäß hinsichtlich seiner Breite unterschiedliche Bereiche aufweist.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. It shows in a partially schematic representation:

Fig. 1

3 shows a perspective side view of the individual parts of a plug according to the invention even before they are assembled and assembled, that is to say in an "exploded view",

Fig.2

1 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 after the contacts, in this case designed as pins, have been joined to the insulating body before it is inserted into the sleeve serving as the housing,

Figure 3

2 shows a representation corresponding to FIGS. 1 and 2 after the final assembly of the plug, that is to say after the insulating body provided with the contacts has been introduced into the sleeve,

Figure 4

3 shows a perspective top view of the insulating body provided with the contacts designed as pins without the sleeve forming the plug housing,

Figure 5

4 shows a modified embodiment corresponding to FIG. 4, in which the insulating body for receiving contacts designed as sockets is modified compared to FIG. 4, but is designed to fix the contacts in the same way as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4,

Figure 6

3 shows a top view of the insulating body shown in perspective in FIG. 4,

Figure 7

6 shows a longitudinal section of the insulating body with contacts attached to it, designed as pins, along the line AA in FIG. 6,

Figure 8

7 shows a cross section of the insulating body equipped with contacts according to section line BB in FIG. 7, which runs through the retaining ring that defines the contacts in the axial direction,

Figure 9

a cross-section corresponding to FIG. 8 after inserting the insulating body provided with the contacts into the sleeve and

Figure 10

9 a cross section corresponding to FIG. 9 through a plug with eight contacts, four contacts having a smaller cross section and diameter than the other contacts and than the contacts according to FIG. 9 and the retaining ring accordingly having different areas with regard to its width.

In the exemplary embodiments described below, a electrical connector 1 have the same function Parts that match, even with a slightly different design Reference numerals.

The in its final state in Figure 3, in Figures 1 and 2 in individual parts Plug 1 shown has a sleeve forming its housing 2 and one arranged in the use position in this sleeve 2 and fixed insulating body 3 and elongated, pin-like Contacts 4, which according to Fig.1 to 4 and 6 to 10 contact pins and can be contact sockets according to FIG. 5, in which case the Mating connector pins.

These contacts 4 are attached before or after assembly, as shown in Fig.1 up to 3 cables or strands 5 connected before installation, for Example soldered.

The insulating body 3 contains holes or bores 6, in which the contacts 4 in a manner yet to be described by means of projections are fixed, which is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the Contacts 4 located on these, groove-like depressions 7th intervene, the holes or holes 6 with the elongated or pin-like contacts 4 according to Fig.4 and 5 or also according to FIGS. 9 and 10 approximately on a concentric to the center the sleeve 2 or the insulating body 3 imaginary cylinder and thus at the same distance from the inside of the sleeve 2 or the outside or Surface 3a of the insulating body 3 are. It recognizes one further in all embodiments that another Contact 41 inside the imaginary cylinder parallel to the remaining contacts 4 within a hole or hole 6 is arranged.

For the axial fixation of the contacts 4 and 41 within the Insulator 3 has one on its outside 3a running and open to the outside groove 8, the holes or Bores 6 for the contacts 4 over part of their radial Expansion on the outside 3a of the insulating body 3 facing side cuts. This can be seen, for example, in 1 and indirectly in FIGS. 7 to 10.

This groove 8 is on the insulating body 3 in height or axially Distance from its end faces, in which itself the depressions 7 of the contacts 4 are in the position of use, so that the groove 8 after inserting the contacts 4 in their Use position practically in their groove-like depressions 4 continues.

The connector 1 also includes an insulating material existing, at least over part of the total scope of the Insulating body 3 reaching locking or retaining ring 9, which in the Groove 8 of the insulating body 3 fits and in the use position according to Figures 7 to 10 simultaneously as that projection in the Wells 7 of the contacts 4 engages them in their Determines the position of use axially.

So that this retaining ring 9 not only on the imaginary cylinder Arranged contacts 4, but also the inside Contact 41 can set in the same way in the axial direction in the exemplary embodiment, the retaining ring 9 carries one - in the case of several internal contacts could possibly also be provided - radially inwardly projecting retaining tongue 10, which is integral with it is connected and in the use position in one of the groove 8 engages from inwardly extending channel or opening 11 (see Fig. 7 to 10) and into the recess 7 of the inside of the imaginary cylinder located further contact 41 and which protrudes this receiving hole or bore 6. Consequently can not only the retaining ring 9 with the help of this retaining tongue 10 the contacts 4 located on a common cylinder, but also a further contact 41 located between them set in the axial direction so that for such an axial Fixing no attached to the insulating body 3 itself Locking projections are required or the insulating body 3 divided should be.

It can be seen in several figures, particularly clearly in Fig. 1 and also in Fig.8 to 10 that the retaining ring 9 only over one Pitch circle and its two free ends 9a are elastic are at least so far apart that their distance in this deformed state, the diameter of the insulating body 3 corresponds to the groove 8 in the region of the bottom. This deformed or bent state of the retaining ring 9 is not shown, however, easily imaginable, for example, with the aid of FIG. 8. there it is favorable that the retaining tongue 10 practically in the middle between the free ends 9a of the retaining ring 9 and also in is on the same level as the rest of the ring, so that it practically in the neutral zone when bending the retaining ring 9 is molded.

The groove-like depressions located on the contacts 4 and 41 7 circulate completely around the circumference in the exemplary embodiment, so that the rotational position of the contacts 4 and 41 when they are assembled can be any. These wells 7 each from a radially protruding one with respect to the contact area 4a Covenant 12 limited and this covenant 12 has on the of the recess 7 facing away from a slope or a cone 13, the Insert the respective contact 4 or 41 into its hole 6 against the retaining ring 9 already located in the groove 8 starts up and deflects it radially outwards until the recess 7 of the contact 4 or 41 in accordance with the groove 8 of the Is insulating body 3, so that the retaining ring 9 then automatically falls into the recess 7 of the contact 4 or 41. It results a very simple assembly of the contacts 4 within of the insulating body 3, in which the retaining ring 9 is used, after which the contacts 4 simply in their holes 6 can be inserted to an axial with the retaining ring 9 To form a snap connection.

In the exemplary embodiment, one is on an imaginary cylinder Arranged contacts designed as a ground contact 411 and from the retaining ring 9 according to Fig. 7 to 10 released. This Grounding contact 411 is in the in the embodiment and preferably revolving around the entire circumference of the insulating body 3 Groove 8 matching and in the use position in the recess 7 engaging the earth contact 411 and the earth contact thereby in particular with spring arms 15 detenting, electrically conductive retaining spring 14 can be fixed in the axial direction, wherein this retaining spring 14 so the ground contact 411 in an analogous manner fixed in the axial direction, as the retaining ring 9 in the remaining contacts 4 and 41 does by taking advantage of the fact that circumferential groove 8, the bore 6 for the respective contact and thus also cuts the grounding contact 411 and the corresponding one Engagement in the recess 7 of this ground contact 411 allows.

For example, on the basis of FIGS. 8 to 10, that the free ends 9a of the retaining ring 9 in the use position on both sides of the earth contact 411 at a distance from it are arranged, that is, the ground contact 411 is there provided where the distance between the two free ends 9a of the retaining ring 9 is located. Since the Earth contact has its own attachment, this is for the Overall arrangement and assembly cheap.

The retaining spring 14 for the ground contact 411 is made of metal or electrically conductive plastic and has according to Fig.4, 5 and 8 to 10 on its outside a bead or projection 16, the protrudes beyond the surface of the insulating body 3 in the use position at least for the game of the insulating body 3 opposite the sleeve 2 and also the play of the retaining spring 14 in the groove 8 of the insulating body 3. This projection 16 is thus shaped and dimensioned that in any case in the assembly position under one certain pressure on the inside of the metal or electrical conductive material existing sleeve 2 and thus a establishes electrical connection for grounding.

The retaining ring 9 fills at least with his in the use position Spread out the groove 8, but can optionally also with his fill the entire cross-section of the groove 8 and thereby in its position of use are held securely. Thus closes he with its outer circumference according to Figure 7 flush with the outside or surface 3a of the insulating body 3, so that the Insulating body 3 receiving sleeve 2 with its inside on the outside 3a of the insulating body 3 in the use position according to Figures 9 and 10, the use position of the Retaining rings 9 automatically sets. Is the insulating body 3 with the contacts 4, 41 and 411 are inserted into the sleeve 2 all parts used to define the contacts 4 automatically in turn blocked against unwanted opening.

1 is indicated and can be clearly seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, that the radially from the circumferential center of the retaining ring 9 in its Level inwardly projecting tab 10 on its end face concave in shape and thereby to the circumferential shape of it holding further contact 41 at the bottom of its depression 7 is adjusted. The retaining tongue 10 comprises due to its concave Design the further contact 41 at the bottom of its depression 7 over a certain circumferential area, which is a flat touch and a correspondingly large engagement area in the Well 7 and thus gives a good axial fixation.

The retaining ring 9 only forms part of a circular ring, but wraps around more than 180 ° of the insulating body 3 within the on this revolving around the entire circumference in the exemplary embodiment Groove 8 so that it is inserted into the groove 8 and the bending in the position of use, the bottom of the groove 8 also includes non-positive. It already results from this Shape and design a relatively secure attachment of contacts 4 and 41, so that, according to FIG. 2, the contacts first 4 and 41 with the insulating body 3 having the retaining ring 9 can be connected, after which they are made of insulating body 3 and contacts 4, 41 and 411 existing unit in the sleeve 2nd inserted and thus the assembly can be completed. The Free ends 9a of the retaining ring 9 are mutually such beveled, in the exemplary embodiment with an approximately radial Provide the course that they push or slide in the groove 8 of the insulating body 3 facilitating insertion funnel form.

The sleeve enclosing the insulating body 3 in the use position 2 expediently consists of metal, optionally of a other relatively hard and solid, at least in some areas electrically conductive material and forms the housing of the connector 1. In the embodiment, she enters on the outside Thread 17, so that screwing into a corresponding Counterpart is possible.

The sleeve 2 can not on its inside in the embodiment positioning projections or recesses and the insulating body 3 thus matching deformations 18, that is projections matching recesses or matching projections Have depressions when axially inserting the insulating body 3 determine its preselected rotational position, so later contacts 4, 41 and 411 have a predetermined orientation and Get positioning. 4 and 5 are corresponding Deformations 18 indicated on the insulating body 3.

In the interior of the sleeve there is also an area behind an undercut effective in the axial direction is behind which, in the use position, part of the insulating body 3 arranged and secured against axial displacement. Seen behind this not shown in the insertion direction Undercut fits one on the insulating body 3 in a radial Radially compliant or compressible direction protruding Locking tongue 19, which can be pivoted resiliently and clearly in Figures 1 and 2, and also Figures 4 and 5 is shown and thus also the location of the Undercut within the sleeve 2 with and indicates. In Fig. 1 of this area of the undercut is in Inserted direction seen front boundary 20 visible, behind which is the sleeve 3 slightly axially inside enlarged, this area in the axial direction of the axial Corresponds to the width of the locking tongue 19, so that after insertion of the insulating body 3 in the sleeve 2 the something below explained latching tongue 19 between this outer boundary 20th and an analog inner limit in the axial direction is held positively.

The one that is elastically flexible or deformable in the radial direction Locking tongue 19 is in the embodiment by a parallel to the central axis of the insulating body 3 or the plug 1 running pivot axis due to elastic deformation of the Material swivels and extends according to Fig.1 in Circumferential direction of the insulating body 3. This borders elastically deformable locking tongue 19 with its lower end face 21 of Insulating body 3 facing away from the side surface 22 to the groove 8 and this groove 8 also delimits the circumferential area over which this latching tongue 19 extends. This makes it possible for the retaining ring 9 or the retaining spring 14, in the exemplary embodiment 4 and 5 both parts to a part at the same time the resilient locking tongue 19 in the use position against block an axial deformation that might then be possible if the insulating body 3, for example via the contacts 4 would be loaded in the axial direction relative to the sleeve 2, which for example when plug 1 is plugged into a Counterpart or when pulling apart can occur. Since the Locking tongue 19 is elastic for the latching, it could in addition to their radial deformation in such axial Loads are also slightly deflected axially, but this is due to the described measures are prevented. Thus, the Retaining ring 9 and / or the retaining spring 14 an additional function in the axial securing of the insulating body 3 with respect to the sleeve Second

The latching tongue 19 has a latching projection 23 on its outside, its radial expansion is equal to or less than the deformation path the latching tongue 19 when it is pressed in in the radial direction is, so that this locking projection 23 by pressing the latching tongue 19 in the interior of the envelope body of the insulating body 3 moves to allow insertion into the sleeve 2, in the position of use but then over the outer contour of the Insulating body 3 protrudes to engage with the undercut Area behind the limit 20 and thus the axial Effect.

When comparing Figures 9 and 10 you can still see that the Width of the retaining ring 9, that is its radial dimension, on the radial distance of the outward or pointing Surface of a contact 4, contact pin or contact socket, is adapted from the outside 3a of the insulating body 3, that is the radial width of the retaining ring 9 can be in the range of thinner Contact pins or contact sockets according to Fig. 10 larger than in Range of thicker contact pins or sockets. 9 shows an arrangement with a total of six contacts 4 about the same diameter, while Fig.10 an arrangement with represents a total of eight contacts, four of which are one have a smaller cross-section than the rest.

The previously described exemplary embodiments enable, as already in short, an inexpensive manufacture of the individual parts and also a simple assembly, which - in short - about works like this:

First, the retaining ring 9 according to Figures 1 and 2 in the Groove 8 of the insulating body 3 snapped.

Then the contacts 4 and 41, contact pins or sockets, which may already be provided with cables 5, with their later contacting ends in advance in appropriate Bores 6 of the insulating body 3 introduced. The Retaining ring 9 expanded and displaced in the radial direction and then jumps into the groove-like depressions 7 of the Contacts 4 a, if these are in the same diameter plane how the groove 8 are located.

The retaining spring 14 can then be connected to the ground contact 411 inserted and snapped within the groove 8.

Then the insulating body 3 with the retaining ring 9, the Retaining spring 14 and the contacts 4, 41 and 411 in the as Metal housing formed sleeve 2 to an inner Stop introduced. The locking projection 23 jumps Locking tongue 19 of the insulating body 3 in a designated, after undercut delimited on the outside by an edge 20, which the Preferably include locking projection 23 on both sides in the axial direction can. As a result, the insulating body 3 is secured in the sleeve 2, whereby also the retaining ring 9 and the retaining spring 14 are secured against a release movement and locked because the Inner wall of the sleeve 2 on the outside 3a of the insulating body 3 and the flush retaining ring 9 comes to rest.

At the same time, this means that the bead or protrusion 16, which the Diameter of the insulating body 3 initially protrudes on the Inner wall of the sleeve 2 and leads to a reliable contact of the ground contact 411.

Disassembly is also easily possible by using the insulating body 3 is removed again from the sleeve 2, with the help of a Tool deformed the locking tongue 19 radially inwards and then the insulating body 3 is pressed axially out of the sleeve 2. It is helpful that the latching tongue 9 does not extend over its entire length Outside surface is provided with the locking projection 23, so that next the locking projection 23 a tool between the inside of the Sleeve 2 and the locking tongue 19 can be inserted.

Then the retaining ring 9 and the retaining spring 14 from the Groove 8 are removed, then the contacts 4, 41 and 411th in turn in the axial direction out of the holes 6 can be pushed out or pulled out.

The plug 1 has an electrical contacts 4, 41 and 411, for example contact pins or contact sockets, in axial Insulating body 3 holding holes 6 running in the direction. This has on its outside 3a an outwardly open groove 8, the holes or holes 6 for contacts 4 and 411 cuts over part of their radial extent. In the Groove 8 fits a retaining ring 9, which in the use position at the same time in groove-like depressions 7 provided on the contacts 4 one engages and thereby defines the contacts in the axial direction. The retaining ring 9 can preferably be at least one in its plane radially inwardly projecting retaining tongue 10 carry the through a channel or opening 14 of the insulating body 3 in the Area of a further hole for a middle contact 41 runs and engages in its recess in the position of use, so that this, too, is located outside the ring area Contact 41 is fixed axially.

Claims (18)

1. Plug (1) having a sleeve (2) and an insulating body mounted in the sleeve (2) in the operating position and having oblong contacts (4) which are fixed in holes or bores (6) in the insulating body which accommodate them in the operating position by means of projections which engage in groove-like recesses (7) arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the contacts (4) and located thereon, the holes or bores (6) with the oblong contacts (4) being located on an imaginary cylinder concentric with the centre of the sleeve (2) or the insulating body and thus at the same distance from the inside of the sleeve (2) or the surface (3a) of the insulating body (3), a further contact (41) being arranged inside the imaginary cylinder parallel to the other contacts (4) within a hole or bore (6), characterised in that the insulating body (3) has at least one groove (8) extending on its exterior (3a) and open outwardly, which intersects with the holes or bores (6) for the contacts (4) over part of their radial extent on their side facing the exterior (3a) of the insulating body (3), and in that the groove (8) is arranged on the insulating body (3) at the height at which the recesses (7) in the contacts (4) are located in the operating position, in that a latching or retaining ring (9) made of insulating material and extending over at least part of the total circumference of the insulating body (3) is provided, which fits into the groove (8) in the insulating body (3) and in the operating position simultaneously engages as a projection in the recesses (7) in the contacts (4), and in that the retaining ring (9) has at least one inwardly projecting retaining tongue (10) which in the operating position engages in a channel or opening (11) extending inwardly from the groove (8) and projects into the recess (7) in the additional contact (41) located inside the imaginary cylinder and the hole or bore (6) which accommodates said contact (41).
2. Plug according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining ring (9) extends over only a part of the circle and its two free ends (9a) can be resiliently moved apart at least until their spacing in this deformed state corresponds to the diameter of the insulating body (3) in the region of the base of the groove (8).
3. Plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the groove-like recesses (7) provided on the oblong contacts (4, 41) or contact pins and particularly encircling their circumference are delimited in each case by a flange (12) or the like projecting radially relative to the contact region, and this flange (12) has, on its side remote from the recess (7), a slope or a cone (13) which runs up against the retaining ring (9) when the contact (4, 41) is pushed into its bore (6), and deflects the retaining ring radially outwards until the recess (7) in the contact (4, 41) registers with the groove (8) of the insulating body (3), so that the retaining ring (9) automatically drops into the recess (7) in the contact (4, 41).
4. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that one of the contacts provided on an imaginary cylinder is constructed as an earthing contact (411) and is left free by the retaining ring (9) and in that this earthing contact (411) can be axially secured with an electrically conductive retaining spring or the like which fits into the groove (8) in the insulating body (3) and in the operating position engages in the recess (7) on the earthing contact (411) and grips the earthing contact (411), particularly with spring arms (15), in a latching arrangement.
5. Plug according to claim 4, characterised in that the free ends (9a) of the retaining ring (9) are arranged in the operating position on both sides of the earthing contact (411) and at a spacing therefrom.
6. Plug according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the retaining spring (14) for the earthing contact (411) consists of metal or electrically conductive plastics and has on its exterior a bead or projection (16), in particular, which projects over the surface of the insulating body (3) in the operating position by at least the degree of play of the insulating body (3) relative to the sleeve (2) and/or the play of the retaining spring (14) in the groove (8) in the insulating body (3).
7. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the cross-section of the retaining ring (9) substantially fills the cross-section of the groove (8) in the operating position or at least the radial extent or width of the retaining ring (9) corresponds to that of the groove (8) and the sleeve (2) which accommodates the insulating body (3) fixes the operating position of the retaining ring (9).
8. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the radially inwardly projecting retaining tongue (10) of the retaining ring is concave in shape on its end face and as a result is at least partially adapted to the circumferential shape of the additional contact (41) to be held by it on the base of its recess (7).
9. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the retaining ring (9) loops around more than 180° of the insulating body (3) within the groove (8) which preferably runs right round the circumference of said insulating body.
10. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the free ends (9a) of the retaining ring (9) are chamfered towards one another so as to form an insertion funnel which makes it easier to push into the groove (8) in the insulating body (3).
11. Plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sleeve (2) surrounding the insulating body (3) is made of metal and forms the housing of the plug (1), and optionally has a thread (17) on the outside.
12. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the sleeve (2) comprises on the inside positioning projections or recesses and the insulating body (3) has shaped portions (18) adapted thereto which fix the insulating body (3) in a preselected rotated position when it is axially inserted.
13. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that inside the sleeve there is an undercut acting in the axial direction behind which fits at least one radially yielding or compressible latching tongue (19) projecting radially from the insulating body (3), viewed in the direction of insertion, said tongue being resiliently elastically pivotable.
14. Plug according to claim 13, characterised in that the latching tongue (19) which is resiliently yielding or deformable in the radial direction is pivotable about a pivot axis extending parallel to the central axis of the insulating body (3) or plug (1) and extends in the circumferential direction of the insulating body (3).
15. Plug according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the resiliently deformable latching tongue (19) has a side surface (22) which is adjacent to the groove (8) and delimits the groove (8) and in that the retaining ring (9) and/or the retaining spring (14) in the operating position secure the elastically yielding latching tongue (19) against axial deformation.
16. Plug according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterised in that the latching tongue (19) has on its exterior a latching projection (23) the radial extent of which is equal to or less than the extent of deformation of the latching tongue (19) in the radial direction.
17. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that the width of the retaining ring (9) is adapted to the radial distance of the outwardly facing surface of a contact (4) or contact pin from the exterior (3a) of the insulating body (3) and in that the width of the retaining ring (9) is greater in the region of thin contact pins or contact bushes than in the region of thicker contact pins or contact bushes.
18. Plug according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterised in that the retaining tongue (10) is located practically in the centre between the free ends (9a) of the retaining ring (9) and is also located in the same plane as the rest of the ring, so that it is virtually shaped by the zone which is neutral during the bending of the retaining ring (9).

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