EP1626463B1 - Plug connector - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

A connector with a locking connection between a plug and a mating connector is for example from DE 101 21 675 A1 known. In this connector, the locking connection is a snap connection between the plug and mating connector. To lock a sleeve which is mounted longitudinally displaceably on the outer circumference of the snap element and which prevents in its locking position pivoting of the snap hooks to the outside and thus locks plug and mating connector against each other. A disadvantage of this connector that plug and mating connector must be coordinated so that a plug that has the snap element can not be connected to a connector that is not equipped with a corresponding locking element. From the DE 101 21 675 A1 It is also known to snap the snap element on the external thread of the mating connector. In order to achieve a sufficient tightness of the connection, the plug must be inserted to a arranged at the bottom of the mating connector seal. The snap hook overruns the entire length of the thread. The snap hook will deflected when driving over the thread. The deflection of the snap hook is thus carried out by the locking position in the open position. As a result, the user must additionally overcome the deflection force of the snap hook when squeezing the plug and mating connector. A sufficient pressing of plug and mating connector to achieve a tight connection can not be ensured.

The US Pat. No. 6,769,926 B1 shows a connector having a plurality of resiliently formed and fixed to a support member fingers. For connection with a mating connector, an annular locking element is provided, which is movable in the axial direction and deflects the fingers radially inward during axial movement.

From the US 6,247,956 B1 a connector is known in which a rubber element is pressed by an axial movement of an outer actuating ring in a mating thread.

The US 4,919,627 discloses an electrical connector with movably mounted arms that can be brought into a locked position via an axially movable sleeve.

The US 5,192,219 discloses a connector for anti-rotation of two parts, which has a series of fingers that on a Carrier ring are fixed. Radially outside the fingers, a ring is provided, which deflects the fingers radially inward during movement in the axial direction and thus locks.

The invention has for its object to provide a connector of the generic type, which allows a simple and secure connection of plug and mating connector.

This object is achieved by a connector having the features of claim 1.

The locking element is deflected by the actuating means from the open position to the locking position. As a result, no additional force must be overcome when pushing together connector and mating connector. Plug and mating connector can be connected together and then locked by deflection of the locking element. This allows a simple and secure connection of plug and mating connector. Both the plug and the mating connector can be a plug part or a socket part.

Advantageously, the actuating means holds the locking element in the locked position in the radially deflected position. As a result, unintentional release of the locking element can be prevented. An additional securing means is not needed as both the actuation and the safety in Arrested by the actuating means. Preferably, the locking element is arranged on the plug and cooperates with a threaded portion formed on the mating connector. It is provided that the locking element engages in the locking position in the threaded portion and is in the open position out of engagement with the threaded portion. The plug can be both a plug part and a socket part. Accordingly, a female part or a plug part is to be regarded as a mating connector. The fact that the locking element cooperates with a threaded portion, no special locking means or the like. Necessary, so that the mating connector may be a conventional plug or a conventional socket, which does not have to be specially adapted to the locking element. This makes it possible to use the connector according to the invention in conjunction with conventional mating connectors, without the entire connector must be replaced. Due to the fact that the locking element is in the open position out of engagement with the threaded portion, only low insertion forces to overcome the connection of plug and mating connector and it can be ensured that plug and mating connector are sufficiently firmly connected to each other to achieve a secure connection.

Preferably, the locking element is resilient and is in the unloaded state in the open position. The locking element is preferably formed on a sleeve which is movably mounted on a carrier body of the plug in at least one direction. This results in a simple design that requires only a small amount of space.

Due to the design as a sleeve, the plug can also be arranged on the external thread-carrying part of the connector, for which only a small space is available. Advantageously, a plurality of locking elements are provided, which are arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the sleeve. A simple embodiment results when the locking elements are designed as springs which are separated from each other by longitudinal slots in the sleeve. The longitudinal slots allow a radial deflection of the individual spring elements. Preferably, the actuating means is arranged on the carrier body. As a result, only a few components for the connector are needed. Preferably, the sleeve replaces the external thread bearing a threaded sleeve or the internal thread bearing cap nut with conventional connectors, so that the connector according to the invention with the same number of components is to produce as connectors without locking connection.

It is envisaged that the plug is a plug part with a contact carrier for receiving plug contacts, wherein the sleeve is mounted on the contact carrier and the locking element is deflected in the locked position radially outwards. Preferably, the actuating means is a thickening on the outer circumference of the contact carrier. However, it can also be provided that the carrier body is a socket part and the locking element is deflected in the locked position radially inwardly. The locking element is preferably arranged on the inner circumference of an actuating sleeve and the actuating means is a thickening on the inner circumference of the actuating sleeve. A small number of components can be achieved be that the actuating sleeve is formed integrally with the socket part.

Preferably, the sleeve is rotatable about the Trägerköper. The rotational movement of the sleeve causes engagement of the locking elements with the actuating means and a radial deflection of the locking element. The engagement of the locking element in a threaded portion of the mating connector causes in connection with the rotational movement of the sleeve further tightening of the plug and mating connector, so that a firm connection of plug and mating connector is ensured. In this case, the locking element is also designed in particular as a thread. However, it can also be provided that the locking element is designed as a thread and cooperates with a non-threaded element of the mating connector. Suitably, at least one stop is provided which limits the relative movement between the sleeve and the carrier body.

Preferably, the connector has a locking connection between a plug connector having plug part and a socket contacts having socket part, wherein a contact carrier of the plug part surrounds the plug contacts and carries a longitudinally displaceable on its circumference, radially immovable threaded sleeve having an external thread. It is envisaged that the plug-part side end portion of the threaded sleeve is designed to be radially movable and the contact carrier on its plug-part side end region has at least one spreading, which the threaded sleeve end portion in the locking connection of the male part with the female part spreads and presses against the inner wall of the pushed onto the contact carrier end portion socket part.

By the movement of the plug part in the threaded sleeve into the pushed onto the contact carrier and pressed against the threaded sleeve socket part is firmly connected by means of a clamping connection with the plug part. A further embodiment of the invention is such that the end portion of the threaded sleeve is repeatedly slit longitudinally and thereby a plurality of springs are formed and that the spreading means is formed by cooperating with the springs longitudinal webs. The springs are thus spread in a simple manner by their underlying webs when the contact carrier is moved against the threaded sleeve accordingly.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the springs on their free end portion on a spring ring toothing. This is adapted to a arranged on the inside of the female part bushing ring toothing (usually formed as an internal thread). As a result, the locking of the socket part on the plug part is even stronger. Preferably, the spring-ring toothing can be designed as a thread segment.

According to an expedient, further embodiment of the invention, the relative displacement between the contact carrier and threaded sleeve is made by means of a union nut which is on the one hand via a ring stop with the contact carrier and on the other hand with an internal thread with the external thread of the threaded sleeve in operative connection.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a sleeve-shaped housing is fixed on the plug part facing away from the end portion of the contact carrier, which is provided with a collar whose side facing away from the plug part of the counter-ring stop for the ring stop of the nut. Such a structure of contact carrier, housing and nut brings a mounting advantage.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, counter-ring stop and ring stop have radial corrugations. In the locking connection of the plug part with the female part can be avoided so that the union nut triggers vibrations of the connector.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the union nut in the non-expanded state of the springs out of engagement with the external thread of the threaded sleeve and that union nut and housing in this state effective blocking means for preventing rotation of the union nut. The handling of plug part and socket part for the locking connection is thus improved.

In order to always ensure the rotation of the nut before the locking connection, a helical spring is arranged according to a further embodiment of the invention between the threaded sleeve and the bushing part facing side of the collar.

According to an expedient, further embodiment of the invention, the external thread of the threaded sleeve is divided into segments.

According to an expedient, further embodiment of the invention, the internal thread of the union nut is divided into segments.

According to an expedient, further embodiment of the invention, stops for limiting the angle of rotation of the union nut are arranged on the housing and in the union nut.

Fig. 1

einen Längsschnitt durch ein Steckerteil eines Steckverbinders gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf einen in Fig. 1 gezeigten Kontaktträger,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des Kontaktträgers der Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine gegenüber der Fig. 3 um einen rechten Winkel versetzte Seitenansicht des Kontaktträgers der Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 und 6

perspektivische Ansichten des Kontaktträgers der Fig. 3 und 4,

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf ein in Fig. 1 gezeigtes Gehäuse,

Fig. 8

eine Seitenansicht des Gehäuses der Fig. 17,

Fig. 9

eine gegenüber der Fig. 8 um einen rechten Winkel versetzte Seitenansicht des Gehäuses der Fig. 17,

Fig. 10 und 11

perspektivische Ansichten des Gehäuses der Fig. 8 und 9,

Fig. 12

eine Draufsicht auf eine in Fig. 1 gezeigte Gewindehülse,

Fig. 13

eine Seitenansicht der Gewindehülse der Fig. 12,

Fig. 14

eine gegenüber der Fig. 13 um einen rechten Winkel versetzte Seitenansicht der Gewindehülse der Fig. 12,

Fig. 15 und 16

perspektivische Ansichten der Gewindehülse der Fig. 13 und 14,

Fig. 17

eine Draufsicht auf eine in Fig. 1 gezeigte Überwurfmutter,

Fig. 18

einen Schnitt längs der Line XVIII der Fig. 17,

Fig. 19

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XIX der Fig. 12,

Fig. 20 und 21

perspektivische Ansichten der Überwurfmutter der Fig. 18 und 19,

Fig. 22

einen Längsschnitt durch den Steckverbinder gemäß der Erfindung bei Beginn der Arretierverbindung,

Fig. 23

einen Längsschnitt durch den Steckverbinder gemäß der Erfindung bei Beendigung der Arretierverbindung,

Fig. 24

eine Seitenansicht eines Kontaktträgers eines Steckerteils,

Fig. 25

eine Seitenansicht des Kontaktträger aus Fig. 24 in Richtung des Pfeils XXV in Fig. 24,

Fig. 26

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Kontaktträgers aus Fig. 24,

Fig. 27

eine Seitenansicht des Kontaktträger in Richtung des Pfeils XXVII in Fig. 24,

Fig. 28

einen Schnitt durch den Kontaktträger entlang der Linie XXVIII-XXVIII in Fig. 27,

Fig. 29

eine Seitenansicht einer Hülse eines Steckerteils,

Fig. 30

eine Draufsicht auf die Hülse in Richtung des Pfeils XXX in Fig. 29,

Fig. 31

eine Seitenansicht der Hülse in Richtung des Pfeils XXXI in Fig. 29,

Fig. 32

einen Schnitt durch die Hülse entlang der Linie XXXII-XXXII in Fig. 31,

Fig. 33

der Ausschnitt XXXIII aus Fig. 31 in vergrößerter Darstellung,

Fig. 34

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Hülse,

Fig. 35

ein Steckerteil in vergrößerter Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 36

eine Seitenansicht eines Kontaktträgers,

Fig. 37

eine Seitenansicht des Kontaktträgers in Richtung des Pfeils XXXVII in Fig. 36,

Fig. 38

eine Seitenansicht des Kontaktträgers in Richtung des Pfeils XXXVIII in Fig. 36,

Fig. 39

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie XXXIX-XXXIX in Fig. 38,

Fig. 40

eine Hülse in Seitenansicht,

Fig. 41

eine Seitenansicht der Hülse in Richtung des Pfeils XLI in Fig. 40,

Fig. 42

eine Draufsicht auf die Hülse in Richtung des Pfeils XLII in Fig. 40,

Fig. 43

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie XLIII-XLIII in Fig. 42,

Fig. 44

eine Seitenansicht eines Buchsenteils,

Fig. 45

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Buchsenteils aus Fig. 44,

Fig. 46

einen Steckverbinder mit Arretierelementen in Öffnungsstellung in Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 47

einen Steckverbinder in verriegelter Stellung von Stecker und Gegenstecker in Schnittdarstellung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1

a longitudinal section through a plug part of a connector according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a top view of an in Fig. 1 shown contact carrier,

Fig. 3

a side view of the contact carrier of Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4

one opposite the Fig. 3 offset by a right angle side view of the contact carrier of the Fig. 2 .

FIGS. 5 and 6

perspective views of the contact carrier of the 3 and 4 .

Fig. 7

a top view of an in Fig. 1 shown housing,

Fig. 8

a side view of the housing of Fig. 17 .

Fig. 9

one opposite the Fig. 8 at a right angle offset side view of the housing Fig. 17 .

10 and 11

perspective views of the housing of the 8 and 9 .

Fig. 12

a top view of an in Fig. 1 shown threaded sleeve,

Fig. 13

a side view of the threaded sleeve of Fig. 12 .

Fig. 14

one opposite the Fig. 13 offset by a right angle side view of the threaded sleeve of Fig. 12 .

FIGS. 15 and 16

perspective views of the threaded sleeve of FIGS. 13 and 14 .

Fig. 17

a top view of an in Fig. 1 shown union nut,

Fig. 18

a section along the line XVIII of Fig. 17 .

Fig. 19

a section along the line XIX the Fig. 12 .

FIGS. 20 and 21

perspective views of the union nut of FIGS. 18 and 19 .

Fig. 22

a longitudinal section through the connector according to the invention at the beginning of the locking connection,

Fig. 23

a longitudinal section through the connector according to the invention at the completion of the locking connection,

Fig. 24

a side view of a contact carrier of a plug part,

Fig. 25

a side view of the contact carrier Fig. 24 in the direction of the arrow XXV in Fig. 24 .

Fig. 26

a perspective view of the contact carrier Fig. 24 .

Fig. 27

a side view of the contact carrier in the direction of arrow XXVII in Fig. 24 .

Fig. 28

a section through the contact carrier along the line XXVIII-XXVIII in Fig. 27 .

Fig. 29

a side view of a sleeve of a connector part,

Fig. 30

a top view of the sleeve in the direction of arrow XXX in Fig. 29 .

Fig. 31

a side view of the sleeve in the direction of arrow XXXI in Fig. 29 .

Fig. 32

a section through the sleeve along the line XXXII-XXXII in Fig. 31 .

Fig. 33

Section XXXIII Fig. 31 in an enlarged view,

Fig. 34

a perspective view of the sleeve,

Fig. 35

a plug part in an enlarged sectional view,

Fig. 36

a side view of a contact carrier,

Fig. 37

a side view of the contact carrier in the direction of arrow XXXVII in Fig. 36 .

Fig. 38

a side view of the contact carrier in the direction of arrow XXXVIII in Fig. 36 .

Fig. 39

a section along the line XXXIX-XXXIX in Fig. 38 .

Fig. 40

a sleeve in side view,

Fig. 41

a side view of the sleeve in the direction of arrow XLI in Fig. 40 .

Fig. 42

a top view of the sleeve in the direction of arrow XLII in Fig. 40 .

Fig. 43

a section along the line XLIII-XLIII in Fig. 42 .

Fig. 44

a side view of a female part,

Fig. 45

a perspective view of the socket part Fig. 44 .

Fig. 46

a connector with locking elements in the open position in a sectional view,

Fig. 47

a connector in locked position of plug and mating connector in a sectional view.

In Fig. 1 a plug part 1 of a round connector is shown. The plug part 1 essentially comprises a cylindrical contact carrier 2, a cylindrical housing 3 fastened to an end region of the contact carrier 1 with a collar 4, a threaded sleeve 5 longitudinally displaceable on the contact carrier 2 and radially non-displaceable, one with the housing 3 and the threaded sleeve 5 engaged cap nut 6, arranged between the threaded sleeve 5 and the collar 4 coil spring 7 and a arranged on a collar of the threaded sleeve 5 rubber ring 8, which is preferably attached to this collar. The contact carrier 1 surrounds plug contacts 9, which are not shown in detail are. The union nut 6 is secured by means of a securing ring 10 on the housing 3.

The essential components 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the connector part 1 are described below with reference to the Fig. 2 to 21 described in more detail.

From the Fig. 2 to 6 shows the structure of the contact carrier 2, which is cylindrical and here five plug contacts, such as the plug contacts 9 surrounds. On its circumference are six longitudinally extending guide webs, such as the guide web 11, arranged distributed, between which in the plug part side end portion 12 of the contact carrier 2 six short, longitudinally extending sliding webs, such as the sliding web 13, distributed. In this end region, the contact carrier 2 has a cavity 14 for receiving a socket part, wherein a positioning web 15 ensures the correct positioning of the socket part in the plug part. An annular surface forms the end face 16. In the opposite end region 17 of the contact carrier 2, this is formed vierflüglich, the wings are aligned with the plug contacts 9 and have openings for receiving cable cores. In the vicinity of the blade root an annular groove 18 is formed, and between the annular groove and a shoulder of the contact carrier two opposite positioning webs 19 are provided ( Fig. 4 ).

In the Fig. 7 to 11 the structure of the cylindrical housing 3 is shown, which is for receiving the cable, the cable contact and the cable strain relief, not shown serves. The housing 3 has in the middle a thickened part 20 which is provided with an annular groove 21 for receiving the securing ring 10 (FIG. Fig. 1 ) and is provided with two rotation limiting stops 22 between the annular groove 21 and the collar 4, at the front end two recesses 23 for receiving the positioning webs 19 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) and at the rear end a wedge-shaped thickening 24. Of the rotation limiting stops 22 also serves to lock the nut 6 in the unlocked state of the connector. The front end of the housing facing away from the collar 4 is provided with a radial corrugation 25.

In the Fig. 12 to 16 the construction of the threaded sleeve 5 is shown, which has a weaker front part 26 and a stronger rear part 27 (FIG. Fig. 14 ), wherein both parts are separated by a collar 28. The collar 28 carries the rubber ring 8 (in the Fig. 12 to 16 not shown, see Fig. 1 ). The front part 26 is longitudinally slit six times, so that six springs, such as the spring 29, are formed. The free ends of the springs 29 are provided with an external thread 30 for engagement in the inner wall of the socket part. The rear part 27 has an external thread 31 and at the end of a collar 32. External thread 31 and collar 32 are divided into two segments 33, 34 ( Fig. 15, 16 ).

From the Fig. 17 to 21 the structure of the union nut 6 shows. The union nut 6 has inside an annular shoulder 35 which carries on the front side a radial corrugation 36, is provided on the back with a rotation limiting counter-stop 37 which is connected to the rotation limiting stopper 22 (FIG. Fig. 9 ) abuts, and at least one recess 35 ', in which a rotation limiting stop 22 (FIG. Fig. 9 ) is received in the locking of the nut 6. The corrugation 36 works with the corrugation 25 (FIG. Fig. 9 ) together. On the outside, the union nut 6 carries a corrugation 38 for better handling. On the front side of the union nut 6 there are arranged on the inside two opposite thread segments 39, 40 which correspond to the external thread 31 (FIG. Fig. 14 ) are adapted and can intervene in this.

The Fig. 22 shows next to the already in Fig. 1 Plug part 1 shown also the socket part 41 of a counterpart (distributor), which is inserted into the plug part 1, but without being already locked on the socket part 41. The female part 41 is cylindrical and carries on its inner wall an internal thread 42 which is adapted to the external thread 30 and opposite thereto. In the socket part 41, a cylindrical solid body 43 is centrally arranged, which surrounds socket contacts in a manner not shown, which cooperate with the plug contacts 9. At the foot of the solid 43 a ring seal 44 is arranged. The union nut 6 can not yet be rotated due to the design of the threaded sleeve 5, but is blocked by this. Upon further advancement of the male part 1 of the contact carrier 2 tries to spread the threaded sleeve on the springs 29. As this is in the in Fig. 22 shown position is not possible, the threaded sleeve 5 is taken to the next free thread of the external thread 31. The rubber ring 8 is compressed and then provides the necessary resistance.

In Fig. 23 is that state of the connector shown in which the plug part 1 is locked to the socket part 41. The springs 29 are now spread apart due to the further advancement of the male part 1 by the sliding webs 13 and engage positively in the internal thread 42 of the female part 41 a. The plug part 1 can now be advanced with little effort to the ring seal 44. The union nut 6 slides over the rear end 27 of the threaded sleeve 5. The locking of the nut 6 is unlocked, so that they can now rotate. The union nut 6 is now turned to the right. The thread sectors 39, 40 of the union nut 6 engage in the thread sectors 33, 34 of the threaded sleeve 5. Depending on the dimensions and design of the non-standard socket part 41, this can be done in different threads. When tightening the nut 6, the plug part 1 is pulled further into the socket part 41 and presses on the ring seal 44. Thus, a certain degree of protection, the so-called degree of protection IP67, achieved in the connection between the plug part and socket part. The corrugations 25, 36 on the bearing surfaces of union nut 6 and 3 housing ensure that the nut 6 can not solve automatically.

The locking connection, in the Fig. 1 to 23 is shown, may also be formed on the internal thread 42 of the socket part. In this case, the socket part has radially inwardly deflectable springs which engage in the external thread on the contact carrier.

Another embodiment of a connector is in the Fig. 24 to 35 shown. Also in this embodiment, the locking elements are arranged on the contact contacts carrying the contact carrier and cooperate with a female part having an internal thread. The internal thread can be arranged for example on a union nut of the female part.

In the Fig. 24 to 28 a contact carrier 52 is shown, which is formed in one piece and in particular made of plastic. Adjacent to the mating connector facing end face 16 of the contact carrier 52, the contact carrier 52 has a bead 55 which serves to receive a seal, not shown. Adjacent to the locking bead 55, a circumferential web 54 is arranged on a main body 75 of the contact carrier 52, which projects radially outward and which serves to support the seal 55 to be arranged on the bead 55. The contact carrier 52 has three stops 58 (FIG. Fig. 27 ), which are formed as parallel to the plug longitudinal axis 45 extending webs. The main body 75 of the contact carrier 52 is formed substantially cylindrical. The stops 58 are arranged on the outer circumference of the main body 75 and divide the circumference of the main body 75 into three equal circumferential regions 76. In each circumferential region 76, a thickening 53 is arranged adjacent to the web 54, which extends in the circumferential direction approximately over half the circumferential region 76. The thickenings 53 each extend to one of the stops 58. Wie Fig. 27 shows, the thickenings 53 are in the direction of the end face 16 facing away from the end of the contact carrier 52 each clockwise in front of a stop 58. Each thickening 53 has in the circumferential direction at its end remote from the stop 58 a bevel 57. Wie FIGS. 26 and 28 show, have the thickenings 53 on its side facing away from the web 54 a slope 59th

On its front side 16, the contact carrier 52 has a positioning web 15 for fixing the rotational position relative to the mating connector. As Fig. 25 shows, the contact carrier 52 has five receptacles 56 for in FIGS. 24 to 28 not shown plug contacts. As Fig. 28 shows, facing away from the mating connector end a circumferential groove 61 and a collar 60 is provided.

The FIGS. 29 to 34 show a sleeve 65 which on the contact carrier 52 from the Fig. 24 to 28 can be arranged. The sleeve 65 has a collar 64 of increased diameter, on the circumference of a corrugation 66 is attached. Thereby, the sleeve 65 can be easily rotated. The sleeve 65 has on the collar 64 an opening 71 which has a reduced diameter relative to the sleeve body and merges with a shoulder 67 in the sleeve body. At the end facing away from the collar 64, the sleeve has three slots 68, which extend parallel to the plug longitudinal axis 45. The standing between the slots 68 webs form springs 69. At the end remote from the collar 64, the springs 69 carry an external thread 70 which is formed as a right-hand thread. As Fig. 31 shows, the three springs 69 are distributed uniformly over the circumference of the sleeve 65. Each spring 69 extends over a circumferential angle α of preferably about 65 °.

In Fig. 31 the sleeve is shown in the direction of the collar 64 facing away from the end. The lying in this direction counterclockwise end of the springs 69 is formed chamfered. In Fig. 33 the bevel is shown enlarged. The spring 69 is provided with an inclined ramp 72 via an angle γ. The ramp be 72 is disposed on the radially inner side of the spring 69. The thread 70 has an inlet slope 73, which is preferably formed as a radius and extending over an angle β, which is preferably slightly smaller than the angle γ. The angles β and γ are considerably smaller than the circumferential angle α over which the spring 69 extends. The angle β may be, for example, 15 ° and the angle γ 16 °.

In Fig. 35 the plug part 51 is shown assembled from the contact carrier 52 and the sleeve 65. In the assembled state, the sleeve 65 is pushed onto the contact carrier 52. The collar 64 is arranged at the end remote from the mating connector of the main body 75 of the contact carrier 52. Preferably, the shoulder 67 of the sleeve 65 bears against the collar 60 of the contact carrier 52. As Fig. 32 shows, the paragraph 67 has locking recesses 74, projecting into the locking lugs of the contact carrier 52, not shown. The locking lugs and the locking recesses 74 preferably define two predetermined rotational positions between contact carrier 52 and sleeve 65, namely the open position, the locking position. In the open position, the springs 69 abut on the main body 75 of the contact carrier 52 and preferably project up to the web 54. The stops 58 are each arranged in a slot 68 of the sleeve 65. at a rotation of the sleeve 65 in the direction of the mating connector facing away from the end of the contact carrier 52 on the mating connector to the right are the ramps 72 of the springs 69 with the ramps 57 at the thickenings 53 into engagement. The thickenings 53 actuate the springs 69 and push them radially outward. In Fig. 35 the springs 69 are deflected by a radial deflection a in the radial direction to the plug longitudinal axis 45. As a result, the external thread 70 comes with a mating connector, not shown, of the mating connector in engagement. In the Fig. 33 shown inlet slope 73 on the thread 70 ensures that the external thread 70 is not tilted in the mating thread of the mating connector, but engages in the threads. By a rotation of the sleeve 65 can thereby be achieved locking between the plug and mating connector. By turning the sleeve 65 in the opposite direction, the springs 69 are disengaged from the thickenings 53 and are due to their inherent elasticity in the starting position, ie retracted to the main body 75 of the contact carrier 52. As a result, plug and mating connector unhindered in the direction of the plug longitudinal axis 45 are inserted into each other or detached from each other.

An embodiment of a contact carrier 62 is in the FIGS. 36 to 39 shown. The structure of the contact carrier 62 substantially corresponds to that in the Fig. 24 to 28 shown contact carrier 52. For the same elements like reference numerals are used. At the collar 60 of the contact carrier 62 are three locking lugs 63 ( Fig. 38 ) arranged with the in Fig. 32 shown locking recess 74 of the sleeve 65 cooperate and set the opening position and the locking position of the sleeve 65.

At the end face 16 of the contact carrier 62 has a seal 80 which is formed as a sealing ring and which is fixed with a holder 83 on the main body 75 of the contact carrier 62. Like the cut in Fig. 39 shows, the contact carrier 62 has this purpose a circumferential groove 81 into which a collar 82 of the holder 83 engages. The seal causes a seal of the connection of plug and mating connector. For connecting the contact carrier 62 with a mating connector of the contact carrier 62 is inserted into the mating connector and in the FIGS. 36 to 39 not shown sleeve 65 is rotated, so that the springs 69 come to rest on the thickenings 53 and thereby be deflected radially outward. Since the sleeve 65 has a right-hand thread, rotation of the sleeve 65 causes the contact carrier 62 to be pressed against the mating connector, so that the seal 80 is pressed against the mating connector and subjected to a predetermined force. The pressing force on the seal 80 can be determined by the positioning of the stops 58. This allows a simple and secure connection between the plug and mating connector.

In the FIGS. 40 to 43 an embodiment of a sleeve 85 is shown which carries an internal thread 90. The sleeve 85 has a collar 84, on the outer circumference of a corrugation 86 is mounted, which allows a good operation of the sleeve 85. As Fig. 41 shows, the sleeve 85 has three springs 89 which are formed by slots 88 in the sleeve body.

The slots 88 extend over approximately the entire length of the sleeve 85 to a bottom 87 of the sleeve. The springs 89 are therefore formed as a circular segment-shaped webs. The springs 89 spring due to the inherent elasticity of the material, preferably a plastic. The bottom 87 of the sleeve 85 has a central opening 91. In the area between the springs 89 and the opening 91, the bottom 87 of the sleeve 85 each has a locking recess 94 which extends in the radial direction.

The thread 90 is formed as a right-hand thread. In Fig. 41 the sleeve 85 is shown in the direction of the collar 84 remote end. At the edge lying in this illustration in the counterclockwise direction, the springs 89 on the radially outer side have a ramp be 92. The internal thread 90 has on the radially inner side of an inlet slope 93rd

In the FIGS. 44 and 45 a socket 101 is shown in which the in the FIGS. 40 to 43 shown sleeve 85 can be arranged. The female part has a socket 102, on which contact sockets 109 are formed. Radially outside the sleeve 102, an actuating sleeve 103 is arranged coaxially with the sleeve 102. On the sleeve 102, a bottom 107 is arranged, on which the actuating sleeve 103 is fixed by three webs 104. Between the bottom 107 and the actuating sleeve 103, three openings 105 are formed in the space between the webs 104. Through the openings 105 protrude the springs 89 of the sleeve 85 in the assembled state. As Fig. 45 shows, the actuating sleeve 103 has on its inner periphery three stops 108, which run parallel to the plug longitudinal axis 45 and which are each arranged in the region of a web 104. The stops 108 are formed as longitudinal webs.

On the inner circumference 111 of the actuating sleeve 103, a thickening 113 is formed in each case between two stops 108. In Fig. 44 the female part 101 is shown in the direction of the mating connector side facing away from the mating connector. In this direction of view, the thickenings 113 are each arranged in the counterclockwise direction adjacent to a web 104 and a stop 108. At the side facing away from the stop 108 each thickening has a ramp 114. The ramp 114 is thus arranged in a clockwise direction in front of the thickening 113.

In Fig. 46 a connector 110 is shown. The connector 110 has a socket part 101, on which the sleeve 85 is arranged. The bottom 87 of the sleeve 85 is arranged on the opposite side of the mating connector of the bottom 107 of the female part 101. The springs 89 protrude through the openings 105 of the bushing portion 101. The actuating sleeve 103 is located radially outward of the springs 89 between the springs and collar 84 of the sleeve 85. The springs 89 abut the inner periphery 111 of the actuating sleeve 103 in a region which is not thickened 113 has. The springs 89 extend approximately parallel to the plug longitudinal axis 45.

On the socket part 101, a plug part 120 is arranged, which in Fig. 46 is shown schematically and forms the mating connector. The plug part 120 has plug contacts 121, the in the contact bushing 109 of the sleeve 102 protrude. The plug part 120 has a threaded sleeve 123, which has an external thread 122. At the bottom 107 of the female part 101, a seal 106 is arranged, against which the threaded sleeve 123 abuts. In the in Fig. 46 As shown, the thread 90 of the sleeve 85 is not in engagement with the external thread 122 of the plug part 120. As a result, the plug part 120 can be inserted unhindered into the socket part 101 until the threaded sleeve 123 bears against the seal 106. Subsequently, the connection of the two connectors can be locked.

In Fig. 47 the connector is shown in the locked position. The sleeve 85 was opposite to in Fig. 46 shown position when looking from the socket to the plug part turned clockwise. The ramps 92 of the springs 89 have thereby come into contact with the ramps 114 on the thickenings 113 and the springs 89 have been deflected by the actuating sleeve 103 radially inwardly. As Fig. 47 shows, the thread 90 of the springs 89 with the thread 122 of the threaded sleeve 123 is engaged. The springs 89 were deflected radially inwards by a radial deflection b. Due to the rotation of the threaded sleeve 85, the threads 90 and 122 were further rotated into each other, so that the female part 101 and the plug part 120 were further pressed against each other and the seal 106 was compressed. The path by which the gasket 106 has been further compressed is determined by the location of the stoppers 108 on the actuating sleeve 103. In the Fig. 41 shown inlet slope 93 on the springs 89 ensures that the thread 90 engages in the thread 122 of the threaded sleeve 123.

It can also be provided a different number of locking elements. The contact carrier, bushing parts and sleeves are preferably made of plastic.

Claims (14)

1. Plug connector with a locking connection between a connector and a mating connector, with at least one locking element allowing the release of the mating connector and the connector in an open position and mutually locking the connector and the mating connector in a locking position, wherein the plug connector comprises operating means for the locking element and wherein the operating means deflect the locking element from the open position into the locking position in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (45) of the connector, wherein the locking element is mounted on a support body of the connector while being capable of movement in at least one direction,
   characterised in that the operating means are represented by a thickening (53, 113) on the support body.
2. Plug connector according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the operating means retain the locking element in the radially deflected position in its locking position.
3. Plug connector according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the locking element is located on the connector and acts together with a threaded section on the mating connector, wherein the locking element engages the threaded section in the locking position and is out of engagement with the threaded section in the open position.
4. Plug connector according to any of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in that the locking element is designed to be resilient and is in the open position in the unloaded state.
5. Plug connector according to any of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that the locking element is formed on a sleeve (5, 65, 85) mounted on the support body of the connector while being capable of movement in at least one direction, wherein in particular a plurality of locking elements are evenly spaced over the circumference of the sleeve (5, 65, 85), wherein the locking elements are in particular designed as springs (29, 69, 89) separated from one another by longitudinal slots (68, 88) in the sleeve (5, 65, 85).
6. Plug connector according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the connector is a plug part (1, 51) with a contact carrier (2, 52) for the location of plug contacts (9), wherein the sleeve (5, 65) is mounted on the contact carrier (2, 52) and the locking element is deflected radially outwards in the locking position, the operating means being in particular a thickening (53) on the outer circumference of the contact carrier (2, 52).
7. Plug connector according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the support body is a socket part (101) and the locking element is deflected radially inwards in the locking position, the locking element being in particular located on the inner circumference of an operating sleeve (103), the operating means being a thickening (113) on the inner circumference of the operating sleeve (103) and the operating sleeve being in particular integrated with the socket part (101).
8. Plug connector according to any of claims 5 to 7,
   characterised in that the sleeve (65, 85) is rotatable about the support body, wherein there is in particular provided at least one stop (58, 108) limiting the relative movement between the sleeve (65, 85) and the support body.
9. Plug connector according to any of claims 1 to 6,
   characterised in that the plug connector comprises a locking connection between a plug part (1) with plug contacts and a socket part (41) with socket contacts, wherein a contact carrier (2) of the plug part (1) encloses the plug contacts and supports a threaded sleeve (5) with a male thread (30, 31), which is capable of longitudinal movement on its circumference and incapable of radial movement, wherein the end region of the threaded sleeve (5) which is located on the plug part side is radially movable, and wherein the contact carrier (2) is provided with at least one expanding means (13) in the end region located on the plug part side, which expands the said end region of the threaded sleeve as the locking connection is made between the plug part (1) and the socket part (41) and presses it against the internal wall (42) of the socket part (41) pushed onto the end region of the contact carrier.
10. Plug connector according to claim 9,
    characterised in that the end region of the threaded sleeve (5) is provided with multiple longitudinal slots and a plurality of springs (29) is formed thereby, in that the expanding means are represented by longitudinal webs (13) acting together with the springs, and in that the free ends of the springs (29) have a spring annular toothing (30) matching in its shape and orientation a socket annular toothing (42) on the internal wall of the socket part (41), the spring annular toothing (30) and the socket annular toothing (42) being threads.
11. Plug connector according to claim 9 or 10,
    characterised in that the relative displacement between the contact carrier (2) and the threaded sleeve (5) is performed by means of a sleeve nut (6), which is in operative connection with the contact carrier (2) via an annular stop (35) on the one hand and, with a female thread (39, 40), with the male thread (31) of the threaded sleeve (5) on the other hand, wherein the turning of the sleeve nut (6) results in an axial movement of the contact carrier (2) relative to the sleeve nut (6), which moves the contact carrier (2) further into the socket part (41) and pushes it against the ring seal (44).
12. Plug connector according to claim 11,
    characterised in that the end region of the contact carrier (2) which is remote from the socket part (41) supports a sleeve-shaped housing (3) with a shoulder (4), the side remote from the socket part (41) being the mating annular stop (25) for the annular stop (35) of the sleeve nut (6), wherein the mating annular stop (25) and the annular stop (35) are provided with radial corrugations (25, 36), and wherein a coil spring (7) is located between the threaded sleeve (5) and the side of the shoulder (4) which is adjacent to the socket part (41).
13. Plug connector according to claim 11 or 12,
    characterised in that the sleeve nut (6) is out of engagement with the male thread (31) of the threaded sleeve (5) in the non-expanded state of the spring (29), in that the sleeve nut (6) and the housing (3) have effective locking means (22) for securing the sleeve nut (6) against rotation, and in that stops (22, 37) for limiting the angle of rotation of the sleeve nut are provided on the housing (3) and in the sleeve nut (6).
14. Plug connector according to any of claims 11 to 13,
    characterised in that
    the male thread (31) of the threaded sleeve (5) is divided into segments (33, 34) and the female thread of the sleeve nut (6) is divided into segments (39, 40), and in that the thread segments (33, 34, 39, 40) are designed such that the threaded sleeve (5) and the sleeve nut (6) are axially movable within one another when their threads are not in engagement.

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