BE1025303B1 - Connector with a locking part - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug connector comprises a first plug connector part which has a first plug-in section and a locking part movably arranged along the first plug-in section along an actuation direction. The first and second mating portions are engageable with each other along a mating direction, and the mating portion is movable relative to the first mating portion from a locked position to an unlocked position. In addition, a latching device is provided for latching the locking part to the second plug-in section in the locked position, wherein the latching device is an engagement opening, the latching of the locking part to the second plug-in section releasably and the locking part along the actuation direction to the first plug-in section is movable. In this way, a connector is provided which allows easy attachment of the connector parts together and also allows a simple release of the lock between the connector parts for releasing the connector parts from each other.

Description

Connector with a locking part

The invention relates to a connector, in particular a circular connector, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a plug connector comprises a first plug connector part which has a first plug section and a locking part which is arranged on the first plug section to be movable along an actuation direction, and a second plug connector part which has a second plug section. To connect the connector parts to one another, the first plug section and the second plug section can be attached to one another along a plug direction. The locking part is used here to lock the plug-in sections when they are attached to one another, the locking part being able to be moved out of a locked position relative to the first plug-in section in order to detach the plug-in connector parts from one another.

In the case of a plug connector known from DE 10 2013 018 160 B3, a plug part can be inserted into a socket part, so that electrical contacts make electrical contact with one another in the inserted position. To lock the plug part with the socket part, a rotating ring is arranged on the plug part, which has a projection on an inner circumferential surface, which engages in a locked position in a recess on a mounting collar of the socket part and thereby produces a lock between the plug part and the socket part. By turning the rotating ring relative to the plug part, the locking can be released so that the plug part can be removed from the socket part.

Other connectors with connector parts that can be attached to one another and with a lock in an attached position are known, for example, from DE 20 2012 001 298 U1, DE 10 2011 053 567 A1, DE 10 2011 052 201 A1 and DE 10 2009 007 596 A1 ,

In the case of a connector in which connector parts are to be locked together by means of a locking part when they are attached to one another, there is a need for, on the one hand, to allow the connector parts to be easily attached to one another, on the other hand with reliable hold in an attached position and easy releasability.

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BE2017 / 5408 In order to prevent an unintentional release of the locking between the connector parts in the connector known from DE 10 2013 018 160 B3, it is provided that the projection on the inside of the rotating ring lies in a locking receiving chamber of the assigned recess on the mounting collar of the socket part. As a result, the rotating ring is locked in a locked position. To release the projection can be lifted out of the locking receiving chamber by means of a tool, whereby a rotation of the rotating ring and thus a release of the plug part from the socket part is made possible.

The object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector which enables the plug connector parts to be attached to one another in a simple manner and which also allows the interlock between the plug connector parts to be released in order to release the plug connector parts from one another.

This object is achieved by an object with the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the plug connector has a latching device for latching the locking part with the second plug section in the locked position against movement of the locking part along the actuation direction. The locking device defines an engagement opening for a tool, so that by actuating the tool in the engagement opening, the locking part of the locking part can be released from the second plug-in section and the locking part can be moved along the actuation direction to the first plug-in section.

The locking device is used to lock the locking part with the second plug section. This takes place when the connector parts are attached to one another and the locking part is in the locked position, so that the connector parts are reliably locked together and therefore cannot be easily detached from one another against the plugging direction, at least not without releasing the lock. Due to the latching provided by the latching device, the locking part cannot be easily moved out of its locked position, but is held in a latched manner in the locked position.

The actuation direction, along which the locking part can be moved relative to the first plug section of the first plug connector part, preferably differs from the plug direction, along which the plug connector parts are connected to one another

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BE2017 / 5408 can be used. The direction of actuation can in particular be transverse or oblique to

Direction of insertion.

In an advantageous embodiment, the locking part can be rotated relative to the first plug-in section and, for this purpose, is arranged on the first plug-in section in the manner of a sleeve, for example.

The latching device serves to hold the locking part in its locked position and thus acts against movement of the locking part along the actuation direction. In order to move the locking part along the actuation direction to release the lock, for example to twist it, the latching must first be released. This is done by engagement of a tool (for example a screwdriver) in the engagement opening, which is defined by the latching device. By actuating the tool in the engagement opening, for example by linear movement or by rotating the tool, the latching is released on the one hand and, on the other hand, when actuated, the locking part is moved out of the locked position in the direction of the unlocked position, so that by actuating the tool the lock is also released and the connector parts can be detached from one another.

In one operation, the locking can thus be released by actuating the tool and the locking part can be moved to release the locking. This simplifies operation because after releasing the latching, no additional actuation of the locking part is required to move out of the locked position. In particular, this prevents the locking device from returning to its locked position after the tool has been actuated.

In one configuration, the tool, for example a screwdriver, can be inserted into the engagement opening parallel to the direction of insertion. The tool can be actuated in the engagement opening, for example, by rotating the tool in the engagement opening.

In one embodiment, the latching device is implemented by a first latching element of the first connector part and a second latching element of the second connector part. The first latching element and the second latching element are engaged with one another in a latched state, so that in this way the locking part

2017/5408

BE2017 / 5408 is held in its locked position and not easily, at least not without it

Release the lock, which can be moved out of the locked position.

One of the latching elements can, for example, be designed in the manner of an eyelet and limit the engagement opening to the outside. In this case, the other latching element can be designed, for example, as a latching projection which can be brought into engagement with the latching element designed as an eyelet in order to produce a latching in this way.

The locking element designed in the manner of an eyelet can, for example, be arranged on the locking part. In this case, for example, a radially outwardly projecting latching projection can be arranged on the second plug-in section of the second connector part for realizing the other latching element. By engagement of the latching element in the form of the latching projection in the latching element in the manner of an eyelet, a latching is produced between the locking part and the second connector part, so that the locking part is held in its locked position.

The locking mechanism produced by the locking elements can be released by actuating the tool. For example, by operating the tool, for example by turning the tool in the form of a screwdriver in the engagement opening, the eyelet-shaped latching element can be deformed in such a way that it is lifted out of engagement by the latching element designed as a latching projection and thereby the latching is released and the locking part out of it locked position is movable out.

In principle, one or the other locking element or both locking elements can be deformable. For example, an eyelet-shaped latching element can be deformable, and likewise a latching projection, which in this case is designed, for example, as a resilient latching lug, can be deformed.

In order to act on the locking element by actuating the tool in the engagement opening in such a way that when the catch is released, it is also moved out of the locked position into the unlocked position, a stop can be formed on the locking part on the one hand and on the second connector part on the other hand , When the tool is actuated in the engagement opening, the tool comes into operative connection with these two stops and in this way brings about a relative force between the locking part and the second one

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Connector part, so that the locking part is moved out of the locked position. For example, by turning the tool in the

Engagement opening a force act on the locking member in the direction of the actuating direction, so that the locking member is moved out of the locked position.

The interlocking between the connector parts can be produced, for example, via locking elements which are arranged on the one hand on the locking part of the first connector part and on the other hand on the second connector part. The locking elements, which, for example, jointly implement a bayonet lock, are in engagement with one another in the locked position of the locking element, so that the connector parts are held against one another and cannot be easily detached from one another against the plugging direction, at least not without releasing the locking.

The locking elements can implement a bayonet joint together. In this case, for example, a locking element in the form of a locking opening is formed on the locking part, into which, for example, a radially projecting locking element of the second connector part is inserted and in which the locking element of the second connector part can be moved in order to rotate the locking part to the second connector part Establish locking between the connector parts.

However, this is not restrictive and is not the only way to make a lock. For example, the connecting elements can also jointly form a screw cap and be shaped in the manner of thread turns. In this case, the locking element can be screwed onto the second connector part, for example, to produce the lock.

By adjusting the locking element relative to the first plug section of the first connector part, the locking between the connector parts can be released. After the lock has been released, the connector parts can be removed from each other against the direction of insertion, so that the connector parts can be detached from one another.

The connector parts can be used for electrical contacting, for example. For this purpose, electrical on the plug-in sections of the connector parts

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Contact elements can be arranged by attaching the plug sections of the

Connector parts must be brought into electrical contact with one another.

The connector parts can also be used to connect other contacts

serve, for example to connect contacts to make one

Fluid connection, for example a pneumatic or hydraulic connection.

The idea on which the invention is based is to be described below with reference to FIGS

Figures illustrated embodiments are explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1A a view of an embodiment of a connector with two connector parts, in a locked position; Figure 1B a fragmentary enlarged view of the connector of FIG. 1A; Figure 2A a view of the connector in an unlocked position; Figure 2B a fragmentary enlarged view of the connector of FIG. 2A; Figure 3A an end view of the connector in the locked position; Figure 3B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 3A; Figure 4A a view of the connector in the locked position, from a different direction; Figure 4B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 4A; Figure 5A a partially cut-away view of the connector in the locked position; Figure 5B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 5A; Figure 6A a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 5A;

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Figure 6B BE2017 / 5408 is a partially enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 6A; Figure 7A an end view of the connector in the unlocked position; Figure 7B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 7A; Figure 8A a view of the connector in the unlocked position, from a different direction; Figure 8B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 8A; Figure 9A a partially cut-away view of the connector in the unlocked position; Figure 9B a fragmentary enlarged view of the arrangement of FIG. 9A; Figure 10A a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 9A; Figure 10B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 10A; Figure 11A a sectional view showing the connector in the locked position when inserting a tool; Figure 11B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 11A; Figure 12A a sectional view from another direction, with the connector and the tool inserted; Figure 12B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 12A; Figure 13A a sectional view of the connector when unlocking; Figure 13B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 13A; Figure 14A a sectional view of the connector when unlocking, from a different direction;

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Figure 14B BE2017 / 5408 is a partially enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 14A; Figure 15A a sectional view of the connector after unlocking; Figure 15B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 15A; Figure 16A a sectional view of the connector after unlocking, from a different direction; Figure 16B a fragmentary enlarged view of the view of FIG. 16A; Fig. 17 a separate view of a section of the first connector part with a first locking element in the form of an eyelet; Fig. 18 a separate view of a section of the other, second connector part with a locking element in the form of a locking projection; and Fig. 19 a schematic view of the connector with connector parts in the released state.

1A, 1B to 18 show an exemplary embodiment of a plug connector 1 which has two plug connector parts 2, 3 which are attached to one another along a plug direction E and can be connected to one another in this way.

The connector parts 2, 3 can, for example, as shown schematically in FIG. 19, be electrical connector parts, each of which has a plug section 22, 32 with electrical contact elements 23, 33 arranged thereon. By placing the connector parts 2, 3 together along the plug-in direction E, the electrical contact elements 23, 33 are brought into electrical contact with one another, so that an electrical connection is established between the connector parts 2, 3.

One of the connector parts 2, 3, for example the connector part 3, can for example be arranged on a control cabinet, while the other connector part 2 is connected to an electrical line. By attaching the connector part 2 to the connector part 3, a line can thus be connected to a control cabinet.

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However, it is also conceivable that an electrical line is connected to each connector part 2, 3, so that two lines can be connected to one another via the connector parts 2, 3.

A connector part 3 can be, for example, a plug part, which can be inserted with its plug section 32 into a plug opening 220 of the plug section 22 of the other plug connector part 2, which is designed as a socket part, as is shown schematically in FIG. 19.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B to 18, a locking part 20 in the form of a locking sleeve which is rotatable with respect to the plug-in section 22 and which serves to mechanically lock the plug-in part 2 with the other plug-in part 3 is arranged on the plug-in section 22 of the plug-in part 2, if the connector parts 2, 3 are attached to each other.

This is shown in the partially cut-away views according to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B (for the locked position) and FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B (for the unlocked position). For example, locking elements in the form of locking openings 200 are formed on an inner circumferential surface of the locking element 20 of the connector part, which is cylindrical in shape, which, for locking the connector parts 2, 3, have locking elements in the form of radially projecting locking projections 300 on that of a housing 30 of the connector part 3 axially projecting plug section 32 of the connector part 3 can be engaged.

The locking openings 200 together with the locking projections 300 form a bayonet lock. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, the locking elements 300 lie in end sections 201 of the locking openings 200 of the locking part 20, so that the connector parts 2, 3 are fixed to one another along the plugging direction E.

For unlocking, the locking part 20, as can be seen from the transition from FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, can be rotated in an actuation direction D by the plugging direction E, so that the Locking elements 300 on the plug section 32 of the connector part 3 are moved from the end sections 201 of the locking openings 200 into an insertion section 202, as can be seen in particular from the enlarged views according to FIGS. 9B and 10B. The

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Connector parts 2, 3 can now be removed from one another along the plug-in direction E.

To attach the connector parts 2, 3 to one another, the locking part 20 in the form of the locking sleeve is to be brought into the rotational position shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, so that the locking elements 300 of the connector part 3 into the insertion sections 202 of the locking openings 200 on the inside of the locking part 20 can be introduced. By turning the locking part 20 counter to the actuation direction D, the locking elements 300 are then brought into engagement with the end sections 201 of the locking openings 200, so that the connector parts 2, 3 are locked together.

In order to lock the locking part 20 in its locked position and thus prevent the locking part 20 from moving out of the locked position, a latching device 21, 31 is provided, which serves to lock the locking part 20 with the connector part 3 when the connector parts 2 , 3 are attached to one another and the locking part 20 has been moved into the locked position.

The locked position is shown in Figs. 3A, 3B to 6A, 6B. As can be seen in particular from the views according to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, the locking part 20 has a latching element 213 in the form of an eyelet, which forms an engagement opening 210 for a tool 4. On the edge of the latching element 213 that defines the engagement opening 110, a latching recess 211 is formed in the form of a step, into which a latching element 311 in the form of a latching projection engages on the housing 30 of the connector part 3 in the locked position, as is particularly shown in FIG. 3B is. Due to the engagement of the locking projection 311 with the locking recess 211 of the locking element 213, the locking part 20 is locked in its locked position and cannot be moved out of the locked position easily, at least not without releasing the locking. The connector parts 2, 3 are thus secured against loosening of the connection to one another.

In order to release the connection between the connector parts 2, 3, a tool 4 in the form of a screwdriver can be used to engage the engagement opening 210 and an engagement opening 310 formed in the circumferential outer surface of the housing 30 in the form of a recess, as shown in FIG. 1A , 1B in conjunction with FIGS. 11A, 11 B, 12A, 12B can be seen. The tool 4 can be used with a

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BE2017 / 5408 (flattened) tip 40 are inserted into the engagement openings 210, 310 so that the tool 4 engages with the tip 40 in the locking element 213.

If, as shown in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, the tool 4 is rotated with its tip 40 in the engagement openings 210, 310, then the tip 40 with stops 212, 312 arrives inside the engagement opening 210 of the latching element 213 and inside the engagement opening 310 on the housing 30 of the connector part 3, as can be seen, for example, from FIG. 13B. As a result, the latching element 213 is deformed (slightly) and in this way is lifted off the latching element 311 in the form of the latching projection on the housing 30 of the connector part 3, and in addition, the locking part 20 in the form of the The locking sleeve is rotated in the actuating direction D to the connector part 3 until the locking part 20 reaches its unlocked position, as shown in FIGS. 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B.

In the unlocked position, also shown in Fig. 2A, 2B and Fig. 7A, 7B to 10A, 10B, the locking element 213 is disengaged from the locking element 311 in the form of the locking projection on the connector part 3. In addition, the locking elements 300 are on the outside of the Plug section 32 has been moved out of the end sections 201 of the locking openings 200 on the locking sleeve 20, as can be seen in particular from FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B. The connector parts 2, 3 can thus be removed from one another along the plug-in direction E.

The fact that when the tool 4 is actuated, on the one hand, the latching is released and, on the other hand, the locking part 20 is also moved, there is a simple, convenient opening process. In particular, it is not necessary to move the locking part 20 separately to release the latching. This is done in one operation by actuating the tool 4. A snap back of the locking into a re-locked position can be reliably prevented in this way.

To unlock the connector 1, the tool 4 in the form of a screwdriver is inserted parallel to the plugging direction E into the locking element 213 of the locking device 21 on the locking part 20. Subsequent actuation of the tool 4 then releases the catch and, in addition, the locking part 20 is simultaneously rotated in the actuation direction D.

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The locking device 21 of the locking part 20 is shown in a separate representation in

Fig. 17 shown. 18 also shows the in a separate representation

Latching device 31 with the engagement opening 310 formed in the housing 30 on

Connector part 3.

To release the lock by actuating the tool 4, the latching element 213 is deformed (slightly). Additionally or alternatively, it can also be provided that the housing 30 and / or the latching element 311 are deformable.

To establish the locking when the connector parts 2, 3 are attached to one another, the locking part 20 is to be turned by hand. As a result, the locking elements 300 are brought into engagement with the end sections 201 of the locking openings 200, and the locking element 213 also slides over the locking projection 311, so that the locking between the locking part 20 and the connector part 3 is established.

The idea on which the invention is based is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but can in principle also be implemented in a completely different manner.

Although the locking part in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a rotatable locking sleeve, this is in no way restrictive for the invention. The locking part can also be designed to be displaceable or movable in another way.

A connector of the type described here can be used to connect electrical contacts, although other contacts, for example pneumatic or hydraulic contacts, can also be connected via a connector of the type described.

In the illustrated embodiment, a locking element in the form of an eyelet is on the

Locking part arranged. In a kinematic reversal, such a locking element can also be arranged on the other connector part, in which case on the

Locking part, for example, a locking projection and a recess formed in the outer circumferential surface is formed with a stop formed thereon.

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LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Connectors

connector part

Locking part (locking sleeve)

Locking element (locking opening)

end

insertion

locking device

engagement opening

engaging recess

attack

locking element

plug-in section

plug-in opening

contact elements

connector part

casing

locking element

locking device

engagement opening

Locking element (locking projection)

attack

plug-in section

contact elements

Tool

top

Direction of actuation (direction of rotation)

plug-in direction

Claims (13)

claims 1. Connector (1), with a first connector part (2), which has a first plug-in section (22) and a locking part (20) movably arranged on the first plug-in section (22) along an actuating direction (D), and a second plug-in part ( 3), which has a second plug-in section (32), the first plug-in section (22) and the second plug-in section (32) being attachable to one another along a plug-in direction (E) and the locking part (20) relative to the first plug-in section (22) a locked position, in which the first plug-in section (22) and the second plug-in section (32) are held against one another against a force effect along the plug-in direction (E), into an unlocked position for releasing the first plug connector part (2) from the second plug connector part (3 ) is movable, characterized by a latching device (21, 31) for latching the locking part (20) with the second plug-in section (32) in the locked position against movement of the locking part (20) along the actuation direction (D), the latching device (21, 31) defining an engagement opening (210, 310) for a tool (4) and by actuating the tool (4) in the engagement opening ( 210, 310) the locking of the locking part (20) with the second plug section (32) can be released and the locking part (20) can be moved along the actuating direction (D) to the first plug section (22). 2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking part (20) to the first plug section (22) is rotatable. 3. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tool (4) parallel to the insertion direction (E) in the engagement opening (210, 310) can be inserted. 4. Connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tool (4) in the engagement opening (210, 310) is rotatable. 5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking part (20) of the first connector part (2) has a first latching element (213) and the second connector part (3) has a second latching element (311), the first locking element (213) and the second locking element (311) for locking the locking part (20) with the second 2017/5408 BE2017 / 5408 Plug section (32) against movement of the locking part (20) along the Actuating direction (D) are in engagement with each other. 6. Connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first latching element (213) and / or the second latching element (311) limit the engagement opening (210, 310). 7. Connector (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the engagement of the first locking element (213) and the second locking element (311) can be released by actuating the tool (4) in the engagement opening (210, 310). 8. Connector (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first latching element (213) and / or the second latching element (311) for releasing by actuating the tool (4) in the engagement opening (210, 310) the latch are deformable. 9. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking part (20) of the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) each have a stop (212, 312) with which the tool (4th ) comes into operative connection when actuated in the engagement opening (210, 310) for moving the locking part (20) relative to the first plug-in section (22). 10. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking part (20) of the first connector part (2) has a first locking element (200) and the second connector part (3) has a second locking element (300), wherein the the first locking element (200) and the second locking element (300) in the locked position for holding the first plug-in section (22) and the second plug-in section (32) against one another in opposition to a force effect along the plug-in direction (E). 11. Connector (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first locking element (200) and the second locking element (300) together form a bayonet catch. 2017/5408 BE2017 / 5408 12. Connector (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that by moving the locking element (20) from the locked position, the first locking element (200) and the second locking element (300) can be disengaged to the first connector part ( 2) and the second 5 Disconnect connector part (3) from each other. 13. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) each have at least one electrical contact element (23, 33) 10 Have an electrical connection.