CN109038053B

CN109038053B - Plug connector with locking element

Info

Publication number: CN109038053B
Application number: CN201810586020.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 海因茨·赖布克; 凯文·贝格哈恩
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-06-08
Filing date: 2018-06-08
Publication date: 2021-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-08
Also published as: CN109038053A; DE102017112629A1; DE102017112629B4

Abstract

The plug connector includes: a first plug connector part having a first plug section and a locking part which is arranged on the first plug section such that it can be moved in an operating direction; and a second plug connector part having a second plug section. The first and second plug sections can be fitted to one another in the plug-in direction, and the locking part can be moved relative to the first plug section from a locked position into an unlocked position. In addition, a locking device for locking the locking element with the second plug section in the locking position is provided, which locking device defines an insertion opening for a tool, and the locking of the locking element with the second plug section can be released by actuating the tool in the insertion opening, and the locking element can be moved in the operating direction relative to the first plug section. In this way, a plug connector is provided which allows simple fitting of the plug connector parts to one another and also allows simple unlocking of the plug connector parts to one another.

Description

Plug connector with locking element

Technical Field

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

Background

The plug connector comprises: a first plug connector part having a first plug section and a locking part arranged on the first plug section in a manner that the locking part can be moved along an operating direction; and a second plug connector part having a second plug section. In order to connect the two plug connector parts to one another, the first plug section and the second plug section can be assembled to one another in the plug-in direction. The locking part serves here to lock the plug sections to one another when they are assembled to one another, wherein the locking part can be moved out of a locking position relative to the first plug section in order to release the plug connector parts from one another.

In the plug connector known from DE 102013018160B 3, a plug part can be inserted into the sleeve part, so that in the inserted position the electrical contacts are in electrical contact with one another. In order to lock the plug part to the sleeve part, a rotary ring is arranged on the plug part, which has a projection on the inner side, which projection, in the locking position, engages in a recess in the mounting sleeve of the sleeve part and thus establishes a locking between the plug part and the sleeve part. The locking can be released by rotating the rotary ring relative to the plug member, so that the plug member can be removed from the sleeve member.

Another plug connector with plug connector parts that can be assembled to one another and that can be locked in the assembled position is known, for example, from DE 202012001298U 1, DE 102011053567 a1, DE 102011052201 a1 and DE 102009007596 a 1.

In a plug connector which can be locked to one another by means of a locking element when the plug connector parts are assembled to one another, there is a need for a plug connector which allows simple assembly of the plug connector parts to one another and which at the same time can be held reliably in the assembled position and can be released simply.

In the plug connector known from DE 102013018160B 3, in order to prevent an unintentional unlocking of the locking between the plug connector parts, a projection on the inside of the swivel is inserted into a correspondingly cut-out lock receiving chamber on the mounting ring of the sleeve part. Thereby, the swivel is locked in the locked position. For removal, the projection can be lifted out of the locking reception by means of a tool, as a result of which the swivel ring and thus the plug part can be removed from the sleeve part.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a plug connector which allows simple assembly of plug connector parts to one another and which, in addition, allows simple unlocking of the plug connector parts for the purpose of separating the plug connector parts from one another.

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

Accordingly, the plug connector has a locking device for locking the locking element with the second plug section in the locking position in order to prevent a movement of the locking element in the operating direction. The locking device forms an insertion opening for the tool, so that by actuating the tool in the insertion opening, the locking of the locking element with the second plug section can be released and the locking element can be moved in the operating direction relative to the first plug section.

The locking device serves to lock the locking element with the second plug section. This takes place when the plug connector parts are assembled with one another and the locking part is in the locking position, so that the plug connector parts are reliably locked to one another and thus cannot easily be disengaged from one another counter to the insertion direction, at least without unlocking. By means of the locking provided by the locking device, the locking element cannot easily be moved out of its locking position, but remains locked in the locking position.

The locking part can be moved relative to the first plug section of the first plug connector part along an operating direction, which is preferably different from an insertion direction along which the plug connector parts can be assembled to one another. The operating direction can in particular be directed transversely or obliquely to the insertion direction.

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

The stop means serve to hold the locking member in its locking position and thereby prevent the locking member from moving in the operating direction. In order to move the locking member in the operating direction, e.g. rotate, to unlock, the lock must first be unlocked. This is achieved by inserting a tool, for example a screwdriver, into an insertion opening defined by the retaining means. By actuating the tool in the insertion opening, for example by linear displacement or by rotating the tool, the locking is released on the one hand, and the second aspect also moves the locking part out of the locking position in the direction of the unlocking position during the actuation, so that the unlocking is also achieved by the actuating tool and the plug connector parts can thus be detached from one another.

During operation, the locking can thus be released by actuating the tool and moving the locking element to release the locking. This simplifies the operation, since after unlocking the locking element can be moved out of the locking position without additional actuation of the locking element. In particular, this prevents the locking device from returning to its locking position after the tool has been actuated.

In one embodiment, a tool, for example a screwdriver, can be introduced into the insertion opening parallel to the insertion direction. Manipulation of the tool in the insertion opening may be accomplished, for example, by rotating the tool in the insertion opening.

In one embodiment, the latching means are realized by a first latching element of the first plug connector part and a second latching element of the second plug connector part. The first and second latching elements engage with one another in the latched state, so that the locking part is held in its locked position in this way and cannot be easily removed from the locked position, at least without releasing the latching.

One of the stop elements can be designed, for example, in the form of a latching hook and adjoins the insertion opening on the outside. In this case, the further latching element can be configured, for example, as a latching projection which can be brought into engagement with a latching element designed as a latching hook, so that a latching is established in this way.

A stop element configured in the form of a latching hook can be arranged, for example, on the locking part. In this case, a latching projection which projects radially outward and is intended to form a further latching element can be arranged, for example, on the second plug section of the second plug connector part. The locking between the locking part and the second plug connector part is established by inserting a latching element in the form of a latching projection into a latching element in the form of a latching hook, so that the locking part is held in its locking position.

The locking established by the locking element can be released by actuating the tool. For example, the locking hook-shaped stop element can be deformed by actuating a tool, for example by turning a tool in the form of a screwdriver in the insertion opening, so that it is disengaged from the stop element configured as a stop projection, and the locking is thereby released and the locking part is moved out of its locking position.

In principle, one or the other stop element or both stop elements can be deformed. In this way, the latching hook-shaped latching element can be deformed, and in this case, the latching projection, which is embodied, for example, as an elastic latching nose, can likewise be deformed.

In order to actuate the locking element by actuating the tool in the insertion opening, so that it is also moved from the locked position into the unlocked position while the locking is released, it is possible to form a stop on the locking part on the one hand and on the second plug connector part on the other hand. When the tool is manipulated in the insertion opening, the tool comes into effective contact with the two stops and thereby exerts a relative force between the locking part and the second plug connector part, thereby moving the locking part out of the locking position. For example, the locking member may be moved out of the locking position by applying a force to the locking member in the operating direction by turning a tool in the insertion opening.

The locking between the plug connector parts can be established, for example, by a locking element which is arranged on the one hand on the locking part of the first plug connector part and on the other hand on the second plug connector part. For example, the locking elements which together form a plug-in lock engage with one another in the locking position of the locking elements, so that the plug connector parts remain in contact with one another and cannot easily be disengaged from one another counter to the insertion direction, at least without unlocking.

The locking elements may together constitute a plug-in catch. In this case, for example, a locking element in the form of a locking opening is formed on the locking part, in which locking opening, for example, a radially projecting locking element of the second plug connector part can be inserted, and the locking element of the second plug connector part can be moved into this locking opening, so that a locking between the plug connector parts is established by a rotation of the locking part relative to the second plug connector part.

However, this is not limited thereto and is not the only scheme for establishing a lock. In this way, the connecting elements can also form a screw lock together and be formed in the form of a thread pitch for this purpose. In this case, the locking element can be screwed, for example, onto the second plug connector part to establish the locking.

The locking between the plug connector parts can be released by adjusting the locking element relative to the first plug section of the first plug connector part. After the unlocking, the plug connector parts can be removed from one another counter to the insertion direction, so that the plug connector parts can be removed from one another.

The plug connector part can be used, for example, for electrical contacting. For this purpose, electrical contacts can be arranged on the plug section of the plug connector part, which electrical contacts are brought into electrical contact with one another by the plug section of the plug connector part being assembled to one another.

The plug connector part can also be used for connecting other contacts to one another, for example for connecting contacts for establishing a fluid connection, for example a pneumatic or hydraulic connection.

Drawings

The idea underlying the invention is further elucidated below on the basis of an embodiment shown in the drawing.

In the drawings:

fig. 1A shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a plug connector with two plug connector parts in a locked position;

fig. 1B shows a partially enlarged view of the plug connector according to fig. 1A;

fig. 2A shows a view of the plug connector in the unlocked position;

fig. 2B shows a partially enlarged view of the plug connector according to fig. 2A;

fig. 3A shows an end view of the plug connector in the unlocked position;

FIG. 3B shows a partially enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 3A;

fig. 4A shows a view of the plug connector from another viewing direction in a locked position;

FIG. 4B shows a partially enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 4A;

fig. 5A shows a partially cut-away view of the plug connector in a locked position;

FIG. 5B shows a partially enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a side view of the structure according to FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 6A;

fig. 7A shows an end view of the plug connector in the unlocked position;

FIG. 7B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 7A;

fig. 8A shows a view of the plug connector from another viewing direction in an unlocked position;

FIG. 8B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 8A;

fig. 9A shows a partial cut-away view of the plug connector in an unlocked position;

FIG. 9B shows a partial enlarged view of the structure according to FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a side view of the structure according to FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A shows a cross-sectional view showing the male connector in a locked position upon insertion of the tool;

FIG. 11B shows a partially enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 11A;

fig. 12A shows a sectional view from another viewing direction, in which the plug connector is locked and a tool is inserted;

FIG. 12B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 12A;

fig. 13A shows a sectional view of the plug connector during unlocking;

FIG. 13B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 13A;

fig. 14A shows a sectional view of the plug connector from another viewing direction during unlocking;

FIG. 14B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 14A;

fig. 15A shows a sectional view of the plug connector after unlocking;

FIG. 15B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 15A;

fig. 16A shows a sectional view of the plug connector after unlocking from another viewing direction;

FIG. 16B shows a partial enlarged view of the view according to FIG. 16A;

fig. 17 shows a partial isolated view of a first plug connector part with a first latching element in the form of a latching hook;

fig. 18 shows a partial isolated view of a further second plug connector part with a latching element in the form of a latching projection;

fig. 19 shows a schematic view of a plug connector with a plug connector part in a disassembled state.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A, 1B to 18 show an exemplary embodiment of a plug connector 1 having two

plug connector parts

2, 3 which can be assembled to one another in an insertion direction E and are thus connected to one another.

As schematically shown in fig. 19, the

plug connector parts

2, 3 may be electrical connector parts which each have a

plug section

22, 32 with

electrical contacts

23, 33 arranged thereon. By assembling the

plug connector parts

2, 3 to one another in the insertion direction E, the

electrical contacts

23, 33 can be brought into electrical contact with one another, so that an electrical connection between the

plug connector parts

2, 3 is established.

One of the

plug connector parts

2, 3, for example the plug connector part 3, can be arranged, for example, on a switch cabinet, while the other plug connector part 2 is connected to an electrical line. The conductors can thus be connected to the switch cabinet by mounting the plug connector part 2 on the plug connector part 3.

It is also conceivable to connect one electrical line to each

plug connector part

2, 3, so that two electrical lines can be connected to one another via the

plug connector parts

2, 3.

The plug 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 a further plug connector part 2 designed as a socket part, as is schematically illustrated in fig. 19.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1A, 1B to 18, a locking part 20 in the form of a locking sleeve which can be rotated relative to the plug section 22 is arranged on the plug section 22 of the plug connector part 2 and serves to mechanically lock the plug connector part 2 to the other plug connector part 3 when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are assembled to one another.

This is shown in the partially cut-away views according to fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B (for the locked position) and fig. 9A, 9B, 10A,10B (for the unlocked position). Here, locking elements in the form of locking openings 200 are formed on the inner side of the locking part 20, which is cylindrical in the basic shape of the plug connector part 2, which can be brought into engagement with the locking elements of the plug connector part 3 in order to lock the

plug connector parts

2, 3, in the form of locking projections 300 which project radially on plug sections 32 which project axially from the housing 30 of the plug connector part 3.

The locking opening 200 and the locking protrusion 300 together constitute a plug-in lock catch. In the locking position in fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, the locking element 300 is located in the end section 201 of the locking opening 200 of the locking part 20, so that the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are fixed to one another in the insertion direction E.

For unlocking, the locking part 2 is rotated about the insertion direction E in the operating direction D, as can be seen in the transition from fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B to fig. 9A, 9B, 10A,10B, so that the locking element 300 on the plug section 32 of the plug connector part 3 is thereby moved from the end section 201 of the locking opening 200 into the insertion section 202, as is shown in particular in the enlarged views in fig. 9B and 10B. The

plug connector parts

2, 3 can then be removed from one another in the insertion direction E.

In order to assemble the

plug connector parts

2, 3 with one another, the locking part 20 in the form of a locking sleeve is moved into the rotational position shown in fig. 9A, 9B, 10A,10B, so that the locking element 300 of the plug connector part 3 can be introduced into the introduction section 202 of the locking opening 200 inside the locking part 20. By rotating the locking part 20 counter to the operating direction D, the locking element 300 then comes into engagement with the end section 201 of the locking opening 200, so that the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are locked to one another.

In order to lock the locking part 20 in its locking position and thus prevent the locking part 20 from moving out of the locking position, a

locking device

21, 31 is provided for locking the locking part 20 with the plug connector part 3 when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are assembled with each other and the locking part 20 is moved into the locking position.

The locking position is shown in fig. 3A, 3B to 6A, 6B. As can be seen in particular from the views in fig. 3A, 3B, 4A,4B, the locking part 20 has a stop element 213 in the form of a latching hook, which forms the insertion opening 210 for the tool 4. A latching recess 211 in the form of a step is formed on the edge of the latching element 213 which delimits the insertion opening 110, and in the locked state a latching element 311 in the form of a latching projection on the housing 30 of the plug connector part 3 is inserted into this latching recess 211, as is shown in particular in fig. 3B. Due to the engagement of the stop projection 311 with the stop recess 211 of the stop element 213, the locking part 20 remains in its locking position and cannot be easily removed from the locking position, at least without releasing the stop. The

plug connector parts

2, 3 thus ensure that their connection to one another is not released.

In order to release the connection between the

plug connector parts

2, 3, a tool 4 in the form of a screwdriver can be inserted into the insertion opening 210 and into an insertion opening 310 in the form of a recess formed in the circumferential side of the housing 30, as can be seen from fig. 1A, 1B in conjunction with fig. 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B. In this case, the tool 4 can be introduced with a (flat) tip 40 into the

insertion opening

210, 310, so that the tool 4 with its tip 40 is inserted into the stop element 213.

If the tool 4 is now rotated with its tip 40 in the

insertion opening

210, 310, as shown in fig. 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, the tip 40 comes into contact with the

stop

212, 312 inside the insertion opening 210 of the stop element 213 and inside the insertion opening 310 on the housing 30 of the plug connector part 3, as can be seen from fig. 13B. As a result, the latching elements 213 are (weakly) deformed and are thus lifted off the latching elements 311 in the form of latching projections on the housing 30 of the plug connector part 3, and, in addition, the locking part 20 in the form of a locking sleeve is rotated in the operating direction D relative to the plug connector part 3 by the action of the tool 4 on the

stops

212, 312 until the locking part 20 reaches its unlocking position, as shown in fig. 15A, 15B, 16A, 16B.

In the unlocked position, as is also shown in fig. 2A, 2B and fig. 7A, 7B to 10A,10B, the latching elements 213 are disengaged from the latching elements 311 in the form of latching projections on the plug connector part 3. Furthermore, the locking element 300 outside the plug section 32 is removed from the end section 201 of the locking opening 200 on the locking sleeve 20, as can be seen in particular from fig. 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B. The

plug connector parts

2, 3 can thus be detached from one another in the insertion direction E.

By unlocking the stop on the one hand and simultaneously moving the locking element 20 on the other hand when the tool 4 is operated, a simpler and more comfortable opening process is achieved. In particular, there is no need to separately move the locking member 20 to release the detent. This is done in one working step by means of the handling tool 4. In this way, the locking catch can be reliably prevented from sticking into the renewed locking position.

For unlocking the plug connector 1, a tool 4 in the form of a screwdriver is introduced into the latching element 213 of the latching device 21 on the locking part 20 parallel to the insertion direction E. By continuing to actuate the tool 4, the locking is released and at the same time the locking element 20 is also rotated in the operating direction D.

The stop means 21 of the locking member 20 is shown in a separate view in fig. 17. Fig. 18 furthermore shows a separate view of the latching device 31, which has an insertion opening 310 formed in the housing 30 on the plug connector part 3.

In order to release the locking by actuating the tool 4, the stop element 213 is (weakly) deformed. Additionally or alternatively, it may also be provided to enable the deformation of the housing 30 and/or the stop element 311.

In order to establish a locking when assembling the

plug connector parts

2, 3 to each other, the locking part 20 is rotated manually. Thereby, the locking element 300 comes into engagement with the end section 201 of the locking opening 200, and furthermore the stop element 213 slides over the stop projection 311, thereby establishing a stop between the locking part 20 and the plug connector part 3.

The inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments illustrated above, but can in principle also be implemented in an entirely different type of manner.

Although in the illustrated embodiment the locking element is configured as a rotatable locking sleeve, it is not restricted to this in any way. The locking member may also be designed to be pushable or otherwise movable.

Plug connectors of the type described here can be used for connecting electrical contacts, wherein other contacts, for example pneumatic or hydraulic contacts, can also be connected by means of plug connectors of the type described.

In the embodiment shown, a stop element in the form of a latching hook is arranged on the locking part. In the case of a reverse movement, this latching element can also be arranged on the other plug connector part, wherein in this case, for example, a latching projection is formed on the locking part and a stop is formed in an outwardly formed recess.

Description of the reference numerals

1 plug connector

2 plug connector part

20 locking element (locking sleeve)

200 locking element (locking opening)

201 end segment

202 lead-in section

21 stop device

210 into the opening

211 detent recess

212 stop

213 stop element

22 plug-in section

220 inserting opening

23 contact element

3 plug connector part

30 casing

300 locking element

31 stop device

310 insertion opening

311 stop element (stop projection)

312 stop

33 contact element

4 tools

40 top end

D Direction of operation (rotational Direction)

E direction of insertion

Claims

1. A plug connector (1) is provided with:

a first plug connector part (2) having a first plug section (22) and a locking part (20) which is arranged on the first plug section (22) so as to be movable in an operating direction (D); and a second plug connector part (3) having a second plug section (32), wherein the first plug section (22) and the second plug section (32) can be fitted to one another in an insertion direction (E) and the locking part (20) can be moved relative to the first plug section (22) from a locking position, in which the first plug section (22) and the second plug section (32) are held against one another against the action of force in the insertion direction (E), into an unlocking position, in order to remove the first plug connector part (2) from the second plug connector part (3), characterized in that a latching device (21, 31) is provided for latching the locking part (20) with the second plug section (32) in the locking position and preventing a movement of the locking part (20) in the operating direction (D), wherein the stop device (21, 31) defines an insertion opening (210, 310) for a tool (4), and the locking of the locking element (20) with the second plug section (32) can be released by operating the tool in the insertion opening (210, 310) and the locking element (20) can be moved in an operating direction (D) relative to the first plug section (22).

2. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking part (20) is rotatable relative to the first plug section (22).

3. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tool (4) can be inserted into the insertion opening (210, 310) parallel to an insertion direction (E).

4. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool (4) can be rotated in the insertion opening (210, 310).

5. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking part (20) of the first plug connector part (2) has a first latching element (213) and the second plug connector part (3) has a second latching element (311), wherein the first latching element (213) and the second latching element (311) form a mesh with one another, so that the locking part (20) is locked with the second plug section (32) and the locking part (20) is prevented from moving in the operating direction (D).

6. The plug connector (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first stop element (213) and/or the second stop element (311) define an insertion opening (210, 310).

7. The plug connector (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the engagement of the first stop element (213) with the second stop element (311) can be released by actuating a tool (4) in the insertion opening (210, 310).

8. The plug connector (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that the first latching element (213) and/or the second latching element (311) can be deformed by actuating a tool (4) in the insertion opening (210, 310) in order to release the locking.

9. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking part (20) of the first plug connector part (2) and the second plug connector part (3) each have a stop (212, 312) with which the tool (4) is operatively connected to move the locking part (20) relative to the first plug section (22) when the tool is actuated in the insertion opening (210, 310).

10. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking part (20) of the first plug connector part (2) has a first locking element (200) and the second plug connector part (3) has a second locking element (300), wherein the first locking element (200) and the second locking element (300) form a mesh with one another in the locked position, so that the first plug section (22) and the second plug section (32) are held against one another against the action of force in the plug-in direction (E).

11. The plug connector (1) according to claim 10, characterised in that the first locking element (200) and the second locking element (300) together form a plug-in catch.

12. The plug connector (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the first locking element (200) and the second locking element (300) can be disengaged from one another by moving the locking element (20) out of a locking position, so that the first plug connector part (2) and the second plug connector part (3) can be detached from one another.

13. The plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the first plug connector part (2) and the second plug connector part (3) each have at least one electrical contact (23, 33) for establishing an electrical connection.