EP0431408A2 - Connector assembly for a multicore cable - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Connector assembly for a multicore cable. 2.1 Previously known connector assemblies are of complicated construction to the extent that the contact element inserted into the connector core are held therein against an axial displacement via barbs. In addition, the known connector assemblies are of complicated construction and/or are difficult to handle, for easy mutual coupling of the individual connector parts. The new connector assembly is intended to be easier to produce and easier to handle. 2.2 To this end, the connector core (4) of the first connector part (2) has an inner core body with a plurality of channel-shaped recesses which are arranged in its enveloping surface and are open radially outwards, for the insertion of contact elements from the outside, and an outer guide ring (54), which can be pushed over the inner core body, for closing the recesses. The guide ring (54) comprises a plurality of axially extending retaining claws (57, 58) whose free ends (60, 61) are supported fixedly on one end section of the cable, which they at least partially surround. 2.3 Production of a connector assembly for connecting electrical connector parts. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a connector arrangement for a multi-core cable according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a connector arrangement is known from EP-A3-0 189 857. In this connector arrangement, the contact elements are inserted axially into the receiving channels of the plug core and are held therein by barbs, which prevent a movement direction of the contact elements opposite to the insertion movement. In addition to the barbs, a comb is inserted through radial openings at the rear line-side end of the plug part, which engages behind a seal pushed onto the contact elements and represents a second locking of the contact elements. Such a connector arrangement is difficult to assemble, especially if it is a miniature connector, since the cable wires for the axial insertion of the contact elements into the receiving channels must have a free length that allows maneuvering, which must later be accommodated in the connector housing. If you want to avoid this, the shielding can only contact after plugging it together, which is very complex and makes automatic connector assembly impossible. Furthermore, a plug arrangement according to the prior art is difficult to disassemble, for example for repair purposes, since the contact elements do not damage the plug core or the contact element itself difficult or impossible to remove from the plug part. In addition, each individual contact element can only be inserted into the receiving channels in a very specific position and locked in these. The assembly of such a connector arrangement is thus complex and the disassembly of the individual connector parts is complicated or not possible at all. In addition, the coupling is made more difficult by the fact that the plug parts must have an aligned rotational position with respect to one another at the start of their insertion movement. In the interior of the one connector part there are projections which have to engage in corresponding recesses in the other connector part in order to produce the plug connection. This requires special attention when coupling the connector assembly. Furthermore, from DE-PS 37 38 699 a connector arrangement is known in which the two connector cores are each axially leading, in a coaxial position, on the one hand a directional member with a radial projection and on the other hand a guide member with radial guide surfaces are assigned. The provision of both the directional member and the guide member complicates the construction and manufacture of the connector assembly.

The invention has for its object to provide a connector assembly of the type mentioned, which is easier to assemble and easier to use.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a plug arrangement with the features of patent claim 1.

By means of the channel-shaped recesses which are arranged in the outer surface of the inner core body and are open radially outwards, a simple possibility is created for the contact or counter-contact elements, ie Plug or socket elements, releasably connected to the respective plug part. The respective insertion of the contact elements into the recess can be carried out particularly easily and quickly, since the contact elements do not have to be arranged in a specific position in the recesses. A rotation of the contact elements in the direction of their longitudinal axis is therefore not necessary to insert or press the contact elements into the core body. This simplifies both the manufacture and the disassembly of the connector arrangement. With the help of the outer guide ring which can be pushed over the inner core body, there is a secure radial hold of the contact elements located in the recesses. Accordingly, only a simple sliding movement between the core body and the guide ring is necessary to close the recesses. The holding claws extending axially from the guide ring, the free end of which is firmly supported on the end section of the cable, enable the plug core to be held firmly axially on the end section of the cable and, in the sense of a double action, represent a simply constructed strain relief for the multi-core cable. With the help of the features mentioned, the assembly of the connector arrangement is therefore simplified.

With the help of the radially outwardly projecting projections narrowing each recess, a simple possibility is created to secure the contact elements against axial movement. The pin contacts attached to the free end of the contact elements, for example with the aid of crimping technology, enable fully automatic attachment and thus mechanical production. A recess corresponding to the projection can be formed particularly easily on the contact element if the pin contacts are arranged at a distance from the insulating jacket end of the individual wires of the cable. With the Striking the pin contacts therefore creates the recess which is advantageous for an axial hold.

It is also advantageous that the front section of the plug core facing the opening of the first housing part protrudes axially slightly beyond the pin contacts in the assembled state of the first plug part, since the mating contact elements can thus initially be inserted particularly easily axially into the plug core without the pin contacts having to be gripped around. This allows mutual fixing of the plug cores with very little effort in the axial direction, which additionally simplifies the handling of the plug arrangement.

It is also favorable to design the holding claws with a partially cylindrical cross section and the free end of the holding claws as a clamping element, since the inner surface of each holding claw is thus well adapted to the cylindrical outer surface of the cable and can be supported uniformly on the latter. As a result, the cable end is securely held on the holding claw at a not inconsiderable peripheral section. The clamping element also enables the cable end to be clamped firmly between, for example, two diametrically opposite holding claws. The clamping process can be carried out by spring pretensioning of the individual brackets or by an external force. The cable end is thus securely connected to the plug part at all times. Tearing off the cable is almost impossible during the assembled state. The clamping action of the clamping element is further supported by the fact that the clamping elements have a screw thread on their outer surface and that each clamping element has on its inner surface a radially inwardly projecting projection, one of which is towards the free end of each Holding claw connects inclined clamping surface. The screw thread enables a permanent clamping effect by simply, releasably fixing the clamping elements on the cable section. With the help of the projection, a good clamping effect is achieved even with low clamping forces, since the projection presses firmly into the cable end. The projection also ensures, in connection with the inclined clamping surface, a clamping pressure which is limited in area and thus increased, since this increases with a constant force but a reduced area. Even with low forces, there is already a sufficient clamping effect, which is steadily reduced due to the inclined clamping surface and the cone that forms outwards and widens towards the free end of the holding claws. As a result, the clamping effect does not decrease abruptly, but also fixes the cable end at locations outside the projection projecting radially inwards.

The formation of each thread of the screw thread located on the clamping element with a rising, inclined towards the guide ring and an adjoining radially falling thread flank not only enables screwing but also a fully mechanically latching of an element that presses the free ends of the holding claws towards each other . This feature also simplifies the manufacture of a well-supported connector part.

By means of the clamping ring provided on the end section of the cable, damage to the cable due to excessive pressing forces acting on the clamping element of each holding claw is effectively prevented. Preferably, the clamping ring is attached to the folded back shield of the cable, so that the clamping ring, the fixed supporting claws supported thereon, the guide ring and the first housing part in the sense of a double action also ensure an additional ground connection. The shielding can also be pulled back and the clamping ring applied fully automatically. With the additional ground connection to the housing part, an uninterrupted electrical shielding can be achieved.

It is also favorable to provide the clamping ring with a circumferential, radially outwardly extending stop against which the free end of each holding claw rests in an axially supported manner in the installed state. As a result, the clamping element of each holding claw is not only held firmly on the clamping ring in the radial direction, but also effectively prevents axial displacement of the clamping ring seated on the cable end in the direction of the guide ring.

The plug part is assembled particularly simply by plugging the core body onto the holding rivet connected to the clamping ring and extending axially away from the end section of the cable, the free end of which is arranged in the central longitudinal axis of the plug part. The core body attached to the holding rivet can also be inserted fully mechanically into the plug core and the guide ring. The holding rivet, which can also be designed as a blind rivet, can be easily expanded, so that the core body and plug core form a unit in which the contact elements are held.

With the aid of the locking spring pushed onto the holding claws in the direction of the guide ring and the locking projection formed thereon, the plug core of the first plug part is secured against undesired rotation in relation to the first housing part when the Latching projection engages in a counter-latch projecting radially inward in the inner wall of the first housing part. The connector part and housing part can therefore only be rotated if the locking projection is also moved out of the counter-locking. The locking spring thus enables simple and inexpensive fixing of the plug part in the housing part.

It is also advantageous that the part of the holding claws designed as a clamping element and the clamping ring located between them protrude axially at least partially over the first housing part in the assembled state of the first plug part, and an end cap is screwed or snapped onto the screw thread of the clamping elements. Thus, on the one hand, the housing part is axially fixed to the plug core and via the clamping ring with the cable, on the other hand, an uninterrupted earth connection and thus electrical shielding is ensured via the clamping ring, the end cap, the clamping bracket and the housing part. Due to the previously specified specially designed thread surfaces, the end cap can also be mechanically snapped onto the clamping element, which further rationalizes the manufacture of the entire plug part. However, the end cap also serves to support the free end of each holding claw axially firmly on the stop of the clamping ring which extends radially outward.

It is also advantageous that an axial play is provided between the first housing part and the end cap seated on the clamping element and the clamping ring in the locking position of the locking projection and counter-locking, so that the housing part releases the engagement of the locking projection and counter-locking on the plug core for mutual coupling of the Plug parts can be rotated freely can. The axial play preferably corresponds to at least the gripping depth of the locking projection and counter-latch, so that there is almost no axial play between the housing part and the end cap when in their disengaged position. Thus, on the one hand, the housing part can be fixed on the plug core, and on the other hand, when the engagement of the locking projection and counter-locking is overcome, the housing part can be rotated on the plug core. It is also achieved that the first housing part always receives a good earth connection via the locking spring.

Electrical cables are usually provided with a shield, with a ground connection from the shield to the plug part. This is also achieved in the previously explained plug arrangement in that at least the clamping ring, the holding claws, the end cap and the first and second housing parts consist of an electrically conductive material or have a conductive coating. In this case, the construction of the plug arrangement ensures an uninterrupted ground connection. Additional parts are not required to form the ground connection.

With the help of the radially inwardly projecting guide ribs arranged in the first housing part and the guide groove formed in the cylindrical outer surface of the second housing part, a simple possibility is provided to provide a screw connection for mutually coupling the plug parts. Coupling of the connector parts is particularly unproblematic if the connector core of the second connector part is firmly connected to the second housing part and the connector core of the first connector part is aligned with the first housing part before the connector parts are connected such that the connector cores at the beginning of the engagement between the guide rib and guide groove pluggable to each other stand. In this case, it is possible to couple the plug parts without additionally required parts by simply rotating the first housing part on the second housing part. As soon as the guide rib and guide groove are aligned with one another, the respective plug parts are arranged such that they can be plugged into one another. Completely shaped straightening and / or guiding elements are dispensed with, so that the manufacturing costs are reduced without having to do without quick and uncomplicated handling of the plug arrangement. Mutual coupling of the connector parts can therefore be carried out without special attention.

It is also expedient to provide two diametrically opposite guide ribs, the front sections of which, pointing towards the opening of the first housing part, project axially beyond the plug core seated in the first housing part. This on the one hand prevents the first housing part from tilting on the second housing part and, on the other hand, easily rotates the first connector part on the housing part of the second connector part without the respective connector cores touching one another. Bending or damage to the contact elements or mating contact elements is thereby effectively prevented even when the connector parts are frequently coupled.

A coupling process can be carried out particularly quickly if each guide rib of the screw thread is part of a 60 ° bayonet screw closure and has an axially extending stop at its rear end. This makes it possible to align the plug core of the first plug part before coupling the plug parts in the first housing part in such a way that the plug cores are closed The beginning of the engagement between the guide rib and the guide groove are pluggable to each other. Since the guide ribs are present in any case, it means little manufacturing effort to design each guide rib in the axial direction as a stop. It is particularly advantageous to design the width of the guide rib in the area of the bayonet screw closure and in the area of the stop in an identical manner. With the help of these features, the handling, namely the coupling of the plug arrangement, is therefore simplified without significantly increasing the production costs.

A particularly effective arrangement is possible if the plug core of the first plug part is arranged between the guide ribs and the guide ring in the region of the stops and the plug core and guide ring are integrally connected to one another. As a result, the latter can be produced in the same process step, which further reduces the number of parts required.

A favorable feature is that the guide ring has a cylindrical outer surface with two diametrically opposite recesses, the length and depth of which is designed such that the plug core with its guide ring can be pushed axially past the guide ribs into the opening of the first housing part. By means of this measure, it is possible to equip the connector core connected to the cable fully automatically with the housing part. It is of course also possible to push the plug core axially past the guide ribs out of the opening of the housing part. In the sense of a double effect, the recesses serve not only to be able to move the plug core past the guide ribs of the housing part, but also to limit the rotational movement of the first housing part on the plug core of the first plug part. This is in A further development of the connector arrangement provides that in the ready position of the first connector part the connector core is inserted into the first housing part without twisting and one edge of the recesses abuts one side of the stop of each guide rib. In contrast, in the closed position of the first plug part, the first housing part is rotated by approximately 60 ° with respect to the first plug part in comparison to the ready position, the other edge of the cutouts resting on the other side of the stop of each guide rib. The cutouts thus allow a stop for fixing the housing part in relation to the plug core in a simple manner. This measure considerably simplifies the handling of the connector arrangement.

It is also favorable that the second housing part axially projects slightly beyond the front end of the plug core, which faces the opening of the housing part, or the mating contact elements, in order to effectively protect the mating contact elements of the plug core against damage. The respective ends of the plug cores or mating contact elements facing the opening of the housing parts do not rub against each other when the first housing part is rotated on the second housing part.

It is favorable to cut the guide groove into the cylindrical outer surface of the second housing part such that the front section of each guide rib can slide on the tubular cross-sectional area of the second housing part without any axial forward movement as far as the guide groove when the first housing part rotates on the second housing part. By means of this measure, the wall thickness of the tubular cross-sectional area is reduced only in the region of the guide groove, so that the front section of each guide rib is without tilting or snapping is easily displaceable on the tubular cross-sectional area. As soon as the guide ribs engage in the respective guide groove, the connector parts can be coupled to one another with a quick 60 ° screw connection.

Finally, it is favorable to design each guide groove with two guide surfaces, of which the second guide surface in the direction of rotation is undercut to the front edge of the second housing part in such a way that the entire guide rib can be axially displaced into the guide groove before the screwing movement. This axial feed movement indicates to the user that the two connector parts, in particular their connector cores, are aligned with one another and are at least partially already inserted into one another. Mutual coupling of the two connector parts is thus possible simply and quickly by sliding the front sections of the guide ribs on the tubular cross-sectional area up to the respective guide groove and by at least partially inserting the two connector parts into one another by means of an axial feed movement before the screwing movement and then are completely pressed into each other by the 60 ° screw connection, so that the contact elements of the first plug part are connected to the mating contact elements of the second plug part. Mutual coupling of the connector parts is therefore simple and inexpensive to carry out.

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer aus zwei Steckerteilen bestehenden Steckeranordnung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht in auseinandergezogener Darstellung eines mit einem Klemmring versehenen Kabelendes und eines inneren Kernkörpers;

Fig. 3

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht gemäß Fig. 2 in zusammengebautem Zustand;

Fig. 4

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Steckerteils, wobei die Teile gemäß den Fig. 2 und 3 teilweise weggelassen sind; und

Fig. 5

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten Gehäuseteils und einer Abschlußkappe.

An embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly consisting of two connector parts;

Fig. 2

a schematic perspective view in an exploded view of a provided with a clamping ring cable end and an inner core body;

Fig. 3

a schematic perspective view of Figure 2 in the assembled state.

Fig. 4

is a schematic perspective view of the first connector part, the parts according to Figures 2 and 3 are partially omitted. and

Fig. 5

is a schematic perspective view of a first housing part and an end cap.

In Fig. 1, a connector assembly 1 for a multi-core cable (not shown in Fig. 1) is shown. The connector arrangement 1 consists of a first connector part 2 struck on the cable and a second connector part 3 which can be coupled therewith. The first connector part 2 has a connector core 4 with receiving channels 5 extending in the direction of insertion for pin contacts 51 of contact elements 6 which are axially inserted into the receiving channels 5 . The first connector part 2 also includes an axially fixed first housing part 7, which rotatably surrounds the connector core 4 and is sleeve-shaped, has a cylindrical cross-sectional area and is shown in broken lines in FIG. 1. In his for the second In the area facing the plug part 3, the first housing part 7 has a screw thread 10, of which only the left part is shown in broken lines in FIG. 1.

The second plug part 3 has a mating contact element 11 and possibly a plug core 12 (not shown) receiving the central grounding pin and a second housing part 13 firmly connected thereto, which is provided with a counter screw thread 14 complementary to the screw thread 10. Only the left part of this counter screw thread can be seen in FIG. 1. 1, the screw thread 10 is designed as an internal thread and the counter screw thread 14 as an external thread.

The plug core 4 of the first plug part 2 has an inner core body 15 with a plurality of channel-shaped recesses 17 arranged in its outer surface 16, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The recesses 17 extend in the axial direction and are open radially outwards. 2, the core body 15 has nine recesses l7. Each recess has a partially cylindrical cross-section and a radially inwardly projecting projection 20 which narrows it and is provided approximately in the middle of each recess. Each projection 20 has a certain height and a certain length that exceeds the height many times over. Each recess 17 preferably has an approximately semicircular cross-sectional area.

On its peripheral surface, the inner core body 15 has an approximately guaderiform guide 21, the right and left front edges 22, 23 of which are chamfered for easier insertion of the core body 15 into the plug core 4. The core body 15 has a central through opening 25 concentric with the longitudinal axis 24.

A cable 26 is shown in the right half of Fig. 2 and e.g. designed as a 9-pin, shielded cable. A shield 27 surrounds the entirety of the cable cores 8, has an approximately cylindrical structure and is folded back onto the cable jacket 30 according to FIG. 2. In Fig. 2, only four electrical conductors designed as cable cores 8 are shown in a simplified manner, at whose respective stripped end 31 the pin-shaped contact elements 6 e.g. are crimped so that there is a recess 33 between them and the end of the insulating jacket 9 each cable wire 8. The dimensions of the recess 33, the contact elements 6 and the cable core 8 are dimensioned such that they can be inserted or pressed into the channel-shaped recesses 17 of the inner core body 15, the projection 20 coming to rest in the region of the recess 33. The height and length of the projection 20 are therefore preferably slightly smaller than the height and length of the recess 33. The cable end of the contact elements 6 is supported on the projection 20 so that the latter can absorb the insertion forces of the connector.

A clamping ring 34, which has a front cylindrical section 35 and a conically widening rear section 36, is pressed onto the end section of the cable 26, preferably onto the shield 27 which is turned back. The front and rear sections 35, 36 are connected to one another in accordance with FIG. 2 such that a circumferential recessed edge 37 is formed in this connection area. The clamping ring 34 has a circumferential, radially outwardly extending stop 40 at the rear end of the rear section 36. The clamping ring 34 comprises a holding arm 43 which is integrally connected to the front section 35. which extends parallel to and at a distance from the central longitudinal axis 24. The front end 44 of the holding arm 43 is bent perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 and penetrated by a bore lying concentrically to the longitudinal axis 24.

A retaining rivet 41, which extends axially away from the end section of the cable 26, is connected to the clamping ring, and the core body 15 can be plugged onto its free end 42 arranged in the central longitudinal axis 24. A first hollow rivet section 45, which is arranged concentrically to the longitudinal axis, is inserted into the bore in the front end 44. A second hollow rivet section 46 with a smaller diameter is fixedly connected to the front end of the hollow rivet section 45 over a region 47 of smaller diameter. Both hollow rivet sections are penetrated by an expansion pin 50, which carries at its end facing away from the core body 15 an embossing head, not shown, the diameter of which is a few 1/100 mm thicker than the inside diameter of the hollow rivet sections.

According to FIGS. 2 and 3, the core body 15 is pushed with its through opening 25 onto the free end 42 of the expansion pin 50 and finally over the hollow rivet section 46 onto the section 45 up to the front end 44 of the holding arm 43. The contact elements 6 are pressed with their cable sleeve 32 into the respective channel-shaped recess 17 in FIG. 3 so that the projection 20 comes to rest in the area of the recess 33. The pin contact 51 of the contact element 6 projects in the axial direction over the inner core body 15.

4, the dashed-dotted first housing part 7 has a front opening 52. In the assembled state of the first plug part 2, the inner core body 15 equipped with the contact elements 6 according to FIG. 3 is inserted into the plug core 4 according to FIG. 4 so that the front section 53 of the plug core 4, which faces the opening 52 of the first housing part 7, projects slightly axially beyond the pin contacts 51 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 4).

The plug core 4 also has an outer guide ring 54 connected integrally therewith, into which the inner core body 15 can be inserted axially to close the recesses 17. Partial cylindrical grooves provided on the inner wall of the guide ring 54 complement the recesses 17 to form cylindrical channels in a manner not shown, so that the cable sleeves 32 are completely surrounded. In the direction of the opening 52, these receiving spaces for the cable sleeves 32 are followed by the receiving channels 5, which have a tapered cross-section. The cable sleeves are thus supported on the edges of these channels 5, so that the separating forces are absorbed when the plug connection is released.

According to FIG. 4, the guide ring 54 comprises a flattened 55, approximately cylindrical sleeve section 56 with two axially extending holding claws 57, 58 connected to it in one piece. The holding claws are arranged diametrically opposite one another. Both holding claws have a partially cylindrical cross section and a free end 60, 61, which is designed as a clamping element 62, 63, respectively. The clamping elements are each on the end portion of the cable 26 or on the clamping ring 34, the Cable or the clamping ring at least partially encompassing, firmly supported.

Each clamping element 62, 63 has on its outer surface 64, 65 partial threads 66, 67 complementing one another to form an external thread and on its inner surface 70, 71 a radially inwardly projecting projection 72, 73, to which one of the free ends 60, 61 of each holding claw 57, 58 inclined clamping surface 74, 75 connects. The two opposing clamping surfaces 74, 75 form a cone 76 which widens towards the free end of the holding claws. The screw thread formed from the partial threads 66, 67 has a plurality of threads 77, each of which has a rising, inclined towards the guide ring 54 and a radial one that follows has a steeply falling thread flank. The free ends 60, 61 of the holding claws 57, 58 extend with their clamping surfaces 74, 75 axially up to the stop 40 (cf. FIG. 2) such that the respective projection 72, 73 engages behind the circumferential, recessed edge 37, the respective one Clamping surface 74, 75 is firmly supported on the rear section 36 of the clamping ring 34 and the stop 40 rests on the end faces of the holding claws 62, 63. The clamping ring 34 is thus between the free ends of the holding claws. The firm engagement of the edge 37 by the projections 72, 73 can e.g. can be achieved by biasing the holding claws towards the longitudinal axis 24. However, it is also possible to press the free ends of the holding claws together with the aid of a force applied radially from the outside.

A locking spring 81 is pushed onto the sleeve section 56 up to the side 80 of the guide ring 54 facing the holding claws 57, 58, the locking spring 81 of which is vertical extending arms 82, 83 bear against the flats 55. The locking spring 81 has on its transverse arms 84, 85 connecting the vertical arms 82, 83 each a locking projection 86, 87 extending axially to the right in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the locking spring 81 is shown in solid lines on the right outside of the plug core 4 . In the assembled state of the first plug part, the locking spring is pushed onto the sleeve section 56 and its flats 55, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 4.

The first housing part 7 has an inner wall 78, on which a radially inwardly projecting, partially cylindrical lining 88 with a counter-catch 89 for the catch projection 87 of the locking spring 81 is attached (see dashed illustration in FIG. 5). The counter-detent is complementary to the detent projection and arranged in the assembled state of the plug part opposite this. Since each latching projection 86, 87 is located approximately vertically above or below the central longitudinal axis 24, the corresponding counter-latches 89 are arranged in the same position. In Fig. 5 only a liner 88 with the counter detent 89 is shown. A second lining can be attached diametrically opposite to the first lining on the inner wall 78 of the first housing part 7.

The first housing part 7 also has an outer side 90, on which four holding ribs 91, each diametrically opposite one another, are arranged offset by 90 ° to one another. 5 only two holding ribs 91 are shown.

According to FIG. 4, the part of the holding claws 57, 58 designed as a clamping element 62, 63 and the clamping ring 34 located between them are in the assembled state of the first connector part 2 axially at least partially over the first housing part 7. An end cap 93, which has an internal thread 92, is screwed or latched onto the partial threads 66, 67 of the clamping elements 62, 63, so that an assembled state according to FIG. 4 is obtained, in which the end cap 93 with its internal thread 92 into the partial threads 66, 67 of the holding claws 57, 58 engages and presses the free end 60, 61 of the holding claws radially inwards onto the clamping ring 34. The end cap 93 carries a circumferential bead 94 facing the housing part 7, the outer surface 95 of which tapers conically to center the housing part 7 and the end cap 93 relative to one another when they are joined together. The end cap 93 also has a circular stop surface 96 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, which is arranged radially outside the bead 94 and is arranged opposite the outer wall 97 of the housing part 7 in the assembled state, and an inner, radial stop edge (not shown) which is assembled State cooperates with the outer end of the stop 40.

In the latching position of latching projection 87 and counter-latch 89, a slight axial play is provided between the first housing part 7 and the end cap 93 seated on the clamping element 62, 63 and the clamping ring 34, which corresponds at least to the depth of engagement of the latching projection and counter-latch. In the disengaged position of latching projection 87 and counter-latching 89, the respective latching projection 86, 87 slides on an axially forward-facing surface 98 of the lining 88, so that in this case between the outer wall 97 of the housing part 7 and the stop surface 96 of the end cap 93 there is almost no axial play.

In order to achieve an uninterrupted ground connection and thus good electrical shielding, at least the clamping ring 34, the holding claws 57, 58, the end cap 93 and the first and second housing parts 7, 13 of the plug arrangement 1 consist of one in the cable 26 provided with the shielding 27 electrically conductive material such as Metal, electrically conductive connections or metallized plastic.

The first housing part 7 comprises two diametrically opposed, radially inwardly projecting guide ribs 100, of which only the left guide rib is shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5. The two guide ribs are designed as internal threads, are firmly attached to the inner wall 78 of the housing part and represent the screw thread 10. The second housing part 13 has a cylindrical outer surface 101, into which guide grooves 102 for the guide ribs 100 are embedded. The guide groove 102 therefore form the counter screw thread 14, which is designed as an external thread.

The configuration and arrangement of screw thread 10 and counter screw thread 14 described below also makes sense regardless of the construction of the plug core 4 explained above.

Each guide rib 100 has a front section 103 facing the opening 52 of the first housing part 7, which in the assembled state of the plug part 2 projects axially beyond the plug core 4 seated in the first housing part 7. As in Figs. 1, 4 and 5 indicated, each guide rib 100 of the screw thread 10 is part of a 60 ° bayonet screw closure 104 and has an axially extending stop 105 at its rear end. The width of the guide rib 100 in the region of the bayonet screw closure 104 and in the region of the stop 105 is identical in each case. 1 and 4, the plug core 4 of the first plug part 2 is arranged between the guide ribs 100 and the guide ring 54 in the region of the stops 105. The guide ring 54 has a cylindrical outer surface 106 with two diametrically opposite recesses 107, 108, the length and depth of which is formed such that the plug core 4 with its guide ring 54 axially past the guide ribs 100 into the opening 52 of the first housing part 7 or out it can be pushed out. This ensures that the housing part 7 can be moved over the plug core 4.

In the assembled state of the plug part 2, two special positions of the housing part 7 on the plug core 4 are possible. In the ready position of the first plug part 2, the plug core 4 is inserted into the first housing part 7 without twisting, whereby an edge 110, 111 of the cutouts 107, 108 abuts on one side 112 of the stop 105 of each guide rib 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). In the closed position of the first plug part 2, the first housing part 7 is rotated by approximately 60 ° with respect to the plug core 4 compared to the ready position, the other edge 113 of the cutouts 107, 108 abutting the other side 114 of the stop 105 of each guide rib 100 ( the closed position is not shown).

According to FIG. 1, the second housing part 13 has an opening 115 facing the first plug part 2 and projects a small amount in the axial direction beyond the front ends facing the opening 115 of the mating contact elements 11 seated on the plug core 12.

The guide groove 102 is cut into the cylindrical outer surface 101 of the second housing part 13 in such a way that the front section 103 of each guide rib 100 during a rotational movement of the first housing part 7 on the second housing part 13 on the tubular cross-sectional surface 116 of the second housing part 13 without an axial forward movement to can slide to the guide groove 102. The guide groove 102 has two guide surfaces 117, 118, of which the second guide surface 118 in the direction of rotation is undercut at 121 at the front edge 120 of the second housing part 13 such that the entire guide rib 100 can be pushed axially into the guide groove 102 before the screwing movement.

The second connector part 3 has a cap 122, in which the second housing part 13 is inserted axially projecting, so that it forms a body socket with it. But it is also possible to design the second connector part as a built-in socket or as a cable coupling. A coding 123, 124 is provided on the upper side of the plug cores 4, 12 according to FIGS. 1 and 4. However, it is also possible to produce the connector arrangement 1 without such coding.

1 and 5, a triangular marking 125, 126 is attached to the front edge of the first housing part 7 and the cap 122, which marks the different positions of the first housing part 7 with respect to the plug core 4 and the first housing part 7 with respect to indicates throw 122. In the ready position of the first connector part 2 5, the left mark 125 on the upper side of the first housing part, while in the closed position after a 60 ° right turn of the first connector part 2, the right mark 125 stands vertically above the longitudinal axis 24 and thus opposite the mark 126.

The assembly of the first connector part is described in more detail below.

First (if present) the shield 27 of the cable is pushed back and the clamping ring 34 with its front section 35, rear section 36, its holding arm 43 and its front end 44 carrying the holding rivet 41 is pressed firmly onto the folded back shield and the cable end. The individual cable cores 8 protrude in the axial direction up to approximately the height of the hollow rivet section 45. At the free ends 31 of the cable wires 8, the contact elements 6 are then struck with their cable sleeves 32 to form a recess 33, so that the pin contacts 51 extend approximately to the level of the hollow rivet section 46. The inner core body 15 is pushed with the aid of its through opening 25 onto the free end 42 of the holding rivet 41 up to the hollow rivet section 45 and onto the front end 44 of the holding arm 43. Subsequently, the contact elements 6 are inserted or pressed into the channel-shaped recesses 17 of the inner core body 15 from the outside in such a way that the pin contacts 51 protrude beyond the core body and each recess 33 is arranged approximately in the region of the projection 20 provided in each recess (cf. 3).

3 is then arranged axially between the clamping elements 62, 63 of the holding claws 57, 58 inserted into the front section 53 of the plug core 4 in the direction of the guide ring 54 provided with the locking spring 81. In this position, the holding rivet 41 can be expanded with the aid of the expansion pin 50 so that the inner core body 15 is firmly connected to the plug core 4 and the pin contacts 51 extend in the receiving channels 5. In this position, the projections 72, 73 of the clamping elements 62, 63 are arranged at the level of the recessed edge 37 of the front section 35 of the clamping ring 34 (cf. dashed illustration in FIG. 2).

When the expansion pin 50 is pulled through the hollow rivet sections 45, 46, the embossing head initially slides to the region of smaller diameter 47. This is expanded in such a way that the inner core body 15 is already firmly connected to the clamping ring 34. When the expansion pin 50 is pulled further, the hollow rivet section 46 is then expanded in such a way that the plug core 4 sits firmly on it. When the embossing head emerges from the hollow rivet section 46, its end is flared by the flow of material.

The first housing part 7 is advanced axially via the screw thread 66, 67 of the clamping elements 62, 63 in the direction of the front section 53 of the plug core 4 until the latching projections 86, 87 engage in the counter latches 89 provided in the lining 88. The end cap 93 is then screwed or snapped onto the screw thread 66, 67 protruding beyond the first housing part 7 with its internal thread. As a result, the projections 72, 73 of the clamping elements 62, 63 are radially pressed behind the recessed edge 37 behind the clamping ring 34, the free ends 60, 61 of the holding claws 57, 58 being held axially on the stop 40 of the clamping ring 34. The first connector part 2 is thus completely assembled and is in the standby position, in which the edges 110, 111 of the cutout 107, 108 bear against a side 112 of the stop 105.

It is assumed that the plug core 12 carrying the mating contact elements 11 is already firmly connected to the second housing part 13 and this is firmly connected to the union 122, so that the coupling process between the first and second plug parts can be described below.

When coupling the two plug parts, it should be noted that the plug core 4 and the first housing part 7 are in the ready position, ie the plug cores 4, 12 are aligned with one another at the beginning of the engagement between the guide rib 100 and the guide groove 102. The first plug part 2 is now moved in the direction of the second plug part 3 until the front section 103 of each guide rib 100 bears against the tubular cross-sectional area 116 of the second housing part 13. The first housing part 7 can now be rotated together with the plug core 4 due to the engagement of the latching projections 86, 87 with the corresponding counter-latches 89, the front section 103 of each guide rib 100 sliding on the cross-sectional area 116 of the front edge 120. This sliding movement continues until the guide rib 100 can be pushed axially into the guide groove 102 with the aid of the second guide surface 118 undercut at 121 before the screwing movement. In this position, the mating contact elements 11 engage in the receiving channels 5, but do not yet make contact with the pin contacts 51. However, a pin (not shown) which is centrally located on the plug core 12 can then already make contact with the hollow rivet section 46 have so that a ground connection leading to the remaining contact or counter-contact elements 6, 11 is ensured. The two plug cores 4, 12 are thus pluggably aligned with one another and already secured against mutual rotation in this position. The subsequent 60 ° screw movement of the first housing part 7 on the second housing part 13 causes the guide ribs 100 to slide along the guide surfaces 118 and generates an axial feed movement, by means of which the mating contact elements 11 are pushed completely onto the pin contacts 51. After the screwing movement is complete, the connector arrangement is in the closed position, in which the first housing part 7 is rotated clockwise by 60 ° compared to the ready position and the other edge 113 of the recess 107, 108 interacts with the other side 114 of the stop 105.

The coupling parts that are coupled together are released in the reverse order.

Claims (19)

Plug arrangement for a multi-core cable, with a first plug part attached to the cable and a second plug part that can be coupled with it, the first plug part having a plug core with receiving channels for contact elements running in the plug-in direction and an axially fixed first housing part with screw thread surrounding the plug core and the second The plug part has a plug core receiving counter-contact elements and a connected second housing part with a counter screw thread complementary to the screw thread, characterized in that the plug core (4) of the first plug part (2) has an inner core body (15) with a plurality of arranged in its outer surface (16), has radially outwardly open channel-shaped recesses (17) for inserting the contact elements (6) from the outside and an outer guide ring (54) which can be pushed axially over the inner core body (15) for closing the recesses (17), and that on the guide gsring (54) at least two axially extending holding claws (57, 58) are arranged, the respective free end (60, 61) being firmly supported on an end section of the cable (26), at least partially encompassing it. Plug arrangement according to Claim 1, characterized in that each recess (17) in the core body (15) has a partially cylindrical cross section and a radially inwardly projecting projection (20) which narrows it. Plug arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact elements (6) carry pin contacts (51) at their end facing the second plug part (3) and that in the assembled state of the first plug part (2) the front one, for opening (52) of the first housing part (7) facing section (53) of the plug core (4) projects axially slightly beyond the pin contacts (51). Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding claws (57, 58) have a partially cylindrical cross-section and the free end (60, 61) of the holding claws (57, 58) is designed as a clamping element (62, 63) . Plug arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that each clamping element (62, 63) on its outer surface (64, 65) partial threads (66, 67) and on its inner surface (70, 71) a radially inwardly projecting projection (72, 73) has a clamping surface (74, 75) which is inclined towards the free end (60, 61) of each holding claw (57, 58). Plug arrangement according to Claim 5, characterized in that each thread turn (77) of the screw thread formed from the partial thread turns (66, 67) has a thread flank which rises, inclines and adjoins the guide ring (54) and drops radially steeply thereafter. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that on the end section of the cable (26), preferably on its shield (27), and between the free ends (60, 61) of the holding claws (57, 58) a clamping ring (34) is provided which has a circumferential, radially outwardly extending stop (40), on which the free end (60, 61) of each holding claw (57, 58) lies axially supported in the installed state. Plug arrangement according to Claim 7, characterized in that a holding rivet (41) extending axially away from the end section of the cable (26) is connected to the clamping ring (34), on its free end (42) arranged in the central longitudinal axis (24) ) the core body (15) can be plugged on and is preferably designed as a hollow rivet. Plug arrangement according to Claim 8, characterized in that the plug core (12) of the second plug part (3) is provided with a central plug pin of such a length that it contacts the hollow rivet (41) when the plug parts (2, 3) are plugged together before the Pin contacts (51) come into contact with the mating contact elements (11) of the second connector part (3). Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a locking spring (81) formed with at least one latching projection (86, 87) is pushed onto the side (80) of the guide ring (54) facing the retaining claws (57, 58) and that on the inner wall (78) of the first housing part (7) at least one radially after inside protruding detent (89) for the detent projection (86, 87) of the locking spring (81) is formed. Plug arrangement according to one of Claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the part of the holding claws (57, 58) designed as a clamping element (62, 63) and the clamping ring (34) located between them are axially at least partially in the assembled state of the first plug part (2) protrude beyond the first housing part (7) and an end cap (93) is screwed or locked onto the screw thread (66, 67) of the clamping elements (62, 63). Plug arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that in the locking position of the locking projection (86, 87) and counter-locking (89) there is an axial play between the first housing part (7) and that on the clamping element (62, 63) and the clamping ring (34 ) seated end cap (93) is provided, which corresponds at least to the depth of engagement of the locking projection (86, 87) and counter-locking (89). Plug arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, in the case of a shielded cable (26), at least the clamping ring (34), the holding claws (57, 58), the end cap (93) and the first and second housing parts (7, 13) consist of an electrically conductive material or one with a conductive coating. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first housing part (7) comprises a plurality of radially inwardly projecting guide ribs (100) and the second housing part (13) has a cylindrical outer surface (101), which is designed as a guide groove (102) for the guide ribs (100) so that the guide ribs (100) and the guide groove (102) form the screw thread (10) or the counter screw thread (14). Plug arrangement according to Claim 14, characterized in that the plug core (12) of the second plug part (3) is fixedly connected to the second housing part (13) and the plug core (4) of the first plug part (2) before the plug parts (2, 3 ) is aligned in the first housing part (7) such that the plug cores (4, 12) are aligned with one another at the beginning of the engagement between the guide rib (100) and the guide groove (102). Plug arrangement according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that two diametrically opposed guide ribs (100) are provided, the front sections (103) of which, facing the opening (52) of the first housing part (7), extend axially over the in the first housing part (7). protrude seated core (4), and that each of the guide ribs (100) of the screw thread (10) has an axially extending stop (105) at its rear end. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the guide ring (54) has a cylindrical outer surface (106) with two diametrically opposite recesses (107, 108), the length and depth of which is designed such that the plug core (4th ) with its guide ring (54) axially past the guide ribs (100) into the opening (52) of the first housing part (7). Plug arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second housing part (13) axially slightly the front end of the plug core (12) or the mating contact elements (11) facing the opening (115) of the housing part (13) towered over. Plug arrangement according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that each guide groove (102) has two guide surfaces (117, 118), of which the second guide surface (118) in the direction of rotation to the front edge (120) of the second housing part (13) is undercut such that the entire guide rib (100) can be pushed axially into the guide groove (102) before the screwing movement.

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