EP2577810A1

EP2577810A1 - Method for connecting plug parts of an electrical plug-in connector, and electrical plug-in connector

Info

Publication number: EP2577810A1
Application number: EP11767261.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wolfgang Pfeiffer
Original assignee: Intercontec Pfeiffer Industrie Steckverbindungen GmbH
Current assignee: Intercontec Pfeiffer Industrie Steckverbindungen GmbH
Priority date: 2010-10-12
Filing date: 2011-10-11
Publication date: 2013-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2031-10-11
Also published as: US20130196554A1; WO2012049168A1; DE102010042345A1; US8944839B2; CA2812619C; HK1177330A1; EP2577810B1; CA2812619A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for connecting plug parts (2, 7) of an electrical plug-in connector (1), in which a hollow cylindrical coupling sleeve (10) is arranged so as to be movable relative to the first plug part (2) in the axial direction, said coupling sleeve (10) being maintained in a first, preloaded position by a preloading spring (11, 12, 13) and the relative axial movement being performed against the spring force, and a spring element (8, 9, 20) arranged on the second plug part (7) is pressed radially outward in an intermediate connection state when the plug parts (2, 7) are connected, the coupling sleeve (10) is slid axially backward from the first position by the spring element (8, 9, 20) when the plug parts (2, 7) are further moved together in the axial direction, and the spring element (8, 9, 20) snaps radially inward into a depression and the rearward sliding movement of the coupling sleeve (10) caused by the spring element (8, 9, 20) stops when the plug parts (2, 7) are yet further moved together, and the coupling sleeve (10) is automatically returned to the first position by the preloading spring (11, 12, 13), the spring element (8, 9, 20) being inserted into a first free space (38) between an outer face (5) of the first plug part (2) and an inner face (17) of the coupling sleeve (10) before contacting the coupling sleeve (10) in order for the spring element (8, 9, 20) to axially move the coupling sleeve (10). The invention also relates to an electrical plug-in connector (1).

Description

METHOD FOR CONNECTING CONNECTORS OF AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS

5

DESCRIPTION:

10

The invention relates to a method for connecting plug parts of an electrical connector, wherein at a first plug part, a hollow cylindrical cap sleeve is arranged in the axial direction relatively movable to the first plug part. The cap sleeve is replaced by a

15 tensioned spring and held in a first position, wherein the

axial relative movement takes place against the spring force. When connecting the plug parts, a spring element arranged on the second plug part is pressed radially outward in a connecting intermediate state, with further axial pushing together of the plug parts, the cap sleeve becomes

20 displaced axially backwards by the spring element from the first position, and upon further pushing together of the plug parts, the spring element is snapped into a recess radially inward and caused by the spring element displaced rearward the cap sleeve. The cap sleeve is then automatically by the biasing spring

25 brought back into the first position and pushed forward accordingly. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical connector with two connector parts. A method and a corresponding connector, as mentioned above, is known from US 5,176,533.

A major disadvantage of these known connectors and their manner of connection is the fact that the spring element abuts against a front edge of the cap sleeve and then tries to push it to the rear. On the one hand, the front edge of the cap sleeve is thereby worn and optionally also bent outwards and damaged.

35 On the other hand, undesirable radial forces occur due to the outwardly bent spring elements when pushing back the cap sleeve on the cap sleeve. The return or pushing back of the cap sleeve by the front-hinged spring element is also only conditionally suitable and precise. It can also be excluded from slipping out of the spring element at the front end of the cap sleeve, so that the spring element can be bent and damaged. In addition, the front end of the spring element is solid and thus inflexible.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for connecting plug parts of an electrical connector and such an electrical connector, in which a low-wear connection and safer motion control of the components is ensured.

This object is achieved by a method comprising the features of claim 1 and a connector having the features of claim 13.

In a method according to the invention for connecting plug parts of an electrical connector, a hollow-cylindrical cap sleeve is arranged to be movable in the axial direction relative to the first plug part on a first plug part. In particular, a so-called push-pull plug is thus realized. In particular, the cap sleeve is only displaceable in its functionality for securing and releasing connection states only in the axial direction.

The cap sleeve is held biased by a biasing spring of the connector in a first position. The axial relative movement of the cap sleeve to the first plug part takes place against the spring force. When connecting the plug parts, a spring element arranged on the second plug part is pressed radially outward into a connecting intermediate state. During the subsequent further axial pushing together of the plug parts, the cap sleeve is displaced axially backward by the spring element from the first position, and upon further pushing together of the plug parts, this spring element is snapped into a recess radially inwards. In particular, then the displacement of the cap sleeve to the rear by the spring element is then terminated and the Überwurst sleeve is automatically brought by the biasing spring back into the first position. An essential aspect of the invention is that when connecting the two plug parts, the spring element before contacting the cap sleeve to its caused by the spring element axial displacement in a space between the outside of the first plug partly, in particular a plug housing of the plug part, and the cap sleeve is inserted. By such a configuration, it is avoided that the spring element abuts against a front edge of the cap sleeve and then shifts it. As a result of the first introduction into the free space, a more secure movement guidance is thus ensured, and a too far outward snapping of the spring element during the subsequent radial movement and the outward pressure is thereby avoided. In addition, the displacement of the Ü overdischarge sleeve during the subsequent further pushing together is virtually secured for movement.

By the invention is thus before the cap sleeve is moved at all, the spring element in particular unbent and only with axial movement quasi inserted into the interior between the cap sleeve and the first plug part. As a result, a predetermined and purposefully directed guideway for the subsequent contact with the cap sleeve and also then the radially outward bending of the spring element is predetermined. Not least, therefore, the movements of the spring element virtually run off inside the cap sleeve, so that in addition to a secure and low-wear motion control of the spring element and a violation of a user on the spring element can be avoided.

Preferably, it is provided that, after insertion of the spring element into the free space, with further axial pushing together of the plug parts, the spring element on the outside of the first plug part, in particular of the plug housing, and axial, in particular only axially, in the free space is continued. In particular, the spring element is spaced and thus guided contactlessly to the inside of the cap sleeve. This takes place, in particular, until the spring element is pressed radially outward by elements in the clearance and then contacted on the inside of the cap sleeve.

It is preferably provided that when pushing the plug parts to their connection after the spring element has been inserted into this first free space, the spring element is arranged with its front end on the outside of the second plug part and into the free space when the plug parts continue to be axially pushed together brought radially inwardly extending stop and contacted with it becomes. In this context, it is thus also ensured that this plug-part side stop is protected to the outside and is surrounded at least by the cap sleeve. As a result, unwanted movements or deformations of the moving component parts as well as undesired damage to this stop from the outside can thus also be avoided.

Preferably, when the front end of the spring element has been brought to this plug-part side stop, the spring element is guided on further axial collapse of the connector parts along an oblique edge of the stop along. As a result, the spring element is pressed radially outward in the first free space.

The forward end of the spring element is then automatically brought to a radially inwardly extending stop formed on the inside of the cap sleeve upon further axial pushing together of the plug parts, and upon further pushing together of the plug parts, the cap sleeve is replaced by the stopper Move the spring element in the axial direction to the rear.

In particular, it is provided that both the plug-part side stop and the capstan-side stop relative to the respective front edges of the plug part and the cap sleeve are arranged clearly set back.

Preferably, these two stops are set back so far that their distance from the front edge of the first plug part and to the front edge of the cap sleeve is greater than an axial length of a Verdi- ckung of the front end of the spring element. In particular, the connector part-side stop reached in the axial direction by the spring element initially when the plug parts are pushed together is only contacted when the thickening at the front end of the spring element has been completely inserted into the first free space.

Preferably, therefore, the front end of the spring element is formed as a thickening, which has on the outside of the first connector part side facing the thickening final falling edge. In particular, upon further pushing together of the plug parts starting from the intermediate state pushed together, in which the cap sleeve is already pushed backwards in the axial direction by the spring element, this thickening of the spring element is pushed over the plug part side stop. This thickening is then introduced behind the plug-part side stop in a further second space between the outside of the first plug part and the cap sleeve, wherein it is snapped radially inwardly moving.

Also, this movement is surrounded by the cap sleeve protected, so that there is a movement guide between the cap sleeve and the first plug part also here by the configuration of the other free space.

In particular, the front end of the spring element is released from the stop on the cap sleeve by snapping the thickening of the spring element in the further clearance. The possibility of movement of the cap sleeve in the axial direction forward is thereby automatically released again. The cap sleeve is then automatically axially displaced by the biasing spring from this second position back to the first position.

Preferably, the thickening of the spring element is formed in the radial direction so that it is arranged without play in the second free space in the connected end state of the plug parts in the radial direction. This means that the shape of the thickening and in particular the radial extent of the thickening is designed so that it is arranged almost positively and accurately in the second free space with respect to the concerns on the first connector part on the one hand and the cap sleeve on the other.

It is preferably provided that at least the front end of the spring element as a strip, in particular plate-like strip, is formed, which is bent to form a thickening. The bend is carried out so that between the strip parts opposite a clearance is formed. On the one hand, this allows a very specific shape, on the other hand, it can be a material-saving and thus a weight-reduced component are created.

In particular advantage, it is provided that the second bent strip part is arranged at its free end without contact to the first strip part. As a result, and also in conjunction with the free space or cavity formed between the strip parts, a certain deformation elasticity of this thickening can be created so that a certain deformation possibility is ensured even when connecting and in particular when snapping into the second free space and the positive engagement with the plug part and the cap sleeve is. As a result, especially the positive-locking systems can be achieved particularly well with a certain tolerance with regard to the deformability of the thickening. Preferably, the outwardly bent second strip portion is rectilinear and thus extends in a straight line, in particular in the axial direction. By virtue of such a configuration, it is possible to create a particularly space-saving component in the radial direction, particularly with regard to the contacting and movement guidance during pushing together, which, moreover, does not undesirably scratch or jam along, for example, the cap sleeve.

Preferably, in the first position of the cap sleeve a locking the connected plug parts and the axial separation of the plug parts prohibiting state is set. Due to the bias, this lock is set automatically or automatically.

In particular, the union sleeve is axially withdrawn by a user from the first position to the second position against the spring force of the biasing spring for separating the connected connector parts, starting from a fully connected state of the connector parts. As a result, the release position is set and in this second position of the cap sleeve, the spring element with its thickening can be moved out of the second free space by pulling the plug parts axially apart, in which it is again guided over the plug part-side stop and thereby pressed radially outward.

Only by transferring the cap sleeve in this second position of the second space is radially increased so that the spring element with his front end no longer rests against the inside of the cap sleeve and a radially outwardly larger second space is formed, in which then the spring element can move in when donning the plug-part side stop.

Preferably, the cap sleeve is arranged axially displaceable by a plurality of held on the outside of the first connector part and extending in the axial direction coil springs. Such a design brings significant advantages compared to only a single wound around the longitudinal axis of the connector spring. By such a plurality of such springs, which are also arranged according to specific, a particularly uniform axial movement guidance of the cap sleeve is ensured. An undesirable tilting and spreading can be avoided.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an electrical connector having a first and a second plug part, wherein on a first plug part, a hollow cylindrical cap sleeve is arranged to be movable in the axial direction relative to the first plug part. The cap sleeve is biased by at least one biasing spring held in a first position and the axial relative movement takes place against the spring force. When connecting the plug parts, a spring element arranged on the second plug part is pressed radially outwards in a connecting intermediate state. Upon further axial pushing together of the plug parts, the cap sleeve is displaced axially backwards by the spring element from the first position, the spring element being snapped into a recess radially inward on further pushing together of the plug parts, and displacing the cap sleeve backwards by the spring element , In particular, the cap sleeve is then automatically brought back into the first position by the biasing spring. Between an outer side of the first plug part, in particular a plug housing, and the cap sleeve, a first free space is formed into which the spring element is hineinerstreckt when connecting the plug parts before contacting the cap sleeve to its caused by the spring element axial displacement.

The space is open to the front end of the plug part and the cap sleeve, so that the axial insertion of the spring element can be done without further relocation or radial position changes. Preferably, on the outer side of the first plug part, a stop extending radially into the first free space is formed, through which the spring element is pressed radially outward when the plug parts are pushed together before contacting the cap sleeve. This first plug-part-side stop is offset from the front edge of the first connector part to the rear. In particular, it is offset over such a distance to the front edge offset rearwardly, which corresponds at least to the axial length of a thickening of the front end of the spring element.

It is preferably provided that the front end of the spring element has a thickening, which is formed in particular by a bent strip of the spring element. The thickening is in the radial direction in particular designed so that it is in the connected state of the plug parts at least partially positively arranged on the outside of the first plug part and on the inside of the cap sleeve in a second space between the cap sleeve and the first plug part. In particular, the thickening is formed by the bent strip of the spring element in such a way that two spaced-apart and at least partially parallel running strip parts are formed. The two strip parts are preferably arranged without contact over their entire length. In particular, the second strip part, which is the outer strip portion, extends completely straight and thus completely in the axial direction.

The second free space is dynamically variable in size, in particular in the radial direction, this being done automatically by the relative axial position change between the first plug part and the cap sleeve when it is displaced relative to one another and defined for the course of the connection and disconnection of the plug parts.

It is also particularly advantageous that at least the second plug part can be modular and of different design. In this connection, the second plug part can also be designed as an angle plug part.

It can also be provided that the second plug part has a flange, with which the second plug part can be fastened, for example, to a housing or the like. The flange can be opposite to the Longitudinal axis of the plug part may be arranged at different angles. For example, angles of 90 ° or smaller may be provided here. Flange inclinations of 90 ° or 40 ° are particularly advantageous, It can also be provided that the second plug part, which can also be referred to as a coupling, is designed without such a flange.

It is particularly advantageous if a plurality of spring elements, for example three spring elements, are arranged on the second plug part. These spring elements are preferably strip-shaped leaf springs.

It is likewise advantageous that the first plug part has a plurality of biasing springs, for example three biasing springs.

Preferably, the connector parts are circular connector parts for an electrical circular connector.

Each of the two connector parts is to receive a specific electrical contact carrier, which defines the respective pole image formed. It is particularly advantageous in this context that the pole image has three connection channels. By specific coding this connector can be formed, which are provided for the design for different electrical voltages. For example, high-voltage connectors for 3 kV or 6 kV can be provided here.

Preferably, the pole images are designed so that the three plug-in channels are arranged as in an isosceles triangle to each other. In this regard, this indication refers to the midpoints of the channels.

Preferably, the biasing springs are spiral spring. They are preferably embedded in axially oriented grooves or depressions formed on the outside of the plug housing, and held by brackets at a rear gutter end.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features, feature combinations and / or merely shown in the figures, and / or lent in the description of features mentioned feature and feature combinations, not only in the combinations given, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings.

Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a first embodiment of a connector according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled

State of a first connector part of the connector according to

Fig. 1;

3a-3c are perspective views of different embodiments of a second plug part of the connector; two different embodiments of a pole image of the first connector part; Fig. 4b Two different embodiments of pole images of the second connector part, which are each designed to be compatible with the pole images of the first connector parts of FIG. 4a; Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a connector in which the connector parts are pushed together in the first interconnection state;

5b is an enlarged view of a detail of the illustration in Fig. 5a;

Fig. 6a is a sectional view of the connector in another

Intercommunication state; an enlarged view of a partial section of the illustration in Fig. 6a; a sectional view of the connector in a following in Fig. 6a further interconnection state; an enlarged view of a partial section of the illustration in Fig. 7a; a sectional view of the fully connected state of the connector parts;

8b is an enlarged view of a partial section of the illustration in Fig. 8a;

9a is a sectional view of an intermediate release state of the plug, starting from the fully locked state in Fig. 8a. and Fig. 9b is an enlarged view of a partial section of the illustration in Fig. 9a.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 1, a first embodiment of an electrical connector 1 is shown in an exploded view. The connector 1 comprises a first connector part 2. This comprises a base part or a connector housing 3, which is formed for example of metal. This base or plug housing 3 is designed to receive a cable, not shown. At the back of the plug housing 3, an elastic and made of plastic strain relief element 4 is arranged. This is also designed as kink protection of the cable immediately after emerging from the connector housing 3. In addition, the plug housing 3 also serves to receive a carrier for electrical contacts, which is arranged in the interior of the plug housing 3. This is for example made of plastic and takes on the electrical contacts. As a result, the polar pattern of the first connector part 1 is defined. On an outer side 5 of the plug housing 3 is a radially outwardly extending stop 6 is formed. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that several, in particular three, such raised structures are designed as stops 6 in the direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis A of the first plug part 2. They also serve as guide ramps for spring elements 8, 9 and 20 arranged on a second plug part 7. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the second plug part 7 has three such spring elements 8, 9 and 20. Since the further spring elements 9 and 20 are formed analogously to the spring element 8, the further explanation of the spring element 8 also applies analogously to the spring elements 9 and 20.

In addition, it is provided that on the first plug part 2, a hollow cylindrical cap sleeve 10, which is formed for example of plastic, is movably mounted. The mobility of the cap sleeve 10 is provided exclusively in the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. The relative mobility of the cap sleeve 10 to the connector housing 3 is ensured in the embodiment by three biasing springs 11, 12 and 13. These biasing springs 1 1 to 13 are coil springs which are arranged in the direction of rotation about the axis A equidistant from each other and extending parallel to the axis A.

For holding the biasing springs 1 1 to 13 to the connector housing 3 holding devices are provided. For illustration in the explanation, an axial depression in the form of a channel or groove 14 on the outside 5 is provided for this purpose in FIG. 1 for holding the pretensioning spring 13. On the front end 15 of the plug housing 3 opposite or facing away from the end of the groove 14, a holder 16 is provided for the biasing spring 13. The biasing spring 13 is thus in the assembled state of the plug part 2 with the cap sleeve 10 partially sunk in the groove 14 and is held in the holder 16. Accordingly, the other biasing springs 11 and 12 are held and guided. In addition, the biasing springs 11 to 13 are connected to an inner side 17 of the cap sleeve 10 with the cap sleeve 10. In the assembled state of the first connector part 2 with the cap sleeve 10, the cap sleeve 10 is held in the non-actuated by a user state and thus in a starting position in a locking position or closed position. This is ensured by the biasing springs 11 to 13 and the sleeve 10 thereby held in this biased state. The second plug part 7 is also formed in the exemplary embodiment as a circular plug part analogous to the first plug part 2. Also, the second connector part 7 comprises a connector housing 18 which is formed of metal. The plug housing 18 is designed to receive an electrical contact carrier 19, by which the polarity of the second plug part 7 is also defined. The three strip-shaped leaf springs of the plug part 7, which serve as spring elements 8, 9 and 20 for connecting to the first plug part 2, are respectively fastened or inserted. As shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that a spring element 8, 9, 20 is strip-shaped and has a front end 21. This is formed with a thickening 22. The thickening 22 is formed by the front end of the strip being bent outwards, so that a first strip part 23 and an opposite side part 24 are present. Between the strip parts 23 and 24, a free space or cavity 25 is then formed. The second strip part 24 extends completely in a straight line, whereas the first strip part 23 has at its end facing away from the front edge a section sloping obliquely in the direction of the second strip part 24 or an edge 26. In the direction of the rear end 27 of the spring element 8 further bends and kinks are then formed in the plate-like strip, which are not further characterized here.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second plug part 7 comprises a flange 28. This is arranged inclined relative to the longitudinal axis A at an angle α of 40 °. The flange 28 in the form of a plate he used to attach the second connector part 7 to a housing or the like.

The second plug part 7, which is also referred to as a clutch, thus also includes, in particular, a replaceable fastening adapter.

In Fig. 2, the first connector part 2 is shown in the assembled state in a schematic perspective view. The already mentioned electrical contact carrier 29 can be seen in this case, as a result of which the pole image is also shown. In the embodiment, three channels 30, 31 and 32 are provided here, which carry and receive the electrical contacts. The cap sleeve 10 is displaceable in the axial direction along the arrow P1. In Fig. 3a to 3c different embodiments of a second connector part 7 are shown in perspective view. In the illustration according to FIG. 3a, the plug part 7 according to the embodiment in FIG. 1 is shown.

It can be seen that a front portion 33 of the plug housing 18 has recesses 34, 35 and 36, in which the front ends of the spring elements 8, 9 and 20 hineinerstrecken. In particular, these recesses 34 to 36 are formed with a length which corresponds to the length of the Verdi ments 22 of the spring elements 8, 9 and 20. In this context, it can be seen that the thickening 22 of the spring element 8 engages in the recess 36.

FIG. 3b shows a further exemplary embodiment of the coupling or the second plug part 7. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3a, here the flange 28 is not arranged at an angle of 40 "to the axis A, but at an angle of 90 °.

In Fig. 3c, a further embodiment of the second connector part 7 is shown. In this embodiment, no flange 28 is provided.

In the illustrations in Fig. 4a is a front view of embodiments of the first connector part 2 is shown. An embodiment in which a high-voltage connector for 6 kV is designed is shown in the upper picture in FIG. 4a. The electrical contact carrier 29 comprises 3 contact channels 30, 31 and 32 wherein the centers of the channels are arranged in an equilateral triangle to each other.

In this example, the channel 30 comprises the conductor L with the electrical contact, the channel 31 the neutral conductor N with the electrical contact and the channel 32 the PE conductor with the corresponding contact.

In the lower image of Fig. 4a, a further embodiment of a pole image of the first connector part 2 is shown. In contrast to the above illustration, this connector part 2 is designed for 3 kV.

In the illustrations in FIG. 4b, the pole images of the second plug parts 7 which are complementary to the pole images in FIG. 4a are shown. Thus, in FIG. 4b, the upper view for compatible connection with the upper illustration in FIG Fig. 4a, and the lower view in Fig. 4b for compatible mating with the lower view in Fig. 4a provided.

In the further Fig. 5a to 9b, the mating of the two connector parts 2 and 7 will now be explained in more detail.

For this purpose, a sectional view of the connector 1 is shown in Fig. 5a. In this case, the first plug part 2 with the second plug part 7 is already minimally guided into one another and a first interconnection state is reached. For further explanation of this first interconnection state, reference is made to FIG. 5b, in which a partial detail I in FIG. 5a is shown enlarged. As can be seen in FIG. 5 b, the spring element 8 is held in the plug housing 18 via a latching tab 37. It can be seen that the spring element 8 is introduced with its thickening 22 at the front end 21 in a first free space 38. This clearance 38 is formed between the outside 5 of the plug housing 3 and the inside 17 of the cap sleeve 10th

It is thus initially carried out when connecting the two connector parts 2 and 7, an introduction of the thickenings 22 of the spring elements 8, 9 and 20 quasi into the interior of the first connector part 1 in the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the spring elements 8, 9 and 20 introduce so far into the first free space 38 until the entire length of the thickenings 22 is contained therein. In this case, the outside of the first stripper part 23 is contacted with the outside 5 and guided along this outside 5 during axial movement when pushed together. This is done until the front end 21 and thus also the thickening 22 is brought to the radially in the first free space 38 hineinerstreckenden stop 6. This stop 6 comprises a front oblique stop flange 39, an adjoining horizontal plane 40, and a stop flank 41 sloping inwardly adjacent thereto.

Starting from the intermediate connection position shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the state as it is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b is then achieved on further axial collapse of the plug parts 2 and 7. In Fig. 6a while the complete section of the two connector parts 2 and 7 is shown. For further explanation, reference is made to the enlarged partial section II, as it is then shown in Fig. 6b, referenced. Starting from the first interconnection state in Fig. 5a then the spring element 8 according to the representation in Fig. 6b by the stop 6 and in particular the obliquely outwardly extending abutment edge 39 is pressed radially outward which is possible due to the radial dimensioning of the first free space 38. In this context, the radial extent of the first free space 38 is significantly greater than the radial extent of the thickening 22. As can be seen from the representation in FIG. 6b, the front area 33 of the plug housing 18 then also enters this first free space 38. Due to the radial outward pressing of the spring element 8 and in particular the thickening 22 strikes on further axial collapse of the connector parts 2 and 7, the front end 21 on a trained on the inside 17 stop 42, which is in the form of a discrete step on. In this state, the cap sleeve 10 is still in its preloaded initial state and thus in the first position. The thickening 22 is still in the first free space 38 between the plug housing 3 and the cap sleeve 10th

Starting from the further interconnection state achieved in FIGS. 6a and 6b, a further interconnection state, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b, is then achieved on further axial collapse of the plug parts 2 and 7. In Fig. 7a, in turn, the entire sectional view of the connector parts 2 and 7 is shown. For further explanation, reference is again made to the enlarged partial section III in FIG. 7a, which is shown in FIG. 7b. In this case, starting from the reached position in FIG. 6b, the spring element 8 is still held in the radially outward pressed position by the further axial pushing together, and the thickening 22 slides with its inner first strip part 23 over the plane 40 of the stop 6. In that the front end 21 rests against the stop 42 of the cap sleeve 10, this cap sleeve 10 is automatically displaced by the spring element 8 from the first position against the spring forces of the biasing springs 11 to 13 towards the rear.

As can be seen from the representation in FIG. 7b, this takes place until the thickening 22 with the strip part 23 is completely transferred over the plane 40 and can be introduced into a second free space 43 formed behind the stop 6. In this case, then slides the inclined edge 26 of the spring element 8 along the sloping inwardly sloping edge 41 radially inward again. As shown in Fig. 8a and 8b, the further assembly of the connector parts 2 and 7 will be explained. The illustration in FIG. 8a once again shows the sectional view of the two plug parts 2 and 7. FIG. 8b again shows an enlarged partial section IV in FIG. 8a. Starting from the reached in Fig. 7b further interconnection state then the thickening 22 is completely inserted into the second space 43 and thereby snaps into this space 43 with further axial collapse of the connector parts 2 and 7. In this case, the radially outwardly bent position, as formed in FIGS. 6b and 7b, is canceled again. As a result, it is also achieved that the front end 21 no longer abuts against the stop 42 of the cap sleeve 10 and thus no further backward sliding of the cap sleeve 10 by the spring elements 8, 9 and 20 takes place. Rather, the rearward sliding of the cap sleeve 10 is then completed. After snapping the thickening 22 in the second free space 43, which in turn is formed between the outer side 5 of the plug housing 3 and the inside 17 of the cap sleeve 10, the further possibility of movement of the cap sleeve 10 is released. In this case, the cap sleeve 10 is then pushed from the retracted position by the compressed biasing springs 11 to 13 automatically in the axial direction forward again in the direction of the second connector part 7 and automatically moved to the starting position and thus the first position. This first position is then in the connected state of the connector parts 2 and 7 and the locking state. In this, as shown in Fig. 8b achieved that the thickening 22 is at least partially disposed in the second free space 43 between the outer side 5 and the inner side 17 positively and thus adjacent to both surfaces. In addition, the thickening 22 is snapped behind the stop 6, an independent release of the two connector parts 2 and 7 is prevented. For the thickening 22 can no longer be pulled over the abutment 6, since it can no longer move outward in the radial direction, since the second free space 43 is narrower in the radial direction and passes through the abutment Stop 42 beginning wall of the sleeve 10 is limited. Starting from the completely locked state shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b and thus also the completely plugged state of the plug parts 2 and 7, detachment and thus disconnection of the plug parts 2 and 7 can only take place by first having the cap sleeve 10 starting from a user the first position and thus the locking ment position is withdrawn in the axial direction. This is shown in the illustrations in Figs. 9a and 9b. FIG. 9a once again shows the sectional view of the two plug parts 2 and 7, an enlarged section V being shown in FIG. 9b. It can be seen in comparison to the illustration in FIG. 8b that the cap sleeve 10 has been pulled away from the second plug part 7 in the direction of the arrow P2. This takes place until a second end position is reached, which can be detected haptically for the user by a stop of the cap sleeve 10. In this release position, the stop 42 is moved back so far that it comes to rest behind the front end 21 of the spring element 8. It is quasi downwardly or radially outward, the second free space 43 so dynamically increased by the movement and change in position of the components to each other that move further axial pulling apart of the connector parts 2 and 7, the thickening 22 when gluing the stopper 6 radially outward can and then pull apart with further pulling easily stop the 6 can. The two connector parts 2 and 7 can then be easily separated from each other.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for connecting plug parts (2, 7) of an electrical connector (1), wherein at a first plug part (2) a hollow cylindrical cap sleeve (10) in the axial direction relative to the first plug part (2) is arranged to be movable wherein the cap sleeve (10) by at least one biasing spring (1 1, 12, 13) is held biased in a first position and the axial relative movement against the spring force, and when connecting the plug parts (2, 7) on the second plug part ( 7) is pressed radially outward in a connecting intermediate state, with further axial pushing together of the plug parts (2, 7) the cap sleeve (10) by the spring element (8, 9, 20) from the the first position is moved axially to the rear, and further axial collapse of the plug parts (2, 7), the spring element (8, 9, 20) snaps into a recess radially inwardly and by the Federelemen t (8, 9, 20) caused rearward displacement of the cap sleeve (10) is terminated,

characterized in that

the spring element (8, 9, 20) before contacting the cap sleeve (10) to its by the spring element (8, 9, 20) caused axial displacement in a first free space (38) between an outer side (5) of the first plug part (2 ) and an inner side (17) of the cap sleeve (10) is inserted.

2. The method according to claim 1,

characterized in that

when pushing the plug parts (2, 7) to their connection after insertion of the spring element (8 9, 20) in the first free space (38) with further axial pushing together of the plug parts (2, 7), the spring element (8, 9, 20) with its front end (21) to a on the outer side (5) of the first connector part (2) arranged and in the first free space (38) radially hineinzerstreckenden stop (6) and thus contacted.

3. The method according to claim 2,

characterized in that

the spring element (8, 9, 20) on further axial collapse of the plug parts (2, 7) along an oblique flank (39) of the stop (6) along is guided and thereby in the first free space (38) is pressed radially outward.

4. The method according to claim 3,

characterized in that

with further axial pushing together of the plug parts (2, 7), the front end (12) of the spring element (8, 9, 20) in its radially outwardly pressed state to a on the inside (17) of the cap sleeve (10) formed radially inwardly extending extension stop (42) is led and on further axial collapse of the plug parts (2, 7), the cap sleeve (10) by the spring element (8, 9, 20) is moved in the axial direction to the rear.

5. The method according to claim 4,

characterized in that

the front end (21) of the spring element (8, 9 20) is designed as a thickening (22), which on the outside (5) of the first plug part (2) zugewanden side a thickening (22) final falling edge (26 ), and upon further axial pushing together of the plug-in parts (2, 7), the thickening (22) is pushed over the plug-part-side stop (6) and then behind this stop (6) into a further free space (43), in particular one characterized by the relative movement of the cap sleeve (10) and the plug part (2) to each other in size dynamically changing free space (43) between the outside (5) of the first plug part (2) and the inside (17) of the cap sleeve (10 ) snaps radially inward.

6. The method according to claim 5,

characterized in that

by snapping the thickening (22) of the spring element (8, 9, 20) in the further Feiraum (43), the front end (21) of the spring element (8, 9, 20) of the stop (42) on the cap sleeve (10 ) is released and the cap sleeve (10) by the biasing spring (1 1, 12, 13) is automatically moved back to the first position.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6,

characterized in that the thickening (22) is formed in the radial direction so that in the connected end state of the plug parts (2, 7) in the radial direction at least partially free of play in the second free space (43) is arranged.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the front region of the spring element (8, 9, 20) is formed as a strip which is bent to form a thickening (22) and a cavity (25) is formed between the opposing strip parts (23, 24).

9. The method according to claim 8,

characterized in that

the bent second strip part (24) is arranged at its free end in contact with the first strip part (23).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

in the first position of the cap sleeve (10) the connected plug parts (2, 7) locking and the axial separability of the plug parts (2, 7) prohibiting state is set.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

for separating the connected plug parts (2, 7) the cap sleeve (10) is axially retracted by a user from the first position to a second position against the spring force of the biasing spring (1 1, 12, 13) and thereby in the second position by axial Pulling apart the plug parts (2, 7) the spring element (8, 9, 20) with its thickening (22) radially outwardly between the first plug part (2) and the cap sleeve (10) is movable.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the cap sleeve (10) is arranged axially displaceably by a plurality of biasing springs (11, 12, 13) held on the outside (5) of the first plug part (2) and extending in the axial direction.

13. Connector (1) having a first (2) and a second plug part (7), wherein on the first plug part (2) a hollow cylindrical cap sleeve (10) in the axial direction relative to the first plug part (2) is movably arranged, wherein the cap sleeve (10) is biased by at least one biasing spring (11, 12, 13) held in a first position and the axial relative movement is against the spring force, and when connecting the plug parts (2, 7) on the second plug part (7) arranged spring element (8, 9, 20) is pressed radially outwardly in a connecting intermediate state, upon further axial pushing together of the plug (2, 7) the cap sleeve (10) by the spring element (8, 9, 20) from the first position axially displaced to the rear, and on further pushing together of the plug parts (2, 7), the spring element (8, 9, 20) snaps into a recess radially inward and the displacement of the cap sleeve (10) to the rear you rch the spring element (8, 9, 20) is then completed,

characterized in that

between a outer side (5) of the first plug part (2) and an inner side (17) of the cap sleeve (10), a first free space (38) is formed, in which the spring element (8, 9, 20) before contacting the cap sleeve ( 10) to their by the spring element (8, 9, 20) caused axial displacement hineinerstreckt.

14. Connector according to claim 13

characterized in that

on the outer side (5) of the first plug part (2), a stop (6) extending radially into the first free space (38) is formed, through which the spring element (8, 9, 20) moves when the plug parts (2, 7) are pushed together is pressed radially outward before contacting the cap sleeve (10).

15. Connector according to claim 13 or 14,

characterized in that

the front end (21) of the spring element (8, 9, 20) has a thickening (22) which is formed in particular by a bent strip of the spring element (8, 9, 20), the thickening (22) being in the radial direction tion is formed so that they in the connected state of the plug parts (2, 7) at least partially positively against the outside (5) of the first plug part (2) and the inside (17) of the cap sleeve (10) in a second space (43) between the cap sleeve (10) and the first plug part (2) is arranged.