EP3756249B1 - Plug connector comprising polarisation element, and system and method for mounting, for plugging. and for separating said plug connector - Google Patents

Plug connector comprising polarisation element, and system and method for mounting, for plugging. and for separating said plug connector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3756249B1
EP3756249B1 EP19712129.6A EP19712129A EP3756249B1 EP 3756249 B1 EP3756249 B1 EP 3756249B1 EP 19712129 A EP19712129 A EP 19712129A EP 3756249 B1 EP3756249 B1 EP 3756249B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plug connector
housing
mating
connector
release sleeve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19712129.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3756249A1 (en
Inventor
Torsten Wolf
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Harting Electronics GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Harting Electronics GmbH and Co KG
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Publication date
Application filed by Harting Electronics GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Harting Electronics GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP3756249A1 publication Critical patent/EP3756249A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3756249B1 publication Critical patent/EP3756249B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/645—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by exchangeable elements on case or base
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/20—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for assembling or disassembling contact members with insulating base, case or sleeve
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device

Definitions

  • the invention is based on a connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a system consisting of the connector and a mating connector according to the preamble of claim 6 as well as a method of production according to claim 8 and a method of plugging according to claim 9.
  • Such connectors are required in order to be able to conveniently lock and unlock plug connections.
  • the operating concept usually consists of pulling a sleeve of the connector away from the mating connector to unlock it, so that both the operation of the unlocking device and the separation of the plug from the mating connector are carried out in a single direction of movement and thus with a single hand movement.
  • the mating connector usually has a mounting housing and can e.g. B. be attached to a housing wall, so that this process is usually carried out with a single hand.
  • the publication EP 1 841 016 B1 discloses a metallic connector for use in harsh and humid industrial environments.
  • This has a rectangular shaped connector housing, e.g. B. a zinc die-cast connector housing, which is surrounded on the one hand by a corresponding unlocking sleeve, and in which on the other hand a plug insert is fixed.
  • the connector housing is provided with an unlocking sleeve and has a locking device which locks with a mating connector during the plugging process. When the unlocking sleeve is pulled back, the locking hooks of the locking device intended for locking are levered out "outwards" from the locking recesses on the mating connector.
  • the DE 102 36 275 B3 shows a locking device for two plug connectors that can be joined together, with locking hooks on one of the plug connectors engaging in locking recesses in the second plug connector when the plug connectors are joined together.
  • an actuator here a sliding sleeve and bevels formed on it, the locking hooks can be raised and lifted out of the locking recesses, which makes it possible to disconnect the plug connectors.
  • a plug connector which has a locking ring, wherein the locking ring can be expanded radially by means of an unlocking sleeve and thus a lock to a mating plug connector is released.
  • the EP 1 959 523 B1 discloses a plug-side coding for a distinctive plugging of two plug connectors, in particular two push pull plug connectors.
  • the coding is subsequently inserted into the connector insert of the first connector and interacts with a corresponding counterform on the connector insert of the second connector.
  • the coding prevents the connector from being plugged together with a mating connector other than the second one provided.
  • a coding device for two mutually complementary plugs one of which is provided with at least a first coding element and the other with at least one complementary second coding element, at least one of the plug connectors comprising a housing with a plug-in cap, with at least one of the Coding elements is arranged.
  • the publication DE10 2007 031 504 A1 discloses a plug connector comprising a plug head and a sliding sleeve held thereon in an axially displaceable manner.
  • the plug head has locking tongues with at least one free end.
  • the locking tongues are connected via a connecting element.
  • the sliding sleeve includes a passage receiving the plug head and an unlocking element assigned to the locking tongues.
  • the unlocking element is formed in the passage on an inside of the sliding sleeve assigned to the locking tongues and puts the locking tongues into an unlocking state via sliding contact with the connecting element by moving the sliding sleeve.
  • the publication US 2011/091159 A1 discloses a lockable push-pull optical connector having a housing and a ferrule with a locking lever, and a method for making the same.
  • the publication US 7,549,887 B1 discloses the preamble of claim 1, namely a lockable connector having an outer housing and an inner housing.
  • the inner housing may include a locking mechanism and may be movable relative to the outer housing to allow the housing lock to move from a locked position to an unlocked position.
  • the connector may have a second housing that has a ramp for unlocking engages part of the locking mechanism when the case lock is in the locked position. The ramp may be held in the locked position by a housing lock to secure the first housing to the second housing.
  • the disadvantage of the known coding devices is that they are only subsequently designed for the connector type and are therefore often only inadequately adapted to their specific properties.
  • Another disadvantage of the prior art is that incorrect plugging often occurs due to incorrect orientation of the plug connector, which can lead to damage to the plug connector and/or even to high additional follow-up costs.
  • the object of the invention is to propose a connector, in particular a push-pull connector, which enables comfortable, correct plugging and is also simple, inexpensive and efficient to produce and easy to handle.
  • the unlocking sleeve has at least one polarization element in order to interact in a polarizing manner with both the connector housing and the mating connector.
  • the unlocking sleeve has different contours on the inside on two opposite sides in order to interact in a polarizing manner with the connector housing and the mating connector.
  • the at least one polarization element can be part of at least one of these contours.
  • the different design of the two opposite sides of the unlocking sleeve is special advantageous because it also prevents incorrect assembly. Finally, this also blocks the insertion of an incorrectly oriented connector housing into the release sleeve. As an additional advantage, correct assembly is made significantly easier for a fitter.
  • the connector housing can preferably be square or rectangular in cross section. It can preferably have four sides, in particular two broad sides and two narrow sides, which are parallel to one another. Accordingly, the unlocking sleeve can also have a matching rectangular or square cross-sectional shape.
  • the unlocking sleeve can have exactly one polarization element.
  • the polarization element can be arranged on one side of the unlocking sleeve, this side of the unlocking sleeve being accordingly also referred to as the coding side.
  • the polarization element blocks the plugging process if the plug connector is oriented incorrectly, i.e. in the wrong polarization, and is to be plugged into a mating plug connector.
  • the polarization element is designed in particular in such a way that it prevents incorrect plugging, since it advantageously hits the mating connector in advance, that is to say before the plug connector insert accommodated in the plug connector housing. This advantageously prevents damage to the connector insert. If the connector is correctly oriented relative to the mating connector, i.e. with correct polarization, plugging is possible without any problems.
  • the polarization element can form the said inside contour of the coding side of the unlocking sleeve or at least be part of it.
  • the contour of the opposite side can be designed differently; for example, it could be a flat contour. In particular, this side can also have locking and/or guiding means, which is why it is also referred to below as the guiding side.
  • a further advantage is that the plug-in security and the assembly security are increased by the at least one polarization element and in particular by the different internal design of these two opposite sides of the unlocking sleeve, namely the coding side and the guide side.
  • What is particularly advantageous is that there is no significant transport risk for the polarization element.
  • the polarization element is - unlike in many known designs - not exposed to any relevant external environmental influences. This in turn increases the lifespan of the connector.
  • the polarization element can be attached to the plug connector in a particularly stable manner according to the aforementioned design.
  • the connector housing has a corresponding counter contour on the side that faces the polarization element after correct assembly, with which the polarization element can interact for unlocking and locking.
  • This counter contour can, for example, have at least one, in particular at least two, parallel elevations, which in the assembled state are arranged on both sides of the polarization element and guide the unlocking sleeve on its polarization element in the plugging direction, so that the unlocking sleeve is held on the connector housing so that it can move in and against the plugging direction.
  • this contour can have a recess.
  • the distance between the two said elevations or the width of this recess can be approximately Width of the polarization element correspond to or be slightly larger than this, i.e. the width of the polarization element z. B. by up to 4%, preferably up to 7%, particularly preferably up to 10%, in particular up to 13% and possibly even up to 16%.
  • the unlocking element can be guided on the connector housing, if necessary with the necessary "play", i.e. the mechanical tolerance, and its polarization is still fixed.
  • This counter contour serves to further increase the plugging security and installation security, because it means that neither mounting nor plugging in the wrong polarization is possible.
  • At least one locking hook is arranged for locking the connector with the mating connector.
  • This can, for example, be arranged in the middle of the unlocking sleeve.
  • the locking hook is advantageously arranged opposite the polarization element in order to particularly effectively prevent incorrect insertion in incorrect polarization.
  • the number of locking hooks is arbitrary, but the use of one locking hook has proven to be advantageous.
  • the locking hook therefore has at least a double function and in particular even a triple function. Firstly, it advantageously serves to securely hold the unlocking sleeve on the connector housing. Secondly, the locking hook serves to protect against polarization, i.e. to block incorrect mating, and thirdly, it also increases assembly security as it prevents the unlocking sleeve from being incorrectly plugged onto the connector housing.
  • the unlocking sleeve has at least one corresponding holding area on its guide side, into which the locking hook can engage, so that the unlocking sleeve is securely held on the connector housing.
  • the number of areas required depends on the number of locking hooks and is therefore arbitrary.
  • At least one guide rail is formed on both sides of the locking hook on the connector housing, which further simplifies the insertion of the connector housing into the unlocking sleeve for the user.
  • the number of guide rails is arbitrary.
  • the unlocking sleeve has corresponding areas on the associated side into which the at least one guide rail can engage. This further simplifies assembly.
  • the polarization element is a substantially cuboid inner molding of the insulating sleeve.
  • the term “essentially” can be interpreted as meaning that the shape of the polarization element deviates from the cuboid shape at least in a plug-side end section in that the polarization element has a conical shape in this end section, i.e. tapers conically towards the plug-side end, i.e. becomes narrower . It can be rounded in this section.
  • the polarization element is designed to taper conically at least in some areas.
  • the polarization element is designed to be at least conically tapered towards its end.
  • the tapered side more precisely the tapered end, points in the direction of the plug-in side. This tapered end then acts similarly to an insertion bevel and makes plugging in with the mating connector considerably easier.
  • the shape enables tolerance compensation in areas, which allows plug connectors to be plugged together with, for example, a Mating connector makes it much easier for a user.
  • the connector is pre-adjusted by this shape in the direction of the mating connector when it is inserted from the first mechanical contact of the corresponding housing parts.
  • the end of the polarization element can be essentially trapezoidal.
  • any other suitable geometric shape is also conceivable, through which the polarization element tapers in the plug-in direction, for example triangular, round, oval, etc.
  • the shape of the polarization element must be chosen so that it interacts well with a corresponding recess in the mating connector can and can be easily inserted into the recess for a user without great effort without tilting.
  • the shape of the polarization element is advantageously easy to manufacture.
  • the polarization element can be inserted into a recess which is arranged on one side of the mating connector housing.
  • This recess can be a window of a side wall of the mating connector housing that is open on the plug-in side.
  • the recess can also consist of a depression. The combination of polarization element and recess ensures particularly advantageous both the optimal plug-in polarization and the optimal assembly polarization. This prevents incorrect assembly and mating because the plug connector and mating plug connector can only be plugged together in a single orientation.
  • the polarization element therefore has a dual function. On the one hand, it makes it easier to assemble correctly with the connector housing. For the On the other hand, it ensures the correct polarization of the assembled connector with the mating connector.
  • the connector is made of a stable material, especially metal or plastic.
  • the components of the connector can consist of the same and/or different materials.
  • Another advantage of plastic is its insulating properties, while metal advantageously offers high stability and resilience.
  • the connector or at least one of its components is made of plastic because these parts can then be produced inexpensively and efficiently using the injection molding process.
  • the connector consists at least partially of injection molded elements.
  • the connector is a so-called “push-pull connector”.
  • the connection of the polarization element with the PushPull connector is particularly advantageous.
  • Such a push-pull connector is usually characterized by the fact that it has an unlocking sleeve, in particular the aforementioned one.
  • the respective unlocking sleeve of the connector must be pulled against the plugging direction, i.e. away from the mating connector, so that both the operation of the unlocking device and the separation of the plug from the mating connector are carried out in a single direction of movement and thus with a single hand movement.
  • the use of conventional polarization elements in the plug-in process is therefore more difficult for structural reasons.
  • the invention provides a particularly advantageous solution here, since experience has shown that with push-pull connectors in the prior art, the above-mentioned incorrect assembly and incorrect connection unfortunately occur very often.
  • a preferred system for a plug connection has the plug connector and a mating plug connector.
  • the mating connector has two opposite outer sides, one of which corresponds to the guide side and the other to the coding side of the unlocking sleeve, i.e. is brought into mechanical contact with the mating connector when the connector is inserted.
  • These two opposite outer sides of the mating connector differ from each other in their outer contour in that they have different formations and/or recesses.
  • the contour of each of these two outer sides is suitable for interacting with the inside contours of the associated guide or coding side of the unlocking sleeve during the plugging process and thus to enable the plugging process if the polarization is correct and to prevent the plugging process if the polarization is incorrect.
  • one of the two sides has a polarization recess corresponding to the polarization element or a polarization formation corresponding thereto.
  • the polarization recess can be a recess designed according to the shape of the polarization element, which is designed to be minimally wider than the polarization element so that it can advantageously be guided in it without tilting or jamming.
  • the polarization molding can, for example, have at least one, in particular at least two, parallel elevations, which in the assembled state are arranged on both sides of the polarization element and the unlocking sleeve its polarization element in the plug-in direction, so that the unlocking sleeve is held on the connector housing so that it can be moved in and against the plug-in direction.
  • the distance between the two said elevations or the width of this recess can correspond approximately to the width of the polarization element or be slightly larger than this, i.e. the width of the polarization element, for example, by up to 4%, preferably up to 7%, particularly preferably up to 10 %, especially up to 13% and possibly even up to 16%.
  • the unlocking element can be guided on the housing of the mating connector, if necessary with the necessary "play", i.e. the mechanical tolerance, and its polarization is still fixed.
  • This counter-contour serves to further increase the plugging security and installation security, because it means that plugging in the wrong polarization is not possible.
  • the polarization element When plugged in, the polarization element is guided in this polarization molding or in the polarization recess of the mating connector. This is preferably done in advance, i.e. before the connector insert, more precisely the contact elements accommodated therein, and the mating connector insert, in particular contact elements accommodated therein, come into contact with one another or come into mechanical and electrical contact. This means that incorrect electrical contact is excluded. This is overall advantageous due to the orientation during assembly, the orientation when plugging in and the different internal design of the sides of the unlocking sleeve, which is therefore optimally protected.
  • Process steps e) to k) simplify the plugging together of the plug connector and the mating plug connector and prevent incorrect plugging in the wrong orientation.
  • the Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector housing 1 and an unlocking sleeve 2, which are components of the connector.
  • the unlocking sleeve 2 is in the foreground and the connector housing 1 in the background Figure 1 shown.
  • the unlocking sleeve 2 and the connector housing 1 are shown separately from each other in this figure.
  • the connector housings are shown without the connector inserts in all figures.
  • the connector inserts are basically designed in such a way that they can be accommodated and securely fixed in the connector housing 1.
  • Plug connector inserts for plug connector housings are well known to those skilled in the art of plug connectors in a wide variety of embodiments, although their respective design is not decisive for the function of the plug connector described in this embodiment.
  • the connector housing 1 On the cable connection side, a cable entry area with a thread of a cable gland is formed on the connector housing 1.
  • the plug-in side is arranged opposite the cable connection side.
  • the connector housing 1 has a rectangular shape Cross section and has four sides arranged at right angles and/or parallel to one another, namely two broad sides and two narrow sides, which are not provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. The two broad sides and the two narrow sides are parallel to each other.
  • the unlocking sleeve 2 has a rectangular cross section and thus four sides arranged at right angles and/or parallel to one another, namely two narrow and two wide sides, which are each parallel to one another. For reasons of clarity, the side walls are not provided with reference numbers. However, due to the perspective, only an inside side of one of these two narrow sides, which is hereinafter referred to as the coding side, is visible in the drawing.
  • the polarization element 3 is formed on the inside of the coding side and is in the Figure 2 can be seen in more detail. Parallel to the coding side, the unlocking sleeve 2 has the second narrow side, which is referred to below as the guide side.
  • the Figure 2 shows the unlocking sleeve 2 and the connector housing 1 in a assembled state and locked together by means of at least one locking hook 6 in a sectional view.
  • the section of this sectional view is placed through the unlocking sleeve 2 and the connector housing 1 in such a way that both the aforementioned latching mechanism and the polarization element 3 can be seen.
  • the cable connection side of the connector housing 1 is shown on the left side of the picture, the associated plug-in side is arranged opposite.
  • the connector housing 1 is secured by means of two locking hooks 6 on one side and also a locking hook on the associated opposite side, see Figure 3 , held in the unlocking sleeve 2.
  • the Latching hooks 6 point in the plugging direction and prevent the unlocking sleeve 2 from being unintentionally removed from the connector housing 1.
  • the polarization element 3 is formed centrally on one side of the unlocking sleeve 2.
  • the polarization element 3 is positioned centrally between the two locking hooks 6.
  • the polarization element 3 is designed to taper conically at least in some areas, namely towards its end.
  • the shape results from an elongated rectangle, onto which an isosceles trapezoid is formed in the direction of the plug-in side.
  • the narrower side of the two parallel sides is aligned towards the mating side.
  • this shape is provided with chamfers on the edges, so that the insertion of the polarization element 3 into a recess 5 on a mating connector 4 is made easier. This is in the Figures 4 and 5 to see.
  • the Figure 3 shows the connector in a view rotated compared to the previous illustration, with a view of the previously hidden side in a corresponding sectional view.
  • the connector housing 1 has a locking hook 6. This is arranged centrally on the unlocking sleeve 2 and opposite the polarization element 3. The direction of action of the one latching hook 6 on this side is identical to the direction of action of the two latching hooks 6 on the other side.
  • a guide rail is formed on the side of the locking hook 6, which simplifies the insertion of the connector housing 1 into the unlocking sleeve 2 for the user.
  • the Figures 2 and 3 show the advantage of the polarization element 3 when assembling the connector housing 1 with the unlocking sleeve 2. This prevents incorrect assembly.
  • the Figure 4 shows a mating connector 4, more precisely a mating connector housing, and the unlocking sleeve 2 in a perspective view.
  • the two elements are shown separately in this figure. They are put together in the Figure 5 shown.
  • the unlocking sleeve 2 corresponds to that in the Figures 1 to 3 unlocking sleeve 2 shown.
  • the mating connector 4 is in the Figures 4 and 5 each shown without connector insert.
  • the connector inserts are designed so that they can be received and securely fixed in the housing of the mating connector 4.
  • Connector inserts for connector housings and corresponding mating connector housings are well known in the prior art.
  • the housing of the mating connector 4 shown is, for example, an add-on housing for mounting on the wall of a device, a system or similar. Instead of a mounting housing, the housing of the mating connector 4 could also be a base housing or a feed-through housing or a grommet housing.
  • the types of housing mentioned are well known in the prior art.
  • the housing of the mating connector 4 must be selected so that it corresponds to the connector housing.
  • the housing of the mating connector 4 has a recess 5 on one side, into which the polarization element 3 of the unlocking sleeve 2 engages and with which it interacts.
  • the recess 5 is a rectangular cutout in the wall of the housing of the mating connector 4.

Description

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Steckverbinder nach dem Oberbegriff des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 sowie einem System aus dem Steckverbinder und einem Gegensteckverbinder gemäß der Gattung des Anspruchs 6 sowie einem Verfahren zur Herstellung nach Anspruch 8 und einem Verfahren zum Stecken nach Anspruch 9.The invention is based on a connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a system consisting of the connector and a mating connector according to the preamble of claim 6 as well as a method of production according to claim 8 and a method of plugging according to claim 9.

Derartige Steckverbinder werden benötigt, um Steckverbindungen komfortabel ver- und entriegeln zu können.Such connectors are required in order to be able to conveniently lock and unlock plug connections.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Im Stand der Technik sind dem Fachmann sogenannte "PushPull"-Steckverbinder wohlbekannt. Das Bedienkonzept besteht üblicherweise darin, zur Entriegelung eine Hülse des Steckverbinders vom Gegenstecker weg zu ziehen, so dass sowohl die Bedienung der Entriegelungsvorrichtung als auch die Trennung des Steckers vom Gegenstecker in einer einzigen Bewegungsrichtung und so mit einer einzigen Handbewegung erfolgt. Üblicherweise besitzt der Gegenstecker ein Anbaugehäuse und kann z. B. an eine Gehäusewand angebaut sein, so dass dieser Vorgang in der Regel mit einer einzigen Hand ausgeführt wird.In the prior art, so-called “push-pull” connectors are well known to those skilled in the art. The operating concept usually consists of pulling a sleeve of the connector away from the mating connector to unlock it, so that both the operation of the unlocking device and the separation of the plug from the mating connector are carried out in a single direction of movement and thus with a single hand movement. The mating connector usually has a mounting housing and can e.g. B. be attached to a housing wall, so that this process is usually carried out with a single hand.

Die Druckschrift EP 1 841 016 B1 offenbart einen metallischen Steckverbinder für den Einsatz in rauer und feuchter Industrieumgebung. Dieser besitzt ein rechteckig geformtes Steckverbindergehäuse, z. B. ein Zink-Druckguss-Steckverbindergehäuse, das einerseits von einer entsprechenden Entriegelungshülse umfasst ist, und in dem andererseits ein Steckereinsatz fixiert ist. Das Steckverbindergehäuse ist mit einer Entriegelungshülse versehen und weist eine Verriegelungseinrichtung auf, die während des Steckvorganges eine Verriegelung mit einem Gegenstecker bewirkt. Beim Zurückziehen der Entriegelungshülse werden für die Verriegelung vorgesehene Verriegelungshaken der Verriegelungseinrichtung "nach außen" aus Verrastungsausnehmungen am Gegenstecker herausgehebelt.The publication EP 1 841 016 B1 discloses a metallic connector for use in harsh and humid industrial environments. This has a rectangular shaped connector housing, e.g. B. a zinc die-cast connector housing, which is surrounded on the one hand by a corresponding unlocking sleeve, and in which on the other hand a plug insert is fixed. The connector housing is provided with an unlocking sleeve and has a locking device which locks with a mating connector during the plugging process. When the unlocking sleeve is pulled back, the locking hooks of the locking device intended for locking are levered out "outwards" from the locking recesses on the mating connector.

Die DE 102 36 275 B3 zeigt eine Verriegelungseinrichtung für zwei miteinander zusammenfügbare Steckverbinder, wobei Rasthaken an einem der Steckverbinder in Rastausnehmungen des zweiten Steckverbinders beim Zusammenfügen der Steckverbinder eingreifen. Mittels eines Betätigers, hier einer Schiebehülse und daran angeformten Schrägen, können die Rasthaken angehoben und aus den Rastausnehmungen gehoben werden, wodurch ein Trennen der Steckverbinder möglich ist.The DE 102 36 275 B3 shows a locking device for two plug connectors that can be joined together, with locking hooks on one of the plug connectors engaging in locking recesses in the second plug connector when the plug connectors are joined together. By means of an actuator, here a sliding sleeve and bevels formed on it, the locking hooks can be raised and lifted out of the locking recesses, which makes it possible to disconnect the plug connectors.

Aus der EP 1 337 008 A2 ist ein Steckverbinder bekannt, welcher einen Verriegelungsring aufweist, wobei der Verriegelungsring mittels einer Entriegelungshülse radial geweitet werden kann und so eine Verriegelung zu einem Gegensteckverbinder gelöst wird.From the EP 1 337 008 A2 a plug connector is known which has a locking ring, wherein the locking ring can be expanded radially by means of an unlocking sleeve and thus a lock to a mating plug connector is released.

Die EP 1 959 523 B1 offenbart eine steckseitige Kodierung für eine unverwechselbare Steckung von zwei Steckverbindern, insbesondere zwei Push Pull Steckverbindern. Die Kodierung wird nachträglich in den Steckverbindereinsatz des ersten Steckverbinders eingesetzt und wirkt mit einer entsprechenden Gegenform am Steckverbindereinsatz des zweiten Steckverbinders zusammen. Die Kodierung verhindert ein Zusammenstecken des Steckverbinders mit einem anderen Gegensteckverbinder als dem vorgesehenen zweiten.The EP 1 959 523 B1 discloses a plug-side coding for a distinctive plugging of two plug connectors, in particular two push pull plug connectors. The coding is subsequently inserted into the connector insert of the first connector and interacts with a corresponding counterform on the connector insert of the second connector. The coding prevents the connector from being plugged together with a mating connector other than the second one provided.

Aus der DE 298 23 719 U1 ist eine Kodiereinrichtung für zwei zueinander komplementäre Stecker bekannt, deren einer mit wenigstens einem ersten Kodierelement und deren anderer mit wenigstens einem dazu komplementären zweiten Kodierelement versehen ist, wobei wenigstens einer der Steckverbinder ein Gehäuse mit einem aufsteckbaren Überwurf umfasst, wobei an dem Überwurf wenigstens eines der Kodierelemente angeordnet ist.From the DE 298 23 719 U1 a coding device for two mutually complementary plugs is known, one of which is provided with at least a first coding element and the other with at least one complementary second coding element, at least one of the plug connectors comprising a housing with a plug-in cap, with at least one of the Coding elements is arranged.

Die Druckschrift DE10 2007 031 504 A1 offenbart einen Steckverbinder, umfassend einen Steckerkopf und eine axial verschieblich daran gehaltene Schiebehülse. Der Steckerkopf weist Verriegelungszungen mit wenigstens einem freien Ende auf. Die Verriegelungszungen sind dabei über ein Verbindungselement verbunden. Die Schiebehülse umfasst einen den Steckerkopf aufnehmenden Durchgang und ein den Verriegelungszungen zugeordnetes Entriegelungselement. Das Entriegelungselement ist in dem Durchgang auf einer der Verriegelungszungen zugeordneten Innenseite der Schiebehülse ausgeformt und versetzt die Verriegelungszungen über einen Gleitkontakt mit dem Verbindungselement durch Verschieben der Schiebehülse in einen Entriegelungszustand.The publication DE10 2007 031 504 A1 discloses a plug connector comprising a plug head and a sliding sleeve held thereon in an axially displaceable manner. The plug head has locking tongues with at least one free end. The locking tongues are connected via a connecting element. The sliding sleeve includes a passage receiving the plug head and an unlocking element assigned to the locking tongues. The unlocking element is formed in the passage on an inside of the sliding sleeve assigned to the locking tongues and puts the locking tongues into an unlocking state via sliding contact with the connecting element by moving the sliding sleeve.

Die Druckschrift US 2011/091159 A1 offenbart einen verriegelbaren optischen Push-Pull-Steckverbinder mit einem Gehäuse und einer Ferrule mit einem Verriegelungshebel, sowie ein Verfahren zu seiner Herstellung.The publication US 2011/091159 A1 discloses a lockable push-pull optical connector having a housing and a ferrule with a locking lever, and a method for making the same.

Die Druckschrift US 7,549,887 B1 offenbart den Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1, nämlich einen verriegelbaren Steckverbinder mit einem äußeren Gehäuse und einem inneren Gehäuse. Das innere Gehäuse kann einen Verriegelungsmechanismus aufweisen und kann relativ zum äußeren Gehäuse beweglich sein, damit sich das Gehäuseschloss von einer verriegelten Position in eine entriegelte Position bewegen kann. Der Verbinder kann ein zweites Gehäuse besitzen, das eine Rampe aufweist, die zur Entriegelung in einen Teil des Verriegelungsmechanismus eingreift, wenn sich das Gehäuseschloss in der verriegelten Position befindet. Die Rampe kann durch eine Gehäusesperre in der verriegelten Position gehalten werden, um das erste Gehäuse am zweiten Gehäuse zu befestigen.The publication US 7,549,887 B1 discloses the preamble of claim 1, namely a lockable connector having an outer housing and an inner housing. The inner housing may include a locking mechanism and may be movable relative to the outer housing to allow the housing lock to move from a locked position to an unlocked position. The connector may have a second housing that has a ramp for unlocking engages part of the locking mechanism when the case lock is in the locked position. The ramp may be held in the locked position by a housing lock to secure the first housing to the second housing.

Nachteilig wirkt sich bei den bekannten Kodiereinrichtungen aus, dass diese erst nachträglich für den Steckverbindertyp konzipiert sind und somit oft nur unzureichend an deren spezifische Eigenschaften angepasst sind. Ein weiterer Nachteil am Stand der Technik ist weiterhin, dass häufig Fehlsteckungen durch eine falsche Orientierung des Steckverbinders erfolgen, welche zu Schäden am Steckverbinder und/oder sogar zu hohen weiteren Folgekosten führen können.The disadvantage of the known coding devices is that they are only subsequently designed for the connector type and are therefore often only inadequately adapted to their specific properties. Another disadvantage of the prior art is that incorrect plugging often occurs due to incorrect orientation of the plug connector, which can lead to damage to the plug connector and/or even to high additional follow-up costs.

AufgabenstellungTask

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung besteht darin, einen Steckverbinder, insbesondere einen Push-Pull-Steckverbinder, vorzuschlagen, der ein komfortables, korrektes Stecken ermöglicht und zudem einfach, kostengünstig und effizient herstellbar sowie einfach in der Handhabung ist.The object of the invention is to propose a connector, in particular a push-pull connector, which enables comfortable, correct plugging and is also simple, inexpensive and efficient to produce and easy to handle.

Die Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst.The task is solved by the features of the independent claims.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Steckverbinder, welcher mit einem Gegensteckverbinder verrastbar ist, aufweisend

  • ein Steckverbindergehäuse mit mehreren Seiten, die jeweils eine flächige Form besitzen,
  • einen Steckverbindereinsatz, der im Steckverbindergehäuse fixiert oder zumindest fixierbar ist, und
  • eine Entriegelungshülse, welche das Steckverbindergehäuse umgreift und zur Entriegelung des Steckverbinders vom Gegensteckverbinder entgegen der Steckrichtung verschiebbar am Steckverbindergehäuse gehalten ist.
The invention relates to a plug connector which can be locked with a mating plug connector
  • a connector housing with several sides, each of which has a flat shape,
  • a connector insert that is fixed or at least fixable in the connector housing, and
  • an unlocking sleeve, which surrounds the connector housing and is held on the connector housing so as to be displaceable against the plugging direction in order to unlock the connector from the mating connector.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Entriegelungshülse mindestens ein Polarisationselement auf, um polarisierend sowohl mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse als auch mit dem Gegensteckverbinder zusammenzuwirken.According to the invention, the unlocking sleeve has at least one polarization element in order to interact in a polarizing manner with both the connector housing and the mating connector.

Insbesondere weist die Entriegelungshülse an zwei gegenüberliegenden Seiten innenseitig unterschiedliche Konturen auf, um polarisierend mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse und dem Gegensteckverbinder zusammenzuwirken. Dabei kann das mindestens eine Polarisationselement Bestandteil mindestens einer dieser Konturen sein.In particular, the unlocking sleeve has different contours on the inside on two opposite sides in order to interact in a polarizing manner with the connector housing and the mating connector. The at least one polarization element can be part of at least one of these contours.

Dies ist vorteilhaft, weil dadurch ein Fehlstecken, also ein Stecken in falscher Orientierung, das heißt Polarisation, von vorneherein ausgeschlossen wird. Bei richtiger Orientierung ist ein Stecken ohne Probleme möglich. Vorteilhafterweise wird so ein Stecken des Steckverbinders mit dem Gegensteckverbinder in der richtigen Polarisation ermöglicht und in der falschen Polarisation verhindert.This is advantageous because it prevents incorrect plugging, i.e. plugging in the wrong orientation, i.e. polarization, from the outset. If the orientation is correct, insertion is possible without any problems. This advantageously enables the plug connector to be plugged into the mating plug connector in the correct polarization and is prevented in the wrong polarization.

Zum anderen ist die unterschiedliche Gestaltung der besagten beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Entriegelungshülse besonders vorteilhaft, weil dadurch zusätzlich auch eine Fehlmontage verhindert wird. Schließlich blockiert dies auch das Einfügen eines falsch orientierten Steckverbindergehäuses in die Entriegelungshülse. So wird als zusätzlicher Vorteil auch die richtige Montage für einen Monteur deutlich vereinfacht.On the other hand, the different design of the two opposite sides of the unlocking sleeve is special advantageous because it also prevents incorrect assembly. Finally, this also blocks the insertion of an incorrectly oriented connector housing into the release sleeve. As an additional advantage, correct assembly is made significantly easier for a fitter.

Bevorzugt kann das Steckverbindergehäuse im Querschnitt quadratisch oder rechteckig geformt sein. Es kann bevorzugt vier Seiten, insbesondere zwei Breitseiten und zwei Schmalseiten, aufweisen, die sich einander parallel gegenüberstehen. Dementsprechend kann auch die Entriegelungshülse eine dazu passende, im Querschnitt rechteckige oder quadratische Form aufweisen.The connector housing can preferably be square or rectangular in cross section. It can preferably have four sides, in particular two broad sides and two narrow sides, which are parallel to one another. Accordingly, the unlocking sleeve can also have a matching rectangular or square cross-sectional shape.

Insbesondere kann die Entriegelungshülse genau ein Polarisationselement aufweisen. Das Polarisationselement kann an einer Seite der Entriegelungshülse angeordnet sein, wobei diese Seite der Entriegelungshülse dementsprechend auch als Kodierseite bezeichnet wird. Das Polarisationselement blockiert den Steckvorgang, wenn der Steckverbinder falsch orientiert, das heißt in falscher Polarisation, mit einem Gegensteckverbinder gesteckt werden soll.In particular, the unlocking sleeve can have exactly one polarization element. The polarization element can be arranged on one side of the unlocking sleeve, this side of the unlocking sleeve being accordingly also referred to as the coding side. The polarization element blocks the plugging process if the plug connector is oriented incorrectly, i.e. in the wrong polarization, and is to be plugged into a mating plug connector.

Das Polarisationselement ist dabei insbesondere so ausgestaltet, dass es ein fehlerhaftes Stecken verhindert, da es vorteilhafter Weise vorauseilend, das heißt vor dem im Steckverbindergehäuse aufgenommenen Steckverbindereinsatz auf den Gegensteckverbinder trifft. Dadurch wird vorteilhafter Weise eine Beschädigung des Steckverbindereinsatzes verhindert. Bei richtiger Orientierung des Steckverbinders zum Gegensteckverbinder, das heißt bei korrekter Polarisation, ist ein Stecken ohne Probleme möglich. Das Polarisationselement kann die besagte innenseitige Kontur der Kodierseite der Entriegelungshülse bilden oder zumindest Bestandteil davon sein. Die Kontur der gegenüberliegenden Seite kann anders ausgestaltet sein; beispielsweise könnte es sich dabei um eine ebene Kontur handeln. Insbesondere kann diese Seite aber auch Rast- und oder Führungsmittel aufweisen, weshalb sie im Folgenden auch als Führungsseite bezeichnet wird.The polarization element is designed in particular in such a way that it prevents incorrect plugging, since it advantageously hits the mating connector in advance, that is to say before the plug connector insert accommodated in the plug connector housing. This advantageously prevents damage to the connector insert. If the connector is correctly oriented relative to the mating connector, i.e. with correct polarization, plugging is possible without any problems. The polarization element can form the said inside contour of the coding side of the unlocking sleeve or at least be part of it. The contour of the opposite side can be designed differently; for example, it could be a flat contour. In particular, this side can also have locking and/or guiding means, which is why it is also referred to below as the guiding side.

Ein weiterer Vorteil ist, dass durch das mindestens eine Polarisationselement und insbesondere durch die unterschiedliche innenseitige Ausgestaltung dieser beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Seiten der Entriegelungshülse, nämlich der Kodierseite und der Führungsseite, die Stecksicherheit und die Montagesicherheit erhöht wird. Von besonderem Vorteil ist dabei, dass dadurch kein nennenswertes Transportrisiko für das Polarisationselement entsteht. Das Polarisationselement ist - anders als in vielen bekannten Bauformen-keinen relevanten äußeren Umwelteinflüssen ausgesetzt. Dies erhöht wiederum die Lebensdauer des Steckverbinders. Schließlich kann das Polarisationselement gemäß der vorgenannten Bauform besonders stabil am Steckverbinder befestigt sein.A further advantage is that the plug-in security and the assembly security are increased by the at least one polarization element and in particular by the different internal design of these two opposite sides of the unlocking sleeve, namely the coding side and the guide side. What is particularly advantageous is that there is no significant transport risk for the polarization element. The polarization element is - unlike in many known designs - not exposed to any relevant external environmental influences. This in turn increases the lifespan of the connector. Finally, the polarization element can be attached to the plug connector in a particularly stable manner according to the aforementioned design.

Bevorzugter Weise weist das Steckverbindergehäuse auf derjenigen Seite, welche dem Polarisationselement nach einer korrekten Montage zugewandt ist, eine entsprechende Gegenkontur auf, mit welcher das Polarisationselement zur Ent- und Verriegelung zusammenwirken kann. Diese Gegenkontur kann beispielsweise mindestens eine, insbesondere mindestens zwei parallel verlaufende Erhöhungen aufweisen, welche im montierten Zustand beidseitig des Polarisationselements angeordnet sind und die Entriegelungshülse an seinem Polarisationselement in Steckrichtung führen, so dass die Entriegelungshülse in sowie entgegen der Steckrichtung verschiebbar am Steckverbindergehäuse gehalten ist.Preferably, the connector housing has a corresponding counter contour on the side that faces the polarization element after correct assembly, with which the polarization element can interact for unlocking and locking. This counter contour can, for example, have at least one, in particular at least two, parallel elevations, which in the assembled state are arranged on both sides of the polarization element and guide the unlocking sleeve on its polarization element in the plugging direction, so that the unlocking sleeve is held on the connector housing so that it can move in and against the plugging direction.

Alternativ oder ergänzend kann diese Kontur eine Ausnehmung aufweisen. Der Abstand der beiden besagten Erhöhungen beziehungsweise die Breite dieser Ausnehmung kann dabei in etwa der Breite des Polarisationselements entsprechen oder etwas größer sein als diese, also die Breite des Polarisationselements z. B. um bis zu 4%, bevorzugt bis zu 7%, besonders bevorzugt bis zu 10%, insbesondere bis zu 13% und möglicherweise gar bis zu 16% überschreiten. Dadurch kann das Entriegelungselement, gegebenenfalls mit dem dafür nötigen "Spiel", das heißt der mechanischen Toleranz, am Steckverbindergehäuse geführt werden und ist dennoch in seiner Polarisation festgelegt. Diese Gegenkontur dient somit der weiteren Erhöhung der Stecksicherheit und der Montagesicherheit, weil dadurch weder ein Montieren noch ein Stecken in falscher Polarisation möglich ist.Alternatively or additionally, this contour can have a recess. The distance between the two said elevations or the width of this recess can be approximately Width of the polarization element correspond to or be slightly larger than this, i.e. the width of the polarization element z. B. by up to 4%, preferably up to 7%, particularly preferably up to 10%, in particular up to 13% and possibly even up to 16%. As a result, the unlocking element can be guided on the connector housing, if necessary with the necessary "play", i.e. the mechanical tolerance, and its polarization is still fixed. This counter contour serves to further increase the plugging security and installation security, because it means that neither mounting nor plugging in the wrong polarization is possible.

An der Seite des Steckverbindergehäuses, welche dem Polarisationselement nach einer Montage gegenüberliegt, ist mindestens ein Rasthaken zur Verrastung des Steckverbinders mit dem Gegensteckverbinder angeordnet. Dieser kann beispielsweise mittig an der Entriegelungshülse angeordnet sein. Vorteilhafter Weise ist der Rasthaken dem Polarisationselement gegenüberliegend angeordnet, um ein Fehlstecken in falscher Polarisation besonders wirkungsvoll zu verhindern. Die Anzahl an Rasthaken ist beliebig, als vorteilhaft hat sich jedoch die Verwendung eines Rasthakens herausgestellt. Der Rasthaken besitzt also zumindest eine Doppelfunktion und insbesondere sogar eine Dreifachfunktion. Erstens dient er in vorteilhafter Weise dem sicheren Halten der Entriegelungshülse am Steckverbindergehäuse. Zweitens dient der Rasthaken dem Polarisationsschutz, also der Blockade eines fehlerhaften Steckens, und drittens erhöht er weiterhin auch die Montagesicherheit, da er ein fehlerhaftes Aufstecken der Entriegelungshülse auf das Steckverbindergehäuse verhindert.On the side of the connector housing that lies opposite the polarization element after assembly, at least one locking hook is arranged for locking the connector with the mating connector. This can, for example, be arranged in the middle of the unlocking sleeve. The locking hook is advantageously arranged opposite the polarization element in order to particularly effectively prevent incorrect insertion in incorrect polarization. The number of locking hooks is arbitrary, but the use of one locking hook has proven to be advantageous. The locking hook therefore has at least a double function and in particular even a triple function. Firstly, it advantageously serves to securely hold the unlocking sleeve on the connector housing. Secondly, the locking hook serves to protect against polarization, i.e. to block incorrect mating, and thirdly, it also increases assembly security as it prevents the unlocking sleeve from being incorrectly plugged onto the connector housing.

Idealerweise weist die Entriegelungshülse an ihrer Führungsseite mindestens einen entsprechenden Haltebereich auf, in welchen der Rasthaken eingreifen kann, sodass ein sicheres Halten der Entriegelungshülse am Steckverbindergehäuse gewährleistet ist. Die Anzahl der erforderlichen Bereiche ist abhängig von der Anzahl der Rasthaken und dementsprechend ebenfalls beliebig.Ideally, the unlocking sleeve has at least one corresponding holding area on its guide side, into which the locking hook can engage, so that the unlocking sleeve is securely held on the connector housing. The The number of areas required depends on the number of locking hooks and is therefore arbitrary.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn beidseitig des Rasthakens an dem Steckverbindergehäuse mindestens eine Führungsschiene angeformt, welche das Einführen des Steckverbindergehäuses in die Entriegelungshülse für den Anwender weiter vereinfacht. Die Anzahl an Führungsschienen ist beliebig. Idealerweise weist die Entriegelungshülse auf der dazugehörigen Seite entsprechende Bereiche auf, in welche die mindestens eine Führungsschiene eingreifen kann. Dies vereinfacht die Montage zusätzlich.It is particularly advantageous if at least one guide rail is formed on both sides of the locking hook on the connector housing, which further simplifies the insertion of the connector housing into the unlocking sleeve for the user. The number of guide rails is arbitrary. Ideally, the unlocking sleeve has corresponding areas on the associated side into which the at least one guide rail can engage. This further simplifies assembly.

Bei dem Polarisationselement handelt es sich um eine im Wesentlichen quaderförmige innere Anformung der Isolierhülse. Der Begriff "im Wesentlichen" kann dabei so interpretiert werden, dass die Form des Polarisationselements zumindest in einem steckseitigen Endabschnitt von der Quaderform insofern abweicht, dass das Polarisationselement in diesem Endabschnitt einen konischen Verlauf besitzt, d.h. zum steckseitigen Ende hin konisch zuläuft, also schmaler wird. Dabei kann es in diesem Abschnitt abgerundet sein.The polarization element is a substantially cuboid inner molding of the insulating sleeve. The term “essentially” can be interpreted as meaning that the shape of the polarization element deviates from the cuboid shape at least in a plug-side end section in that the polarization element has a conical shape in this end section, i.e. tapers conically towards the plug-side end, i.e. becomes narrower . It can be rounded in this section.

Es ist also besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das Polarisationselement zumindest bereichsweise konisch zulaufend ausgestaltet ist. Vorteilhafter Weise ist das Polarisationselement zu seinem Ende hin zumindest konisch zulaufend ausgestaltet. Insbesondere weist die konisch zulaufende Seite, genauer das konisch zulaufende Ende, in Richtung der Steckseite. Dieses konisch zulaufende Ende wirkt dann nämlich ähnlich wie eine Einführschräge und erleichtert das Stecken mit dem Gegensteckverbinder erheblich.It is therefore particularly advantageous if the polarization element is designed to taper conically at least in some areas. Advantageously, the polarization element is designed to be at least conically tapered towards its end. In particular, the tapered side, more precisely the tapered end, points in the direction of the plug-in side. This tapered end then acts similarly to an insertion bevel and makes plugging in with the mating connector considerably easier.

So ermöglicht die Form einen bereichsweisen Toleranzausgleich, welcher das Zusammenstecken von Steckverbinder mit beispielsweise einem Gegensteckverbinder für einen Anwender erheblich erleichtert. Schließlich wird der Steckverbinder durch diese Form in Richtung des Gegensteckverbinders bei seiner Einführung vom ersten mechanischen Kontakt der entsprechenden Gehäuseteile vorjustiert.The shape enables tolerance compensation in areas, which allows plug connectors to be plugged together with, for example, a Mating connector makes it much easier for a user. Finally, the connector is pre-adjusted by this shape in the direction of the mating connector when it is inserted from the first mechanical contact of the corresponding housing parts.

Das Ende des Polarisationselements kann im Wesentlichen trapezförmig ausgeführt sein. Es ist aber auch jede andere geeignete geometrische Form denkbar, durch die sich das Polarisationselement in Steckrichtung verjüngt, zum Beispiel dreieckig, rund, oval, etc. Die Form des Polarisationselements muss so gewählt sein, dass diese gut mit einer entsprechend korrespondierenden Ausnehmung des Gegensteckverbinders zusammenwirken kann und einfach ohne großen Aufwand in die Ausnehmung für einen Anwender einführbar ist ohne zu verkanten. Zudem ist die Form des Polarisationselements vorteilhafter Weise einfach zu fertigen.The end of the polarization element can be essentially trapezoidal. However, any other suitable geometric shape is also conceivable, through which the polarization element tapers in the plug-in direction, for example triangular, round, oval, etc. The shape of the polarization element must be chosen so that it interacts well with a corresponding recess in the mating connector can and can be easily inserted into the recess for a user without great effort without tilting. In addition, the shape of the polarization element is advantageously easy to manufacture.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung ist das Polarisationselement in eine Ausnehmung, welche an einer Seite des Gegensteckverbindergehäuses angeordnet ist, einführbar. Bei dieser Ausnehmung kann es sich um ein steckseitig geöffnetes Fenster einer Seitenwand des Gegensteckverbindergehäuses handeln. Die Ausnehmung kann aber auch in einer Vertiefung bestehen. Die Kombination aus Polarisationselement und Ausnehmung gewährleistet besonders vorteilhaft sowohl für die optimale Steckpolarisation als auch für die optimale Montagepolarisation. Dadurch sind eine Fehlmontage und eine Fehlsteckung ausgeschlossen, denn Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder lassen sich nur in einer einzigen Ausrichtung zusammenstecken.In a preferred embodiment, the polarization element can be inserted into a recess which is arranged on one side of the mating connector housing. This recess can be a window of a side wall of the mating connector housing that is open on the plug-in side. However, the recess can also consist of a depression. The combination of polarization element and recess ensures particularly advantageous both the optimal plug-in polarization and the optimal assembly polarization. This prevents incorrect assembly and mating because the plug connector and mating plug connector can only be plugged together in a single orientation.

Somit besitzt das Polarisationselement eine Doppelfunktion. Zum einen es erleichtert es die korrekte Montage mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse. Zum anderen sorgt es für die korrekte Polarisation des montierten Steckverbinders mit dem Gegensteckverbinder.The polarization element therefore has a dual function. On the one hand, it makes it easier to assemble correctly with the connector housing. For the On the other hand, it ensures the correct polarization of the assembled connector with the mating connector.

Idealerweise besteht der Steckverbinder aus einem stabilen Material, insbesondere Metall oder Kunststoff. Dabei können die Bestandteile des Steckverbinders aus den gleichen und/oder unterschiedlichen Materialien bestehen. Vorteil des Materials Kunststoff ist zudem seine isolierende Eigenschaft, während Metall vorteilhafter Weise eine hohe Stabilität und Belastbarkeit bietet.Ideally, the connector is made of a stable material, especially metal or plastic. The components of the connector can consist of the same and/or different materials. Another advantage of plastic is its insulating properties, while metal advantageously offers high stability and resilience.

Vorteilhaft ist, wenn der Steckverbinder oder mindestens eines seiner Bestandteile aus Kunststoff besteht, weil diese Teile dann kostengünstig und effizient im Spritzgussverfahren herstellbar sind. Mit anderen Worten ist es vorteilhaft, wenn der Steckverbinder zumindest teilweise aus Spritzgusselementen besteht. Durch eine Automatisierung des Herstellverfahrens kann eine Produktion noch kostengünstiger und effizienter erfolgen.It is advantageous if the connector or at least one of its components is made of plastic because these parts can then be produced inexpensively and efficiently using the injection molding process. In other words, it is advantageous if the connector consists at least partially of injection molded elements. By automating the manufacturing process, production can be made even more cost-effective and efficient.

Eine bevorzugte Ausgestaltung sieht vor, dass es sich bei dem Steckverbinder um einen sogenannten "PushPull-Steckverbinder" handelt. Die Verbindung des Polarisationselements mit dem PushPull-Steckverbinder ist besonders vorteilhaft. Ein solcher Push-Pull-Steckverbinder zeichnet sich üblicherweise dadurch aus, dass er eine, insbesondere die besagte, Entriegelungshülse aufweist. Zur Entriegelung von einem Gegensteckverbinder ist die jeweilige Entriegelungshülse des Steckverbinders entgegen der Steckrichtung, also vom Gegensteckverbinder weg, zu ziehen, so dass sowohl die Bedienung der Entriegelungsvorrichtung als auch die Trennung des Steckers vom Gegenstecker in einer einzigen Bewegungsrichtung und so mit einer einzigen Handbewegung erfolgt. Im Steckvorgang ist daher der Einsatz konventioneller Polarisationselemente aus baulichen Gründen erschwert.A preferred embodiment provides that the connector is a so-called “push-pull connector”. The connection of the polarization element with the PushPull connector is particularly advantageous. Such a push-pull connector is usually characterized by the fact that it has an unlocking sleeve, in particular the aforementioned one. To unlock a mating connector, the respective unlocking sleeve of the connector must be pulled against the plugging direction, i.e. away from the mating connector, so that both the operation of the unlocking device and the separation of the plug from the mating connector are carried out in a single direction of movement and thus with a single hand movement. The use of conventional polarization elements in the plug-in process is therefore more difficult for structural reasons.

Die Erfindung liefert hier eine besonders vorteilhafte Lösung, da es erfahrungsgemäß bei PushPull-Steckverbindern im Stand der Technik leider sehr oft zu den genannten Fehlmontagen und Fehlsteckungen kommt.The invention provides a particularly advantageous solution here, since experience has shown that with push-pull connectors in the prior art, the above-mentioned incorrect assembly and incorrect connection unfortunately occur very often.

Ein bevorzugtes System für eine Steckverbindung weist den Steckverbinder und einen Gegensteckverbinder auf. Der Gegensteckverbinder besitzt zwei einander gegenüberliegende Außenseiten, von denen eine mit der Führungsseite und die andere mit der Kodierseite der Entriegelungshülse korrespondiert, das heißt beim Stecken des Steckverbinders mit dem Gegensteckverbinder in mechanischen Kontakt gebracht wird. Diese beiden einander gegenüberliegenden Außenseiten des Gegensteckverbinders unterscheiden sich in ihrer Außenkontur voneinander, indem sie unterschiedliche Anformungen und/oder Ausnehmungen aufweisen. Die Kontur jeder dieser beiden Außenseiten ist dazu geeignet mit den innenseitigen Konturen der dazugehörigen Führungs- bzw. Kodierseite der Entriegelungshülse im Steckvorgang zusammenzuwirken und so bei korrekter Polarisation den Steckvorgang zu ermöglichen, sowie bei unkorrekter Polarisation den Steckvorgang zu verhindern.A preferred system for a plug connection has the plug connector and a mating plug connector. The mating connector has two opposite outer sides, one of which corresponds to the guide side and the other to the coding side of the unlocking sleeve, i.e. is brought into mechanical contact with the mating connector when the connector is inserted. These two opposite outer sides of the mating connector differ from each other in their outer contour in that they have different formations and/or recesses. The contour of each of these two outer sides is suitable for interacting with the inside contours of the associated guide or coding side of the unlocking sleeve during the plugging process and thus to enable the plugging process if the polarization is correct and to prevent the plugging process if the polarization is incorrect.

Insbesondere besitzt eine der beiden Seiten eine mit dem Polarisationselement korrespondierende Polarisationsausnehmung oder eine damit korrespondierende Polarisationsanformung. Die Polarisationsausnehmung kann eine entsprechend der Form des Polarisationselements ausgestaltete Ausnehmung sein, welche minimal breiter ausgeführt ist als das Polarisationselement, damit dieses vorteilhafter Weise ohne zu verkanten oder zu verklemmen darin geführt werden kann. Alternativ kann die Polarisationsanformung beispielsweise mindestens eine, insbesondere mindestens zwei parallel verlaufende Erhöhungen aufweisen, welche im montierten Zustand beidseitig des Polarisationselements angeordnet sind und die Entriegelungshülse an seinem Polarisationselement in Steckrichtung führen, so dass die Entriegelungshülse in sowie entgegen der Steckrichtung verschiebbar am Steckverbindergehäuse gehalten ist. Der Abstand der beiden besagten Erhöhungen beziehungsweise die Breite dieser Ausnehmung kann dabei in etwa der Breite des Polarisationselements entsprechen oder etwas größer sein als diese, also die Breite des Polarisationselements z.B. um bis zu 4%, bevorzugt bis zu 7%, besonders bevorzugt bis zu 10%, insbesondere bis zu 13% und möglicherweise gar bis zu 16% überschreiten. Dadurch kann das Entriegelungselement, gegebenenfalls mit dem dafür nötigen "Spiel", das heißt der mechanischen Toleranz, am Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders geführt werden und ist dennoch in seiner Polarisation festgelegt. Diese Gegenkontur dient somit der weiteren Erhöhung der Stecksicherheit und der Montagesicherheit, weil dadurch kein Stecken in falscher Polarisation möglich ist. Beim Stecken wird das Polarisationselement in dieser Polarisationsanformung beziehungsweise in der Polarisationsausnehmung des Gegensteckverbinders geführt. Dies geschieht bevorzugt vorauseilend, also bevor der Steckverbindereinsatz, genauer die darin aufgenommenen Kontaktelemente, und der Gegensteckverbindereinsatz, insbesondere darin aufgenommene Kontaktelemente, miteinander in Berührung beziehungsweise in mechanischen und elektrischen Kontakt kommen. Somit ist eine elektrische Fehlkontaktierung ausgeschlossen. Dieses ist insgesamt vorteilhaft durch die Orientierung bei der Montage, die Orientierung beim Stecken und die innenliegende unterschiedliche Ausgestaltung der Seiten der Entriegelungshülse, welcher dadurch optimal geschützt ist.In particular, one of the two sides has a polarization recess corresponding to the polarization element or a polarization formation corresponding thereto. The polarization recess can be a recess designed according to the shape of the polarization element, which is designed to be minimally wider than the polarization element so that it can advantageously be guided in it without tilting or jamming. Alternatively, the polarization molding can, for example, have at least one, in particular at least two, parallel elevations, which in the assembled state are arranged on both sides of the polarization element and the unlocking sleeve its polarization element in the plug-in direction, so that the unlocking sleeve is held on the connector housing so that it can be moved in and against the plug-in direction. The distance between the two said elevations or the width of this recess can correspond approximately to the width of the polarization element or be slightly larger than this, i.e. the width of the polarization element, for example, by up to 4%, preferably up to 7%, particularly preferably up to 10 %, especially up to 13% and possibly even up to 16%. As a result, the unlocking element can be guided on the housing of the mating connector, if necessary with the necessary "play", i.e. the mechanical tolerance, and its polarization is still fixed. This counter-contour serves to further increase the plugging security and installation security, because it means that plugging in the wrong polarization is not possible. When plugged in, the polarization element is guided in this polarization molding or in the polarization recess of the mating connector. This is preferably done in advance, i.e. before the connector insert, more precisely the contact elements accommodated therein, and the mating connector insert, in particular contact elements accommodated therein, come into contact with one another or come into mechanical and electrical contact. This means that incorrect electrical contact is excluded. This is overall advantageous due to the orientation during assembly, the orientation when plugging in and the different internal design of the sides of the unlocking sleeve, which is therefore optimally protected.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zum Montieren eines Steckverbinders, insbesondere des vorgenannten Steckverbinders, welches die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

  1. a) Einsetzen des Steckverbindereinsatzes in das Steckverbindergehäuse,
  2. b) Verrasten des Steckverbindereinsatzes in dem Steckverbindergehäuse,
  3. c) Einsetzen des Steckverbindergehäuses in die Entriegelungshülse in der korrekten Polarisation unter Zusammenwirken der Konturen der Entriegelungshülse mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse,
  4. d) Verrasten des Steckverbindergehäuses in der Entriegelungshülse.
The invention further relates to a method for assembling a plug connector, in particular the aforementioned plug connector, which comprises the following steps:
  1. a) inserting the connector insert into the connector housing,
  2. b) locking the connector insert in the connector housing,
  3. c) inserting the connector housing into the unlocking sleeve in the correct polarization with the interaction of the contours of the unlocking sleeve with the connector housing,
  4. d) Locking the connector housing into the unlocking sleeve.

Diese Verfahrensschritte a) bis d) gewährleisten dem Anwender eine einfache und schnelle Montage.These process steps a) to d) ensure simple and quick assembly for the user.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zum Stecken eines zuvor insbesondere in der vorgenannten Weise montierten Steckverbinders mit einem Gegensteckverbinder, welches die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

  • e) Bereichsweises Einführen des Steckverbinders in das Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders,
  • f) Vorauseilend in mechanischen Kontakt bringen von Steckverbindergehäuse und Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders durch die Entriegelungshülse,
  • g) Zusammenwirken von den Konturen von Entriegelungshülse und dem Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders, dass sie in einander gleiten können und so das Steckverbindergehäuse und das Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders Entriegelungshülse in der korrekten Polarisation zusammenführen,
  • h) Verrasten der Entriegelungshülse am Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders, und zeitgleich
  • i) Verrasten des Steckverbinders mit dem Gegensteckverbinder mittels mindestens einem Rasthaken, während gleichzeitig
  • j) das Steckverbindergehäuse sich in seiner endgültigen für den gesteckten Zustand vorgesehenen Relativposition zum Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders befindet, und zeitgleich
  • k) der Steckverbindereinsatz sich in seiner endgültigen für den gesteckten Zustand vorgesehenen Relativposition zu einem Einsatz des Gegensteckverbinders befindet.
The invention further relates to a method for plugging in a plug connector that has been previously assembled, in particular in the manner mentioned above, with a mating plug connector, which comprises the following steps:
  • e) inserting the connector into the housing of the mating connector in certain areas,
  • f) bringing the connector housing and the housing of the mating connector into mechanical contact through the unlocking sleeve,
  • g) interaction of the contours of the unlocking sleeve and the housing of the mating connector so that they can slide into one another and thus bring the connector housing and the housing of the mating connector unlocking sleeve together in the correct polarization,
  • h) Lock the unlocking sleeve on the housing of the mating connector, and at the same time
  • i) Locking the connector with the mating connector using at least one locking hook, while at the same time
  • j) the connector housing is in its final relative position intended for the plugged state to the housing of the mating connector, and at the same time
  • k) the connector insert is in its final position intended for the plugged state relative to an insert of the mating connector.

Durch die Verfahrensschritte e) bis k) wird das Zusammenstecken von Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder vereinfacht und ein Fehlstecken in falscher Orientierung verhindert.Process steps e) to k) simplify the plugging together of the plug connector and the mating plug connector and prevent incorrect plugging in the wrong orientation.

Des Weiteren betrifft die Offenbarung ein nicht beanspruchtes Verfahren zum Trennen eines zuvor verriegelten Steckverbinders von einem Gegensteckverbinder, welches die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

  • x) Entriegeln des Steckverbinders von dem Gegensteckverbinder durch Ziehen der Entriegelungshülse entgegen der Steckrichtung,
  • y) Lösen der Verrastung zwischen Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder,
  • z) Trennen von Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder.
Furthermore, the disclosure relates to an unclaimed method for separating a previously locked connector from a mating connector, which comprises the following steps:
  • x) unlocking the connector from the mating connector by pulling the unlocking sleeve counter to the plugging direction,
  • y) releasing the latching between the plug connector and the mating plug connector,
  • z) Disconnecting the connector and mating connector.

Dieses Verfahren mit den Schritten x) bis z) ist ermöglicht dem Anwender ein schnelles, sicheres Trennen von Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder. Zudem sichert das Verfahren, dass Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder nicht unbeabsichtigt voneinander getrennt werden können. Dies dient wiederum zur Erhöhung der Sicherheit des Anwenders.This procedure with steps x) to z) enables the user to quickly and safely disconnect the connector and mating connector. The process also ensures that connectors and mating connectors cannot be accidentally separated from each other. This in turn serves to increase the safety of the user.

AusführungsbeispielExample embodiment

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und wird im Folgenden näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine perspektivische Darstellung von Steckverbindergehäuse und Entriegelungshülse
Fig. 2
eine Schnittdarstellung durch Steckverbindergehäuse und Entriegelungshülse
Fig. 3
eine Schnittdarstellung durch Steckverbindergehäuse und Entriegelungshülse
Fig. 4
eine perspektivische Darstellung von Entriegelungshülse und Gegensteckverbinder
Fig. 5
eine perspektivische Darstellung von Entriegelungshülse und Gegensteckverbinder
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. Show it:
Fig. 1
a perspective view of the connector housing and unlocking sleeve
Fig. 2
a sectional view through the connector housing and unlocking sleeve
Fig. 3
a sectional view through the connector housing and unlocking sleeve
Fig. 4
a perspective view of the unlocking sleeve and mating connector
Fig. 5
a perspective view of the unlocking sleeve and mating connector

Die Figuren enthalten teilweise vereinfachte, schematische Darstellungen. Zum Teil werden für gleiche, aber gegebenenfalls nicht identische Elemente identische Bezugszeichen verwendet. Verschiedene Ansichten gleicher Elemente könnten unterschiedlich skaliert sein.The figures contain partly simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference numbers are used for identical but possibly not identical elements. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

Die Figur 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung von einem Steckverbindergehäuse 1 und einer Entriegelungshülse 2, welche Bestandteile des Steckverbinders sind. Die Entriegelungshülse 2 ist im Vordergrund und das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 im Hintergrund der Figur 1 dargestellt. Die Entriegelungshülse 2 und das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 sind in dieser Figur voneinander getrennt gezeigt. Um die Übersichtlichkeit der Figuren zu wahren sind in sämtlichen Figuren die Steckverbindergehäuse ohne die Steckverbindereinsätze dargestellt. Die Steckverbindereinsätze sind grundsätzlich so ausgestaltet, dass sie in dem Steckverbindergehäuse 1 aufnehmbar und sicher fixierbar sind. Steckverbindereinsätze für Steckverbindergehäuse sind in unterschiedlichsten Ausführungsformen dem Fachmann auf dem Gebiet der Steckverbinder hinreichend bekannt, wobei ihre jeweilige Ausgestaltung für die in dieser Ausführung beschriebene Funktion des Steckverbinders jedoch nicht maßgeblich ist.The Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector housing 1 and an unlocking sleeve 2, which are components of the connector. The unlocking sleeve 2 is in the foreground and the connector housing 1 in the background Figure 1 shown. The unlocking sleeve 2 and the connector housing 1 are shown separately from each other in this figure. In order to maintain the clarity of the figures, the connector housings are shown without the connector inserts in all figures. The connector inserts are basically designed in such a way that they can be accommodated and securely fixed in the connector housing 1. Plug connector inserts for plug connector housings are well known to those skilled in the art of plug connectors in a wide variety of embodiments, although their respective design is not decisive for the function of the plug connector described in this embodiment.

Kabelanschlussseitig ist an das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 ein Kabeleinführbereich mit einem Gewinde einer Kabelverschraubung angeformt. Die Steckseite ist der Kabelanschlussseite gegenüberliegend angeordnet. Das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 besitzt einen rechteckigen Querschnitt und weist vier zueinander rechtwinklig und/oder parallel angeordnete Seiten auf, nämlich zwei Breitseiten und zwei Schmalseiten, die aus Übersichtlichkeitsgründen nicht mit Bezugszeichen versehen sind. Dabei stehen die beiden Breitseiten und die beiden Schmalseiten einander parallel gegenüber.On the cable connection side, a cable entry area with a thread of a cable gland is formed on the connector housing 1. The plug-in side is arranged opposite the cable connection side. The connector housing 1 has a rectangular shape Cross section and has four sides arranged at right angles and/or parallel to one another, namely two broad sides and two narrow sides, which are not provided with reference numbers for reasons of clarity. The two broad sides and the two narrow sides are parallel to each other.

Die Entriegelungshülse 2 besitzt einen rechteckigen Querschnitt und somit vier rechtwinklig und/oder parallel zueinander angeordnete Seiten, nämlich zwei schmale und zwei breite Seiten, die einander jeweils parallel gegenüberstehen. Aus Übersichtlichkeitsgründen sind die Seitenwände nicht mit Bezugszeichen versehen. Aufgrund der Perspektive ist jedoch nur eine Innenseite einer dieser beiden schmalen Seiten, die im Folgenden als Kodierseite bezeichnet wird, in der Zeichnung sichtbar. Innenseitig an der Kodierseite ist das Polarisationselement 3 angeformt, das in der Figur 2 genauer zu sehen ist. Der Kodierseite parallel gegenüberliegend weist die Entriegelungshülse 2 die zweite schmale Seite auf, die im Folgenden als Führungsseite bezeichnet wird.The unlocking sleeve 2 has a rectangular cross section and thus four sides arranged at right angles and/or parallel to one another, namely two narrow and two wide sides, which are each parallel to one another. For reasons of clarity, the side walls are not provided with reference numbers. However, due to the perspective, only an inside side of one of these two narrow sides, which is hereinafter referred to as the coding side, is visible in the drawing. The polarization element 3 is formed on the inside of the coding side and is in the Figure 2 can be seen in more detail. Parallel to the coding side, the unlocking sleeve 2 has the second narrow side, which is referred to below as the guide side.

Die Figur 2 zeigt die Entriegelungshülse 2 und das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 in einem zusammengefügten und miteinander mittels mindestens eines Rasthakens 6 verrasteten Zustand in einer Schnittdarstellung. Der Schnitt dieser Schnittdarstellung ist so durch die Entriegelungshülse 2 und das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 gelegt, dass sowohl die vorgenannte Verrastung als auch das Polarisationselement 3 zu sehen sind.The Figure 2 shows the unlocking sleeve 2 and the connector housing 1 in a assembled state and locked together by means of at least one locking hook 6 in a sectional view. The section of this sectional view is placed through the unlocking sleeve 2 and the connector housing 1 in such a way that both the aforementioned latching mechanism and the polarization element 3 can be seen.

Die Kabelanschlussseite des Steckverbindergehäuses 1 ist auf der linken Bildseite dargestellt, die dazugehörige Steckseite ist entsprechend gegenüberliegend angeordnet. Das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 ist in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel mittels zweier Rasthaken 6 auf der einen und ebenfalls einem Rasthaken auf der dazugehörigen gegenüberliegenden Seite, siehe Figur 3, in der Entriegelungshülse 2 gehalten. Die Rasthaken 6 weisen dabei in Steckrichtung und verhindern ein unbeabsichtigtes Abziehen der Entriegelungshülse 2 vom Steckverbindergehäuse 1.The cable connection side of the connector housing 1 is shown on the left side of the picture, the associated plug-in side is arranged opposite. In this exemplary embodiment, the connector housing 1 is secured by means of two locking hooks 6 on one side and also a locking hook on the associated opposite side, see Figure 3 , held in the unlocking sleeve 2. The Latching hooks 6 point in the plugging direction and prevent the unlocking sleeve 2 from being unintentionally removed from the connector housing 1.

Das Polarisationselement 3 ist mittig auf einer Seite der Entriegelungshülse 2 angeformt. In der Figur 2 ist das Polarisationselement 3 mittig zwischen den zwei Rasthaken 6 positioniert. Das Polarisationselement 3 ist in der Schnittdarstellung zumindest bereichsweise, nämlich zu seinem Ende hin, konisch zulaufend ausgebildet. Die Form ergibt sich in diesem Beispiel aus einem länglichen Rechteck, an welches in Richtung der Steckseite ein gleichschenkliges Trapez angeformt ist. Die schmalere Seite der beiden parallelen Seiten ist in Richtung der Steckseite ausgerichtet. Diese Form ist in ihrer dreidimensionalen Ausgestaltung an den Kanten mit Fasen versehen, sodass das Einführen des Polarisationselements 3 in eine Ausnehmung 5 an einem Gegensteckverbinder 4 erleichtert ist. Dieses ist in den Figuren 4 und 5 zu sehen.The polarization element 3 is formed centrally on one side of the unlocking sleeve 2. In the Figure 2 the polarization element 3 is positioned centrally between the two locking hooks 6. In the sectional view, the polarization element 3 is designed to taper conically at least in some areas, namely towards its end. In this example, the shape results from an elongated rectangle, onto which an isosceles trapezoid is formed in the direction of the plug-in side. The narrower side of the two parallel sides is aligned towards the mating side. In its three-dimensional design, this shape is provided with chamfers on the edges, so that the insertion of the polarization element 3 into a recess 5 on a mating connector 4 is made easier. This is in the Figures 4 and 5 to see.

Die Figur 3 zeigt den Steckverbinder in einer gegenüber der vorangegangenen Darstellung gedrehten Ansicht mit Blick die zuvor verdeckte Seite in einer entsprechenden Schnittdarstellung.The Figure 3 shows the connector in a view rotated compared to the previous illustration, with a view of the previously hidden side in a corresponding sectional view.

An der gezeigten Seite verfügt das Steckverbindergehäuse 1 über einen Rasthaken 6. Dieser ist mittig an der Entriegelungshülse 2 und dem Polarisationselement 3 gegenüberliegend angeordnet. Die Wirkrichtung des einen Rasthakens 6 auf dieser Seite ist identisch mit der Wirkrichtung der beiden Rasthaken 6 auf der anderen Seite. Seitlich des Rasthakens 6 ist jeweils eine Führungsschiene angeformt, welche die Einführung des Steckverbindergehäuses 1 in die Entriegelungshülse 2 für den Anwender vereinfacht.On the side shown, the connector housing 1 has a locking hook 6. This is arranged centrally on the unlocking sleeve 2 and opposite the polarization element 3. The direction of action of the one latching hook 6 on this side is identical to the direction of action of the two latching hooks 6 on the other side. A guide rail is formed on the side of the locking hook 6, which simplifies the insertion of the connector housing 1 into the unlocking sleeve 2 for the user.

Die Figuren 2 und 3 zeigen den Vorteil des Polarisationselements 3 bei der Montage des Steckverbindergehäuses 1 mit der Entriegelungshülse 2. Ein fehlerhafter Zusammenbau wird dadurch verhindert.The Figures 2 and 3 show the advantage of the polarization element 3 when assembling the connector housing 1 with the unlocking sleeve 2. This prevents incorrect assembly.

Die Figur 4 zeigt einen Gegensteckverbinder 4, genauer ein Gegensteckverbindergehäuse, und die Entriegelungshülse 2 in perspektivischer Darstellung. Der Übersichtlichkeit halber sind in dieser Figur die beiden Elemente getrennt dargestellt. Zusammengesteckt sind sie in der Figur 5 gezeigt. Die Entriegelungshülse 2 entspricht dabei der in den Figuren 1 bis 3 gezeigten Entriegelungshülse 2.The Figure 4 shows a mating connector 4, more precisely a mating connector housing, and the unlocking sleeve 2 in a perspective view. For the sake of clarity, the two elements are shown separately in this figure. They are put together in the Figure 5 shown. The unlocking sleeve 2 corresponds to that in the Figures 1 to 3 unlocking sleeve 2 shown.

Bei dem Gegensteckverbinder 4 ist in den Figuren 4 und 5 jeweils ohne Steckverbindereinsatz gezeigt. Die Steckverbindereinsätze sind so ausgestaltet, dass sie in dem Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinder 4 aufnehmbar und sicher fixierbar sind. Steckverbindereinsätze für Steckverbindergehäuse und korrespondierende Gegensteckverbindergehäuse sind im Stand der Technik hinreichend bekannt. Bei dem gezeigten Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders 4 handelt es sich exemplarisch um ein Anbaugehäuse zur Montage an der Wand eines Gerätes, einer Anlage oder ähnlichem. Anstelle eines Anbaugehäuses könnte es sich bei dem Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders 4 auch um ein Sockelgehäuse oder ein Durchführungsgehäuse oder ein Tüllengehäuse handeln. Die genannten Gehäusearten sind im Stand der Technik hinreichend bekannt. Das Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders 4 muss so gewählt sein, dass es mit dem Steckverbindergehäuse korrespondiert.The mating connector 4 is in the Figures 4 and 5 each shown without connector insert. The connector inserts are designed so that they can be received and securely fixed in the housing of the mating connector 4. Connector inserts for connector housings and corresponding mating connector housings are well known in the prior art. The housing of the mating connector 4 shown is, for example, an add-on housing for mounting on the wall of a device, a system or similar. Instead of a mounting housing, the housing of the mating connector 4 could also be a base housing or a feed-through housing or a grommet housing. The types of housing mentioned are well known in the prior art. The housing of the mating connector 4 must be selected so that it corresponds to the connector housing.

Das Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders 4 weist auf einer Seite eine Ausnehmung 5 auf, in welche das Polarisationselement 3 der Entriegelungshülse 2 eingreift und mit der es zusammenwirkt. Bei der Ausnehmung 5 handelt es sich um einen rechteckigen Ausschnitt in der Wand des Gehäuses des Gegensteckverbinders 4.The housing of the mating connector 4 has a recess 5 on one side, into which the polarization element 3 of the unlocking sleeve 2 engages and with which it interacts. The recess 5 is a rectangular cutout in the wall of the housing of the mating connector 4.

In der Figur 5, ebenfalls eine perspektivische Darstellung, sind die in der Figur 4 noch getrennten Elemente, das Gehäuse des Gegensteckverbinders 4 und die Entriegelungshülse 2, zusammengesteckt. In dieser Figur ist zu sehen, wie die Ausnehmung 5 und das Polarisationselement 3 zusammenwirken. Diese Zusammenwirkung definiert das korrekte Stecken. Ein Fehlstecken von Steckverbinder und Gegensteckverbinder 4 wird dadurch vermieden.In the Figure 5 , also a perspective representation, are those in the Figure 4 still separate elements, the housing of the mating connector 4 and the unlocking sleeve 2, are plugged together. This figure shows how the recess 5 and the polarization element 3 interact. This interaction defines correct mating. This prevents the connector and mating connector 4 from being inserted incorrectly.

BezugszeichenlisteReference symbol list

11
SteckverbindergehäuseConnector housing
22
EntriegelungshülseRelease sleeve
33
PolarisationselementPolarization element
44
GegensteckverbinderMating connector
55
Ausnehmungrecess
66
RasthakenLatching hook

Claims (9)

  1. Plug connector, which can be latched to a mating plug connector (4), having
    - a plug connector housing (1) with a plurality of sides which each have a planar form,
    - a plug connector insert, which is fastened, or at least can be fastened, in the plug connector housing (1), and
    - a release sleeve (2), which reaches around the plug connector housing (1) and is retained on the plug connector housing (1) such that it can be displaced contrary to the mating direction for releasing the plug connector from the mating plug connector (4),
    wherein the release sleeve (2) has at least one polarization element (3) in order to cooperate with both the plug connector housing (1) and the mating plug connector (4) in a polarizing manner,
    characterized in that
    the polarization element (3) is a substantially cuboidal moulded portion on the release sleeve (2), the moulded portion being arranged internally on the release sleeve (2) .
  2. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the polarization element (3) is conically tapered, at least in certain areas.
  3. Plug connector according to either of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the polarization element (3) has a mating-side end portion with a conical taper.
  4. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the polarization element (3) can be inserted into a recess (5) which is arranged on one side of the mating plug connector housing.
  5. Plug connector according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the plug connector is a push-pull plug connector.
  6. System comprising a plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a mating plug connector (4) .
  7. System according to Claim 6,
    characterized in that
    the mating plug connector (4) has a mating plug connector housing with two mutually opposing outer sides, which differ from one another in terms of their respective external contours and cooperate with the contours of the release sleeve (2) in a polarizing manner.
  8. Method for assembling a plug connector according to one of Claims 1 to 5, which can be latched to a mating plug connector (4), wherein the method comprises the following steps:
    a) providing a plug connector housing (1) with a plurality of sides which each have a planar form,
    b) providing a plug connector insert, which can be fastened in the plug connector housing (1),
    c) providing a release sleeve (2), wherein the release sleeve (2) has at least one polarization element (3) in order to cooperate with both the plug connector housing (1) and the mating plug connector (4) in a polarizing manner, wherein the polarization element (3) is a substantially cuboidal moulded portion on the release sleeve (2), the moulded portion being arranged internally on the release sleeve (2),
    d) inserting the plug connector insert into the plug connector housing (1),
    e) latching the plug connector insert in the plug connector housing (1),
    f) inserting the plug connector housing (1) into the release sleeve (2) with the correct polarization, with cooperation between the polarization element (3) of the release sleeve (2) and the plug connector housing (1),
    g) latching the plug connector housing (1) in the release sleeve (2), so that the release sleeve (2) reaches around the plug connector housing (1) and is retained on the plug connector housing (1) such that it can be displaced contrary to the mating direction for releasing the plug connector from the mating plug connector (4).
  9. Method for mating a plug connector according to one of Claims 1 to 5 to a mating plug connector (4), which comprises the following steps:
    e) inserting the plug connector housing (1) into a housing of the mating plug connector (4) in certain areas,
    f) bringing the plug connector housing (1) and the housing of the mating plug connector (4) into mechanical contact first via the release sleeve (2),
    g) establishing cooperation between the polarization element (3) of the release sleeve (2) and the housing of the mating plug connector (4) such that they can slide inside one another and therefore bring the plug connector housing (1) and the housing of the mating plug connector (4) together with the correct polarization,
    h) latching the release sleeve (2) on the housing of the mating plug connector, and simultaneously
    i) latching the plug connector to the mating plug connector (4) by means of at least one latching hook, whilst
    j) the plug connector housing (1) is simultaneously located in its final relative position with respect to the housing of the mating plug connector (4), which is intended for the mated state, and
    k) the plug connector insert is simultaneously located in its final relative position with respect to an insert of the mating plug connector (4), which is intended for the mated state.
EP19712129.6A 2018-02-22 2019-02-21 Plug connector comprising polarisation element, and system and method for mounting, for plugging. and for separating said plug connector Active EP3756249B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102018104017.2A DE102018104017A1 (en) 2018-02-22 2018-02-22 Polarizer connector and a system and method for mounting, plugging and disconnecting this connector
PCT/DE2019/100164 WO2019161848A1 (en) 2018-02-22 2019-02-21 Plug connector comprising polarisation element, and system and method for mounting, for plugging. and for separating said plug connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3756249A1 EP3756249A1 (en) 2020-12-30
EP3756249B1 true EP3756249B1 (en) 2023-10-25

Family

ID=65818130

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19712129.6A Active EP3756249B1 (en) 2018-02-22 2019-02-21 Plug connector comprising polarisation element, and system and method for mounting, for plugging. and for separating said plug connector

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US11205875B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3756249B1 (en)
CN (1) CN111758192B (en)
DE (1) DE102018104017A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019161848A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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US11764518B2 (en) 2021-08-05 2023-09-19 Weidmuller Interface Gmbh & Co. Kg Push-pull electrical connector

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3756249A1 (en) 2020-12-30
CN111758192A (en) 2020-10-09
DE102018104017A1 (en) 2019-08-22
CN111758192B (en) 2022-03-18
WO2019161848A1 (en) 2019-08-29
US20210057850A1 (en) 2021-02-25
US11205875B2 (en) 2021-12-21

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