EP4254677A2 - Push-pull connector for detachable connection to a mating connector and connector system - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect relates to a push-pull connector (200) for releasably connecting to a mating connector (300), the push-pull connector (200) having: a spring-loaded locking means (204), which is designed in an engagement position therefor, to engage behind a locking means (306) on the mating connector side in order to secure the push-pull connector (200) on the mating connector (300), - an actuating element (206) which is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking means (204), wherein movement of the actuating element (206) in an unlocking direction causes the spring-loaded latching means (204) to be displaced from the engaged position in order to release the spring-loaded latching means (204) from reaching behind the mating connector-side latching means (306), the actuating element (206) having a latching means opening (210 ), through which the spring-loaded latching means (204) can be moved into and out of the engagement position, the latching means opening (210) having two opposite edge sections (212, 214) which determine the extent of the latching means opening (210) along an insertion direction (E ), into which the push-pull connector (200) is inserted into the mating connector (300), whereby a first edge section (212) of the two edge sections contacts a first contact surface (216) when the actuating element (206) is moved in the unlocking direction. of the spring-loaded locking means (204) acts to shift a second contact surface (218) of the spring-loaded locking means (204) out of the engagement position in which the second contact surface (218) engages behind the mating connector-side locking means (306), the spring-loaded locking means (204) does not contact the second edge section (214) in the engaged position.

Description

The invention relates to a push-pull connector for releasably connecting to a mating connector, and a connector system.

Push-pull connectors are known and enable a detachable connection with a mating connector that is complementary to the push-pull connector. To connect the push-pull connector to the mating connector, the mating connector can simply be inserted into the mating connector in the insertion direction, with a locking mechanism holding the push-pull connector securely on the mating connector. To release the connection, the push-pull connector can be pulled against the insertion direction in order to release it from the mating connector, with the locking mechanism being unlocked by pulling the push-pull connector.

It is desirable that the push-pull connector can be connected to the mating connector conveniently and with little effort. Furthermore, it is desirable that a secure locking between the push-pull connector and the mating connector is guaranteed.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a push-pull connector for detachable connection to a mating connector that is simple and safe to use.

According to a first aspect, this task is solved by a push-pull connector for detachable connection to a mating connector. The push-pull connector has a spring-loaded latching means, which in an engaged position is designed to engage behind a mating connector-side latching means of the mating connector in order to secure the push-pull connector on the mating connector. In particular, the spring-loaded latching means and the mating connector-side latching means can mesh with one another in order to secure the push-pull connector on the mating connector. The Spring-loaded locking means can in particular be mounted elastically and/or resiliently. Furthermore, the push-pull connector has an actuating element which is movable relative to the spring-loaded latching means, wherein moving the actuating element in an unlocking direction causes the spring-loaded latching means to be displaced from the engagement position in order to engage behind the mating connector-side latching means by the spring-loaded latching means to solve. The actuating element can be operated by an operator. In particular, the actuating element can be moved by the operator along the unlocking direction. The unlocking direction can in particular run parallel to an insertion direction in which the push-pull connector is inserted into the mating connector. Particularly preferably, the unlocking direction can be opposite to the insertion direction, which enables intuitive actuation of the actuating element by the operator.

The actuating element has a locking means opening through which the spring-loaded locking means can be moved into and out of the engagement position. When moving the actuating element along the unlocking direction, a corresponding movement of the locking means opening can take place along the unlocking direction, whereby the locking means opening is moved along the unlocking direction and relative to the spring-loaded locking means. Furthermore, the spring-loaded latching means can protrude at least in sections into and/or through the latching means opening, with the spring-loaded latching means being able to be displaced in relation to the latching means opening and/or to the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector by moving the actuating element along the unlocking direction.

Furthermore, the locking means opening has two opposite edge sections which limit the extent of the locking means opening along the insertion direction. The two edge sections can each extend transversely to the insertion direction. In this case, when the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction, a first edge section of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means in order to cause a second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means to be displaced from the engagement position in which the second contact surface engages behind the mating connector-side locking means.

In particular, the first contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means can be positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector, which runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction. Preferably, the first contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means is adjusted such that the distance between the first contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means and the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector decreases as the first contact surface extends in the direction of the insertion direction. Advantageously, the first edge section, which is arranged starting from the second edge section in the insertion direction after the second edge section, can be pushed onto the first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means when the actuating element is moved counter to the insertion direction, whereby a displacement of the spring-loaded locking means towards the longitudinal axis of the push Pull connector takes place. When moving the actuating element in the insertion direction and relative to the spring-loaded locking means, the spring-loaded locking means can be displaced away from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector and in the direction of the locking means on the mating connector side.

Furthermore, the spring-loaded locking means does not contact the second edge section in the engaged position. In particular, the spring-loaded latching means can be designed such that when connecting the push-pull connector to the mating connector, the spring-loaded latching means does not contact the second edge section. Connecting is understood in particular to mean that the push-pull connector is inserted into the mating connector until the spring-loaded locking means is in the engaged position and engages behind the locking means on the mating connector side. The fact that the spring-loaded locking means and the second edge section do not contact each other has the advantage that the push-pull connector and the mating connector can be connected with little effort. In particular, the spring-loaded locking means is not blocked or hindered by the second edge section when it moves towards the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector.

Preferably, in the engaged position, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means is completely passed through the locking means opening. When the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector and/or in the direction of the latching means opening. Furthermore, in the engaged position, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means can contact a mating connector-side latching means contact surface of the mating connector-side latching means, preferably flatly. Flat contact is understood in particular to mean that the second contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means and the mating connector-side latching means contact surface run essentially parallel to one another and rest against one another. The mating connector-side locking means can in particular be designed as a recess or recess in a mating connector housing, with the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means engaging behind the recess or recess in the engaged position. Preferably, in the engaged position, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded latching means can point essentially counter to the insertion direction and the mating connector-side latching means contact surface can point essentially in the insertion direction. In order to engage behind the locking means contact surface through the second contact surface, the second contact surface is preferably displaced outwards transversely to the insertion direction (away from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector). This direction can also be understood as the direction of intervention.

The push-pull connector is preferably designed to accommodate a data, signal or energy cable. Furthermore, the push-pull connector can have a contact element holder that holds or provides an electrical contact element. The electrical contact element can be connectable to an electrical line of the data, signal or energy cable. Furthermore, the mating connector can have a mating connector-side contact element holder, which holds an electrical contact element on the mating connector side, which can be electrically connected to the electrical contact element of the push-pull connector in order to establish an electrical connection. Alternatively or optionally, the push-pull connector can also accommodate a line suitable for optical signal transmission, with an optical signal transmission coupling being implemented in the push-pull connector and the mating connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded locking means is designed such that it does not contact the second edge section when moving out of the engaged position. In other words, when moving the actuating element in the unlocking direction, the spring-loaded locking means does not contact the second edge section. In particular, with a maximum possible relative movement of the actuating element relative to the spring-loaded locking means in the unlocking direction, the spring-loaded locking means does not contact the second edge section. Advantageously, a simple release of the push-pull connector from the mating connector is thus realized, since the spring-loaded locking means is not blocked by the second edge section when the engagement position is released and the associated release of the connection between the push-pull connector and the mating connector.

In a preferred embodiment, seen in the engaged position, the second edge section can be formed in the insertion direction at least up to the height of the locking means on the mating connector side. In other words, in the engaged position, the second edge section extends in the insertion direction at least up to the level of the locking means contact surface on the mating connector side.

In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector can have a resilient arm which is elongated along the insertion direction and has a first fixed end and a second free end. Furthermore, the spring-loaded locking means can be designed as a locking lug at the second end of the resilient arm. In particular, the locking lug on the resilient arm can point outwards or away from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. Furthermore, viewed from the fixed end, the free end can lie in the insertion direction.

Preferably, the locking lug may have a connecting surface which extends from the second contact surface to the resilient arm, the connecting surface and a side of the resilient arm from which the locking lug extends forming an angle of approximately 65° to 75°, preferably approximately 67° to 73°, and particularly about 70°. The angle information is based in particular on an observation of the longitudinal section through the longitudinal axis of the To understand push-pull connectors. When the push-pull connector is not connected to the mating connector, the side of the resilient arm from which the locking lug extends runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the push-pull connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the second contact surface is shorter, in particular along the engagement direction in which the spring-mounted latching means engages with the mating connector-side latching means, than the engagement depth of the spring-mounted latching means in the mating connector-side latching means in the engaged position. The engagement depth can be understood in particular as the depth of the locking means on the mating connector side, which is designed as a recess or recess.

In particular, in the case of a push-pull connector designed as a round connector, looking at the second contact surface in the insertion direction, the second contact surface can have the shape of a segment of a circular ring, the width of the circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer radius and the inner one Radius that form the circular ring is smaller than the engagement depth or the depth of the mating connector-side locking means designed as a recess or recess. Furthermore, the latching means contact surface can be designed in the shape of a circular ring or segment of a circular ring, looking opposite to the insertion direction onto the latching means contact surface. The width of this circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer radius and the inner radius, which form the circular ring or the circular ring segment, can preferably be larger than the corresponding circular ring width of the second contact surface. In the engaged position, the second contact surface preferably engages behind the locking means contact surface in its entire width. This advantageously makes it possible to prevent the locking means from unlocking when pulling on a cable received by the push-pull connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as an elongated hollow body, on the inside of which the resilient arm runs. Furthermore, the elongated hollow body can have the locking means opening. Of Furthermore, the longitudinal axis of the actuating element can coincide with the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. Preferably, the actuating element can have an externally accessible actuating section, which is preferably essentially hollow cylindrical in shape and which can be grasped by the operator in order to move the actuating element along the unlocking direction. Furthermore, the actuating element can have an insertion section which is arranged after the actuation section in the insertion direction and is preferably designed as a hollow cylindrical shape. The plug-in area can be plugged into a complementary plug-in area of the mating connector, the plug-in area having the locking means opening and the plug-in area having the locking means on the mating connector side. Furthermore, the actuating element can be formed in one piece.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element designed as an elongated hollow body can have a guide channel in which the resilient arm runs, the guide channel having the locking means opening. The longitudinal direction of the guide channel can run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the guide channel runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector can have an arm support element designed as an elongated hollow body. At an end of the arm support element lying in the insertion direction, an annular section can be formed, to which the first end of the resilient arm is fixed and from which the resilient arm extends in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the contact element holder can be arranged in and/or on the arm support element.

In a preferred embodiment, the resilient arm, the arm support element, and the spring-loaded locking means are formed in one piece.

In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector can have three have spring-loaded locking means, which can each be designed in accordance with the spring-loaded locking means described above. In particular, three resilient arms can be provided, on each of which a locking means is formed. The three resilient arms can be arranged at an angle of 120° to one another on the annular portion of the arm support element. Furthermore, the actuating element can have three guide channels, each of which is designed in accordance with the guide channel described above.

The push-pull connector can be a male or a female push-pull connector. In particular, the push-pull connector can be a socket or a socket. Accordingly, the mating connector can be a female or male mating connector. For example, if the push-pull connector is a male push-pull connector, it can be connected to a complementary female mating connector. For example, if the push-pull connector is a female push-pull connector, it can be connected to a complementary male mating connector.

Preferably, the plug-in area of the mating connector can have the locking means on the mating connector side and a multi-part thread. A multi-part thread or a multi-part thread element is understood to mean a thread or a thread-like element that is composed of several parts or sections. In particular, the multi-part thread is composed of several, preferably three, thread sections, with two successive thread sections each being separated or spaced apart by a threadless section. A threaded section is understood to be a section that has a thread structure, ie the profiled notches or threads characteristic of the thread, while a threadless section is understood to be a section that does not have such a thread structure. In other words, a multi-part thread is understood to mean a thread or a thread-like element which does not have a continuous thread structure, but rather has several recesses or millings. In particular, the thread structure or threads of the multi-part thread extend or extend only with interruptions or recesses around the interior of a cylindrical wall. The interruptions or recesses can, for example, represent millings in the thread structure.

The multi-part thread therefore differs from a classic thread in that the thread structure or the profiled notch does not run continuously around a cylindrical wall, but only in sections, i.e. with interruptions or recesses or millings.

In a further preferred embodiment, the mating connector further comprises a mating connector housing, wherein the multi-part thread and/or the at least one locking means on the mating connector side are part of the mating connector housing. In other words, the mating connector housing comprises the multi-part thread and/or the at least one locking means on the mating connector side.

In a further preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector and the mating connector provide an M12 connector system. I.e. preferably the complementary push-pull connector is an M12 plug connector and/or the multi-part thread is essentially an M12 thread or the multi-part thread is essentially designed as an M12 thread.

Optionally, the mating connector and/or the push-pull connector can have additional components. For example, a shield housing that at least partially electrically shields the mating connector or push-pull connector. In addition to the shield housing(s), the connector system can have further optional additional modules, such as a seal and/or one or two inhibitor rings, which prevent and/or reduce accidental loosening of the connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector is a round connector.

• ein federgelagertes Rastmittel, welches in einer Eingrifflage dazu ausgebildet ist, ein gegensteckverbinderseitiges Rastmittel zu hintergreifen, um den Push-Pull-Verbinder an dem Gegensteckverbinder zu sichern,
• ein Betätigungselement, welches relativ zu dem federgelagerten Rastmittel bewegbar ist, wobei ein Bewegen des Betätigungselements in einer Entriegelungsrichtung eine Verlagerung des federgelagerten Rastmittels aus der Eingrifflage bewirkt, um ein Hintergreifen des gegensteckverbinderseitigen Rastmittels durch das federgelagerte Rastmittel zu lösen,

• wobei das Betätigungselement eine Rastmittelöffnung aufweist, durch welche das federgelagerte Rastmittel in die Eingrifflage und aus der Eingrifflage bewegbar ist,
• wobei die Rastmittelöffnung zwei gegenüberliegende Randabschnitte aufweist, die die Ausdehnung der Rastmittelöffnung entlang einer Einsteckrichtung, in die der Push-Pull-Verbinder in den Gegensteckverbinder eingesteckt wird, begrenzen,
• wobei ein erster Randabschnitt der zwei Randabschnitte beim Bewegen des Betätigungselements in Entriegelungsrichtung auf eine erste Kontaktfläche des federgelagerten Rastmittels wirkt, um eine Verlagerung einer zweiten Kontaktfläche des federgelagerten Rastmittels aus der Eingrifflage, in der die zweite Kontaktfläche das gegensteckverbinderseitige Rastmittel hintergreift, zu bewirken,
• wobei die zweite Kontaktfläche kürzer ist als die Eingreiftiefe des federgelagerten Rastmittels in das gegensteckverbinderseitige Rastmittel in der Eingrifflage.

According to a second aspect, the underlying task is carried out by one Push-pull connector for releasably connecting to a mating connector, the push-pull connector having:

• a spring-loaded locking means, which in an engagement position is designed to engage behind a locking means on the mating connector side in order to secure the push-pull connector on the mating connector,
• an actuating element which is movable relative to the spring-mounted latching means, wherein moving the actuating element in an unlocking direction causes a displacement of the spring-mounted latching means from the engagement position in order to release the spring-mounted latching means from engaging behind the mating connector-side latching means,

• wherein the actuating element has a locking means opening through which the spring-loaded locking means can be moved into and out of the engagement position,
• wherein the latching means opening has two opposite edge sections which limit the extent of the latching means opening along an insertion direction in which the push-pull connector is inserted into the mating connector,
• wherein a first edge section of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means when the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction in order to cause a second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking means to be displaced from the engagement position in which the second contact surface engages behind the locking means on the mating connector side,
• wherein the second contact surface is shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded latching means in the mating connector-side latching means in the engaged position.

In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded locking means does not contact the second edge section in the engaged position.

In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded locking means is designed such that it does not contact the second edge section when moving out of the engaged position.

In a preferred embodiment, seen in the engaged position, is the second Edge section in the insertion direction is formed at least up to the height of the locking means on the mating connector side.

In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector is a round connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the second contact surface is shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded latching means in the mating connector-side latching means, in particular along the engagement direction in which the spring-loaded latching means engages with the mating connector-side latching means. The engagement depth can be understood in particular as the depth of the locking means on the mating connector side, which is designed as a recess or recess.

In particular, in the case of a push-pull connector designed as a round connector, looking at the second contact surface in the insertion direction, the second contact surface can have the shape of a segment of a circular ring, the width of the circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer radius and the inner one Radius that form the circular ring is smaller than the engagement depth or the depth of the mating connector-side locking means designed as a recess or recess. Furthermore, the mating connector-side latching means can have a latching means contact surface, which, looking against the insertion direction onto the latching means contact surface, is designed in the shape of a circular ring or a segment of a circular ring. The width of this circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer radius and the inner radius, which form the circular ring or the circular ring segment, can preferably be larger than the corresponding circular ring width of the second contact surface. In the engaged position, the second contact surface preferably engages behind the locking means contact surface in its entire width. This advantageously makes it possible to prevent the locking means from unlocking when pulling on a cable received by the push-pull connector.

According to a third aspect, the underlying task is solved by a connector system. The connector system has a push-pull connector according to the first or second aspect and one with the push-pull connector releasably connectable mating connector. Furthermore, the mating connector has a locking means on the mating connector side, wherein the spring-loaded locking means can engage behind the mating connector-side locking means.

The statements made above or below regarding the embodiments of the first aspect also apply to the further independent aspects mentioned above and in particular to related preferred embodiments. In particular, the statements made above and below regarding the embodiments of the other independent aspect also apply to an independent aspect of the present invention and to related preferred embodiments.

Individual embodiments for solving the problem are described below using the figures as examples. Some of the individual embodiments described have features that are not absolutely necessary to carry out the claimed subject matter, but which provide desired properties in certain applications. Embodiments that do not have all the features of the embodiments described below should also be viewed as falling under the technical teaching described. Furthermore, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition, certain features are only mentioned in relation to individual embodiments described below. It should be noted that the individual embodiments should therefore not only be viewed individually, but also in conjunction. Based on this overview, the person skilled in the art will recognize that individual embodiments can also be modified by incorporating individual or multiple features of other embodiments. It is noted that a systematic combination of the individual embodiments with one or more features described in relation to other embodiments may be desirable and useful and should therefore be considered and included in the description.

Short description of the characters

Figure 1

shows a perspective view of a connector system with a push-pull connector and a complementary mating connector according to a preferred embodiment,

Figure 2

shows a longitudinal section through the connector system,

Figures 3A and 3B

show a spring-loaded locking device of the push-pull connector,

Figure 4

shows another representation of the spring-loaded locking means,

Figure 5

shows the spring-loaded locking means, and

Figure 6

shows a top view of the in, looking in the insertion direction E Figure 4 illustrated arm support element.

Detailed description of the drawings

The location information chosen in this description, such as: B. top, bottom, side, etc., are each related to the figure directly described and shown and are to be transferred accordingly to the new position when the position changes.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector system 100 with a push-pull connector 200 and a complementary mating connector 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The push-pull connector 200 can be detachably connected to the mating connector 300. In particular, an insertion area 202 of the push-pull connector 200 can be inserted into a insertion area 302 of the mating connector 300 in the insertion direction E. To secure the push-pull connector 200 in and/or on the mating connector 300, the push-pull connector 203 has a spring-loaded one Locking means 204, which has a complementary locking means 306 on the mating connector side (see Figure 2 ) can reach behind to secure the push-pull connector 200 to the mating connector 300. In particular, the spring-loaded locking means 204 can be displaced in its position transversely to the insertion direction E in order to engage behind the locking means 306 on the mating connector side or to release an engagement with the locking means 306 on the mating connector side. In particular, when the spring-loaded locking means 204 is displaced away from the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200, the spring-loaded locking means 204 can be brought into engagement with the locking means 306 on the mating connector side. This can also be understood as the EGR intervention direction. A shift in the opposite direction allows the engagement to be released.

The one in the Figures 1 to 6 Push-pull connector 200 shown has three spring-loaded locking means 204 (see Figures 4 and 6 ), whereby the function of the spring-loaded locking means 204 is explained below using a single spring-loaded locking means 204 and the explanations can be transferred to the other spring-loaded locking means 204.

Furthermore, the push-pull connector 200 has an actuating element 206, which is movable along an unlocking direction that runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction E and relative to the spring-loaded latching means 204. By moving the actuating element 206 in the unlocking direction, preferably counter to the insertion direction E, the actuating element 206 causes a displacement of the spring-loaded locking means 204 in such a way that they are moved out of their engagement position with the locking means 306 on the mating connector side. In other words, moving the actuating element 306 in the unlocking direction causes the engagement between the spring-loaded locking means 204 and the locking means 306 on the mating connector side to be released in order to separate the push-pull connector 200 from the mating connector 300.

As in Figure 2 shown in more detail, the mating connector 300 has a mating connector housing 308, with the plug-in area 302 being formed in and/or on the mating connector housing 308. The Plug-in area 302 can in particular have a substantially cylindrical inner wall on which the locking means 306 on the mating connector side are formed. The locking means 306 on the mating connector side can in particular be designed as a recess or recess on the inner wall.

The push-pull connector 200 has, in particular, a resilient arm 208 for each spring-mounted latching means 204, on which the respective spring-mounted latching means 204 is designed as a latching lug 204. The resilient arm 208 can extend between a first fixed end 222 and a second free movable end 220 essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, with the free end 220 lying in the insertion direction starting from the fixed end 222.

Furthermore, the actuating element 206 has a latching means opening 210 through which the latching lug 204 can be moved into and out of the engaged position.

Like in the Figures 3A and 3B shown in more detail, the locking means opening 210 has two opposite edge sections 212 and 214, which limit the extent of the locking means opening 210 along the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the locking lug 204 has a first contact surface 216 that is positioned or inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200. The first contact surface 216 is inclined such that the distance between the first contact surface 216 and the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200 decreases as the first contact surface 216 extends in the insertion direction.

When moving the actuating element 206 in the unlocking direction and relative to the first contact surface 216, a first edge section 212 of the two edge sections 212 and 214 contacts the first contact surface 216 and is pushed onto it, causing the locking lug 204 to be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. A second contact surface 218 of the spring-loaded latching means 204, which engages behind the mating connector-side latching means 306, is moved out of the engaged position. In particular, this results from moving the actuating element 206 in the unlocking direction and relative to the spring-loaded locking means 204, that the second contact surface 218 is moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200 in order to release the gripping behind of the locking means 306 on the mating connector side. When moving the actuating element 206 counter to the unlocking direction and relative to the first contact surface 216 or the spring-loaded latching means 204, the restoring ability of the resilient arm 208 causes the spring-loaded latching means 204 to be moved away from the longitudinal axis L and in the direction of the mating connector-side latching means 306.

Like in the Figures 3A and 3B shown in more detail, the locking lug 204 or the spring-loaded locking means 204 does not contact the other edge section 214, hereinafter referred to as the second edge section 214, of the two edge sections 212 and 214. Consequently, the spring-loaded locking means 204 or the locking lug 204 is not hindered by the second edge section 214 when moving in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200, which means that the push-pull connector 200 can be easily connected and disconnected from the mating connector 300 made possible with little effort.

Like from the Figures 2 and 3B As can be seen, the mating connector-side latching means 306 can have a latching means contact surface 310, with the second contact surface 218 engaging behind the latching means contact surface 310 in the engaged position or contacting it flatly. The second contact surface 218 can in particular point in the unlocking direction and the latching means contact surface 310 can point in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. Furthermore, seen in the engaged position, the second edge section 214 can be formed in the insertion direction E at least up to the level of the locking means 306 on the mating connector side and in particular the locking means contact surface 310. In other words, in the engaged position, the second edge section 214 extends in the insertion direction E at least up to the height of the locking means contact surface 310.

As in Figure 5 shown in more detail, the locking lug 204 may have a connecting surface 224 which extends from the second contact surface 218 to the resilient arm 208, the connecting surface 224 and one side of the resilient arm 208, from which the locking lug extends, forming an angle α of approximately 65° to 75°, preferably from about 67° to 73°, and particularly including about 70°. The angle information for the angle α is to be understood in particular based on an observation of the longitudinal section through the push-pull connector 200. In the non-connected state of the push-pull connector 200 with the mating connector 300, the side of the resilient arm 208 from which the locking lug 204 extends runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the push-pull connector 200. The second is in the engaged position Edge section 214 is arranged between the resilient arm 208 and the mating connector 300 and the second edge section 214 and the connecting surface 224 lie opposite one another (see Figure 3B ). The predetermined angle α makes it possible that when the locking lug 204 is displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the locking lug 204 does not contact the second edge section 214, so that the locking lug 204 can be moved unhindered by the second edge section 214.

As in Figure 4 shown, the actuating element 206 can be designed as an elongated hollow body, the longitudinal axis of which coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200. Furthermore, the resilient arms 208 run on the inside of the actuating element 206 ( Fig. 2 ). In particular, the actuating element 206 can have its own guide channel 226 for each spring-mounted latching means 204, which is formed on the inside of the actuating element 206 and in which the resilient arm 208 runs. The longitudinal direction of the guide channel 226 can run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200.

Furthermore, the actuating element 206 has an externally accessible actuating section 228, which is preferably essentially hollow cylindrical in shape and which can be grasped by an operator in order to move the actuating element 206 along the unlocking direction. Furthermore, the actuating element 206 can have an insertion section 230, which forms the insertion area 202. The insertion section 230 is arranged after the actuation section 208 in the insertion direction E and is preferably designed to be hollow cylindrical. The insertion section 230 has, among other things, the locking means opening 210. Furthermore, the actuating element 206 be formed in one piece.

The resilient arms 208 can be formed on an annular section 232 of an arm support element 234 designed as an elongated hollow body. The longitudinal axis of the arm support element 234 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200 and the annular section 232 is formed at an end of the arm support element 234 lying in the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the fixed end 222 of the resilient arm 208 is fixed to the annular section 232 and the resilient arm 208 extends from the annular section 232 in the insertion direction E.

Like in the Figures 3B and 6 shown is the second contact surface 218, in particular along the engagement direction Egr, in which the spring-loaded locking means engages in the mating connector-side locking means 306 and which essentially points radially outwards from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector (200), shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded Locking means 204 in the mating connector-side locking means 306 in the engaged position or the corresponding dimension of the locking means contact surface 310. The engagement depth can be understood in particular as the depth of the mating connector-side locking means 306, which is designed as a recess or recess.

In particular, in the case of a push-pull connector 200 designed as a round connector, looking at the second contact surface 218 in the insertion direction E, the second contact surface 218 can have the shape of a segment of a circular ring, the width of the circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer Radius and the inner radius, which form the circular ring, is smaller than the engagement depth or the depth of the mating connector-side locking means 306, which is designed as a recess or recess. In Figure 6 the shape of the second contact surface 218 can be seen, where Figure 6 a top view of the in, looking in the insertion direction E Figure 4 shown arm support element 234 shows.

Furthermore, the mating connector-side locking means 306 can have a locking means contact surface 310, which is opposite to the insertion direction E the locking means contact surface 310 is designed to be visible, circular ring-shaped or circular ring segment-shaped. The width of this circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer radius and the inner radius, which form the circular ring or the circular ring segment, can preferably be larger than the corresponding width of the second contact surface 218. Preferably, in the engaged position, the second contact surface 218 engages behind it the full width of the latching means contact surface 310. This can advantageously prevent unlocking of the latching means when pulling on a cable received by the push-pull connector 200.

Furthermore, a contact element holder 236 can be arranged in and/or on the arm support element 234. The contact element holder 236 can have an electrical contact element that can be connected to a line of a data, signal or power cable that can be received by the push-pull connector 200. Accordingly, the mating connector 300 can have a complementary contact element holder with a complementary electrical contact element that can be electrically connected to the contact element of the push-pull connector 200.

Furthermore, the push-pull connector can have a spring element 238, which is arranged between the annular section 232 and the actuating element 206 and which presses the actuating element 206 against the unlocking direction E.

The plug-in area 302 of the mating connector 300 can have a multi-part, in particular three-part, thread 312. The multi-part thread 312 can be used to fix the insertion area 202 of the push-pull connector 200. For this purpose, a screw ring (not shown here) of the push-pull connector 200 can be screwed into the multi-part thread 312.

Reference symbol list

100

Connector system

200

Push-pull connector

202

Insertion area

204

Spring-loaded locking device/locking lug

206

Actuator

208

springy arm

210

Detent opening

212

first edge section

214

second edge section

216

first contact surface spring-loaded locking means

218

second contact surface spring-loaded locking means

220

free end spring arm

222

fixed end spring arm

224

connection surface

226

Guide channel

228

Operating section

230

Insert section

232

annular section

234

Arm support element

236

Contact element holder

238

Spring element

300

Mating connector

302

Plugging area

306

Locking means on the mating connector side

308

Mating connector housing

310

Locking center contact surface

312

thread

E

Insertion direction

Egr

Direction of engagement

α

angle

Claims (15)

Push-pull connector (200) for releasably connecting to a mating connector (300), the push-pull connector (200) having: - a spring-loaded locking means (204), which in an engaged position is designed to engage behind a locking means (306) on the mating connector side in order to secure the push-pull connector (200) on the mating connector (300), - an actuating element (206), which is movable relative to the spring-mounted latching means (204), wherein moving the actuating element (206) in an unlocking direction causes the spring-mounted latching means (204) to be displaced from the engagement position in order to engage behind the latching means on the mating connector side ( 306) to be released by the spring-loaded locking means (204), wherein the actuating element (206) has a locking means opening (210) through which the spring-loaded locking means (204) can be moved into and out of the engagement position, wherein the latching means opening (210) has two opposite edge sections (212, 214) which determine the extent of the latching means opening (210) along an insertion direction (E) in which the push-pull connector (200) is inserted into the mating connector (300). , limit, wherein a first edge section (212) of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface (216) of the spring-loaded locking means (204) when the actuating element (206) is moved in the unlocking direction in order to shift a second contact surface (218) of the spring-loaded locking means (204). the engagement position in which the second contact surface (218) engages behind the locking means (306) on the mating connector side, wherein the spring-loaded locking means (204) does not contact the second edge section (214) in the engaged position. Push-pull connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the spring-loaded latching means (204) is designed such that it does not contact the second edge portion (214) when moving out of the engaged position. Push-pull connector (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, as seen in the Engagement position, the second edge section (214) is formed in the insertion direction (E) at least up to the level of the mating connector-side locking means (306). Push-pull connector (200) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising:
a resilient arm (208) which is elongated along the insertion direction (E) and has a first fixed end (222) and a second free end (220), the spring-loaded locking means (204) acting as a locking lug on the second end (220) of the resilient arm ( 208) is trained. Push-pull connector (200) according to claim 4, wherein the locking lug (204) has a connection surface (224) which extends from the second contact surface (218) to the resilient arm (208), the connection surface (224) and a Side of the resilient arm (208), from which the locking lug (204) extends, includes an angle of approximately 65° to 75°, preferably approximately 67° to 73°, and in particular approximately 70°. Push-pull connector (200) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the actuating element (206) is designed as an elongated hollow body, on the inside of which the resilient arm (208) runs and which has the latching means opening (210). The push-pull connector (200) of claim 6, wherein the elongated hollow body further comprises: a guide channel (226) in which the resilient arm (228) extends and which has the latching means opening (210). Push-pull connector (200) according to one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising an arm support element (234) designed as an elongated hollow body, having an annular section (232) to which the first end (222) of the resilient arm is fixed and from which the resilient arm (208) extends in the insertion direction (E). The push-pull connector (200) of claim 8, wherein the resilient arm (208), the arm support member (234), and the spring-loaded latching means (204) are formed in one piece. Push-pull connector (200) for releasably connecting to a mating connector (300), the push-pull connector (200) having: - a spring-loaded locking means (204), which in an engaged position is designed to engage behind a locking means (306) on the mating connector side in order to secure the push-pull connector (200) on the mating connector (300), - an actuating element (206), which is movable relative to the spring-mounted latching means (204), wherein moving the actuating element (206) in an unlocking direction causes the spring-mounted latching means (204) to be displaced from the engagement position in order to engage behind the latching means on the mating connector side ( 306) to be released by the spring-loaded locking means (204), wherein the actuating element (206) has a locking means opening (210) through which the spring-loaded locking means (204) can be moved into and out of the engagement position, wherein the latching means opening (210) has two opposite edge sections (212, 214) which determine the extent of the latching means opening (210) along an insertion direction (E) in which the push-pull connector (200) is inserted into the mating connector (300). , limit, wherein a first edge section (212) of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface (216) of the spring-loaded locking means (204) when the actuating element (206) is moved in the unlocking direction in order to shift a second contact surface (218) of the spring-loaded locking means (204). the engagement position in which the second contact surface (218) engages behind the locking means (306) on the mating connector side, wherein the second contact surface (218) is shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded latching means (204) in the mating connector-side latching means (306) in the engaged position. Push-pull connector (200) according to claim 10, wherein the spring-loaded latching means (204) does not contact the second edge portion (214) in the engaged position. Push-pull connector (200) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the Spring-loaded locking means (204) is designed such that it does not contact the second edge section (214) when moving out of the engaged position. Push-pull connector (200) according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, seen in the engaged position, the second edge section (214) is formed in the insertion direction (E) at least up to the height of the locking means (306) on the mating connector side. Push-pull connector (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the push-pull connector (100) is a round connector. Connector system (100), comprising: a push-pull connector (200) according to one of the preceding claims, and a mating connector (300) which can be releasably connected to the push-pull connector (200), the mating connector having a locking means (306) on the mating connector side.

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