WO2018065612A1

WO2018065612A1 - Quick-lock-connector

Info

Publication number: WO2018065612A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/075569
Authority: WO
Inventors: Urs Frischknecht
Original assignee: Huber+Suhner Ag
Priority date: 2016-10-06
Filing date: 2017-10-06
Publication date: 2018-04-12

Abstract

A connector assembly, preferably for coaxial cables, comprises a first and a second connector portion. The first connector portion comprises a first housing having an outer peripheral latching step arranged coaxially with respect to a connector axis. The second connector portion is interconnectable with the first connector portion along a connector axis and comprises a second housing and a thereto interconnected locking element. The locking element further comprises an annular base and multiple therefrom extending resilient latching fingers extending essentially in the direction of the connector axis. ln the region of their free end a latching tooth is formed, suitable to automatically latch behind the peripheral latching step of the first connector portion during locking of the first and the second connector portion. The resilient latching fingers further comprise a first actuating portion on the latching teeth. An actuating sleeve is arranged peripheral with respect to the locking element displaceable in the direction of the connector axis, comprising a second actuating portion foreseen to interact during unlocking with the first actuating portion to disengage the resilient latching fingers with respect to the outer peripheral latching step. An alignment means is arranged between the locking element and the actuating sleeve, which limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve.

Description

QUICK-LOCK CONNECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connector, preferably a connector for coaxial cables having a quick-lock function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known in the field of connectors, in particular for coaxial cables, to use quick-release locks which operate with a locking element that latches on the counterpart and can be released again by means of a specific actuating element. Similar quick-release locks have also been used in flexible-tube connections for a long time. EP1222717, published on 1 7.07.2002 by the same applicant, shows an electrical plug connector having a housing, which is open at a front side to enable the plugging in of a mating connector and has a channel extending therethrough. An inner conduct contact is isolated and arranged therein. Connecting means are used to mechanically connect the plug connector housing to the mating connector. The connecting means are realized so that they exert an axial clamping force on the mating connector, which clamps an outer conductor contact surface of the mating connector against an outer conductor contact surface of the plug connector. After the mating connector has been connected, the two parts are mechanically connected to each other and the above mentioned contact is guaranteed without the requirement for additional measures. WO07062845, published on 07.06.2007 by Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH, relates to a RF plug connector having a plug head on which a sliding sleeve is seated which can be rotated, can be moved axially and clasps a radially elastic collet in such a manner that the sliding sleeve compresses the collet radially in the coupled state. The collet is ar- ranged such that it cannot be moved axially on the plug head. For connection to a coupler with an external thread, the collet has internal profiling on the plug side, in particular an internal thread with a pitch which is not the same as that of the external thread of the coupler.

EP1746691 , published on 24.01 .2007 by IMS Connector Systems GmbH, concerns a co- axial connector plug and mating plug in which the connector plug has a clamp sleeve and a sliding sleeve that can be moved axially to mechanically connect the connector housing with the mating plug. The sliding sleeve surrounds the clamp sleeve in the operating position and exerts on it a force directed radially inward in the operating position. The clamp sleeve can be made to rest against the mating plug at a clamp surface, and an outer con- ductor contact surface of the mating plug can be clamped axially against an outer conductor contact surface of the connector plug.

EP2615699, published on 1 7.07.201 3 by Spinner GmbH, discloses a coaxial connector system comprising a coaxial plug connector and socket connector. The coaxial connectors have a center conductor defining a center axis of the connector and an outer conductor coaxial to the center conductor. The plug connector's outer conductor has a cylindrical shape with slits forming a plurality of spring loaded contact elements, while the socket connector^'s outer conductor is a cylindrical shape forming a contact surface. Furthermore, the connectors have a mechanical contact surface at a right angle to their center axis and distant from the spring loaded contact elements and the contact surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Connectors with a quick-release, respective a quick-lock function known from the prior art have generally a long structural form in the direction of the connector axis if compared to connectors that are e.g. locked by means of a screw. This is due to the fact that the locking, respectively unlocking, mechanism as well as the radial and axial support of an actuating sleeve that can be pulled in one direction in order to unlock the connection is generally rather space consuming. Furthermore, the actuating sleeve is usually loosely installed on the respective connector portion for a smooth displacement of the same. However, under certain circumstances this may cause small vibrations of the sleeve arranged on the connector and influence its electrical properties which may cause interference with a signal to be transmitted by the connector assembly, as by passive intermodulation of the transmitted signal (PIM). It is an object of the present invention to improve the above mentioned disadvantages of the prior art quick-lock connectors and provide a short and compact connector with a quick-lock and quick-release function that can be built in a cost efficient manner. It is a further object of the invention to improve the overall damping of mechanical vibrations between individual connector parts and hence enhance the quality of a signal to be trans- mitted by such a connector. A connector assembly according to invention typically comprises a first and a second connector portion. The first connector portion comprises a first housing having an outer peripheral latching step arranged coaxially with respect to a connector axis. The second connector portion is interconnectable with the first connector portion along a connector axis and comprises a second housing and a thereto interconnected locking element. The first and second housings are preferably housings of coaxial electrical connectors, however the invention is not limited to electrical connectors and hence the housings may also be housings of optical connectors, respectively of connectors used to interconnect optical conductors/cables. The locking element further comprises an annular base and multiple therefrom extending resilient latching fingers extending essentially in the direction of the connector axis. In the region of their free end a latching tooth is formed, suitable to automatically latch behind the peripheral latching step of the first connector portion during locking of the first and the second connector portion. Preferably, the resilient latching fingers further comprise a first actuating portion on the latching teeth. An actuating sleeve is arranged peripherally with respect to the locking element and displaceable (relatively to the locking element) in direction of the connector axis, comprising a second actuating portion foreseen to interact during unlocking with the first actuating portion to disengage the resilient latching fingers with respect to the outer peripheral latching step. An alignment means is arranged between the locking element and the actuating sleeve, which limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve.

Preferably, the alignment means is annularly shaped around the connector axis with an essential coaxial shape. It is further advantageous if the alignment means is designed con- ically shaped with a central opening to mount the same on the locking element. The conic shape in respect to the connector axis amplifies the resilient properties of the alignment means in the radial direction.

According to a one variation of the invention, the alignment means is attached to the actuating sleeve. This may e.g. be realized by providing a circumferential groove at the inner surface of the actuating sleeve in which the alignment means is engaged. The attachment of the two parts may cause that the alignment means and the actuating sleeve are displaced together in the axial direction. However, alternatively is also possible that the alignment means is mounted non-displaceable on the locking element and the engagement between the alignment means and the actuating sleeve allows only a certain axial displace- ment of the latter.

According to one variation of the invention, the alignment means at least partially encompasses the locking element circumferentially in the region of the latching fingers. However, it is also possible to mount the alignment means on the annular base of the locking element.

In the variation where the alignment means encompasses the locking element in the region of the latching fingers, the alignment means exerts no substantial radial force on the resilient latching fingers. Even though the latching fingers bend outwards during the locking or unlocking process, the presence of the alignment means does not substantially influence the force needed to deform the latches respectively the force needed to lock or unlock the connector. However, in some applications it may be advantageous that at least during un- locking the alignment means exerts a radial force on at least one of the resilient latching fingers. Supplementary, the alignment means may comprise at least one slot. The slot may be a single slot which extends through the whole alignment means giving the alignment means a collar-like shape which allows a deformation in order to easily attach the alignment means on the locking element. Alternatively or in addition to that, at least one slot that is not continuous through the structure may be used in order to adapt the deformation properties, respective the elastic behavior of the alignment means.

Preferably, the alignment means additionally supports the actuating sleeve in a radial direction. Therefore, the alignment means may comprise a radially deformable resilient portion which is maintaining an initial tension in the radial direction and hence may attenuate vibrations of the actuating sleeve. This is advantageous since such vibrations may affect the electrical properties of the signal transmission. Hence, less mechanical vibrations serve to enhance the transmitted signal quality.

The alignment means may e.g. be made from a plastic, a rubber or spring steel. Good results may be obtained if the material has an adequate stiffness in order to fixate the actu- ating sleeve in an axial direction, suitable deformation properties for the mounting of the alignment means as well as that the material has resilient properties in order to ensure a radial dampening and support of the actuating sleeve.

According to a further variation of the invention, the axial limitation of the actuating sleeve may be realized by providing a stop for a displaceable alignment means in the axial direc- tion. Advantageously, the displacement may be limited such that the engagement of the first and the second actuating portions is not disrupted and at least partially maintained, independently of the displacement of the actuating element. Hence, the radial support of the actuating sleeve which is given by the engagement of the actuating portion and the alignment means is even present if the two connector portions are disconnected.

The engagement of the first and the second actuating portions may cause a pre-tension of the resilient latching fingers that are slightly bend outwards due to the engagement. This pre-tension may further radially support the actuating sleeve if the two connector portions are disconnected.

The stop further prohibits that the actuating sleeve slips off the second connector portion in the direction opposite of the direction in which the second connector portion is connected with the first connector portion. Generally, this is the only direction the actuating sleeve may slip off, however in any case a limitation, respective a stop in both directions may also be provided.

In a further variation of the invention, the annular base of the locking element may provide an additional support for the actuating sleeve in the radial direction. Preferably, the actuating sleeve is supported on two different positions on the locking element which are sufficiently distanced from each other but still ensure a short and compact design of the locking, respective unlocking, mechanism with the alignment means orientated between the two outer supporting positions.

The radial support may be further designed in a way that the actuating sleeve is guided during its displacement in the axial direction over a guiding surface of the annual base of the locking element.

Preferably, the actuating sleeve does hereby not extend over the annular base of the locking element in the direction opposite of the direction in which the second connector portion is connected with the first connector portion in order to keep the overall length of the connector portion short. In comparison to the quick-lock connectors of the prior art this is not necessary since the mechanical realization of the limitation of the axial displacement of the activating sleeve has been realized in a space saving manner by arranging the alignment means which restricts the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve in between the locking element and the actuating sleeve.

In a preferred variation of the invention, the annular base of the locking element comprises a contact area to interconnect the annular base to the second housing. This may be advantageous for certain applications since in that way other alternative locking mechanisms may be attached on the same and/or a different contact area which in turn reduces the overall costs. Advantageously, the locking element may be pressed on a contact area on the second housing of the second connector portion, respectively an interference-fit may be applied, however, other connection means are possible such as the use of glue and/or additional mechanical parts. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to pro-vide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing schematically:

Fig. 1 A first variation of the second connector portion according to the invention in a partly sectionized perspective view;

Fig. 2 Another variation of a second connector portion according to the invention in a partly sectionized perspective view;

Fig. 3 A dissembled view of the first variation of the second connector portion according to Figure 1 ;

Fig. 4 A variation of the connector assembly according to the invention in a perspective view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. Figure 1 shows a first variation of a second connector portion 3 according to the invention in a perspective view which is partly sectionized. The second connector portion 3 comprises a second housing 5. In can be seen that the second housing 5 is a housing for interconnecting coaxial cable parts with an inner and an outer conductor as well as insulting parts. However, other housings for various applications such as optical cables connectors may be possible as well. On a contact area 1 9 on the second housing 5 a locking element 8 is pressed which further comprises an annular base 9 with thereto formed multiple resilient latching fingers 1 0 which extend essentially in the direction of the connector axis 7. In the region of the free end of each latching finger 1 0 a latching tooth 1 1 is positioned. The multiple latching teeth 1 1 are foreseen to latch behind a corresponding peripheral latching step 6 of a first housing 4 of a first connector portion foreseen to be connected to the second connector portion. The resilient latching fingers 10 may comprise a first actuating portion 1 2 on the latching tooth 1 1 . In the preferred variation, the first actuating portion 1 2 comprises a slopped surface such as shown. An actuating sleeve 1 3 is further arranged peripheral with respect to the locking element 8. The actuating sleeve is displaceable in the direction of the connector axis 7 (x-direction) and comprises a second actuating portion 14 foreseen to interact during unlocking with the first actuating portion to disengage the resilient latching fingers 1 0 from the outer peripheral latching step 6. The second actuating portion 1 4 has preferably also a sloped sur- face which is compatible with the sloped surface of the first actuating portion 1 2 and is designed to transfer the forces during locking in order to lift the resilient latching fingers 1 0 over the peripheral latching step 6.

An annular shaped, conically alignment means 1 5 is arranged between the locking element 8 and the actuating sleeve 1 3. Preferably, the alignment means 1 5 at least partially encompasses the locking element 8 in the region of the latching fingers 1 0. The alignment means 1 5 may be made preferably of plastic material, however also materials such as rubber or spring steel represent possible alternatives.

In the shown variation, the alignment means 1 5 is attached to the actuating sleeve 1 3 and on one hand limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3. Hereby, the alignment means 1 5 extends in a circumferential groove 20 in the inside of the actuating sleeve 1 3, however other interconnection ways are possible. In the shown variation, if the actuating sleeve 1 3 is axially displaced during unlocking, the alignment means 1 5 is displaced together with the actuating sleeve 1 3. At least one stop 1 8, preferably arranged on the out- side of each latching teeth 1 1 , prohibits the alignment means 1 5 to slip from the locking element 8 and hence limits the axial displacement of the same. Since in the shown variation the alignment means 1 5 is displaced together with the actuating sleeve 1 3, the at least one stop 1 8 further prohibit that the actuating sleeve 1 3 slips off the second connector portion 3 and simultaneously limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3. Preferably, the displacement of the actuating sleeve is limited in a way, that the contact between the first actuating portion 1 2 of the latching fingers 1 0 and the second actuating portion 14 of the actuating sleeve 1 3 is not disconnected during the displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3 such that a contact of the two actuating portions 1 2, 14 is at least partially maintained independently of the axial position of the actuating sleeve 1 3. This is advantageous, since in that way the actuating sleeve 1 3 is supported on two different positions on the locking element 8 which are sufficiently distanced from each other but still ensure a short an compact design of the locking, respective unlocking, mechanism with the alignment means orientated between the two supporting positions. Furthermore, the alignment means 1 5 may comprise a radially deformable resilient portion 1 7 which is maintaining an initial tension in the radial direction. This initial tension may dampen mechanical vibrations of the actuating sleeve. Hereby an adequate stiffness is needed in order to fixate the actuating sleeve in an axial direction as well as sufficient resil- ient properties in order to ensure the radial support and dampening qualities for the actuating sleeve.

During locking, the first connector portion is inserted in the second connector portion and the peripheral latching step of the first housing of the first connector portion engages with the first actuating portion 1 2 of the latching teeth 1 1 of the resilient latching finders 1 0 of the locking element 8. In the shown example, the first actuating portion 1 2 has a sloped surface on which the axial force is divided in an axial and a radial component lifting the latching fingers 1 0 over the peripheral latching step 6. In the shown preferred variation of the invention, the presence of the alignment means 1 5 does not substantially affect the force needed for the connection. In the shown variation of the invention, the actuating sleeve 1 3 is pulled backwards (negative x-direction) in the direction opposite of the direction in which the second connector portion 3 is connected with the first connector portion 2 to unlock the two connector portions 2,3. Simultaneously to the displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3, the alignment means 1 5 is displaced in the same direction. When the actuating sleeve 1 3 is pulled back- wards (negative x-direction), the first and the second actuating portions 1 2, 14 engage further and the latching teeth 1 1 are lifted over the peripheral latching step 6. Hence, the first connector portion 2 can be pulled out of the second connector portion 3. Figure 3 shows a dissembled view of the second connector portion 3 according to the preferred variation, as described in Figure 1 . Here, it can be seen that the locking element 8 is foreseen to be pressed on a contact area 1 9 of the second housing 5. The alignment means 1 5 is mounted on the locking element. For doing so, the alignment means 1 5 has preferably a single slot 1 8 through the structure so that the alignment means 1 5 may be bend outwards during mounting of said alignment means 1 5 on the locking element 8. Further slots may be present which are not continuous through the structure. This may be advantageous in order to obtain a certain resilient properties in the radial direction. Finally, the actuating sleeve 1 3 can be mounted to the assembled parts by radially compressing the alignment means 1 5. In the preferred variation of the invention, the alignment mean 1 5 will expand after being radially compressed together and lock in the circumferential groove 20 of on the inside of the actuating sleeve 1 3.

Figure 2 shows another variation of a second connector portion 3 according to the invention in a perspective view which is partly sectionized. In this variation, the alignment means 1 5 is located on the annular base 9 of the locking element 8, encompassing the same. Hence, in this variation the alignment means 1 5 is not axially displaced together with the actuating sleeve 1 3 but is instead axially fixed. However, the alignment means 1 5 still limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3. For that purpose, the alignment means is attached in a circumferential groove 20 which is orientated at the inside of the actuating sleeve 1 3. A sidewall of the circumferential groove 20 acts as a stop 1 8 in order to limit the displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3. In this variation of the invention the alignment means 1 5 may also be made of a resilient plastic material that may dampen vibrations of the actuating sleeve 1 3. However, as explained above, the material must maintain a certain stiffness in order to bear an axial force and to limit the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve 1 3. Figure 4 illustrates a variation of a connector assembly 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The shown connector assembly 1 comprises a first connector portion 2 and a thereto interconnectable second connector portion 3. The first connector portion 2 has an outer peripheral latching step 6 arranged coaxially with respect to a connector axis 7 foreseen to interact during locking with the latching teeth 1 1 of the resilient latching fingers 1 0 of the locking element 8. The second connector portion 3 has an actuating sleeve 1 3 displaceable in the direction of the connector axis 7.

Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

1 Connector assembly

2 First connector portion

3 Second connector portion

4 First housing

5 Second housing

6 Peripheral latching step

7 Connector axis

8 Locking element

9 Annular Base

10 Resilient latching finders

11 Latching tooth

12 First actuating portion

13 Actuating sleeve

14 Second actuating portion

15 Alignment means

16 Slot

17 Resilient portion

18 Stop

19 Contact area

20 Circumferential groove

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Connector assembly ( 1 ) comprising a. a first connector portion (2) with a first housing (4) having an outer peripheral latching step (6) arranged coaxially with respect to a connector axis (7) and b. a second connector portion (3) interconnectable with the first connector portion (2), comprising i. a second housing (5) and ii. a thereto interconnected locking element (8) comprising

1 . an annular base (9) and

2. multiple resilient latching fingers ( 10) extending from the annular base in the direction of the connector axis (7) and having in the region of their free end a latching tooth ( 1 1 ),

3. suitable to automatically latch behind the peripheral latching step (6) of the first connector portion(2) during locking of the first (2) and the second connector portion (3 ), said resilient latching fingers ( 1 0) comprising a first actuating portion ( 1 2); iii. an actuating sleeve ( 1 3) arranged peripherally with respect to the locking element (8) displaceable in the direction of the connector axis (7), comprising a second actuating portion ( 1 4) foreseen to interact during unlocking with the first actuating portion ( 1 2) to disengage the resilient latching fingers ( 1 0) with respect to the outer peripheral latching step (6), and iv. an alignment means ( 1 5) arranged between the locking element (8) and the actuating sleeve ( 1 3) which limits the axial displacement of the actuating sleeve ( 1 3).

2. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) is annular shaped.

3. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) encompasses at least partially the locking element (8) in the region of the latching fingers ( 1 0).

4. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) supports the actuating sleeve ( 1 3) in radial direction.

5. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) is conically shaped.

6. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) comprises at least one slot ( 1 6).

7. The connector assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) comprises a radially deformable resilient portion ( 1 7).

8. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) is made from a plastic, rubber or spring steel.

9. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) provides a stop ( 1 8) in axial direction.

10. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular base (9) provides a support for the actuating sleeve ( 1 3) in a radial direction.

1 1. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating sleeve ( 1 3) does not extend over the annular base (9) of the locking element (8) in the direction opposite of the direction in which the second connector portion (3) is connected with the first connector portion (2).

12. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular base (9) comprises a contact area ( 1 9) to interconnect the annular base (9) to the second housing ( 5 ) .

13. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) is attached to the actuating sleeve ( 1 3 ).

14. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (8) is pressed on a contact area ( 1 9) on a second housing (5) of the second connector portion (3).

15. The connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the alignment means ( 1 5) at least during unlocking exerts a radial force on at least one of the resilient latching fingers ( 1 0).

16. First connector portion (2) suitable to be used in a connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the previous claims.

17. Second connector portion (3) suitable to be used in a connector assembly ( 1 ) according to one of the claims 1 - 1 5.