Circular plug connector with shielded connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a circular plug connector for detachable connection of lines, having at least one housing element for accommodating at least one insulator and at least one locking element for detachable connection to a counter plug connector. Here, the housing element accommodates at least one encircling spring element. The spring element is for connecting an electromagnetic shield, is made of an electrically conductive material and is distinguished in that it has at least one ring which is held in an encircling recess of the housing element and at least one substantially axially extending wing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application is based on a circular plug connector with a shielding connection, in particular a circular plug connector with a push-pull locking device.

[0002] Circular plug connectors of this type are required in order to connect cables, in particular cables comprising electrically conductive core wires, to devices and / or to other cables. In particular in the field of data transmission, cables and plug connectors with high electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) are required. To this end, the cables and at least the core wires contained therein are wrapped with electrically conductive wires, wire meshes and / or foils. In order to transmit this shielding through the plug connector, various means for a shielding connection are used. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the prior art, elastic elements made of electrically conductive material are preferably used in order to transfer the electromagnetic shielding from an electrically conductive cable through the plug connector to a counter plug connector.

[0004] The use of spring washers is generally recommended, in particular in the case of circular plug connectors. The use of corrugated spring washers for a shielding connection is particularly popular in the case of circular plug connectors.

[0005] The use of spring washers, including corrugated spring washers, has the disadvantage that, in the case of circular plug connectors with a so-called push-pull locking device, there is a lack of safety in use. Due to the working manner of the locking, the use of simple spring washers cannot sufficiently ensure that the shielding connection is reliably guaranteed also during handling and possible vibrations.

[0006] The German Patent and Trade Mark Office searched the following prior art in the priority application of the present application: DE 25 28 186 A1, GB 1032946 A and US 4,423,919 A. SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present application to equip known circular plug connectors with a push-pull locking device with an element for a shielding connection which can be produced simply and cost-effectively and which can be used reliably.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present application, a circular plug connector for a detachable connection of a line is proposed, which has at least one housing element for accommodating at least one insulator and at least one locking element for detachably connecting to a counter plug connector. Here, the housing element accommodates at least one encircling spring element. The spring element is for connecting an electromagnetic shield and is made of an electrically conductive material and is distinguished in that the spring element has at least one ring which is held in at least one recess in the housing element and at least one substantially axially extending wing.

[0009] The term "line" preferably refers to the electrically conductive core wire of a cable. Furthermore, optical signal lines or combinations of electrically conductive and / or optical signal and / or fluid lines can be used. A "housing element" refers in particular to at least one electrically conductive component of a circular plug connector, which is located in the connection area with a counterpart plug connector. The housing element is particularly preferably designed as a metal sleeve. In order to be connected to a conductor and / or a cable having a conductor, the circular plug connector can have various housing elements, for example a union nut for connecting the circular plug connector to a strain relief and / or a cable outlet.

[0010] A plastic column having at least one through-hole for accommodating at least one contact element is generally used as an insulator. The contact element establishes an electrical and / or optical and / or fluidic transmission with the connection of the respective contact element. The respective contact element is generally located in a counterpart plug connector or in a respective attachment housing corresponding to the circular plug connector.

[0011] A locking element refers to a component that interacts with a counterpart plug connector in order to prevent an undesired release of the plug connection. The spring element according to the application for a shielded connection is particularly advantageous when using a so-called push-pull locking mechanism. Such a locking mechanism is designed to have a latching shape, so that the individual latching shapes interact with one another when the plug connectors are plugged together. The connection can be easily released by exerting a pulling force on the housing element provided for this purpose, for example a hook, in at least one plug connector. In this case, the release shape, for example, acts on at least one locking element and releases it from the respective locking element.

[0012] The spring element according to the application is made of an electrically conductive material. In particular, the spring element is made of a metal material, in particular an alloy containing copper is provided, and very particularly preferably a copper beryllium alloy is used.

[0013] In the disclosure of the application, the at least one radial recess can first be understood as a recess into which the at least one ring of the spring element can be inserted. Particularly advantageously, the recess is also designed with at least one substantially axially arranged pocket, which is designed to at least partially accommodate the wing of the spring element.

[0014] One preferred embodiment provides that the wing of the spring element is oriented opposite the plugging direction of the circular plug connector, so that the ring points in the direction of the counterpart plug connector. This means that, in the plugging process of the circular plug connector with the counterpart plug connector, in any case the counterpart plug connector is first guided over the ring of the spring element, i.e. before reaching and contacting the wing of the spring element.

[0015] This embodiment simplifies the plugging process of the circular plug connector with the counterpart plug connector and enables a secure contact of the counterpart plug connector with the spring element.

[0016] One expedient embodiment provides that the wings have at least one concave curvature which extends substantially outside a hypothetical cylinder whose base is formed by the inner diameter of the ring.

[0017] This means that the wings arranged on the ring are shaped in such a way that they extend away from the ring of the housing element and the spring element. After reaching the maximum deflection, the wings continue to extend away from the ring, but at least partially extend again towards the housing element. This embodiment not only simplifies the plugging process of the circular plug connector with the mating plug connector, but also the release process of the plug connection, since the locking elements are guided in a simple manner over the spring element.

[0018] In one expedient embodiment, the wings have at least one concave curvature whose maximum deflection extends substantially outside a hypothetical cylinder whose base is formed by the outer diameter of the ring. This embodiment ensures reliable contact of the mating plug connector with the spring element. This ensures a shielded connection in a simple and effective manner. Ideally, the wings of the spring element are shaped here in such a way that the circular plug connector comes into contact with the spring element at two points of the housing element. The first contact point between the housing element and the spring element is here the ring of the spring element. The second contact point arises in the plugged state of the circular plug connector with the mating plug connector. Here, the highest deflection of the wings ensures the contact of the wings with the mating plug connector. This contact point in turn presses the wings in the direction of the housing element of the circular plug connector, so that the end of the wings comes into contact with the housing element, thereby creating, preferably strengthening, the second contact point.

[0019] One useful embodiment provides that the spring element has the same number of wings as the number of locking elements, wherein the number is greater than or equal to two.

[0020] The spring element is preferably designed with three, four or five wings. In particular, embodiments with at least six wings are provided. This embodiment achieves a secure locking of the circular plug connector with the mating plug connector and a stable shielded connection.

[0021] A particularly ingenious embodiment proposes that the wings of the spring element and the same number of locking elements are arranged alternately around the circumference of the housing element. In this way, the shielded connection and locking of the circular plug connector with a mating plug connector is advantageously strengthened. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using a push-pull locking mechanism. In this way, the locking elements and / or locking shapes of the mating plug connector are in firm contact both with the locking elements of the circular plug connector and with its spring elements. In particular, this embodiment provides that radially encircling latching hooks of the mating plug connector can be locked into engagement with the locking elements of the circular plug connector, wherein the spring elements between the locking elements are in direct abutment on these latching hooks of the mating plug connector, thus ensuring a shielded connection.

[0022] An embodiment provides that the spring element forms an electrically conductive connection with the housing element at least via the ring and with the mating plug connector at least with the deflection of the wings. This embodiment enables installation in a reduced installation space, wherein the length of the wings is just sufficient to form a curvature. However, the ends of the wings do not press against the housing element of the plug connector even in the plugged state. The ends of the wings are therefore designed to be free-floating. In particular, this design makes it easier for the circular plug connector to mate with the mating plug connector.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the spring element forms an electrically conductive connection with the housing element at least via the ring and at least one end region of the wings and with the mating plug connector at least with the deflection of the wings. This embodiment is essentially a little longer than the previously mentioned embodiment, but offers the advantage of a more reliable contact of the circular plug connector or the housing element of the circular plug connector and the mating plug connector used.

[0024] In a particularly ingenious embodiment, the spring element has at least one ring, the wings of which are deformed on the ring in a direction opposite to the plug-in direction by at least 60°. This embodiment enables the spring element to be fitted more firmly on the housing element of the circular plug connector, whereby the use of the embodiment with free-floating wings can also be simpler and more reliable. In particular, a spring element is proposed here, the wings of which are deformed on the ring by essentially 90°. Shaping refers in particular to the bending method, in particular to roll bending, die bending or free bending and / or rounding, but also a rolling manner is conceivable. The use of other shaping methods is conceivable and is generally known to the person skilled in the art. It follows that a ring of the spring element with at least one wing which extends at least essentially axially is oriented concentrically to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] An improved embodiment further specifies that the spring element is arranged in a recess in the housing element, wherein the ring is inserted in another recess in the housing element. This means that, particularly in the case of a concentrically oriented ring with an axially oriented wing, the spring element is essentially housed in a recess in the housing element, wherein the ring is arranged in another recess, particularly a circumferential groove. A particularly advantageous contact between the spring element and the housing element of the circular plug connector can be established through this recess. Furthermore, it is easier to arrange the wing according to the invention in a freely suspended manner in the circular plug connector. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in more detail below. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a circular plug connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view of a spring element for shielding connection according to the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view is shown, highlighting the shielded connection with a spring element including a concave wing, in the inserted state;

[0030] Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view is shown, highlighting the shielded connection with spring elements including concave floating wings in the inserted state;

[0031] Figure 5 A perspective view of the alternative circular plug connector according to the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 A perspective view of an alternative spring element for shielding connection according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view is shown, highlighting the shielded connection with an alternative spring element including a concave wing, in the inserted state;

[0034] Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view is shown, highlighting the shielded connection with an alternative spring element including a concave floating wing, in the inserted state.

[0035] These accompanying drawings contain partially simplified schematic diagrams. In some cases, the same reference numerals are used for the same, but necessary, different, elements. Different views of the same element may be scaled differently.

[0036] Directional expressions such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front" and "back" refer to the respective illustration and can change depending on the illustrated element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 A plug-in area of a round plug connector 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the round plug connector 1 has at least two housing elements 2 and 2'. Here, the housing element 2 accommodates an insulation body 3. The recesses in the housing element 2 accommodate locking elements 4 along the outer circumference of the housing element 2. The locking elements 4 are designed as latching hooks and are provided for a push-pull locking mechanism. Also visible is a spring element 6 for shielding the connection, which is accommodated by the housing element 2. The spring element 6 is located in a substantially uniform recess 7, wherein a portion of the recess 7 accommodates a surrounding ring 8 of the spring element 6. Wings 9 of the spring element 6 are held between the locking elements 4 in the pocket-like area of the recess 7. It can further be seen that the locking elements 4 and the wings 9 of the spring element 6 alternate circumferentially on the housing element 2. It is also clear that the wings 9 arranged on the ring 8 of the spring element 6 are oppositely oriented to the plug-in direction R s . In order to separate the locking elements 4 from the spring element 6, a tab on the housing element 2 can be seen in the shown embodiment of the round plug connector 1, which is formed by the recesses of the locking elements 4 and the recess 7 for the spring element 6.

[0038] Figure 2 A spring element 6 according to the invention is shown, from which the structure of the spring element 6 can be clearly seen. The spring element 6, which is manufactured for example by a punching method, has a ring 8 with a gap at first. The gap results from the manufacturing method and a subsequent forming method, for example a rolling method or a roll forming method. The wings 9 provided for contacting a mating plug connector 5 are materially connected to the ring 8. For this purpose, the wings 9 are usually formed in the punching method or remain on the ring 8. In the forming method, the wings 9 are given their outwardly pointing concave shape. In principle, the wings 9 can be connected to the ring 8 using materially locking methods, for example by a soldering method or a welding method. The wings 9 are essentially held outside a hypothetical cylinder, the diameter of which is assumed to be the inner diameter d I of the ring 8. The wings 9 each have an end, wherein in the preferred embodiment the end remains within the hypothetical hollow cylinder, the base of which can essentially be represented by the outer diameter d A and the inner diameter d l of the ring 8.

[0039] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A basically comparable structure of a plug connection is shown, which has a plug connector 1 and a mating plug connector 5. However, the embodiment of the spring element 6 is different here. In the shown embodiment, the spring element 6 has a ring 8, which is provided with wings 9. The wings 9 are materially connected to the ring 8, for example by a soldering method or a welding method. The wings 9 are essentially held outside a hypothetical cylinder, the diameter of which is assumed to be the inner diameter d Figure 3In the middle, the spring element 6 is shown with wings 9, which extend from the ring 8 to the housing element 2'. Here, the wings 9 are arranged opposite one another. The ends of the wings 9 are in contact with the housing element 2 at least to some extent. s The ends of the wings 9 arranged opposite one another are in contact with the housing element 2 at least to some extent. Figure 4 Wings 9' that are shorter than the wings 9 are shown. The wings 9' do not contact the housing element 2. The spring element 6 contacts the housing element 2 only via the ring 8. Despite the shortened design, the wings 9' remain in a fixed position on the housing element 2 via the ring 8 and can achieve a similar secure shielded connection. The concave shape of the different wings 9 and 9' of the spring element 6 is particularly clear in both figures. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It is also clear why the concave wings 9 and 9' simplify the plugging process between the circular plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 5. The latching hooks 10 in the mating plug connector 5 are guided by the concave implementation of the spring element 6 via the wings 9 and 9'. The spring element 6 does not inhibit the process, or at least does so to a lesser extent, both during the plugging process and during the release of the plug connection.

[0040] Figures 5 to 8 An alternative implementation of the circular plug connector 1 is shown. First, a substantially identical structure to the circular plug connector 1 is established here. However, a change to the housing element 2 is also necessary due to the alternative implementation of the spring element 6'. Since the spring element 6' has a ring 8', which in terms of shape and orientation recalls a retaining ring, it makes sense to provide the recess 7 with a further recess 7'. To this end, it is proposed to shape the recess 7' as a groove that substantially coincides with the ring 8'. In order for the wings 9 to continue to extend substantially axially, they must be shaped on the ring 8'. To this end, a sinking bending method is provided. In order for the wings 9 to continue to be oriented substantially axially on the housing element 2 of the circular plug connector 1, the wings 9 must be shaped on the ring 8' at an angle of at least greater than or equal to 45°. It is particularly preferable to choose an angle of greater than or equal to 60°, in particular a substantially 90° angle. The ring 8' engaged in the recess 7', which is preferably designed as a groove, fixes the spring element 6' in the axial direction in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0041] Even if different aspects or features of the invention are shown in the figures in a combination with one another, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art, unless stated otherwise, that the shown and discussed combination is not the only possible one. In particular, units or features from different embodiments that correspond to one another can be exchanged with one another.

[0042] List of reference signs

[0043] 1 circular plug connector

[0044] 2 housing element

[0045] 3 insulation

[0046] 4 locking element

[0047] 5 counterpart plug connector

[0048] 6 spring element

[0049] 7 recess

[0050] 8 ring

[0051] 9 wing

[0052] 10 latching hook

[0053] R s plug-in direction

[0054] d A outer diameter

[0055] d I inner diameter

Claims

1. A circular plug connector (1) for detachable connection of a circuit, the circular plug connector having at least one housing element (2) for accommodating at least one insulator (3) and at least one locking element (4) for detachable connection to a mating plug connector (5), wherein, The housing element (2) accommodates at least one surrounding spring element (6), wherein the spring element (6) is used to connect an electromagnetic shield and is made of a conductive material, characterized in that the spring element (6) has at least one ring (8) held in a surrounding recess (7) of the housing element (2) and at least one axially extending wing (9), wherein the spring element (6) has the same number of wings (9) as the locking element (4), wherein the number is greater than or equal to two, and wherein the wings (9) of the spring element (6) and the locking element (4) are arranged alternately around the outer periphery of the housing element (2).

2. The circular plug connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insertion direction (R) of the wing (9) and the circular plug connector (1) s The ring (8) is oriented in the opposite direction, such that the ring (8) points in the direction of the mating plug connector (5).

3. The circular plug connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The wing (9) has at least one concave curvature that extends outside the imaginary column, the bottom surface of which is defined by the inner diameter (d) of the ring (8). l )form.

4. The circular plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The wing (9) has at least one concave curvature, the maximum deflection of which extends outside the imaginary column, the bottom surface of which is defined by the outer diameter (d) of the ring (8). A )form.

5. The circular plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The spring element (6) forms a conductive connection with the housing element (2) at least through the ring (8), and forms a conductive connection with the mating plug connector (5) at least by means of the deflection of the wing (9).

6. The circular plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The spring element (6) forms a conductive connection with the housing element (2) at least through at least one end region of the ring (8) and the wing (9), and forms a conductive connection with the mating plug connector (5) at least by means of the deflection of the wing (9).

7. The circular plug connector (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring element (6) has at least one ring (8), the wing (9) of which is aligned with the insertion direction (R). s Conversely, it is deformed at least 60° on the ring (8).

8. The circular plug connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The spring element (6) is arranged in a recess (7) in the housing element (2), wherein the ring (8) is inserted into another recess (7') in the housing element (2).

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