Connector part

Abstract

A connector part (1) comprising a housing with a receptacle (7) and at least one locking element (31A); and a plug-in element (9) that can be arranged in the receptacle (7) of the housing, the plug-in element having a plug-in section for connecting to a mating plug-in section, wherein the plug-in element (9) has at least one locking section (91) adapted to form a connection with the locking element (31A) of the housing, wherein the housing is formed in two parts and comprises a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (5), wherein the receptacle (7) extends through the first housing part (3) and the second housing part (5), and wherein the housing is adapted to allow the locking element (31A) to be moved out of the locking section (91) by a rotational movement of one of the two housing parts (3, 5) relative to the other housing part (5, 3) in order to release the connection.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector part according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a connector component comprises a housing with a receptacle and at least one locking element; and a plug-in element that can be arranged in the housing recess, having a plug-in section for connecting to a mating plug-in section, wherein the plug-in element has at least one locking section adapted to form a connection with the locking element of the housing.

[0003] Connector components, particularly those used to establish an electrical connection, can each be connected to a complementary mating connector component to create the electrical connection. Typically, at least one plug-in element, made of an electrically conductive material, is arranged within a housing of the connector component. The connector component itself can be designed as an electrical connector. The electrical connector component, or the plug-in element arranged within the housing, is usually first connected to an electrical conductor, such as an electrical wire or cable, and then connected to a complementary mating connector component to establish a plug connection.

[0004] Alternatively, the connector part can also be used with plug elements adapted for guiding fluids, such as those used in pneumatics.

[0005] DE 10 2006 010 163 B4 describes a connector part in which the plug section is locked or unlocked in the housing of the connector part by means of a separately insertable locking element.

[0006] In DE 10 2022 134 013 A1 a connector part is described which uses a manually operable lever to lock or unlock the locking element in the housing.

[0007] However, the connector components known from the prior art often still require the use of a tool for the assembly or disassembly of the plug element, or complex and often time-consuming movements by the fitter.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector part that can be assembled without tools, simply, quickly and inexpensively.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the housing is designed in two parts and has a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the receptacle extends through the first housing part and the second housing part, and wherein the housing is adapted to allow the locking element to be moved out of the locking section by a rotary movement of one of the two housing parts relative to the other housing part in order to release the connection.

[0011] The plug-in element can be made partially or completely of an electrically conductive material, have a cylindrical base body and can have a plug-in section designed as a contact pin or contact socket at a first end area for connecting, in particular for electrical connecting, with a complementary mating plug-in section of a mating plug-in element.

[0012] The locking section can be understood as a notch or groove in the material of the plug-in element into which at least a portion of the locking element can be inserted to lock or position the plug-in element in the receptacle. For this purpose, the receptacle, as it extends through the two housing parts, can have a geometry that is essentially complementary to that of the plug-in element.

[0013] The housing is designed in two parts, comprising a first housing part and a second housing part. Both housing parts can be made of an electrically insulating material, particularly plastic, and when the housing parts are assembled together, the receptacle extends through both housing parts, allowing the plug-in element to be inserted into the receptacle.

[0014] With the plug-in element in its inserted position, the locking element and the locking section are adapted to form a connection with each other.

[0015] For example, the locking element and the locking section can be arranged adjacent to each other in the inserted position of the plug element in order to be able to engage with each other.

[0016] The housing is designed to disengage the locking element from the locking section by rotating the two housing parts relative to each other. This rotation can occur around a common axis of rotation of the two housing parts, extending through the receptacle in the direction of travel, particularly through the center of the receptacle. One of the two housing parts can be rotated clockwise and / or counterclockwise relative to the other. The locking element can be located on one of the two housing parts and, when the housing parts are rotated relative to each other, be disengaged from the locking section to release the locking element from the locking section and thus break the connection.

[0017] Unlocking, or disengaging, the plug-in element in the housing can therefore be done easily and without tools by rotating one of the two housing parts relative to the other housing part.

[0018] In one embodiment, the locking element is designed as a locking arm on the first housing part.

[0019] The locking arm can extend at least in one section along the direction of travel of the receptacle and be spring-loaded. A first end of the locking arm can be positioned in or on the receptacle, allowing it to be inserted into a region of the receptacle where the locking element on the plug-in section is in its inserted position. The second end can be hook-shaped to ensure secure engagement with the locking section. The spring-loaded design of the locking arm allows the second end to be initially displaced by the plug-in section when it is inserted into the receptacle. As the plug-in section is further inserted, the second end automatically locks into place by engaging the locking section.

[0020] By rotating one of the housing parts relative to the other housing part, the second end area of ​​the locking arm can be brought out of the locking section again in order to release the engagement of the locking element in the locking section in order to remove the plug-in element from the receptacle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the locking arm has a chamfer at one free end. The chamfer can be located at the second end region and extend into the hook-like profile of the second end region, so that it can be easily actuated by a ramp element on the second housing part during unlocking.

[0022] In one embodiment, the ramp element is arranged on a circumferential section of the receptacle on the second housing part and adapted to move the locking element when the ramp element passes the locking element by the rotary movement.

[0023] The ramp element can be understood as a raised section of material that extends, at least partially, around the circumference of the receptacle, essentially perpendicular to the receptacle's direction of travel. As the ramp element passes the locking element, it can displace the locking element from the receptacle, thus unlocking the plug-in element. In particular, the ramp element can engage the chamfer of the locking arm to move the locking arm.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ramp element has an insertion ramp for sliding along the locking element. This insertion ramp allows the locking arm to be moved continuously and securely during the rotation of the two housing parts.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ramp element is adapted to move the locking element out of the receptacle.

[0026] In one embodiment, the locking section comprises a recess on the circumference of the plug-in element, which is adapted to receive the locking element, in particular a locking lug of the locking element, at least partially, in order to lock the plug-in element in the receptacle.

[0027] For example, the recess can be designed as an undercut in the material of the connector element, running against the direction of travel or insertion. Alternatively or additionally, the recess can be designed as a groove, at least in sections. The groove-shaped recess can be arranged transversely to the direction of travel in the material of the connector element and can completely or partially circumferentially encircle the connector element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the connector part has a further locking element and a further ramp element. The further ramp element can be arranged on the circumferential section of the receptacle on the second housing part. In particular, the connector part has a plurality of further locking elements and ramp elements.

[0029] The additional locking element can be designed in the same way as the first locking element, and the additional ramp element can be designed in the same way as the first ramp element. The two locking elements and ramp elements can each be arranged opposite each other.

[0030] By adding another locking element and another ramp element, the plug-in element can be securely locked in the receptacle.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one connecting element is arranged on the second housing part for engaging with a corresponding connecting element arranged on the first housing part, wherein the connecting elements are adapted to connect the two housing parts to each other in the axial direction and to allow the rotational movement of the two housing parts relative to each other.

[0032] These connecting elements allow the two housing halves to be easily and reliably joined during assembly. Alternatively, the two housing halves can be supplied pre-assembled. In some configurations, more than a few of these corresponding connecting elements can be arranged on the housing halves. For example, four corresponding pairs of connecting elements can be arranged on the housing halves.

[0033] In one embodiment, the connecting element is hook-shaped and spring-elastic, and the corresponding locking element can be designed as an undercut or groove-like feature for the connecting element to engage.

[0034] The corresponding connecting element can extend transversely to the orientation of the receptacle in an outer surface of the receptacle and around the outer surface of the receptacle in the first housing half. The hook-shaped connecting element can engage with the corresponding connecting element to allow the two housing halves to rotate relative to each other. In one example, the connecting element and the corresponding connecting element can be designed to prevent the two housing halves from separating. In an alternative example, the connecting element and the corresponding connecting element can also be designed to allow the two housing halves to separate intentionally.

[0035] In one embodiment, the connector part has at least one stop element which is arranged in the corresponding locking element to limit the rotational movement of the two housing parts relative to each other.

[0036] By arranging one or more stop elements, the rotational movement of the two housing parts relative to each other can be limited. For example, only enough to move the locking element from a locked position out of the locking section to an unlocked position in order to release the connection.

[0037] In one embodiment, the connector part has at least one coding element arranged on the first housing part or on the second housing part for correctly connecting the two housing parts. The coding element also serves as a visual marker for the initial position of the two housing parts during subsequent use.

[0038] The coding element can be designed as a material protrusion on the first housing part or the second housing part, which can be inserted or arranged into a corresponding recess in the respective other housing part.

[0039] The use of such a coding element can facilitate the assembly of the two housing halves together.

[0040] In one embodiment, the plug element has a contact pin or a contact socket for establishing an electrical connection with a corresponding contact socket or a corresponding contact plug.

[0041] In one embodiment, the plug-in element has a connection section for attaching an electrical conductor. For example, the connection section can be designed as a crimp section.

[0042] In one design, the intake is at least partially cylindrical.

[0043] A circular cylindrical design allows the plug-in element to be arranged in the holder without any orientation issues.

[0044] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B Views of a first housing part and a second housing part according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B Views of a connector part according to the previously shown embodiment in a locked and an unlocked position; Fig. 3 a sectional view through the in Fig. 2A shown connector part; and Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B Views of a plug-in element according to exemplary embodiments.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 1A shows a view of the first housing part 3 according to an exemplary embodiment and the Fig. Figure 1B shows a view of the second housing part 5 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows the two housing parts 3 and 5 in a separate position. As shown, the housing is designed in two parts and features the Fig. 1A shown first housing part 3 and the one in Fig. 1B shows the second housing part 5.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the two housing parts 3, 5 are made of an electrically insulating material, and in the assembled position of the housing parts 3, 5 against each other, the receptacle 7 extends through the two housing parts 3, 5 shown, so that a plug-in element (not shown in the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B) can be inserted, or plugged into, slot 7.

[0047] As can be seen from the in the Fig. As can be seen from the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, a locking element 31A, designed as a latching arm, is formed on an edge of the receptacle 7. The locking element 31A shown extends in the direction V of the receptacle 7 and is spring-elastic. A first end region 311AA of the locking element 31A is connected to, or formed together with, the material of the first housing part 3. A latching lug 313A on the second end region 311AB, which is opposite the first end region 311AA, points towards, or extends towards, the center of the receptacle 7 in order to engage in the recess in the mounted position. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B is to be inserted into the locking section 91 of the plug-in element 9, which is designed as a groove. In a further embodiment, the locking section can also be designed differently, for example as an undercut.

[0048] The spring-elastic design of the locking element 31A enables the second end region 311AB of the locking element 31A to be initially displaced by the plug-in element when the plug-in element is inserted into the receptacle 7, in order to lock automatically when the plug-in element is further inserted into the receptacle 7 along the direction of travel V, by the second end region 311AB of the locking element 31A engaging in the locking section.

[0049] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the locking element 31A has a chamfer 315A at the second end region 311AB, or at the free end, which transitions into the locking lug 313A, or into the hook-like profile of the second end region 311AB, in order to engage with a ramp element 51A at the Fig. The second housing part 5 shown in 1B can be easily operated when unlocking.

[0050] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the ramp element 51A is arranged on a circumferential section of the receptacle 7 on the second housing part 5 and adapted to move the locking element 31A when the ramp element 51A passes the locking element by rotating the two housing parts 3, 5 relative to each other.

[0051] The ramp element 51A is designed as a material elevation that extends over a section of the circumference of the receptacle 7, transverse to the direction V of the receptacle 7. As the ramp element 51A passes the locking element 31A, in the direction V of the ramp element 51A, the ramp element 51A is formed by the ramp element 51A. Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. In the mounted position shown in Figure 3, the ramp element 51A displaces the locking element 31A from the receptacle 7 to unlock a plug-in element arranged in the receptacle 7.

[0052] The in Fig. The ramp element 51A shown in 1B also has an insertion ramp 511A, which serves to slide off the locking lug 313A or the chamfer 315A during unlocking.

[0053] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the first housing part 3 has a further locking element 31B, which is arranged opposite the locking element 31A. In the perspective view in Fig. In Figure 1A, the additional locking element 31B is concealed by an edge of the first housing part 3. For clarity, the additional locking element 31B is therefore shown again in the sectional view of Figure 1A. Fig. 3 shown. Furthermore, the second housing part 5, in which in Fig. In the embodiment shown in 1B, a further ramp element 51B corresponding to the further locking element 31B is shown.

[0054] The additional locking element 31B is designed identically to the locking element 31A, and the additional ramp element 51B is designed identically to the ramp element 51A. In the illustrated embodiment, the two locking elements 31A, 31B and ramp elements 51A, 51B are arranged opposite each other.

[0055] To transfer to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B shows the assembled position of the two housing parts 3, 5 next to each other; this is shown in Fig. 1B shows the second housing part 5 with the insertion opening 57 transitioning into the receptacle 7 onto the collar element 37 of the in Fig. 1A shown first housing part 3 plugged in.

[0056] At the, in Fig. In the second housing part 5 shown in 1B, four connecting elements 53A - 53N are arranged in the corner areas of the insertion opening 57, each of which is designed to engage in a corresponding connecting element 33A - 33N, which is arranged on the first housing part 3.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the four connecting elements 53A - 53N on the second housing part 5 are hook-shaped and spring-elastic, and the corresponding locking elements 33A - 33N on the first housing part 3 are groove-shaped to allow the connecting elements 53A - 53N to engage.

[0058] The groove-shaped, corresponding connecting elements extend, as in the Fig. 1A shown, transverse to the direction V of the receptacle 7 in and around an outer surface of the receptacle 7 in the first housing half 3. The hook-shaped connecting elements 53A - 53N on the second housing part 5 can each engage in one of the groove-like, corresponding connecting elements 33A - 33N in order to enable the two housing halves 3, 5 to rotate relative to each other about a common axis of rotation, and at the same time to prevent the two housing halves 3, 5 from separating from each other.

[0059] Between the groove-like connecting elements 33A - 33N, the first housing part 3 has a stop element 35A - 35N to limit the rotational movement of the two housing parts 3, 5 relative to each other, in order to disengage the locking elements from the locking section of the plug-in element (shown in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B) to move from a locked position to an unlocked position in order to release the connection.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, a coding element 55 designed as a material projection is arranged on the second housing part 5 for the correct orientation of connecting the housing parts 3, 5.

[0061] The Fig. Figure 2A shows a view of a connector part 1 according to the previously shown embodiment in a locked position and in the Fig. 2B in an unlocked position. In the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows the two housing halves 3 and 5 in the assembled position. A sectional view through the connector part 1 in the assembled position is shown in the Fig. 3 shown. Connector part 1 is in the Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B and Fig. 3 shown without plug-in element.

[0062] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. The locked position shown in section 3 can be one of the positions shown in the Fig. 4A and Fig. The plug-in elements shown in 4B, with a first end area designed as a contact pin or contact socket, are inserted into the recess 7 in the direction V.

[0063] As it is in the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, two locking elements 31A, 31B, designed as locking arms, are arranged opposite each other on the edge of the receptacle 7. When the plug-in element passes the locking elements 31A, 31B in the receptacle 7, the plug-in element can first displace the spring-loaded locking elements 31A, 31B outwards from a region of the receptacle 7 until a locking lug 313A, 313B on the locking elements 31A, 31B engages in a locking section of the plug-in element, or is deflected there by the spring force of the locking elements 31A, 31B, thereby locking the plug-in element in the receptacle 7 by forming a connection between the locking section and the locking elements 31A, 31B.

[0064] The inlet 7, which extends through the two housing parts 3, 5, is as shown in the Fig. Figure 3 shows a design that is essentially circular and cylindrical, and has several sections with different diameters along its direction of travel, V. The sections, or diameters, are complementary to the geometry of the plug-in element.

[0065] By rotating the two housing parts 3, 5 relative to each other, the locking element is moved out of the locking section to release the connection. In the Fig. In the unlocked position shown in Figure 2B, the first housing part 3 is rotated clockwise relative to the second housing part 5 to release the connection. Alternatively, the first housing part 3 can also be rotated counterclockwise, or the second housing part 5 can be rotated relative to the first housing part 3, in order to move the respective locking elements 31A, 31B outwards in the receptacle 7 by means of the ramp elements 51A, 51B, thereby moving the locking elements 31A, 31B out of the locking section.

[0066] Furthermore, in the Fig. 2A and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2B, coupling elements 39A, 39B are arranged on an outer surface of the first housing part 3 around the receptacle 7 for coupling a corresponding housing section (not shown in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B).

[0067] The Fig. Figure 4A shows a view of a plug-in element 9 with a first end region designed as a contact pin 93 and the Fig. Figure 4B shows a view of a plug-in element 9 with a first end region designed as a contact socket 95. The two plug-in elements 9 shown are designed for use with the housing parts 3, 5 shown previously and can be inserted with their first end region through the first housing part 3 into the connector part 1 in the direction V.

[0068] The two plug-in elements 9 are made of an electrically conductive material and have a, essentially, cylindrical base body.

[0069] The locking section 91 is located in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, a groove-shaped recess is provided on the circumference of the plug-in elements 9 and is adapted to receive the locking elements 31A, 31B, in particular a locking lug 313A, 313B of the locking elements 31A, 31B, at least partially, in order to lock the plug-in element 9 in the receptacle 7. In a further embodiment, the locking section 91 can also be designed differently, for example as an undercut.

[0070] In the in the Fig. 4A and Fig. In the embodiments shown in 4B, the plugging elements 9 have a connection section 97 for connecting an electrical conductor at a second end area opposite the first end area designed as a contact pin 93 or contact socket 95. Reference symbol list 1 connector part 3 first housing part 31A, 31B Locking element 311AA, 311AB first, second end range 313A, 313B locking tab 315A phase 33A - 33N Connecting element 35A - 35N stop element 37 Collar element 39A, 39B Coupling element 5 second housing part 51A, 51B Ramp element 511A, 511B Lead-in chamfer 53A - 53N Connecting element 55 coding element 57 Insertion opening 7th recording 9 plug-in element 91 Locking section 93 Contact pin 95 Contact socket 97 Connection section V Direction of travel QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2006 010 163 B4

[0005] DE 10 2022 134 013 A1

[0006]

Claims

Connector part (1) comprising: a housing with a receptacle (7) and at least one locking element (31A); and a plug-in element (9) that can be arranged in the receptacle (7) of the housing, the plug-in element having a plug-in section for connecting to a mating plug-in section, wherein the plug-in element (9) has at least one locking section (91) adapted to form a connection with the locking element (31A) of the housing, characterized in that the housing is formed in two parts and has a first housing part (3) and a second housing part (5), wherein the receptacle (7) extends through the first housing part (3) and the second housing part (5), and wherein the housing is adapted to allow the locking element (31A) to be moved out of the locking section (91) by a rotational movement of one of the two housing parts (3, 5) relative to the other housing part (5, 3) in order to release the connection. Connector part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element (31A) is designed as a locking arm on the first housing part (3). Connector part (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking arm has a chamfer (315A) at a free end. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ramp element (51A) is arranged on a circumferential section of the receptacle (7) on the second housing part (5), which is adapted to move the locking element (31A) when the ramp element (51A) passes the locking element (31A) by the rotary movement. Connector part (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the ramp element (51A) has an insertion ramp (511A) for sliding off the locking element (31A). Connector part (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the ramp element (51A) is adapted to move the locking element (31A) out of the receptacle (7). Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking section (91) comprises a recess on the circumference of the plug element (9) which is adapted to receive the locking element (31A), in particular a locking lug (313A) of the locking element (31A), at least in part, in order to lock the plug element (9) in the receptacle (7). Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a further locking element (31B) and a further ramp element (51B), in particular a plurality of further locking elements and ramp elements. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one connecting element (53A - 53N) is arranged on the second housing part (5) for engaging a corresponding connecting element (33A - 53N) which is arranged on the first housing part (3), wherein the connecting elements (33A - 33N, 53A - 53N) are adapted to connect the two housing parts (3, 5) to each other in an axial direction and to allow the rotational movement of the two housing parts (3, 5) relative to each other. Connector part (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the connecting element (53A - 53N) is hook-shaped and spring-elastic, and the corresponding connecting element (33A - 33N) is designed as an undercut or groove-like, for engaging the connecting element (53A - 53N). Connector part (1) according to claim 10 , characterized by at least one stop element (35A - 35N) which is arranged in the corresponding connecting element (33A - 33N) to limit the rotational movement. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one coding element (55) which is arranged on the first housing part (3) or on the second housing part (5) for connecting the two housing parts (3, 5) in the correct position. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug element (9) has a contact pin (93) or a contact socket (95). Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug element (9) has a connection section (97) for connecting an electrical conductor. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (7) is at least partially circular-cylindrical.

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