PLUG CONNECTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug part and a socket part for a plug connection, in particular for a plug connection of optical cables, according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as a plug connection.

[0002] In contrast to electrical connectors, even slight contamination can lead to transmission loss in optical connectors, as glass fibers with extremely small cross-sections must be aligned end-to-end. Therefore, protective devices for connectors have already been proposed to protect connector pins when the connectors are not plugged in.

[0003] For example, EP 0 570 652 A2 describes a connector for optical fibers in which the connector pin of the plug part is protected by a cover that opens when the plug part is inserted linearly into the socket part. For this purpose, the socket part is provided with a control track, for example in the form of guide grooves, which interact with the cover to open it. When the plug part is withdrawn, the cover is closed again with the help of the control track. The plug part is secured against removal by locking pawls on the socket part, which engage with the plug part. A rocker lever on the plug part allows the locking mechanism to be released by finger pressure before removal.

[0004] While this solution allows for satisfactory indoor use, it does not adequately protect the sensitive optical elements when used outdoors. Furthermore, the mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism is not very robust, and removing the connector requires comparatively difficult handling. This can be particularly disadvantageous for outdoor field applications.

[0005] EP 0 916 978 A1 describes an optical plug-in connector with a plug assembly and a socket. The front of the plug housing is closed with a protective cover, which is only swung open and pushed back during the insertion process. When the plug is pulled out of the socket, the protective cover is pressed back into its closed position.

[0006] WO 2011 / 066339 A1 describes a connector for outdoor use, in which the connector is protected by an encapsulation. The connectors can comprise known plug parts housed in a housing that can be locked to a corresponding socket part with a union nut.

[0007] While this solution enables a robust plug connection, the design is complex. In addition to the required plug and socket components (here and hereinafter referred to collectively as connectors), complex housing components and additional screw caps are also required, making this solution economically unviable. Last but not least, it is not very convenient to handle, and the connector pins are exposed when the connector is removed.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide connectors for a plug connection of the type mentioned above, in which the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide connectors that are simple in design and ensure easy and reliable handling. A further object is to design the connectors robustly and suitable for outdoor applications, with the connector pins reliably protected from contamination, splash water, and mechanical influences.

[0009] These objects are achieved according to the invention by a plug part having the features of claim 1. Claim 1 relates to a plug part for a plug connection, in particular for a plug connection of optical conductors, comprising a plug housing in which a plug insert with at least one plug pin for receiving a conductor, in particular an optical conductor, is arranged. The plug part can be inserted into a correspondingly designed socket part in a plug-in direction and comprises a locking means for releasably locking the plug part in the socket part. Furthermore, the plug part has an unlocking means by which the locking of the locking means on the socket part can be released.The plug part comprises a protective device for protecting the end face of the plug pin, which protective device can be moved from a closed position with a concealed end face to an open position with an exposed end face. The protective device can be moved from the closed position to the open position by inserting the plug part into the socket part and interacting with the socket part. The protective device preferably has at least one control element that can interact or interacts with the socket part upon insertion to move the protective device from the closed position to the open position.The invention is characterized in that the unlocking means is mounted on the plug housing so as to be displaceable essentially along the insertion direction. The unlocking means can interact with the locking means in such a way that, upon longitudinal displacement of the unlocking means relative to the plug housing in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, a locking effect achieved by the locking means can be released. The insertion direction refers to a direction in which the plug part is inserted into a corresponding socket part during intended use. Plug parts are generally elongated, with the plug's longitudinal direction coinciding with the insertion direction.

[0010] In the following, unless otherwise defined, a "front" area and a "rear" area refer to the insertion direction, where "front" refers to a front area in the insertion direction or a direction in the insertion direction.

[0011] The inventive interaction of the release means with the locking means provides a so-called push-pull function. When the plug part is inserted into the socket part, the socket part is automatically locked, while when it is removed by pulling the release means, it is automatically unlocked. Of course, a locking device can also be provided to block the release function, thus further protecting the plug connection against accidental removal.

[0012] It is understood that the unlocking means and locking means can, in principle, interact directly or indirectly, i.e., via at least one additional component. However, the unlocking means preferably interacts directly with the locking means, as this allows for a reduction in the number of required components. This simplified design generally also allows for a more robust construction.

[0013] The locking means preferably comprises at least one locking tongue, in particular made of metal, which is fastened to the connector housing by a fastening section. The locking tongue has a free locking end, which preferably extends forward in the insertion direction and advantageously has a locking projection directed away from the connector housing. The locking projection can be formed, for example, by bending the locking tongue. Alternatively, the locking end itself can provide a locking edge, and it is understood that, depending on requirements, the free end of the locking tongue can also extend rearward, opposite to the insertion direction.

[0014] The free locking end is provided and configured for locking with a locking means on the socket part. Preferably, the free locking end is movable, preferably resiliently, in a direction transverse to the insertion direction relative to the plug housing. The fastening section is preferably formed on a longitudinal end of the locking tongue opposite the locking end. The locking tongue can be secured to the fastening section, e.g., by being hammered, snapped, screwed, or otherwise attached to the plug housing.

[0015] In variants, the locking means can also be designed, for example, as a locking recess that can be locked into a locking tongue of the socket part. However, it is advantageous if the movable parts of the locking means are formed on the plug part, which is easier to replace, rather than on the often permanently installed socket part.

[0016] Advantageously, the at least one locking tongue and the unlocking means are designed and interact in such a way that by displacing the unlocking means relative to the plug housing counter to the insertion direction, the free locking end can be moved towards the plug housing. For this purpose, a region of the locking end can be provided with a control surface, e.g., ramp-shaped, onto which the unlocking means is guided when retracted counter to the insertion direction, thus forcing the locking end towards the plug housing. When the plug part is inserted into the socket part, the socket part can interact with the control surface in the same way to insert the locking end into a corresponding locking recess. The control surface can optionally be formed on the locking projection.

[0017] In some variants, the locking end can also be moved away from the connector housing when the release mechanism is retracted. However, such designs are generally more complex in design to ensure locking with the corresponding locking mechanism on the socket part.

[0018] The locking means preferably comprises a U-shaped bracket, in particular made of metal, which is fixedly attached to the plug housing in the insertion direction and which has two largely identical locking tongues, each with a free locking end. The U-shaped bracket preferably engages at least partially around the plug housing, with the two locking tongues advantageously extending forwards with their free locking ends on opposite sides of the plug housing in the insertion direction, in particular along the plug housing. This ensures secure locking on both sides of the plug part in a structurally simple manner. It is understood that in variants, for example, two separate locking tongues can be arranged on both sides of the plug housing which are not connected to one another via a bracket. The structural advantages of a one-piece variant are, however, immediately apparent.

[0019] The unlocking means is advantageously designed as a sliding sleeve that completely or partially encompasses the connector housing. If at least one locking tongue is present, it is preferably arranged between the sliding sleeve and the connector housing, and its locking end extends at least partially through a recess formed in a side wall of the sliding sleeve, projecting outward substantially transversely to the insertion direction. If a locking projection is formed on the locking tongue, the locking projection preferably projects outward.

[0020] In the case of two locking tabs, these are preferably arranged in a mirror-image manner on opposite sides of the connector housing. In this case, the sliding sleeve has a corresponding recess on opposite side walls for each locking end or each locking projection.

[0021] In some variants, the locking tongue can extend beyond the sliding sleeve in the insertion direction, for example, with the free locking end, eliminating the need for recesses in the sliding sleeve. In this case, however, the locking tongue is generally less well protected, which can result in a lower overall robustness of the connector, especially in outdoor applications.

[0022] To ensure that the release mechanism returns to its rest position, it is advantageously pre-tensioned in the insertion direction and spring-loaded against the connector housing via a stop. The stop is preferably attached to the connector housing as a separate component and can be removed if necessary. This ensures that the release mechanism is always returned to its rest position in the absence of external forces. From this position, it can be moved backwards in the opposite direction to the insertion direction to release a locking mechanism.

[0023] The removable stop has the advantage of simplifying the assembly of the connector part, for example, by allowing the release mechanism, designed as a sliding sleeve, to be slid onto the connector housing, fitted with a spring, and secured by the stop. It goes without saying that the release mechanism can also be mounted on the connector housing without preload; in this case, it can be manually returned to its rest position, for example.

[0024] In the rest position, the unlocking means is preferably displaced all the way forward relative to the plug housing up to a front stop which limits the displacement path and which is arranged in particular fixed to the housing.

[0025] The locking means described here and the unlocking means, in particular together, can also be used advantageously independently of the other aspects of the invention in a large number of plug parts of a general type.

[0026] According to the invention, a second opening position of the protective device is provided, in which the protective device remains in the absence of external forces. This has the advantage that the protective device can be moved into the second opening position, for example, to prevent manipulation of the plug insert or the plug pins. The first opening position is designed differently from the second opening position, so that when the plug part is removed from the socket part, the protective device cannot remain in the second opening position. The protective device is designed such that the intended interaction with the socket part prevents the protective device from moving into the second opening position during insertion or removal.

[0027] It is understood that the protective device may also have only one opening position, in which case a separate locking of the first opening position may be provided for manipulation of the plug pin, for example.

[0028] According to the invention, the protective device comprises a closure flap, which is designed in particular as a cap, which, in the closed position, can be pressed against the plug housing to close off a front opening in the interior of the plug housing. The plug insert with the plug pins accommodated therein is arranged in the interior. The front opening is formed at the front of the plug housing in the insertion direction. In variants, the protective device can also be designed, for example, as a roller shutter-like slider, with which the opening can only be closed by sliding it.

[0029] Preferably, a sealing element is provided on the closure flap, which seals the closure of the interior space achieved by the closure flap against dirt and / or moisture. Alternatively, the sealing element can also be formed on the connector housing, for example, in a groove on the front end of the connector housing. The sealing element is preferably designed as an O-ring made of a suitable sealing material, such as a rubber seal. The shape of the O-ring can be adapted to the specific shape of the connector housing and / or the closure cap. Depending on the application, no sealing element may be required.

[0030] According to the invention, the closure flap is pivotably and displaceably mounted on the plug part via a guide element guided in a guide slot of the plug part. The closure flap preferably comprises at least one control element, which can interact or interacts with a control surface of the socket part upon insertion of the plug part in such a way that the closure flap can be moved from the closed position to the first open position upon insertion.

[0031] The guide slot on the plug part preferably extends largely in the insertion direction along the plug housing and advantageously has a stop in a front area against which the guide element rests in the closed position.

[0032] With simultaneous displacement and pivoting of the closure flap, it can advantageously be moved from the closed position to the first open position in a superimposed displacement and pivoting movement. In particular, the closure flap can be pivoted from the closed position and simultaneously displaced rearward parallel to a side surface of the connector housing, referred to as the upper side. In the first open position, the closure flap is preferably aligned largely parallel to the upper side and displaced rearward relative to the connector housing.

[0033] Preferably, two guide slots are provided on the connector housing, which are arranged on opposite sides and are essentially mirror-imaged. In this case, the closure flap also has two correspondingly arranged guide elements, each of which engages one of the guide slots.

[0034] The guide slot advantageously has sections that are offset from one another with respect to the guide direction, so that the closure flap can be moved, preferably under positive control, towards or away from the plug housing, at least in the region of the guide element. This minimizes the space required by the closure flap for the transition from the closed position to the first open position, so that the socket part can be designed to be as space-saving as possible. Preferably, a rear section is lowered relative to the front section with respect to the upper side, so that the closure flap is arranged closer to the plug housing in the first open position, at least in the region of the guide element, than in the front section. It is understood that, if there is sufficient space in the socket part, the guide slot can also be designed to be straight.

[0035] According to the invention, the plug part comprises a return device for the closure flap, which preferably comprises a push element subjected to a spring force in the insertion direction. The return device interacts with the closure flap in such a way that the closure flap can be returned or is returned from the first open position to the closed position in the absence of external forces.

[0036] The return device preferably interacts with the closure flap in such a way that, in the closed position, it is pressed against the front opening, possibly pushed all the way forward in the guide slot. This can be achieved by means of a correspondingly designed spring cam on the closure flap, which has a control surface that interacts with the thrust element.

[0037] The thrust element interacts with the protective device in such a way that the return device locks the protective device when it is in the second opening position. The second opening position can be reached essentially by simply pivoting from the closed position. For this purpose, the spring cam can be designed such that a dead center exists with respect to the pivoting movement of the closure flap between the closed position and the second opening position.

[0038] Preferably, the plug insert is supported on the plug housing by a spring force in the insertion direction. This allows several plug pins to be easily subjected to a spring force simultaneously to ensure a good plug connection. It goes without saying that the individual plug pins can be supported on the plug insert by additional spring elements to compensate for individual irregularities. The total contact force of the individual plug pins thus results from a combination of the spring forces from the housing on the plug insert and from the housing on the individual plug pins themselves.

[0039] The plug insert is preferably designed to accommodate several, in particular four, plug pins, with several, preferably four, plug pins being arranged in the plug insert. It is understood that the plug insert can accommodate plug pins for electrical and / or optical conductor connections, resulting in a so-called hybrid plug.

[0040] Advantageously, if the connector insert has an even number of pins, half of the pins are male and half are female. "Male" refers to a plug-like element, while "female" refers to a socket-like element. In other words, the connector insert is preferably equipped with pins in such a way that the overall connector insert is hermaphroditic.

[0041] The plug insert described here and its mounting in the plug housing as well as the arrangement and design of the individual plug pins can also be used advantageously in a large number of plug parts of a general type, independently of the other aspects of the invention.

[0042] To enable a plug connection suitable for outdoor applications, the plug part has a closure element designed to close an insertion opening of the socket part. The closure element closes the insertion opening when the plug part is fully inserted into the socket part. The closure element is preferably designed as a rib that completely or partially surrounds the plug housing in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction. An outer contour of the rib in this plane is designed to correspond to the insertion opening.

[0043] Preferably, a sealing element is arranged on the closure means such that the insertion opening of the socket part can be sealed against dirt and / or moisture by the closure means with the sealing element. The sealing element can be manufactured as an O-ring made of a suitable sealing material, such as a rubber seal. For sealing purposes, the sealing element can be pressed against an inner wall or against a specially provided element of the socket part when inserted. For indoor applications, however, a sealing element or no closure means at all is often required, since contamination or wetting of the plug connection can be ruled out with sufficient reliability.

[0044] Advantageously, the closure means is configured on the plug part such that the locking device is arranged entirely in a region of the plug part that lies behind the closure means with respect to the insertion direction. In this way, the closure means does not need to have any passages for the locking device, so that a substantially continuous, sealed closure of the insertion opening can be achieved.

[0045] The plug part preferably has a coding means that can interact with coding means on the socket part. Due to the interaction with a coding means on the socket part, the coding means enables insertion of the plug part into the socket part only if the two coding means are correspondingly complementary. The coding means is preferably formed on the easily replaceable unlocking means and comprises, in particular, ribs and / or grooves aligned in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the coding means can also have color coding.

[0046] The coding means is preferably formed on the unlocking means at an underside of the plug part, opposite the top side of the plug housing. It is understood that the coding means need not be arranged on the unlocking means and can, for example, also be formed on the plug housing, in which case the entire plug part would have to be replaced to change the coding. An arrangement on the underside ensures that no additional space needs to be provided for the coding means in the area of ​​the protective device or the locking device.

[0047] The present invention relates to a plug connection, in particular for optical conductors, comprising a socket part. The socket part comprises a socket housing with a receiving space into which the plug part can be inserted through an insertion opening in a plug-in direction. The socket part has control means for interacting with a protective device, in particular with a control element of the protective device, of the plug part, by means of which the protective device can be moved from a closed position to an open position upon insertion. The control means are formed in particular in the receiving space.The socket part is characterized in that it has locking means for locking the locking device of the plug part. The locking means is preferably designed as at least one recess in a side wall of the socket housing, into which the free locking end of the at least one locking tongue or, if applicable, the locking projection can be inserted when the plug part is inserted. The recess advantageously has a locking edge onto which the locking device can lock.

[0048] Depending on the application of the socket part, a plug insert with at least one plug pin for receiving a conductor, in particular an optical conductor, can be arranged in the receiving space. It is understood that the socket part can also be designed to receive a plug part on both sides, as the middle part of a plug connection with two plug parts. The socket part can be designed as a panel socket for installation in a housing. It is also understood that a socket part can also be connected directly to a cable without any additional effort.

[0049] The recess in the socket part can, for example, be designed as an opening extending completely through the side wall or simply as a recess in the side wall into which a corresponding locking means, such as the locking tongue of the locking device of the plug part, can engage. Furthermore, a viewing window can be provided on the socket part, through which it can be visually verified that the plug part has been fully inserted into the socket part. For example, an area of ​​the plug part can be color-coded, whereby the color marking is only visible through the viewing window on the socket part when the plug is fully inserted.

[0050] Preferably, the control means comprises a control surface formed on an inner wall of the receiving space, against which a control element of the protective device of the plug part can slide during insertion. The control surface can be designed as a positive guide, e.g., in a guide slot, or as a unidirectional guide surface.

[0051] Advantageously, a coding means is provided on the socket part, wherein the coding means is replaceably attached to the socket part. The coding means is designed, in particular, as part of a housing wall of the socket housing and is fastened in a corresponding recess, preferably via a snap-in device, in the housing wall of the socket housing. The coding means ensures that insertion of the plug part, in particular a plug part with a coding means as described above, into the socket part is only possible due to an interaction with a coding means of the plug part if the two coding means are designed to complement each other.

[0052] Preferably, the coding means is U-shaped, such that it is flush with the outer side of the housing when received in the recess. Preferably, the coding means is attached to an underside of the socket housing, i.e., a region of the socket part where the underside of the plug part is located in the inserted state.

[0053] Preferably, the receiving space in the region of the insertion opening has a stop running around the inner wall, which is designed in particular as a stop for a closure means of the plug part. This prevents the plug part from being inserted too far into the socket part. The stop is preferably designed as a step in the receiving space running around the inside in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0054] Preferably, a closure means, in particular a closure flap, is formed on the socket part, which is pivotably and / or displaceably mounted on the socket part via a guide element guided in a guide slot of the socket part. The closure means of the socket part can be moved into a closed position, in which it closes the insertion opening, and into an open position, in which it is received in a correspondingly designed receiving space or in correspondingly designed guide grooves of the socket part.

[0055] In the case of a closure flap, the receiving space or the guide grooves are preferably arranged largely parallel to the guide slot of the closure flap of the socket part. The receiving space or the guide grooves are open at the insertion opening, so that the closure flap can be inserted like a drawer into the receiving space or the guide grooves when it is pivoted from the closed position into an intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the closure flap of the socket part is arranged largely parallel to the guide grooves or the receiving space. The guide slot and the receiving space or guide grooves preferably extend in the insertion direction.

[0056] The closure flap preferably has a sealing element. The sealing element preferably surrounds the closure flap on the casing side with respect to the insertion direction and, when the closure flap of the socket part is in the closed position, is pressed against an inner wall at the insertion opening. In principle, the closure means can also be designed in another way, for example, as a roller shutter-like slider. However, a design as a flap has the advantage of a particularly simple and space-saving construction. It is understood that functionally corresponding sealing means are preferably present for each type of closure means.

[0057] In the plug connection, the plug part and the socket part are preferably designed such that, when the plug part is fully inserted into the receiving space, the unlocking means of the plug part is arranged at least partially between the plug housing and a side wall of the socket part. The locking means preferably protrudes, in particular with the free locking end of the locking tongue, through the recess of the unlocking means and engages in a locking manner in the locking means of the socket part, which is preferably designed as a recess in a side wall of the socket part. A side wall of the unlocking means is thus preferably arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the plug housing and the side wall of the socket part. As described above, the unlocking means is preferably designed as a sliding sleeve.

[0058] Further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the invention emerge from the following detailed description and the entirety of the patent claims.

[0059] The drawings used to explain the embodiments show schematically: Fig. 1 an external oblique view of a plug part according to the invention and a socket part; Fig. 2 an exploded view of a plug part according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3a a longitudinal sectional view through the plug part and the socket part of the Fig. 1 in a first plane; Fig. 3b shows a longitudinal sectional view through the plug part and the socket part of the Fig. 1 in another plane; Fig. 3c a front view of the plug part according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4a a sectional view of another embodiment of a socket part with closure flap (closed); Fig. 4b a sectional view of the socket part of Fig. 6 with closure flap (partially opened); Fig. 5a sectional view of the plug part when plugged into the socket part according to Fig. 4a oder 4b ; Fig. 5bSectional view analogous to Fig. 5a with fully inserted plug part; Fig. 5cPlug part according to Fig. 1 with closing flap in second opening position.

[0060] Figur 1 shows an external oblique view of a plug part 1 according to the invention and a socket part 20. In this case, "front" or "forward" refers to a direction in the insertion direction, i.e., a direction in which the plug part 1 is inserted into the socket part 20. Conversely, "rear" or "backward" refers to a direction opposite to the insertion direction. "top" or "upward" refers to a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction and, in this case, is determined by the opening movement of a closure flap of the plug part. According to the present convention, the closure flap is pivoted upward to open. Accordingly, "bottom" is defined as the opposite direction. With respect to the socket part, these directions are defined by the properly inserted plug part. In this case, the insertion direction A coincides with a longitudinal direction B of the plug part 1.Likewise, in the inserted state, a longitudinal direction C of the socket part 20 coincides with the insertion direction A and the longitudinal direction B. It is understood that this does not necessarily have to be the case.

[0061] The plug part 1 comprises an elongated housing 2 with a substantially rectangular cross-section. In a longitudinal direction B of the housing 2, ie in the present case in the insertion direction A, a plug insert 11 (see Fig. 2 ) a cavity 3 is formed which is open at both longitudinal ends of the housing 2. At a rear, cable-side longitudinal end, parts of a holding device 5 for the plug insert 11 protrude rearward from the cavity 3. The holding device 5 is fastened to a tubular fastening piece 2.1 of the housing 2 by means of a union nut 5.1. The holding device 5 comprises an anti-kink sleeve 5.2 adjoining the union nut 5.1 for gentle cable routing into the plug part 1. A clamping neck 5.3 relieves the cable.

[0062] At the front of the housing 2, a cap-like closure flap 4 is arranged, which in a closed position rests against a front end of the housing 2 and largely covers it completely. A front opening of the cavity 3 is closed off to the outside by the closure flap 4. The closure flap 4 has two upwardly projecting side cheeks 4.1, on each of which a guide cam 4.2 is formed, directed inwards towards the housing 2 (see, for example, Fig. 5a - 5c ). The guide cams 4.2 are each guided in a guide groove 2.2 formed on both sides of the housing 2, so that they can be moved and pivoted. In the front insertion direction A, the guide grooves 2.2 each have a stop (see Fig. 2 ), on which the guide cams 4.2 rest like bearings when the closure flap 4 is still moved to the very front.

[0063] On the outside, ie directed away from the housing 2, control cams 4.3 are formed on the end of the side walls 4.1, which can interact with a control surface of the socket part 20 to pivot or move the closure flap 4 (see e.g. Fig. 5a - 5b ). The control cams 4.3 are spaced apart from the guide cams 4.2, so that a moment can be exerted via the control cams 4.3 with respect to a geometric pivot axis defined by the guide cams 4.2. Both the control cams 4.3 and the guide cams 4.2 are aligned transversely to the insertion direction A.

[0064] Between the side walls 4.1, a spring cam 4.4 is arranged, which forms a lever arm with respect to the geometric pivot axis of the guide cams 4.2 and is firmly connected to the closure flap 4. The spring cam 4.4 is supported on a front face of a thrust element 6.1 of a return device 6 formed on the housing 2. The thrust element 6.1 is guided on the connector housing 2 so as to be displaceable in the insertion direction A and is supported by a helical spring 6.2 (see Fig. 2 or 3a ) is subjected to a spring force in a forward direction. The thrust element 6.1 is guided between two side walls 2.3 formed on the upper side of the housing 2, on which the guide grooves 2.2 are formed on the outside.

[0065] The thrust element 6.1 acts on the spring cam 4.4 in such a way that the closure flap 4, on the one hand, is displaced with the guide cams 4.2 in the guide grooves 2.2 all the way forward to the front stops of the guide grooves 2.2. On the other hand, the closure flap 4 is pivoted around the guide cams 4.2 by the spring cam 4.4 acting as a lever arm and is thus pressed against the front surface of the housing 2. The return device 6 thus forces the closure flap 4 into a closed position in the absence of external forces (see Fig. 5a-5c ).

[0066] On both sides of the housing 2, a guide strip 2.4 is formed in the insertion direction, which can interact with a corresponding guide groove 21.9 of the socket part 20 for centering and guiding the plug part 1 (see Fig. 3a - 3b ).

[0067] Approximately centrally in the insertion direction A, the housing 2 has a rib 7 which extends completely around the housing 2 in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction A, except for an underside of the housing 2. The rib 7 serves as a closure means for closing an insertion opening 22.1 of the socket part 20 when the plug part 1 is fully inserted into the socket part 20.

[0068] A groove completely surrounds the housing 2 on the shell side of the rib 7 and on the underside of the housing 2. A completely circumferential sealing element 7.1, essentially designed as an O-ring, is arranged in the groove, with which an insertion opening 22.1 of a receiving space 22 of the socket part 20 can be sealed by pressing it against an inner wall of the receiving space 22. The rib 7 separates a plug section, which is arranged in front of the rib 7, from a holding or gripping section, which is arranged behind the rib 7.

[0069] In the holding area behind the rib 7, a locking means 8 and an unlocking means 9 are arranged. The unlocking means 9 comprises a sliding sleeve 9.1, which is mounted on the housing 2 so as to be displaceable in the insertion direction A. In a rest position, the sliding sleeve 9.1 is moved all the way to the front and adjoins the rib 7 from the rear. In the rest position, the sliding sleeve 9.1 almost completely encloses the connector housing 1 in the holding area. The sliding sleeve 9.1 is connected to the connector housing 1 by means of a spring element 9.3 (see e.g. Fig. 3a -3b ) is subjected to a spring force in a forward direction, so that in the absence of external forces the sliding sleeve 9.1 is placed in the rest position.

[0070] On the underside of the sliding sleeve 9.1, a coding means 10 is formed in a front area, which in the present case comprises longitudinal ribs aligned in the insertion direction A (see also Fig. 3c ). On its upper side, the sliding sleeve 9.1 has a finger recess with transverse ribs to enable a user to grip it without slipping during handling.

[0071] The locking means 8 comprises locking projections 8.1, which are arranged on both sides of the housing 2 and project outwards essentially transversely to the insertion direction A. The locking projections 8.1 are mounted on the housing 2 so as to be movable, in particular resiliently, in a direction transverse to the insertion direction. The locking projections 8.1 project outwards from the inside of the sliding sleeve 9.1 through recesses 9.2 in the sliding sleeve 9.1. With respect to the rear in the insertion direction A, the locking projections 8.1 each have a locking surface which is arranged largely perpendicular to the insertion direction A. In the front insertion direction A, the locking projections 8.1 each have a ramp-shaped control surface 8.2 which converges in a wedge shape towards the front of the housing 2. The control surfaces 8.2 pass through the recess 9.2 such that they are arranged behind the front edges of the recesses 9.2 in the insertion direction A. When retracting the sliding sleeve 9.1 with respect to the housing 2, the front edges of the recesses 9.2 can thus slide onto the respective control surface 8.2.

[0072] In the insertion direction A in front of the plug part 1, Fig. 1 The socket part 20 is shown. The socket part 20 has a housing 21 in which the receiving space 22 is formed for receiving the plug part 1, in particular the plug section arranged in front of the rib 7. The receiving space 22 has an insertion opening 22.1 for inserting the plug part 1.

[0073] In an area opposite the insertion opening 22.1 in the insertion direction A, the socket part 20 has an outer end face 21.5 oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction A. The end face 21.5 is designed as a mounting surface for mounting the socket part 20, e.g., in a housing. On the outside, a tubular fastening piece 21.6 for a holding device 23 of a plug insert 24 is formed on the end face 21.5 (see Fig. 3a und 3b ). The holding device 23 comprises a union nut 23.1, with which the plug insert 24 is held in the socket part 20.

[0074] The housing 21 of the socket part 20 has, in a lower region, a housing extension 21.1 with a U-shaped cross-section, which extends beyond the insertion opening 22.1 in the insertion direction A. The U-shaped extension 21.1 has side cheeks 21.2, in each of which a locking recess 21.3 is formed. The locking projections 8.1 of the plug part 1 can lock into the locking recesses 21.3. Below the locking recesses 21.3, a recess is formed in the extension 21.1, into which a replaceable coding means 29 is inserted. The coding means 29 ensures that only a plug part 1 with complementary coding means 10 can be fully inserted into the socket part 20. In the insertion direction in front of the locking recesses 21.3, viewing windows 21.4 are formed through which, for example, the sliding sleeve 9.1 is visible for visual inspection only when the plug part 1 is properly and completely inserted.

[0075] The U-shaped extension 21.1 is designed such that when the plug part 1 is fully inserted into the socket part 20, it surrounds the unlocking means 9, i.e. in this case the sliding sleeve 9.1, from below in a U-shape. During insertion, edges of the side cheeks 21.2 facing the plug part 1 slide onto the control surfaces 8.2 of the locking projections 8.1 and force these inwards, towards the housing 2. When the plug part 1 is fully inserted, the locking recesses 21.3 are arranged in alignment with the recesses 9.2 in a direction transverse to the insertion direction A. The locking projections 8.1 can thus protrude into the locking recesses 21.3 and engage in them with the locking surfaces. The plug part 1 is thus secured against unintentional withdrawal from the socket part 20.

[0076] If the sliding sleeve 9.1 is moved backward, e.g., if a user grasps the plug part 1 by the sliding sleeve 9.1 and pulls it against the insertion direction A, the front edges of the recesses 9.2 of the sliding sleeve 9.1 slide onto the respective control surfaces 8.2 of the locking projections 8.1. The locking projections 8.1 are thereby forced inward, toward the housing 2, thereby displacing them from the locking recesses 20.3 of the socket part 20. The plug part 1 is thus unlocked and can be removed from the socket part 20.

[0077] Figur 2 shows an exploded view of the plug part 1 according to Fig. 1 . Figur 2 shows in particular in detail the structure of the return device 6, the guide grooves 2.2 as well as the structure of the locking means 8 and the unlocking means 9.

[0078] The closure flap 4 has a sealing element 4.6, which is arranged on a surface of the closure flap 4 facing the front end of the housing 2. The closure of the cavity 3 achieved by the closure flap 4 is thus sealed at the end against the ingress of dirt or moisture.

[0079] The thrust element 6.1 of the return device 6 is designed as a U-shaped bracket aligned in the insertion direction. The coil spring 6.2 is arranged between the arms of the bracket 6.1. The coil spring 6.2 is supported between the side walls 2.3 in the longitudinal direction B to the rear of the housing 2.

[0080] The locking means 8 comprises a U-shaped bracket 8.3, which partially encloses the housing 2 from below behind the rib 7 and is fastened thereto, for example by snapping. Starting from the arms of the U-shape, two locking tongues 8.4 extend forward along the housing 2 in the insertion direction A. The locking projections 8.1 are formed at the front, free longitudinal ends of the locking tongues 8.4. The housing 2 has corresponding recesses into which the bracket 8.3 can be snapped and which provide the locking tongues 8.4 with the necessary mobility in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction A. The locking tongues 8.4 are designed to be resiliently elastic, so that in a rest position, in the absence of external forces, the locking projections 8.1 are pressed outwards through the recesses 9.2. The bracket 8.3 and the locking tongues 8.4 are preferably made in one piece from a resilient metal.

[0081] The sliding sleeve 9.1 is pushed from the rear onto the housing 2 via the bracket 8.3 and the locking tongues 8.4. The bracket 8.3 and the locking tongues 8.4 are thus protected between the sliding sleeve 9.1 and the housing 2. On the upper side of the housing 2, a recess 2.5 is provided in the holding area for the spring element 9.3 (see also Fig. 3a - 3b ). The recess 2.5 is open to the rear and is closed in this direction by a stop 2.6 detachably attached to the housing 2. The spring element 9.3 is supported on the release means 9.1 via a driver 9.4 and on the housing 2 via the stop 2.6. The removable stop 2.6 makes installation of the release means 9 particularly easy.

[0082] Figur 2 further shows the plug insert 11, which is designed to accommodate four plug pins 12 arranged regularly around the longitudinal direction B (see also Fig. 3a - 3b ). The plug insert 11 is arranged in the cavity 3 so as to be displaceable in the insertion direction A and is subjected to a spring force in the forward direction relative to the housing 2 via a spring element 5.4. The spring element 5.4 is supported on the housing 2 via a spacer sleeve 5.5 and the union nut 5.1. In this way, the entire plug insert 11 is pre-tensioned forwards and is spring-loaded in the cavity 3 of the housing 2, thus ensuring an optimal connection with the terminals of the socket part 20. A stop in the cavity 3 prevents the plug insert 11 from falling forwards out of the cavity 3. The individual plug pins 12 are also provided with spring elements 12.1, by means of which they are supported on the plug insert 11. In this way, individual deviations can be compensated.

[0083] Figur 3a shows a sectional view in a longitudinal center plane of the plug part 1 and the socket part 20 during Fig. 3b a sectional view in a parallel, laterally offset plane. The two planes are shown in Fig. 3c which shows a frontal view of the front end of the plug part 1 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction A. Figuren 3a und 3b are described together below, whereby with regard to the plug part 1, reference is made essentially to the description of the Fig. 1 and 2 is referred to.

[0084] The tubular mounting stud 21.6 is visible on the mounting face 21.5 of the socket part 20. The mounting stud 21.6 is provided with an external thread onto which the union nut 23.1 is screwed. The union nut 23.1 secures the plug insert 24 of the socket part 20, which is supported in the opposite direction against a stop in the mounting stud 21.6. The end faces of the plug pins 25 received therein protrude into the receiving space 22. The plug pins 25 are supported on the plug insert 24 via individual spring elements 25.1.

[0085] On the opposite side walls of the housing 21, control surfaces 21.7 are formed on the inside of the receiving space 22. The control surfaces 21.7 are inclined forward in the insertion direction A, starting from a top side of the housing. The control surfaces 21.7 protrude into the receiving space 22 in such a way that the control cams 4.3 of the closure flap 4 of the plug part 1 can interact with them when the plug part 1 is inserted into the socket part 20. The control surfaces 21.7 continue into a linear guide slot 21.8, which is aligned in the insertion direction A. The guide slot 21.8 is arranged at approximately the same height as a front section of the guide slots 2.2 of the plug part 1 when the latter is inserted into the socket part 20. In the front insertion direction A, the guide slot 21.8 has a stop which serves as an abutment for the control cams 4.3 of the closure flap 4.

[0086] Guide grooves 21.9 are formed on the side walls of the housing 21 in the receiving space 22 to accommodate the guide rail 2.5, so that the plug part 1 is guided along these grooves during insertion. The guide grooves 21.9 and the guide rails 2.5 converge in sections toward the front, resulting in a wedge fit when the plug part 1 is fully inserted.

[0087] The sectional view shows one of the side panels 21.2 of the U-shaped extension 21.1 with the locking recess 21.3 formed thereon and the viewing window 21.4. It is also possible to see how the coding element 26 is inserted into the corresponding recess of the extension 21.1. Longitudinal ribs are formed on the inside of the coding element 26, which interact with the longitudinal ribs of the coding element 10 of the plug part 1 during insertion.

[0088] In Fig. 3a und 3b A longitudinal cross-section through the spring cam 4.4 of the closure flap 4 is visible. An outer contour of the spring cam 4.4 is designed as a control surface, which is deflected on the end face of the push element 6.1 of the return device 6 when the closure flap 4 is pivoted. The contour of the spring cam 4.4 has a tip 4.5, which defines a dead center with respect to the current pivot axis determined by the guide cams 4.2. If the closure flap 4 is pivoted so far that the guide cam 4.4 is deflected beyond the tip 4.5 on the push element 6.1, the closure flap 4 reaches a second open position. In the second open position, the push element 6.1 interacts with the spring cam 4.4 in such a way that the closure flap 4 is locked in the second open position due to the spring force (see Fig. 5c ).

[0089] Figuren 4a und 4b show schematically a further embodiment of the socket part 20, in which a closure flap 27 is additionally present.

[0090] The closure flap 27 is guided via guide cams 27.1 in guide grooves 21.10 of the housing 21 for sliding and pivoting movement. The guide grooves 21.10 are formed above the receiving space 22 for the plug part 1 and extend in the insertion direction A. A receiving space 21.11 is formed below the guide grooves 21.10, which runs parallel to the guide grooves 21.10 and is open in the insertion direction A at the insertion opening 22.1.

[0091] Figur 4a shows the closure flap 27 in a closed position in which the insertion opening is closed by the closure flap 27. Figur 4b shows the closure flap 27 in an intermediate position in which it is pivoted upwards (arrow in Fig. 4a ), so that the closure flap 27 is arranged largely parallel to the receiving space 21.11. The closure flap 27 can be pushed from the intermediate position in the direction of the arrow into the receiving space 21.11, guided by the guide cams 27.1 in the guide grooves 21.10. In this way, the closure flap 27 is accommodated in the socket part 20 in a space-saving and protected manner.

[0092] Figuren 5a - 5b show a process when inserting the plug part 1 into the socket part 20.

[0093] Figur 5a shows a snapshot in which the control cams 4.3 of the closure flap 4 have already slid onto the control surfaces 21.7 of the socket part 20. Due to the counterforce exerted by the control surfaces 21.7 on the control cams 4.3, the closure flap 4 is pivoted about the guide cams 4.2 (arrow) and displaced backward in the guide grooves 2.2 of the plug part 1. The closure flap 4 rests on the upper side of the housing 2 at a transition edge to the front end face of the housing. During further insertion, the guide cams 4.2 slide further backward in the guide grooves 2.2 while the control cams 4.3 move from the control surfaces 21.7 into the guide slot 21.8.

[0094] Figur 5b shows the plug part 1 in the fully inserted state. The guide cams 4.2 are shifted all the way back in the guide slots 2.2, while the control cams 4.3 in the guide grooves 21.8 abut the front stop. The closure flap 4 is positioned completely above the plug housing 2 on its surface (first opening position).

[0095] The guide rails 2.2 have a front and a rear section, which are arranged offset from each other (see also Fig. 1 - 2 ). The rear section is offset downwards in such a way that the closure flap 4 is moved toward the housing 2 via the guide cams 4.2 when the guide cams 4.2 reach the rear section. This allows the overall height of the space required for the opening movement of the closure flap 4 to be reduced.

[0096] The control surface of the spring cam 4.4, in particular the tip 4.5, is selected such that the dead center defined by the tip 4.5 is not exceeded during the transition from the closed position to the first opening position. This ensures that when the plug part 1 is removed, the closure flap 4 is automatically returned to the closed position by the spring-loaded thrust element 6.1. In particular, the control surface 21.7 or the guide slot 21.8 do not need to be designed for return, which significantly simplifies the design of the socket part 20.

[0097] Figur 5cshows the plug part 1 with the closure flap 4 in the second opening position. In the second opening position, the dead center defined by the tip 4.5 is exceeded, starting from the closed position. The guide cams 4.2 rest against the front stops of the guide grooves 2.2. In this position, the thrust element 6.1 acts on the spring cam 4.4 (both not shown) in such a way that the resulting leverage locks the closure flap 4 in the second opening position. Resting of the spring cam 4.4 and / or the side cheeks 4.1 on the top of the housing 2 prevents the closure flap 4 from being pivoted further in the opening direction.

Claims

1. Plug part (1) for a plug connection, in particular an optical conductor, comprising a) a plug housing (2) in which a plug insert (11) with at least one plug pin (12) for receiving a conductor, in particular an optical conductor, is arranged, wherein b) the plug part (1) can be inserted into a correspondingly designed socket part (20) in an insertion direction (A), and c) a locking means (8) for releasably locking the plug part (1) in the socket part (20) and further comprising d) has an unlocking means (9) via which the locking of the locking means (8) on the socket part (20) can be released, wherein e) the plug part (1) comprises a protective device for protecting the end face of the plug pin (12), which protective device can be moved from a closed position with the end face covered into a first open position with the end face exposed, and f) the protective device can be moved from the closed position to the first open position by inserting the plug part (1) into the socket part (20) by interacting with the socket part (20), wherein the unlocking means (9) is mounted on the plug housing (1) so as to be displaceable substantially along the insertion direction (A), wherein the unlocking means (9) can co-operate with the locking means (8) in such a way that when the unlocking means (9) is displaced longitudinally with respect to the plug housing (1) substantially in the direction opposite to the insertion direction (A), a locking action achieved by the locking means can be released, wherein the protective device comprises a closure flap (4) which, in the closed position, can be pressed against the plug housing (2) as a closure of an end face opening of an interior space (3) of the plug housing (2), wherein the plug insert (11) with the at least one plug pin (12) accommodated therein is arranged in the interior space (3), wherein the closure flap (4) is pivotably and displaceably mounted on the plug part (1) via a guide element (4.2) guided in a guide link (2.2) of the plug part (1), wherein, in the first opening position, the closure flap (4) is aligned largely parallel to a side surface of the plug housing (2), referred to as the upper side, and is arranged displaced rearwards with respect to the plug housing (2), characterised in that the plug part (1) comprises a return device (6) for the closure flap (4), wherein the return device (6) co-operates with the closure flap (4) in such a way that the closure flap (4) can be returned from the first open position to the closed position in the absence of external forces, whereby the protective device can be brought into a second opening position, in which the protective device remains in the absence of external forces, wherein, in the case of the second opening position, the return device (6) locks the closure flap (4) when it is in the second opening position, whereby the first opening position is different from the second opening position, whereby the second opening position can be reached by essentially just swivelling from the closing position, wherein the protective device is designed in such a way that the intended interaction with the socket part prevents the protective device from reaching the second opening position during insertion or removal.

2. Plug part according to claim 1, characterised in that the locking means (8) has at least one latching tongue (8.4), in particular made of metal, which is fastened to the plug housing (2) with a fastening section and has a free latching end which preferably extends forwards in the insertion direction (A) and advantageously has a latching projection (8.1) which is directed away from the plug housing (2).

3. Plug part according to claim 2, characterised in that the unlocking means (9) and the at least one latching tongue (8.4) are designed and interact in such a way that the latching end can be moved towards the plug housing (2) by displacing the unlocking means (9) with respect to the plug housing (2) against the insertion direction.

4. Plug part according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the locking means (8) comprises a U-shaped bracket (8.3) fixedly attached to the plug housing in the insertion direction (A), in particular made of metal, which has two largely identical latching tongues (8.4), each with a free latching end, wherein the U-shaped bracket (8.3) preferably at least partially embraces the plug housing (2) and, in particular, the two latching tongues (8.4) on opposite sides of the plug housing (2) extend forwards with their free latching ends in the insertion direction (A).

5. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the unlocking means (9) is designed as a sliding sleeve (9.1) which completely or partially embraces the plug housing (2), wherein optionally the at least one latching tongue (8.4) is arranged between the sliding sleeve (9.1) and the plug housing (2) and protrudes outwards with its latching end at least partially through a recess (9.2) formed in a side wall of the sliding sleeve (9.1), essentially transversely to the insertion direction (A), the latching projection (8.1) formed on the latching tongue (8.4) protruding outwards if necessary.

6. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the unlocking means (9) is supported on the plug housing (2) in a spring-loaded manner in the insertion direction (A) via a stop (2.6), the stop (2.6) preferably being attached to the plug housing as a separate component and being removable if necessary.

7. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the closure flap (4) is designed as a cap which, in the closed position, can be pressed against the plug housing (2) as a closure of an end face opening of an interior space (3) of the plug housing (2), wherein a sealing element (4.6) is present which seals the closure against dirt and / or moisture.

8. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the guide link (2.2) has sections which are offset relative to one another with respect to the guide direction, so that the closure flap (4) can be moved, preferably under positive control, at least in the region of the guide element (4.2) towards or away from the plug housing (2) during displacement.

9. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the return device (6) for the closure flap (4) comprises a thrust element (6.1) acted upon by a spring force in the insertion direction (A).

10. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the plug insert (11) is designed to receive several, in particular four, plug pins (12), and preferably several plug pins (12), preferably four, are arranged in the plug insert (11), preferably with an even number of plug pins (12), half of the plug pins (12) being designed as male and half as female plug pins (12).

11. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the plug part (1) has closing means (7) designed to close an insertion opening (22.1) of the socket part (20), wherein preferably a sealing element (7.1) is arranged on the closing means (7) in such a way that the insertion opening (22.1) of the socket part (20) can be sealed against dirt and / or moisture by the closing means (7).

12. Plug part according to claim 11, characterised in that the locking means (8) is completely arranged on the plug part (1) in a region which lies behind the closing means (7) with respect to the insertion direction (A).

13. Plug part according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that a coding means (10) is present, which can interact with coding means (26) on the socket part (20), wherein the coding means (10) is formed, preferably on an underside, on the unlocking means (9) and in particular comprises ribs and or grooves aligned in the insertion direction (A).

14. Plug connection, in particular for optical conductors, comprising a plug part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 and a socket part (20), wherein the socket part (20) a) a socket housing (21) with a receiving space (22) for a plug part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, into which the plug part (1) can be inserted through an insertion opening (22.1) in an insertion direction (A), and b) the socket part (20) has control means (21.7, 21.9) for co-operating with the protective device of the plug part (1), by means of which the protective device can be moved from the closed position into the open position during insertion, which control means (21.7, 21.9) are formed in particular in the receiving space (22), whereby the socket part (20) has latching means (21.3) for latching the locking means (8) of the plug part (1), wherein the latching means (21.3) is formed as at least one recess (21.3) in a side wall (21.2) of the socket housing (20), into which a free latching end of at least one latching tongue (8.4) or possibly a latching projection (8.1) of the locking means (8) of the plug part (1) can be inserted when the plug part (1) is plugged in, wherein the closing flap of the plug part (1) can be moved into the first open position when the plug part (1) is inserted and wherein the closing flap of the plug part (1) can be automatically brought into the closed position when the plug part (1) is removed.

15. Plug-in connection according to claim 14, characterised in that a coding means (26) is present on the socket part (20), the coding means (26) being replaceably fastened to the socket part (20), in particular being formed as part of a housing wall of the socket housing (20) and being fastened in a corresponding recess, preferably via a snap-in device, in the housing wall of the socket housing (20).

16. Plug-in connection according to one of claims 14 to 15, characterised in that a closure means (27), in particular a closure flap (27), is formed on the socket part (20), which closure means is mounted on the socket part (20) so as to be pivotable and / or displaceable via a guide element (27.1) guided in a guide link (21.10) of the socket part (20), and can be moved into a closing position in which the closure means (27.1), which is pivotably and / or displaceably mounted on the socket part (20), and is movable into a closing position, in which the closing means (27) closes the insertion opening (22.1) and is movable into an opening position, in which the closing means (27) is introduced into a correspondingly formed receiving space (21.11) of the socket part (20).

17. Plug connection according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that when the plug part (1) is completely inserted into the receiving space (22), the unlocking means (9) is arranged at least partially between the plug housing (2) and a side wall (21.2) of the socket part (20), wherein preferably the locking means (8), in particular with the free latching end of the latching tongue (8.4), protrudes through the recess (9.2) of the unlocking means (9), which is formed in particular in a side wall of the unlocking means (9) designed as a sliding sleeve (9.1), and engages in a latching manner in the latching means (21.2) of the socket part (20), which is preferably designed as a recess (21.3) in a side wall (21.2) of the socket part (20).