Round plug connector comprising a shield connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a round plug connector for detachably connecting lines, comprising at least one housing element for receiving at least one insulating body and at least one locking element for detachably connecting to a counter plug connector. The housing element also receives at least one circumferential spring element. The spring element is produced for connecting an electromagnetic shield made from an electrically conductive material and is characterised in that the spring element has at least one ring retained in a circumferential recess in the housing element and at least one substantially axial wing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a circular connector with shield connection, in particular for circular connectors with a push-pull locking mechanism according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Circular connectors of this type are needed to connect cables, especially those containing electrically conductive conductors, to devices and / or other cables. Particularly in the field of data transmission, cables and connectors with high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are required. For this purpose, cables and, in some cases, the conductors they contain are sheathed with conductive wire, braided wire, and / or foil. Various shielding methods are used to transmit this shielding to a connector. State of the art

[0003] In the prior art, spring elements made of electrically conductive materials are preferably used to transfer an electromagnetic shield from an electrically conductive cable via a connector to a mating connector.

[0004] Spring washers are particularly suitable for use with circular connectors. Wave spring washers are especially popular for connecting shields in circular connectors.

[0005] A disadvantage of using spring washers, including wave spring washers, is the lack of reliability with circular connectors featuring a push-pull locking mechanism. Due to the way the locking mechanism works, simple spring washers cannot adequately guarantee a secure shield connection, even during operation and the vibrations that may occur.

[0006] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 25 28 186 A1, GB 1 032 946 A and US 4,423,919 A. EP 3 203 591 A1 discloses a circular connector with an annular shield spring contact and a push-pull locking mechanism. Task

[0007] The object of the invention is to equip known circular connectors with push-pull locking by an element for shield connection which is easy and cost-effective to manufacture and can be used reliably.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] The embodiment according to the invention proposes a circular connector for the detachable connection of conductors, comprising at least one housing element for receiving at least one insulating body and at least one locking element for detachable connection with a mating connector. The housing element receives at least one circumferential spring element. The spring element is made of an electrically conductive material for connecting an electromagnetic shield and is characterized in that the spring element has at least one ring held in at least one recess in the housing element and at least one substantially axially extending wing. The spring element has a number of wings that is identical to the number of locking elements, with the number being greater than or equal to two. Preferably, the spring element is configured with three, four, or five wings.In particular, an embodiment with at least six wings is provided. This embodiment enables both a secure locking of the circular connector with a mating connector and a stable shield connection. According to the invention, the wings of the spring element and the same number of locking elements alternate circumferentially around the circumference of the housing element. Both the shield connection and the locking of the circular connector with a mating connector are advantageously reinforced in this way. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when using a push-pull locking mechanism. The locking elements and / or the locking features of the mating connector thus reliably come into contact with both the locking elements of the circular connector and its spring element.In particular, this embodiment provides that a radially circumferential locking hook of the mating connector can be brought into locking engagement with the locking elements of the circular connector, wherein the spring element between the locking elements rests against these locking hooks of the mating connector and thus ensures the connection of the shield.

[0011] The term "conductors" preferably refers to electrically conductive conductors of a cable. In addition, an optical signal line or a combination of an electrically conductive conductor and / or an optical signal line and / or a fluid line may be used. The term "housing element" refers in particular to at least one electrically conductive component of the circular connector located in the connection area with a mating connector. The housing element is most preferably designed as a metallic sleeve. For connection to a conductor and / or a cable containing a conductor, a circular connector may have various housing elements, for example, a coupling nut for connecting the circular connector to a strain relief and / or a cable exit.

[0012] Plastic cylinders are typically used as insulating bodies, each having at least one through-hole for receiving at least one contact element. This contact element establishes the connection for electrical, optical, and / or fluid transmission with a corresponding contact element. The corresponding contact element is usually located in a mating connector that corresponds to the circular connector or in a corresponding mounting housing.

[0013] A locking element is a component that interacts with the mating connector in such a way as to prevent the connection from unintentionally coming loose. The spring element according to the invention is particularly advantageous for shield connection when using a so-called push-pull locking mechanism. Such locking mechanisms are designed with detent forms so that the respective detent forms interact with each other when the connectors are plugged in. Release forms, for example, catches, in at least one of the connectors allow this connection to be easily released by applying a pulling force to the corresponding housing element. The release forms engage, for example, at least one locking element and release it from the corresponding locking element.

[0014] The spring element according to the invention is made of an electrically conductive material. In particular, the spring element is made of metallic materials, especially copper-containing alloys; the use of copper-beryllium alloys is particularly preferred.

[0015] In the context of the invention, the recess is understood to be at least a radial groove in which at least one ring of the spring element can be inserted. The recess is particularly advantageously further configured with at least one substantially axially arranged pocket designed to at least partially accommodate the wing of the spring element.

[0016] A preferred embodiment proposes that the wing of the spring element is oriented opposite to the insertion direction of the circular connector, so that the ring points towards the mating connector. This means that during the insertion of the circular connector into a mating connector, the mating connector is always first guided over the ring of the spring element before the wing of the spring element is reached and made contact.

[0017] This design simplifies the plugging process of the circular connector with a mating connector and enables secure contact between the mating connector and the spring element.

[0018] One clever embodiment provides that the wing has at least one concave curve which essentially extends outside an imaginary cylinder whose base is formed by the inner diameter of the ring.

[0019] This means that the wing attached to the ring is shaped in such a way that it moves away from the housing element and the ring of the spring element. After reaching maximum deflection, the wing continues to move away from the ring, but at least partially back towards the housing element. This design not only simplifies the insertion of the circular connector into a mating connector, but also the disconnection process, since locking elements can be easily guided over the spring element.

[0020] In a clever embodiment, the wing has at least one concave curve, the maximum deflection of which lies essentially outside an imaginary cylinder whose base is formed by the outer diameter of the ring. This embodiment ensures reliable contact between the mating connector and the spring element. Thus, the shield connection is secured in a simple and effective manner. Ideally, the wing of the spring element is shaped such that the circular connector makes contact with the spring element at two points on the housing element. The first contact point between the housing element and the spring element is the ring of the spring element. The second contact point is formed when the circular connector is plugged into a mating connector. The maximum deflection of the wing ensures contact between the wing and the mating connector.This contact point in turn pushes the wing towards the housing element of the circular connector, so that the end of the wing comes into contact with the housing element, thereby at least establishing, and preferably reinforcing, the second contact point.

[0021] One embodiment provides that the spring element is in electrically conductive contact with the housing element at least via the ring and is in electrically conductive contact with the mating connector at least by means of a deflection of the wing. This embodiment allows for installation in a reduced installation space, in which the wing is made just long enough to form a curve. However, even when plugged in, the end of the wing is not pressed against the housing element of the connector. The end of the wing is therefore free-floating. This design particularly facilitates easier mating of the circular connector with a mating connector.

[0022] A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the spring element is in electrically conductive contact with the housing element at least through the ring and at least one end region of the wing, and is in electrically conductive contact with the mating connector at least with one deflection of the wing. This embodiment is generally somewhat longer than the previously mentioned embodiment, but offers the advantage of a more reliable contact between the circular connector, or rather the housing element of the circular connector, and the mating connector used.

[0023] In a clever embodiment, the spring element has at least one ring whose wing is formed at least 60° against the insertion direction and arranged on the ring. This embodiment allows for a more secure fit of the spring element to the housing element of the circular connector, thus making it easier and more reliable to use an embodiment with a free-floating wing. In particular, a spring element is proposed here whose wing is formed at a substantially 90° angle to the ring. Forming refers specifically to bending processes, especially roll bending, die bending, or free bending and / or rounding, but also conceivably to rolling. The application of other forming processes is conceivable and generally known to those skilled in the art. This results in a ring of the spring element aligned concentrically to the longitudinal axis with at least one wing extending at least substantially axially.

[0024] A further refined embodiment provides that the spring element is arranged in a recess in the housing element, with the ring being inserted in a further recess in the housing element. This means that, particularly in the case of a concentrically oriented ring with an axially aligned wing, the spring element is essentially received in a recess in the housing element, with the ring being arranged in a further recess, in particular a circumferential groove. This recess within a recess allows for particularly advantageous contact between the spring element and the housing element of the circular connector. Furthermore, it is simpler to arrange a wing according to the invention in a freely suspended manner within the circular connector. Example of implementation

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a circular connector according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a spring element according to the invention for umbrella connection; Fig. 3 a partial section focusing on the umbrella connection with a spring element having a concave wing in the inserted state; Fig. 4 a partial section focusing on the umbrella connection with a spring element having a concave, floating wing in the inserted state; Fig. 5 a perspective view of an alternative circular connector according to the invention; Fig. 6 a perspective view of an alternative spring element according to the invention for umbrella connection; Fig. 7 a partial section focusing on the umbrella connection with an alternative spring element having a concave wing in the inserted state; Fig.8a partial section focusing on the canopy attachment with an alternative spring element, featuring a concave, floating wing in the inserted state; .

[0026] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently.

[0027] Directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "front" and "back" refer to the respective representations and may vary in relation to the elements shown.

[0028] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows the mating area of ​​a circular connector 1 according to the invention, wherein the circular connector 1 has at least two housing elements 2 and 2'. Housing element 2 accommodates an insulating body 3. Recesses in housing element 2 accommodate locking elements 4 along the circumference of housing element 2. The locking elements 4 are designed as latching hooks and are provided for a push-pull locking mechanism. The spring element 6 for shield connection is also shown, and is located within the housing element 2. The spring element 6 is situated in a substantially congruent recess 7, with a portion of the recess 7 accommodating a circumferential ring 8 of the spring element 6. The wings 9 of the spring element 6 are located between the locking elements 4 in pocket-shaped areas of the recess 7. It can also be seen that the locking elements 4 and the wings 9 of the spring element 6 alternate around the circumference of the housing element 2.It is also evident that the wings 9 arranged on the ring 8 of the spring element 6 are oriented opposite to the insertion direction RS. In order to separate the locking elements 4 from the spring element 6, ribs can be seen on the housing element 2 in the illustrated embodiment of the circular connector 1, which result from the recesses of the locking elements 4 and the recess 7 for the spring element 6.

[0029] In the Figure 2A spring element 6 according to the invention is shown, clearly illustrating its structure. The spring element 6, produced, for example, by a stamping process, initially comprises a ring 8 with a gap. This gap results from the manufacturing process and the subsequent forming process, such as a rolling or roll bending process. The wings 9, intended for contacting the mating connector 5, are metallurgically bonded to the ring 8. Typically, the wings 9 are formed during the stamping process or left attached to the ring 8. During a forming process, the wings 9 acquire their outwardly directed, concave shape. Alternatively, the wings 9 can be bonded to the ring 8 using metallurgical processes, such as soldering or welding.The wings 9 remain essentially outside an imaginary cylinder whose diameter assumes the inner diameter dI of the ring. Each wing 9 has an end, the ends of which, in a preferred embodiment, remain within an imaginary hollow cylinder whose base can be represented essentially by the outer diameter dA and the inner diameter dI of the ring 8.

[0030] The Figure 3 and the Figure 4 The figures show a fundamentally comparable structure of a plug connection, comprising a plug connector 1 and a mating plug connector 5. However, the embodiments of the spring elements 6 differ. In the Figure 3 The spring element 6 is shown with a wing 9 which extends from the ring 8 to the housing element 2'. The end of the wing 9, which is arranged opposite to the insertion direction RS, comes into at least partial contact with the housing element 2. In the Figure 4A shorter wing 9' is shown compared to wing 9. This wing 9' does not contact the housing element 2. The spring element 6 only contacts the housing element 2 via the ring 8. Despite its shortened design, wing 9' is held securely on the housing element 2 by the ring 8 and can provide a similarly secure screen connection. The concave shape of the differing wings 9 and 9' of the spring elements 6 is particularly evident in both figures. The Figures 3 and 4 The concave wings 9 and 9' simplify the insertion process between the circular connector 1 and the mating connector 5. The locking hook 10 in the mating connector 5 is guided over the wings 9 and 9' by the concave design of the spring elements 6. During both the insertion and removal of the connector, the spring elements 6 do not impede the process, or at least only to a reduced extent.

[0031] The Figures 5 to 8Figure 1 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the circular connector 1. The circular connector 1 has an essentially identical structure. However, the alternative embodiment of the spring element 6' necessitates a modification of the housing element 2. Since the spring element 6' has a ring 8', which resembles a retaining ring in shape and orientation, it is advantageous to provide the recess 7 with a further recess 7'. For this purpose, the recess 7' can be formed as a groove that is essentially congruent with the ring 8'. To ensure that the wings 9 continue to run essentially axially, they must be reshaped on the ring 8'. A die-cutting process is suitable for this. To ensure that the wings 9 remain essentially axially aligned on the housing element 2 of the circular connector 1, the wings 9 must be formed on the ring 8' at an angle of at least 45°.An angle of 60° or greater, and in particular an angle of substantially 90°, is particularly preferred. The ring 8' engaging in the recess 7', which is preferably designed as a groove, secures the spring element 6' particularly advantageously in the axial direction.

[0032] Even though the figures show various aspects or features of the invention in combination, it is apparent to the person skilled in the art – unless otherwise stated – that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or sets of features from different embodiments can be interchanged. Circular connector with shield connection Reference symbol list

[0033] 1 Circular connector 2 Housing element 3 Insulating body 4 Locking element 5 Mating connector 6 Spring element 7 Recess 8 Ring 9 Wing 10 Detent hook RS insertion direction d A outer diameter d I inner diameter

Claims

1. Circular connector (1) for detachably connecting cables, comprising at least one housing element (2) for receiving at least one insulating body (3) and at least one locking element (4) for detachable connection to a mating connector (5), wherein the housing element (2) accommodates at least one circumferential spring element (6) and wherein the spring element (6) is made of an electrically conductive material for connecting an electromagnetic shield, wherein the spring element (6) has at least one ring (8) held in a circumferential recess (7) of the housing element (2) and at least one essentially axially extending wing (9), characterized in that the spring element (6) has a number of wings (9) which is identical to the number of locking elements (4), wherein the number is greater than or equal to two and wherein the wings (9) of the spring element (6) and the locking elements (4) alternate circumferentially on the circumference of the housing element (2).

2. Circular connector (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that the wing (9) is aligned opposite to the plugging direction (RS) of the circular plug connector (1), so that the ring (8) points in the direction of the mating connector (5).

3. Circular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the wing (9) has at least one concave curvature which runs essentially outside an imaginary cylinder whose base area is formed by the inner diameter (dI) of the ring (8).

4. Circular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the wing (9) has at least one concave curvature whose maximum deflection runs essentially outside an imaginary cylinder whose base area is formed by the outer diameter (dA) of the ring (8).

5. Circular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (6) is in electrically conductive connection with the housing element (2) at least through the ring (8) and is in electrically conductive connection with the mating connector (5) at least with a deflection of the wing (9).

6. Circular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (6) is in electrically conductive connection with the housing element (2) at least through the ring (8) and at least one end region of the wing (9) and is in electrically conductive connection with the mating connector (5) at least when the wing (9) is deflected.

7. Circular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (6) has at least one ring (8) whose wing (9) is formed at an angle of at least 60° to the plugging direction (RS) on the ring (8).

8. Circular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the spring element (6) is arranged in a recess (7) in the housing element (2), wherein the ring (8) is inserted in a further recess (7') in the housing element (2).

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