Push-pull connector for detachable connection to a mating connector and connector system

Abstract

One aspect concerns a push-pull connector (200) for detachable connection with a mating connector (300), wherein the push-pull connector (200) comprises: - a spring-loaded locking element (204) which is configured in an engagement position to engage a mating connector-side locking element (306) in order to secure the push-pull connector (200) to the mating connector (300), - an actuating element (206) which is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking element (204), wherein moving the actuating element (206) in a release direction causes the spring-loaded locking element (204) to disengage from the engagement position in order to release the mating connector-side locking element (306) from being engaged by the spring-loaded locking element (204), wherein the actuating element (206) has a locking element opening (210) by which allows the spring-loaded locking device (204) to be moved into and out of the engagement position,wherein the locking opening (210) has two opposing edge sections (212, 214) which limit the extension of the locking opening (210) along an insertion direction (E) into which the push-pull connector (200) is inserted into the mating connector (300), wherein a first edge section (212) of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface (216) of the spring-loaded locking element (204) when the actuating element (206) is moved in the unlocking direction, in order to cause a displacement of a second contact surface (218) of the spring-loaded locking element (204) from the engagement position in which the second contact surface (218) engages the locking element (306) on the mating connector side, wherein the spring-loaded locking element (204) does not contact the second edge section (214) in the engagement position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a push-pull connector for detachable connection with a mating connector, and a connector system.

[0002] Push-pull connectors are a well-known type of connector that allows for a detachable connection to a mating connector. To connect the push-pull connector to the mating connector, the mating connector is simply inserted into the mating connector in the insertion direction. A locking mechanism securely holds the push-pull connector in place. To detach the connection, the push-pull connector is pulled in the opposite direction to release it from the mating connector. Pulling the push-pull connector releases the locking mechanism.

[0003] It is desirable that connecting the push-pull connector to the mating connector should be convenient and require minimal effort. Furthermore, a secure locking mechanism between the push-pull connector and the mating connector is desirable.

[0004] Document CN 209 880 957 U describes a cable termination device with a release sliding sleeve comprising a plug. The plug comprises a plug body, an outer sleeve, and the release sliding sleeve. The outer sleeve is provided with an elastic arm, and an inverted buckle body projects from the elastic arm. The release sliding sleeve retracts inward to form a pressure part corresponding to the inverted buckle body. The release sliding sleeve drives the pressure part to slide relative to the outer sleeve, and the inverted buckle body is in the path of the pressure part's sliding movement. As the release sliding sleeve drives the pressure part to slide in the release direction, the pressure part presses on the inverted buckle body and the elastic arm, causing them to bend inward together and thus release the termination.

[0005] Document US 2018 / 205175 A1 describes a connector with a first connector and a second connector designed for axial insertion into the first connector in one insertion direction. The first connector has at least one locking element and the second connector has at least one counter-locking element, such that when the first connector is axially inserted into the second connector, the at least one locking element and the at least one counter-locking element engage with each other in an inserted state, and the first connector is locked to the second connector in the inserted state. The first connector and the second connector are pushed apart axially and opposite to the insertion direction by a restoring force of a compressed seal such that the locking element is pushed against the engagement with the counter-locking element without play.

[0006] Document US 2014 / 235085 A1 describes a connector comprising a receptacle with a receptacle housing and a plug with a plug housing and an associated snap-fit ​​component. The receptacle housing has a recess on its inner wall. The outer wall of the snap-fit ​​component is provided with a deformable elastic rib and a protrusion. The plug housing has an opening to receive the elastic rib and an elastic latch corresponding to the protrusion.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved push-pull connector for detachable connection with a mating connector that is easy and safe to use.

[0008] This problem is solved by a push-pull connector for detachable connection to a mating connector according to claim 1. The push-pull connector has a spring-loaded locking element which, in an engagement position, is configured to engage a locking element on the mating connector side in order to secure the push-pull connector to the mating connector. In particular, the spring-loaded locking element and the locking element on the mating connector side can interlock to secure the push-pull connector to the mating connector. The spring-loaded locking element can, in particular, be mounted elastically and / or with a return spring.Furthermore, the push-pull connector has an actuating element that is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking element. Moving the actuating element in an unlocking direction displaces the spring-loaded locking element from its engagement position, thus releasing the locking element on the mating connector side from being engaged by the spring-loaded locking element. The actuating element can be operated by an operator. In particular, the operator can move the actuating element along the unlocking direction. The unlocking direction can, in particular, run parallel to the insertion direction in which the push-pull connector is inserted into the mating connector. Preferably, the unlocking direction can be opposite to the insertion direction, which allows for intuitive operation of the actuating element by the operator.

[0009] The actuating element has a detent opening through which the spring-loaded detent can be moved into and out of the engaged position. When the actuating element is moved along the unlocking direction, a corresponding movement of the detent opening can occur along the unlocking direction, thereby moving the detent opening along the unlocking direction and relative to the spring-loaded detent. Furthermore, the spring-loaded detent can project at least partially into and / or through the detent opening, whereby moving the actuating element along the unlocking direction can cause a displacement of the spring-loaded detent relative to the detent opening and / or the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector.

[0010] Furthermore, the locking mechanism opening has two opposing edge sections that limit the extent of the locking mechanism opening along the insertion direction. The two edge sections can each extend transversely to the insertion direction. When the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction, a first edge section of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking mechanism to displace a second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking mechanism from the engagement position in which the second contact surface engages behind the locking mechanism on the mating connector side.

[0011] In particular, the first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector, which runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction. Preferably, the first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element is angled such that the distance between the first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element and the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector decreases as the first contact surface extends in the insertion direction. Advantageously, the first edge section, which extends from the second edge section in the insertion direction and is located behind the second edge section, can be pushed onto the first contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element when the actuating element is moved against the insertion direction, thereby displacing the spring-loaded locking element towards the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector.When the actuating element is moved in the insertion direction and relative to the spring-loaded locking device, a displacement of the spring-loaded locking device from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector and in the direction of the locking device on the mating connector side can occur.

[0012] Furthermore, the spring-loaded locking element does not contact the second edge section in the engaged position. In particular, the spring-loaded locking element is designed as follows: ,When connecting the push-pull connector to the mating connector, the spring-loaded locking element does not contact the second edge section. Connecting, in particular, means that the push-pull connector is inserted into the mating connector until the spring-loaded locking element is in the engaged position and engages the locking element on the mating connector. The fact that the spring-loaded locking element and the second edge section do not contact each other has the advantage that the push-pull connector and the mating connector can be connected with minimal force. Specifically, the spring-loaded locking element is not blocked or hindered by the second edge section as it moves towards the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector.

[0013] Preferably, in the engaged position, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element extends completely through the locking element opening. When the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element is displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector and / or in the direction of the locking element opening. Furthermore, in the engaged position, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element can make contact with a mating connector-side locking element contact surface, preferably over a surface. "Overall contact" means, in particular, that the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element and the mating connector-side locking element contact surface are essentially parallel to each other and abut each other.The mating connector-side locking element can be designed, in particular, as a recess or notch in a mating connector housing, wherein the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element engages behind the recess or notch in the engagement position. Preferably, in the engagement position, the second contact surface of the spring-loaded locking element can point substantially opposite to the insertion direction, and the mating connector-side locking element contact surface can point substantially in the insertion direction. To engage behind the locking element contact surface with the second contact surface, the second contact surface is preferably displaced outwards transversely to the insertion direction (away from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector). This direction can also be understood as the engagement direction.

[0014] Preferably, the push-pull connector is designed to accommodate a data, signal, or power cable. Furthermore, the push-pull connector can have a contact element holder that holds or provides an electrical contact element. This electrical contact element can be connected to an electrical conductor of the data, signal, or power cable. Additionally, the mating connector can have a contact element holder on the mating connector side that holds an electrical contact element on the mating connector side, which can be electrically connected to the electrical contact element of the push-pull connector to establish an electrical connection. Alternatively or optionally, the push-pull connector can also accommodate a conductor suitable for optical signal transmission, with optical signal transmission coupling implemented in the push-pull connector and the mating connector.

[0015] The spring-loaded locking device is designed in such a way as... , that when moving out of the engaged position, it does not contact the second edge section. In other words, when the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction, the spring-loaded locking element does not contact the second edge section. Particularly at the maximum possible relative movement of the actuating element with respect to the spring-loaded locking element in the unlocking direction, the spring-loaded locking element does not contact the second edge section. Advantageously, this allows for easy disconnection of the push-pull connector from the mating connector, since the spring-loaded locking element is not blocked by the second edge section when the engaged position is released and the connection between the push-pull connector and the mating connector is thus disconnected.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, viewed in the engagement position, the second edge section can extend in the insertion direction at least to the level of the locking element on the mating connector side. In other words, in the engagement position, the second edge section extends in the insertion direction at least to the level of the locking element contact surface on the mating connector side.

[0017] The push-pull connector has a spring-loaded arm extending along the insertion direction, with a first fixed end and a second free end. Furthermore, the spring-loaded locking element is designed as a locking lug at the second end of the spring-loaded arm. In particular, the locking lug on the spring-loaded arm can point outwards or away from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. Additionally, the free end can be positioned in the insertion direction when viewed from the fixed end.

[0018] According to the invention, the locking lug has a connecting surface extending from the second contact surface to the spring arm, wherein the connecting surface and a side of the spring arm from which the locking lug extends form an angle of approximately 65° to 75°. In other embodiments, this angle is approximately 67° to 73°, and particularly approximately 70°. The angle values ​​are to be understood, in particular, based on a longitudinal section through the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. In the unconnected state of the push-pull connector with the mating connector, the side of the spring arm from which the locking lug extends runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the push-pull connector.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the second contact surface, particularly along the engagement direction in which the spring-loaded locking element engages the mating connector-side locking element, is shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded locking element in the mating connector-side locking element in the engaged position. The engagement depth can be understood, in particular, as the depth of the mating connector-side locking element, which is designed as a recess or notch.

[0020] Particularly in the case of a push-pull connector designed as a round connector, the second contact surface, viewed in the insertion direction, can have the shape of a segment of an annulus, wherein the width of the annulus, i.e., the distance between the outer and inner radii that form the annulus, is smaller than the engagement depth or the depth of the locking element on the mating connector side, which is designed as a recess or notch. Furthermore, the locking element contact surface, viewed opposite to the insertion direction, can be annulus-shaped or segmented. The width of this annulus, i.e., the distance between the outer and inner radii that form the annulus or the segment of the annulus, can preferably be larger than the corresponding annulus width of the second contact surface.Preferably, in the engagement position, the second contact surface engages behind the locking element contact surface across its entire width. Advantageously, this prevents the locking element from disengaging when pulling on a cable held by the push-pull connector.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the actuating element can be designed as an elongated hollow body with the spring arm running along its inner surface. Furthermore, the elongated hollow body can include the locking mechanism opening. The longitudinal axis of the actuating element can also coincide with the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. Preferably, the actuating element can have an externally accessible actuating section, which is preferably substantially hollow cylindrical and accessible to the operator for moving the actuating element along the unlocking direction. The actuating element can also have an insertion section arranged downstream of the actuating section in the insertion direction, which is preferably hollow cylindrical.The insertion area can be inserted into a complementary insertion area of ​​the mating connector, wherein the insertion area has the locking mechanism opening and the insertion area has the locking mechanism on the mating connector side. Furthermore, the actuating element can be formed in one piece.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element, designed as an elongated hollow body, can have a guide channel in which the spring arm runs, the guide channel having the locking opening. The longitudinal direction of the guide channel can run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the guide channel runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector can have an arm support element designed as an elongated hollow body. An annular section can be formed at an end of the arm support element located in the insertion direction, to which the first end of the resilient arm is fixed and from which the resilient arm extends in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the contact element holder can be arranged in and / or on the arm support element.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded arm, the arm support element, and the spring-loaded locking device are formed in one piece.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector can have three spring-loaded locking elements, each of which can be configured according to the spring-loaded locking element described above. In particular, three spring arms can be provided, each with a locking element. The three spring arms can be arranged at an angle of 120° to each other on the annular section of the arm support element. Furthermore, the actuating element can have three guide channels, each of which is configured according to the guide channel described above.

[0026] The push-pull connector can be male or female. Specifically, the push-pull connector can be a socket or a receptacle. Accordingly, the mating connector can be either male or female. For example, if the push-pull connector is male, it can be connected to a complementary female connector. Conversely, if the push-pull connector is female, it can be connected to a complementary male connector.

[0027] Preferably, the mating area of ​​the mating connector can have the locking element on the mating connector side and a multi-part thread. A multi-part thread or multi-part threaded element is understood to be a thread or thread-like element that is composed of several parts or sections. In particular, the multi-part thread consists of several, preferably three, threaded sections, wherein two successive threaded sections are separated or spaced apart by a non-threaded section. A threaded section is understood to be a section that has a thread structure, i.e., the profiled grooves or thread pitches characteristic of the thread, while a non-threaded section is understood to be a section that does not have such a thread structure. In other words, a multi-part thread is a thread or thread-like element that is composed of several parts or sections.A thread-like element is understood to be one that does not have a continuous thread structure, but rather multiple recesses or milled sections. In particular, in a multi-part thread, its thread structure or thread sections extend around the interior of a cylindrical wall only with interruptions or recesses. These interruptions or recesses can, for example, represent milled sections of the thread structure.

[0028] The multi-part thread differs from a classic thread in that the thread structure or the profiled groove does not run continuously around a cylindrical wall, but only in sections, i.e. with interruptions or recesses or milled sections.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the mating connector further comprises a mating connector housing, wherein the multi-part thread and / or the at least one mating connector-side locking element are part of the mating connector housing. In other words, the mating connector housing comprises the multi-part thread and / or the at least one mating connector-side locking element.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector and the mating connector provide an M12 connector system. That is, preferably the complementary push-pull connector is an M12 connector and / or the multi-part thread is essentially an M12 thread, or the multi-part thread is essentially designed as an M12 thread.

[0031] Optionally, the mating connector and / or the push-pull connector can include additional components. For example, a shielding housing that at least partially electrically shields the mating connector or push-pull connector. Besides the shielding housing(s), the connector system can include other optional modules, such as a seal and / or one or two locking rings that prevent and / or reduce unintentional disconnection of the connector.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector is a round connector.

[0033] According to an unclaimed aspect, which further serves to better understand the claimed invention, a push-pull connector for detachable connection with a mating connector has: a spring-loaded locking element which, in an engagement position, is designed to engage behind a mating connector-side locking element in order to secure the push-pull connector to the mating connector; an actuating element which is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking element, wherein movement of the actuating element in a release direction causes a displacement of the spring-loaded locking element from the engagement position in order to release the locking element from engaging behind the mating connector-side locking element; wherein the actuating element has a detent opening through which the spring-loaded detent can be moved into and out of the engagement position, wherein the detent opening has two opposing edge sections that limit the extent of the detent opening along an insertion direction in which the push-pull connector is inserted into the mating connector, wherein a first edge section of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface of the spring-loaded detent when the actuating element is moved in the unlocking direction in order to cause a displacement of a second contact surface of the spring-loaded detent from the engagement position in which the second contact surface engages behind the mating connector-side detent, wherein the second contact surface is shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded detent into the mating connector-side detent in the engagement position.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded locking element does not contact the second edge section in the engagement position.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the spring-loaded locking device is designed such that it does not contact the second edge section when moving out of the engagement position.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, viewed in the engagement position, the second edge section is formed in the insertion direction at least up to the level of the locking means on the mating connector side.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the push-pull connector is a round connector.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the second contact surface is shorter, particularly along the engagement direction in which the spring-loaded locking element engages the mating connector-side locking element, than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded locking element into the mating connector-side locking element. The engagement depth can be understood, in particular, as the depth of the mating connector-side locking element, which is designed as a recess or notch.

[0039] Particularly in the case of a push-pull connector designed as a round connector, the second contact surface, viewed in the insertion direction, can have the shape of a segment of an annulus, wherein the width of the annulus, i.e., the distance between the outer and inner radii that form the annulus, is smaller than the engagement depth or the depth of the locking element on the mating connector side, which is designed as a recess or notch. Furthermore, the locking element on the mating connector side can have a locking element contact surface that, viewed against the insertion direction, is annulus-shaped or segmented. The width of this annulus, i.e., the distance between the outer and inner radii that form the annulus or the segment of the annulus, can preferably be larger than the corresponding annulus width of the second contact surface.Preferably, in the engagement position, the second contact surface engages behind the locking element contact surface across its entire width. Advantageously, this prevents the locking element from disengaging when pulling on a cable held by the push-pull connector.

[0040] According to a third aspect, the underlying task is solved by a connector system. The connector system comprises a push-pull connector as described in the first aspect and a mating connector that can be detachably connected to the push-pull connector. Furthermore, the mating connector has a locking mechanism on the mating connector side, wherein the spring-loaded locking mechanism can engage behind the locking mechanism on the mating connector side.

[0041] The preceding and following descriptions of the embodiments of the first aspect also apply to the aforementioned further independent aspect and, in particular, to preferred embodiments thereof. In particular, the preceding and following descriptions of the embodiments of the other independent aspect also apply to an independent aspect of the present invention and to preferred embodiments thereof.

[0042] The following section describes, by way of example, individual embodiments for solving the problem, illustrated by the figures. Some of the described embodiments exhibit features that are not strictly necessary for carrying out the claimed subject matter, but which provide desirable properties in certain applications. Thus, embodiments that do not possess all the features of the embodiments described below are also considered to be disclosed within the scope of the described technical teaching. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessary repetition, certain features are mentioned only in relation to some of the embodiments described below. It should therefore be noted that the individual embodiments should be considered not only individually, but also in combination.From this overview, the person skilled in the art will recognize that individual embodiments can also be modified by incorporating one or more features from other embodiments. It should be noted that a systematic combination of individual embodiments with one or more features described in relation to other embodiments may be desirable and useful, and should therefore be considered and also be regarded as covered by the description. Brief description of the characters

[0043] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector system with a push-pull connector and a complementary mating connector according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through the connector system. Figures 3A and 3B show a spring-loaded locking element of the push-pull connector. Figure 4 shows another view of the spring-loaded locking element. Figure 5 shows the spring-loaded locking element. Figure 6 shows a top view looking in the insertion direction E of the Figure 4 Arm support element shown. Detailed description of the drawings

[0044] The positional references chosen in the present description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., each refer to the figure directly described and illustrated and should be applied analogously to the new position in the event of a change in position.

[0045] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a connector system 100 with a push-pull connector 200 and a complementary mating connector 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The push-pull connector 200 is detachably connectable to the mating connector 300. In particular, an insertion area 202 of the push-pull connector 200 can be inserted into an insertion area 302 of the mating connector 300 in the insertion direction E. To secure the push-pull connector 200 in and / or on the mating connector 300, the push-pull connector 203 has a spring-loaded locking element 204, which engages a complementary locking element 306 on the mating connector side (see Figure 203). Figure 2The spring-loaded locking element 204 can engage behind the mating connector 300 to secure the push-pull connector 200 to the mating connector 300. In particular, the spring-loaded locking element 204 can be displaced in its position transverse to the insertion direction E in order to engage behind the mating connector-side locking element 306 or to release an engagement with the mating connector-side locking element 306. Specifically, when the spring-loaded locking element 204 is displaced away from the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200, it can be brought into engagement with the mating connector-side locking element 306. This can also be understood as the engagement direction Egr. A displacement in the opposite direction allows the engagement to be released.

[0046] The one in the Figures 1 to 6 The illustrated push-pull connector 200 has three spring-loaded locking devices 204 (see Figures 4 and 6), wherein the function of the spring-loaded locking device 204 is explained below using a single spring-loaded locking device 204 as an example, and the explanations are transferable to the other spring-loaded locking devices 204.

[0047] Furthermore, the push-pull connector 200 has an actuating element 206 which is movable along a release direction that runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction E and is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking elements 204. By moving the actuating element 206 in the release direction, preferably opposite to the insertion direction E, the actuating element 206 causes the spring-loaded locking elements 204 to be displaced such that they are moved out of their engagement position with the mating connector-side locking elements 306. In other words, moving the actuating element 306 in the release direction causes the engagement between the spring-loaded locking elements 204 and the mating connector-side locking elements 306 to be released in order to separate the push-pull connector 200 from the mating connector 300.

[0048] As in Figure 2As shown in more detail, the mating connector 300 has a mating connector housing 308, wherein the plugging area 302 is formed in and / or on the mating connector housing 308. The plugging area 302 can, in particular, have a substantially cylindrical inner wall on which the mating connector-side locking means 306 are formed. The mating connector-side locking means 306 can, in particular, be designed as a recess or a notch on the inner wall.

[0049] The push-pull connector 200 has, in particular for each spring-loaded locking element 204, a spring-loaded arm 208 on which the respective spring-loaded locking element 204 is designed as a locking lug 204. The spring-loaded arm 208 can extend between a first fixed end 222 and a second free movable end 220 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, with the free end 220 lying in the insertion direction starting from the fixed end 222.

[0050] Furthermore, the actuating element 206 has a detent opening 210 through which the detent nose 204 can be moved into and out of the engagement position.

[0051] As in the Figures 3A and 3B As shown in more detail, the locking opening 210 has two opposing edge sections 212 and 214, which limit the extent of the locking opening 210 along the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the locking lug 204 has a first contact surface 216 that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200. The first contact surface 216 is inclined such that the distance between the first contact surface 216 and the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200 decreases as the first contact surface 216 extends in the insertion direction.

[0052] When the actuating element 206 is moved in the unlocking direction and relative to the first contact surface 216, a first edge section 212 of the two edge sections 212 and 214 contacts the first contact surface 216 and is pushed onto it, causing the locking lug 204 to shift in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. This displaces a second contact surface 218 of the spring-loaded locking element 204, which engages behind the mating connector-side locking element 306, from its engaged position. Specifically, moving the actuating element 206 in the unlocking direction and relative to the spring-loaded locking element 204 causes the second contact surface 218 to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200, thus releasing the mating connector-side locking element 306 from its engagement. When moving the actuating element 206 against the unlocking direction and relative to the first contact surface 216 orThe spring-loaded locking device 204, through the restoring capability of the spring-loaded arm 208, causes the spring-loaded locking device 204 to be moved away from the longitudinal axis L and in the direction of the locking device 306 on the mating connector side.

[0053] As in the Figures 3A and 3B As shown in more detail, the locking lug 204, or the spring-loaded locking element 204, does not contact the other edge section 214, hereinafter referred to as the second edge section 214, of the two edge sections 212 and 214. Consequently, the spring-loaded locking element 204, or the locking lug 204, is not obstructed by the second edge section 214 when moving in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200, thus enabling easy connection and disconnection of the push-pull connector 200 with the mating connector 300 with minimal effort.

[0054] As from the Figures 2 and 3BAs can be seen, the mating connector-side locking element 306 can have a locking element contact surface 310, wherein the second contact surface 218 engages behind the locking element contact surface 310 in the engagement position or makes contact with it over its entire area. The second contact surface 218 can, in particular, point in the unlocking direction, and the locking element contact surface 310 can point in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction. Furthermore, viewed in the engagement position, the second edge section 214 can extend in the insertion direction E at least to the level of the mating connector-side locking element 306 and, in particular, the locking element contact surface 310. In other words, in the engagement position, the second edge section 214 extends in the insertion direction E at least to the level of the locking element contact surface 310.

[0055] As in Figure 5As shown in more detail, the locking lug 204 can have a connecting surface 224 extending from the second contact surface 218 to the spring arm 208, wherein the connecting surface 224 and a side of the spring arm 208 from which the locking lug extends enclose an angle α of approximately 65° to 75°, preferably approximately 67° to 73°, and particularly approximately 70°. The angle values ​​for angle α are to be understood in particular based on a consideration of the longitudinal section through the push-pull connector 200. In the unconnected state of the push-pull connector 200 with the mating connector 300, the side of the spring arm 208 from which the locking lug 204 extends runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the push-pull connector 200.In the engagement position, the second edge section 214 is arranged between the spring arm 208 and the mating connector 300, and the second edge section 214 and the connecting surface 224 are opposite each other (see . Figure 3B The specified angle α ensures that when the locking lug 204 is moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, the locking lug 204 does not contact the second edge section 214, so that the locking lug 204 can be moved freely by the second edge section 214.

[0056] As in Figure 4 As shown, the actuating element 206 can be designed as an elongated hollow body whose longitudinal axis coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200. Furthermore, the spring arms 208 extend along the inside of the actuating element 206 ( Fig. 2In particular, the actuating element 206 can have a separate guide channel 226 for each spring-loaded locking device 204, which is formed on the inside of the actuating element 206 and in which the spring-loaded arm 208 runs. The longitudinal direction of the guide channel 226 can run essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200.

[0057] Furthermore, the actuating element 206 has an externally accessible actuating section 228, which is preferably substantially hollow cylindrical and which can be grasped by an operator to move the actuating element 206 along the unlocking direction. The actuating element 206 can also have an insertion section 230, which forms the insertion area 202. The insertion section 230 is arranged downstream of the actuating section 208 in the insertion direction E and is preferably hollow cylindrical. The insertion section 230 includes, among other things, the locking opening 210. The actuating element 206 can also be formed in one piece.

[0058] The spring arms 208 can be formed on an annular section 232 of an arm support element 234 designed as an elongated hollow body. The longitudinal axis of the arm support element 234 preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis L of the push-pull connector 200, and the annular section 232 is formed at an end of the arm support element 234 located in the insertion direction E. Furthermore, the fixed end 222 of the spring arm 208 is fixed to the annular section 232, and the spring arm 208 extends from the annular section 232 in the insertion direction E.

[0059] As in the Figures 3B and 6The second contact surface 218 is shown, particularly along the engagement direction Egr, in which the spring-loaded locking element engages in the mating connector-side locking element 306 and which points radially outwards from the longitudinal axis of the push-pull connector (200), is shorter than the engagement depth of the spring-loaded locking element 204 in the mating connector-side locking element 306 in the engagement position or the corresponding dimension of the locking element contact surface 310. The engagement depth can be understood, in particular, as the depth of the mating connector-side locking element 306, which is designed as a recess or notch.

[0060] In particular, in the case of a push-pull connector 200 designed as a round connector, the second contact surface 218, viewed in the insertion direction E towards the second contact surface 218, can have the shape of a segment of a circular ring, wherein the width of the circular ring, i.e. the distance between the outer radius and the inner radius that form the circular ring, is smaller than the engagement depth or the depth of the mating connector-side locking element 306 designed as a recess or notch. Figure 6 The shape of the second contact surface 218 is evident, whereby Figure 6 a top view looking in the insertion direction E of the in Figure 4 The depicted arm support element 234 shows.

[0061] Furthermore, the locking element 306 on the mating connector side can have a locking element contact surface 310 which, viewed opposite to the insertion direction E towards the locking element contact surface 310, is annular or annular segment-shaped. The width of this annular ring, i.e., the distance between the outer radius and the inner radius that form the annular ring or the annular segment, can preferably be greater than the corresponding width of the second contact surface 218. Preferably, in the engaged position, the second contact surface 218 engages behind the locking element contact surface 310 over its entire width. Advantageously, this prevents the locking element from being unlocked when pulling on a cable held by the push-pull connector 200.

[0062] Furthermore, a contact element holder 236 can be arranged in and / or on the arm support element 234. The contact element holder 236 can have an electrical contact element that can be connected to a conductor of a data, signal, or power cable that can be received by the push-pull connector 200. Correspondingly, the mating connector 300 can have a complementary contact element holder with a complementary electrical contact element that can be electrically connected to the contact element of the push-pull connector 200.

[0063] Furthermore, the push-pull connector can have a spring element 238 which is arranged between the annular section 232 and the actuating element 206 and which pushes the actuating element 206 against the unlocking direction E.

[0064] The insertion area 302 of the mating connector 300 can have a multi-part, in particular three-part, thread 312. The multi-part thread 312 can serve to fix the insertion area 202 of the push-pull connector 200. For this purpose, a screw ring (not shown here) of the push-pull connector 200 can be screwed into the multi-part thread 312. Reference symbol list

[0065] 100 Connector system 200 Push-pull connector 202 Insertion area 204 Spring-loaded locking device / locking lug 206 Actuating element 208 Spring-loaded arm 210 Locking device opening 212 First edge section 214 Second edge section 216 First contact surface spring-loaded locking device 218 Second contact surface spring-loaded locking device 220 Free end spring-loaded arm 222 Fixed end spring-loaded arm 224 Connecting surface 226 Guide channel 228 Actuating section 230 Insertion section 232 Ring-shaped section 234 Arm support element 236 Contact element holder 238 Spring element 300 Mating connector 302 Insertion area 306 Mating connector-side locking device 308 Mating connector housing 310 Locking device contact surface 312 Thread Insertion direction Egr Intervention direction α Angle

Claims

1. A push-pull connector (200) for detachable connection with a counterconnector (300), wherein the push-pull connector (200) has: - a spring-loaded locking means (204) which, in an engaging position, is adapted to reach behind a counterconnector-side locking means (306) to secure the push-pull connector (200) to the counterconnector (300), - an actuating element (206) which is movable relative to the spring-loaded locking means (204), wherein a movement of the actuating element (206) in an unlocking direction causes a displacement of the spring-loaded locking means (204) from the engaging position, to release a reaching behind the counterconnector-side locking means (306) by the spring-loaded locking means (204), and a spring arm (208) formed elongated along the insertion direction (E) with a first fixed end (222) and a second free end (220), wherein the spring-loaded locking means (204) is formed as a snap lug at the second end (220) of the spring arm (208) wherein the actuating element (206) has a locking means opening (210) through which the spring-loaded locking means (204) can be moved into the engaging position and out of the engaging position, wherein the locking means opening (210) has two opposing edge sections (212, 214) which limit the extension of the locking means opening (210) along an insertion direction (E) in which the push-pull connector (200) is inserted into the counterconnector (300), wherein a first edge section (212) of the two edge sections acts on a first contact surface (216) of the spring-loaded locking means (204) upon movement of the actuating element (206) in the unlocking direction to effect displacement of a second contact surface (218) of the spring-loaded locking means (204) from the engaging position in which the second contact surface (218) reaches behind the counterconnector-side locking means (306), wherein the spring-loaded locking means (204) does not contact the second edge section (214) in the engaging position, characterized in that the snap lug (204) has a connection surface (224) extending from the second contact surface (218) to the spring arm (208), wherein the connection surface (224) and a side of the spring arm (208) from which the snap lug (204) extends include an angle of approximately 65° to 75°.

2. The push-pull connector (200) according to claim 1, wherein the spring-loaded locking means (204) is configured such that it does not contact the second edge section (214) when moving out of the engaging position.

3. The push-pull connector (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, seen in the engaging position, the second edge section (214) is formed in the insertion direction (E) at least up to the level of the counterconnector-side locking means (306).

4. The push-pull connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection surface (224) and a side of the spring arm (208), from which the snap lug (204) extends, enclose an angle of approximately 67° to 73°, and in particular approximately 70°.

5. The push-pull connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (206) is designed as an elongated hollow body, on the inside of which the spring arm (208) extends and which has the locking means opening (210).

6. The push-pull connector (200) according to claim 5, wherein the elongated hollow body further comprises: a guiding channel (226), in which the spring arm (228) extends and which has the locking means opening (210).

7. The push-pull connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, further having an arm supporting element (234) formed as an elongated hollow body, comprising a ring-shaped section (232) to which the first end (222) of the spring arm is fixed and from which the spring arm (208) extends in the insertion direction (E).

8. The push-pull connector (200) according to claim 7, wherein the spring arm (208), the arm supporting element (234), and the spring-loaded locking means (204) are formed in one piece.

9. A connector system (100), having: a push-pull connector (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a counterconnector (300) which can be releasably connected to the push-pull connector (200), the counterconnector having a counterconnector-side locking means (306).

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