Plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (10) having a first housing half (11) and a second housing half (12), wherein one or more contact elements (21, 22) are provided in each of the two housing halves (11, 12), wherein the two housing halves (11, 12) can be transferred from a separated state into a connected state in order to establish an electrical contact of the contact elements (21, 22) and can be locked to one another in the connected state via a locking device. In order to specify a lockable plug connector that, in the connected state, has a surface that is as smooth as possible and easy to clean, it is proposed that the locking device is arranged completely inside the housing halves (11, 12) in the connected state of the housing halves (11, 12).

Description

[0001] Title: Connectors

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a connector according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0004] Connectors are widely used today in the transmission of electrical power and / or signals. They are required to connect or disconnect one or more electrical cables, or an electrical cable and an electrical connection point provided on a device, at connection points.

[0005] Connectors consist of a plug and a complementary socket, which are pushed together to establish electrical contact and pulled apart to release the contact. When connected (established contact), power or signals can be transmitted, while transmission is interrupted when disconnected. The type, size, and design of the connectors typically depend on their specific application and the power or signals to be transmitted. Often, there is a requirement that the connector can be locked when connected to ensure reliable contact and prevent accidental separation of the connector parts, as well as spontaneous release, for example, due to vibration. State of the art

[0006] Various connectors are known from the prior art that have a locking feature. For example, DE 10 2004 008 719 A1 discloses a connector for contacting the wires of a ribbon cable with external spring-loaded locking levers that can be clamped to elements on the exterior of the housing for locking.

[0007] DE 10 2012 100615 B4 discloses a connector for optical fibers in which locking hooks are used for locking, which engage in corresponding locking grooves. EP 2 537 212 B1 shows a connector with external pivoting locking brackets that interact with locking pins for locking.

[0008] In certain applications, such as food technology or medical technology, surfaces that are as smooth as possible and easy to clean or disinfect are required. However, connectors with locking devices typically have a non-uniform surface, on which liquids, food residue, and / or germs could accumulate in multiple places.

[0009] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 10 2014 109477 A1 , DE 10 2020206 186 A1 , US 2013 / 0094811 A1 and US 2020 / 0169039 A1.

[0010] Task

[0011] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a lockable connector that, when connected, has a surface that is as smooth and easy to clean as possible. Description of the invention

[0012] This object is achieved by a connector having a first and a second housing half, wherein one or more contact elements are provided in each of the two housing halves, wherein the two housing halves can be converted from a separated state to produce an electrical contact of the contact elements into a connected state and can be locked together in the connected state via a locking device.

[0013] According to the invention, the locking device is arranged completely within the housing halves when the housing halves are connected.

[0014] The inventive design of the connector ensures a smooth outer surface in the locked state (connector closed, electrical contact established), as no parts of the locking device, e.g., movable brackets, rivets, or locking pins, are provided on the outside of the connector. This provides an easy-to-clean surface. Furthermore, any contact corrosion on external components is avoided, as the inventive design of the connector eliminates any interfaces with different redox potentials on the surface of the connector. The surface can also be coated if required; for example, a powder coating or other type of sealing can be applied to the entire housing.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the connector according to the invention, it can be provided that the locking device can be transferred from an open position into a locked position, wherein each change between the two positions is carried out by a pressure movement carried out on the two housing halves against each other.

[0016] According to this embodiment, the invention utilizes the functionality of so-called "push-push mechanisms," such as those used in common ballpoint pens. However, the use of such a mechanism has not yet been known in the field of connectors.

[0017] In addition to fully internal components, such push-push mechanisms also offer the advantage of one-handed operation and compact external dimensions of the connectors. Due to the increased space required by an external locking device, a correspondingly large distance from surrounding components or other parts must be taken into account during assembly with conventional connectors. Thus, connectors according to the invention with such push-push mechanisms are particularly well suited for sensitive areas with high contact densities, such as medical or food technology. Vibrations, such as those prevalent in industrial production facilities, are less pronounced in such applications, so the durability of a locking mechanism actuated by a push-push mechanism is considered sufficient.

[0018] In this context, a further advantageous embodiment of the connector according to the invention provides that at least one of the two housing halves comprises at least one spring element whose spring force is directed opposite to the path of the pressure movement.

[0019] The spring force allows the internal mechanism to reset after each pressure pulse of the push-push movement. Specifically, in this context, at least one spring element can be operatively connected to the contact element of the corresponding housing half.

[0020] In this embodiment, one or both contact elements are spring-mounted by the spring element, providing the force opposing the pressure movement. The springing can be achieved, for example, by spiral springs or other flexible elements, such as

[0021] Leaf springs, springy solid material, 3D printed springs from lattice structures, etc.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the connector according to the invention, it can be provided that at least one of the housing halves has a locking device with which the housing halves can be fixed in the locked position in such a way that the pressure movement is prevented from being carried out.

[0023] This allows the connector to be held even more securely in its locked position against external influences. Clasps, internal bolts, and latches are particularly suitable locking devices. If these can be operated from the outside, they can be designed in such a way that they have no noticeable impact on the outer surface, leaving it largely smooth.

[0024] In this context, it can be provided that the locking device is electrically actuated.

[0025] Electromechanically movable retaining pins or bimetallic latches are particularly suitable as electrical actuation devices. Specifically, the locking device can be electrically actuated by a current flowing through the contact elements.

[0026] In this way, it can be ensured in a particularly advantageous manner that the connector cannot be disconnected when a current flow is present. The current flow also provides a holding energy for the locking device.

[0027] According to a possible embodiment of the plug connector according to the invention, it can be provided that one of the two housing halves has at least one retaining bolt as a locking device, which is guided in this housing half so as to be movable essentially perpendicular to the direction of the pressure movement and can be moved from the open position into the locked position by means of an actuating element when the pressure movement is carried out, such that in the locked position it projects beyond a side wall of this housing half and cooperates with the other housing half to lock the two housing halves.

[0028] This design of the locking device is particularly suitable for housing halves designed such that, when the connector is closed, one of the two housing halves encloses the other. The actuating element can advantageously be moved by the push-push mechanism and hold the retaining bolt, particularly in the locked position. In this position, it protrudes beyond the side wall of the inner housing half and engages, for example, in a correspondingly positioned groove in the outer housing half, so that the two housing halves can no longer be separated from one another. In this context, a return spring can be provided to counteract the movement of the retaining bolt toward the locked position.

[0029] The retaining bolt is loaded with a return spring so that it slides back into the open position driven by the spring force as soon as it is no longer held by the actuating element.

[0030] Specifically, it can also be provided that the actuating element has a bevelled side that interacts with the retaining bolt.

[0031] In this embodiment, the beveled side of the actuating element slides past the retaining bolt and, due to the bevel, presses it from the open to the locked position. In the opposite movement, the actuating element releases the retaining bolt accordingly.

[0032] According to another embodiment, it can also be provided that one of the housing halves has a pin as a locking device, which is arranged such that it engages in a slot of the other housing half in the locked position.

[0033] In this embodiment, the push-push mechanism present in one of the two housing halves has a guide slot that engages with a pin, preferably oriented transversely to the direction of the pressure movement, in the other housing half, so that the locked state can be created. After a further pressure movement, the guide slot releases the pin again, so that the two housing halves can be separated from each other. According to a further alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that one of the housing halves has a movably mounted pin as a locking device, which interacts with a guide channel in the other housing half when the pressure movement is carried out.

[0034] The pin is movably connected to one of the housing halves, e.g., by means of a rotating bearing, and slides within the guide channel formed in the other housing half during the pressing movement. This allows for an alternative type of push-push mechanism. The pin passes through the guide channel with each pressing movement, taking a different path on the outward and return travels.

[0035] Specifically, it can be provided that the course of the guide channel is at least partially hook-shaped, so that the pin is guided to a path point when the pressure movement is carried out along the guide channel, where it is fixed in the locked position.

[0036] The fixing waypoint is preferably located at the end of a hook-shaped path of the guide channel, which is traversed by the pin when the two housing halves are connected.

[0037] Example

[0038] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a connector;

[0040] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an exemplary connector; Fig. 3 is a first detailed view of an exemplary locking device of a connector;

[0041] Fig. 4 shows a second detailed view of an exemplary locking device of a connector;

[0042] Fig. 5 a detailed view of a housing half with locking grooves;

[0043] Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a push-push mechanism;

[0044] Fig. 7 the push-push mechanism of Figure 6 in closed position;

[0045] Fig. 8 is a detailed view of a link of the push-push mechanism of Figure 6;

[0046] Fig. 9 shows a second embodiment of a push-push mechanism; and

[0047] Fig. 10 a connector with a locking device.

[0048] The figures contain partly simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference numerals are used for identical, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of identical elements could be scaled differently. Directional indications such as “left”, “right”, “top” and “bottom” are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations compared to the object shown. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a plug connector 10 in the closed state. The plug connector 10 comprises a first housing half 11 and a second housing half 12. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first housing half 11 is designed as a cable plug that serves to electrically connect a cable (not shown in Figure 1). For this purpose, the first housing half 11 has a cable bushing 13, which is arranged on the top side of the first housing half 11 merely as an example.In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the second housing half 12 is designed as a connection flange, which can be arranged, for example, on the housing wall of an electrical device, an equipment cabinet, or an electrical system, where it can serve to electrically connect electrical components to the cable of the first housing half. Alternatively, however, the second housing half 12 can also be designed as a cable socket. The assignment of "plug" and "socket" in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 is also to be seen merely as an example and can, of course, also be provided the other way around.

[0049] The connector 10 can be closed and opened again by a pressure movement D in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 1. For this purpose, the connector 10 comprises a locking device (not shown in Figure 1) that is completely internal when closed and can be varied between a locked position and an open position by means of the pressure movement D. This innovative locking mechanism is based on the so-called "push-push principle," as is known, for example, from cabinet doors or ballpoint pens, but has not yet been used in the field of electrical connectors.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a partial interior view of the connector 10. It can also be seen that the first housing half 11 is connected to a cable 14, while the second housing half 12 is mounted on a housing wall 15 of an electrical system. Electrical cable connections 16 are routed inside the electrical system to the second housing half 12, which is designed as a connection flange.

[0051] In addition, Figure 2 shows that in the closed state of the

[0052] Connector 10, the first housing half 11 largely encloses the second housing half 12. To seal the connector against the ingress of liquids, a

[0053] Seal 20 may be provided, which in this case is designed as an O-ring.

[0054] To establish an electrical connection, the first housing half 11 comprises at least one first contact element 21, which, in the closed state, engages with at least one complementarily designed contact element 22. The contact elements 21, 22 each consist of an insulating element, in the interior of which one or more metallic contact pins or sockets are provided, which effect electrical contact when the contact elements 21, 22 are connected to one another. The contact elements 21, 22 are resiliently connected to the inside of the respective housing half 11, 12 via spring elements 23. The springing can be realized, for example, by spiral springs or other flexible elements such as leaf springs, resilient solid material, or 3D-printed springs made of lattice structures. An alternative to the contact pins or sockets present in the contact elements 21, 22 is also possible, in which an integrated springing (cf., for example,(so-called pogo pins, butt contacts, or end-pressure contacts) is provided. Alternatively, a separate spring support for each individual contact pin can be provided within a respective insulating element. Furthermore, a combination of all of the aforementioned spring-loaded mounting methods is also possible.

[0055] The plug connector 10 can be moved from its closed (electrical contact established) to its open (electrical contact interrupted) state and vice versa by repeated pressure movements D. For this purpose, a push-push mechanism is integrated into at least one of the housing halves 11, 12, on which the pressure movement D is carried out. The spring force generated by the spring elements 23 counteracts the pressure force. The push-push mechanism 24 is used in the present exemplary embodiment to position a retaining bolt 25 in two different locking positions. The retaining bolt 25 is movably guided within the second housing half, wherein it can execute a movement oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pressure movement D. In this context, Figure 3 shows a detailed view illustrating the functioning of the retaining bolt 25 in the sectional plane AA of Figure 2.In Figure 3, the direction of movement of the retaining bolt 25 is indicated by a double arrow.

[0056] In the open position (shown in Figures 2 and 3), the retaining bolt 25 engages within the second housing half 12 in such a way that the first housing half 11 can be guided past it during assembly. In the locked position, the retaining bolt 25 engages in a groove 30 that is matched to its geometry and formed in the first housing half 11 (see also the detailed view in Figure 5), so that the two housing halves 11, 12 can no longer be separated from one another. To return the retaining bolt 25 to the open position, it is loaded with a return spring 31 (see Figure 3).

[0057] In the locked position, the two housing halves 11, 12 overlap by a certain amount. The gap between the two overlapping housing halves 11, 12 of the connector 10 can be closed by one or more O-ring seals 20 (see Figure 2). This seal 20 is additionally protected from direct external influences (e.g., water, dust, dirt) by the overlap of the two housing halves 11, 12, which has a positive effect on the sealing and IP rating of the connector 10.

[0058] The change between the two positions occurs by pressing the first housing half 11 against the second housing half 12 against the spring force generated by the spring elements 23, thereby actuating the push-push mechanism 24 integrated into the housing wall of the second housing half 12. The required pushable travel distance between the first housing half 11 and the second housing half 12 is realized via the spring-loaded mounting of the contact elements 21, 22. For example, each contact element 21, 22 can be mounted to swing by at least half the amount necessary to trigger the push-push mechanism 24.

[0059] To transmit the movement of the push-push mechanism 24 to the retaining bolt 25, an actuating element 40 (see also Figure 4) is provided, which has a beveled side that interacts with a rounded head of the retaining bolt 25. If the ramp created by the beveled side slides downward past the retaining bolt 25, it is pushed into the locked position. If the actuating element slides upward again due to the spring force of the spring elements 23, the retaining bolt returns to the open position due to the restoring force of the return spring 31. Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the actuating element 40 in section BB of Figure 2. The direction of movement of the actuating element is also indicated in Figure 4.

[0060] One possible implementation of a push-push mechanism 24 with internal locking is indicated by way of example in Figures 6 to 8. In addition to this specific embodiment, however, the push-push mechanism can also be implemented in any other manner that allows the connector 10 to be opened and closed by repeatedly executing the pressure movement D.

[0061] Figure 6 shows a push-push mechanism 60 with a spring-loaded plug 61 and a spring-loaded socket 62 in the separated state. By moving them towards each other (indicated by an arrow in Figure 6), the plug 61 and the socket 62 can be pushed into each other to be locked. In doing so, the springs are deflected from their rest position. This corresponds to the execution of the pushing movement D. To hold the push-push mechanism in the locked position, the plug 61 has a pin 63 arranged perpendicular to the direction of movement, which engages in a corresponding recess in a guide 64 contained in the socket 62. The guide 64 is rotatably held in the socket 62 and is shaped such that it rotates through a specific angle (e.g., 90°) each time the pushing movement D is performed.Due to the rotation, pin 63 engages the recess in the gate and is held in the locked position. By continuing to rotate the gate and performing the push movement D again, pin 63 is released from the gate 64, and the push-push mechanism is returned to the released position by the spring force of the integrated springs.

[0062] An embodiment of a link 64 is shown in Figure 8. The link 64 is shaped in such a way that, on the one hand, partial rotation is ensured with each push of the pressure movement D and, on the other hand, the pin 63 can be securely held in the locked position.

[0063] In the specific embodiment shown here, spring elements for implementing the push-push mechanism are already integrated into the mechanism itself. These spring elements can be present alternatively or in addition to the spring elements 23 in the housing halves according to Figure 2.

[0064] The push-push mechanism 60 shown in Figures 6 to 8 can, for example, be integrated into the connector 10 instead of the push-push mechanism 24. An alternative embodiment of a push-push mechanism with an integrated locking function is shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows the connector 10 with the two housing halves 11, 12. A pin 90 of the first housing half 11 is held on an arm 92 pivotably mounted about a pivot point 91. The pin 90 engages in a guide channel 93 which is formed in the second housing half 12 in the form of a groove. The shape of the guide channel 93 is designed such that the pin follows a different path along the guide channel 93 when moved in the direction of the pressure movement D than when moved counter to the pressure movement (see also detailed partial view Z of the guide channel 93 in Figure 9).In addition, the guide channel 93 is at least partially hook-shaped and has a waypoint 94, which, after passing through the first path, holds the pin in the locked position of the push-push mechanism by the action of the return spring force of the spring elements 95. Only by a renewed pressure movement D is the pin released from the fixation of the waypoint 94 and slides along the other path of the guide channel 93 into the open position.

[0065] The push-push mechanism shown in Figure 9 can, for example, be integrated into a side wall of the respective housing half 11, 12 of the connector 10 instead of the push-push mechanism 24.

[0066] A secure locking of the push-push mechanism can be ensured by an additional locking device 100. This is indicated in Figure 10. The locking device 100, when activated, blocks the execution of the pressure movement D, so that the push-push mechanism cannot be triggered. Such a locking device 100 can be implemented by attaching a safety latch, which is pushed between the second housing half 12 and the first housing half 11 when the connector 10 is closed. This prevents the second "push" of the push-push mechanism, and the locking device, e.g. the retaining bolt 25 (see Figure 2), cannot be moved out of the locked position. A locking device 100 in the form of a safety latch can, for example,on one or more sides of the connector 10 to existing mounting holes of the second housing half 12 without adversely affecting the uniform and smooth surface of the connector 10.

[0067] Alternative embodiments of the locking device 100 include, for example,

[0068] Rotary latches, sliding latches, spacer bolts inside the housing, or clasps between the housing halves. The locking device 100 can be operated manually or electrically. In the case of an electrically operated locking device 100, electromechanical mechanisms or shape memory alloys, for example, come into consideration. Such electrically activated locking devices 100 can preferably be triggered (locked) when the connector 10 is under electrical load (current flow via the contact units) and released (unlocked) again accordingly when no power is being transmitted (no current flow via the contact units). This function ensures that plugging and unplugging of the connector 10 under load is prevented.

[0069] List of reference symbols

[0070] Connector first housing half second housing half

[0071] Cable entry

[0072] Cable

[0073] Housing wall

[0074] Cable connections

[0075] O-ring seal

[0076] Contact element

[0077] Contact element

[0078] spring element

[0079] Push-push mechanism

[0080] retaining bolt

[0081] Nut

[0082] Return spring

[0083] Actuating element

[0084] Push-push mechanism

[0085] Plug

[0086] socket

[0087] Pen

[0088] backdrop

[0089] cones

[0090] Pivot point

[0091] arm

[0092] Guide channel waypoint spring element locking device

Claims

Claims Connector (10) with a first housing half (11 ) and a second housing half (12), wherein one or more contact elements (21 , 22) are provided in each of the housing halves (11 , 12), wherein the two housing halves (11 , 12) can be moved from a separate state to a connected state to establish an electrical contact between the contact elements (21 , 22) and can be locked together in the connected state by means of a locking device, characterized in that the locking device is arranged completely within the housing halves (11 , 12) in the connected state of the housing halves (11 , 12).Connector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device can be moved from an open position to a locked position, each change between the two positions being effected by a pressure movement (D) performed on the two housing halves (11, 12) against each other. Connector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the two housing halves (11, 12) comprises at least one spring element (23) whose spring force opposes the path of the pressure movement (D). A connector (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one spring element (23) is operatively connected to the contact element (21, 22) of the corresponding housing half (11, 12). A connector (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the housing halves (11, 12) has a locking device (100) with which the housing halves (11, 12) can be fixed in the locked position such that the execution of the push movement (D) is prevented. A connector (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking device (100) is electrically actuated. A connector (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking device (100) is electrically actuated by a current flowing through the contact elements (21, 22).Connector (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that one of the two housing halves (11 , 12) has at least one retaining bolt (25) as a locking device, which is guided in this housing half (11 , 12) in a manner movably perpendicular to the direction of the pressure movement (D) and is opened by means of an actuating element (40) when the pressure movement (D) is carried out. The connector (10) is movable into the locked position, such that in the locked position it projects beyond a side wall of this housing half (11, 12) and interacts with the other housing half (11, 12) to lock the two housing halves (11, 12). A connector (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that a return spring (31) is provided which opposes the movement of the retaining bolt (25) towards the locked position. A connector (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the actuating element (40) has a chamfered side that interacts with the retaining bolt (25). A connector (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that one of the housing halves (11, 12) has a pin (63) as a locking device, which is arranged such that in the locked position it engages in a recess (64) of the other housing half.Connector (10) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that one of the housing halves (11 , 12) has a movable pin (90) as a locking device, which interacts with a guide channel (93) in the other housing half (11 , 12) when the pressure movement (D) is carried out. Connector (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the course of the guide channel (93) is at least partially hook-shaped, so that the pin (90) is guided to a waypoint (94) when the pressure movement (D) is carried out along the guide channel (93), where it is fixed in the locked position.

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