Connector with movable shroud

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (24) for forming a plug connection, comprising a shell (26) which is designed to extend at least approximately over the entire length of the connector (24) and to move relative to a contact carrier (28) of the connector (24), wherein the shell (26) has at least one opening (36) through which a connector cable (32) can be passed, which transitions into at least one contact (30) provided on the contact carrier (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector, in particular a circular connector, for forming a plug connection.

[0002] In the following, we refer to connectors or plug-in connections. These terms encompass both plugs and couplings. The concept explicitly includes male and female components, as well as combinations. The term "connector" can also refer to a single plug.

[0003] Circular connectors are often used in industrial field applications. M8, M12, 7 / 8", M16, and MQ15 connectors are particularly popular.

[0004] The connectors are typically standardized, for example in the IEC 61076-2-xxx series of standards, where the last digits of the standard (abbreviated here with xxx as a placeholder) describe the design of the connector.

[0005] For M12 connectors, the standards IEC 61076-2-101, IEC 61076-2-109, IEC 61076-2-111 and IEC 61076-2-113 are particularly relevant.

[0006] Conventional circular connectors for field applications known from the prior art typically comprise a contact carrier, a threaded portion and an actuating element for forming, securing and / or releasing the plug connection.

[0007] In connectors known from the prior art, the actuating element is typically located near the end of the connector, which forms the connection with a corresponding counterpart, for example, a socket into which the connector is plugged. Often, but not exclusively, the actuating element is a threaded sleeve with a knurl for manual turning and an additional tool interface, for example, a hexagonal geometry.

[0008] To ensure proper installation of plug-in connections, many conventional systems require the use of a torque wrench specifically adapted to the connector that can engage the tool interface.

[0009] The state of the art also includes connector variants known as push-pull systems. These systems eliminate the need for tools, as a defined compression is achieved not by torque, as in screw-type versions, but by other geometric properties within the connector. In push-pull systems, the actuating element is either pushed or pulled to lock.

[0010] There are also systems where locking or unlocking is done by a partial turn, e.g. by a ¼ turn, in particular by means of a bayonet lock.

[0011] What the connector types known from the prior art have in common is that the position of the operating level of the actuating element is close to the connector end via which the plug connection is established.

[0012] Many conventional field devices have multiple connectors arranged close together. This limits the space for tool placement or manual operation, making it difficult to connect and / or disconnect connectors.

[0013] The object of the invention is to provide a connector with which a plug connection can be established and also released again in a technically simple and safe manner, in particular in places that are difficult to access.

[0014] The object is achieved according to the invention by a connector for forming a plug connection. The connector comprises a casing which is designed to extend at least approximately over the entire length of the connector and to move relative to a contact carrier of the connector. The casing has at least one opening through which a connector cable can be passed, which connects to at least one contact provided on the contact carrier. The casing preferably has two openings, in particular a first opening through which the contact carrier is accessible for establishing a plug connection, and a second opening through which the connector cable can be passed or is passed.

[0015] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to use the sleeve extending over the length of the connector as an actuating element. This facilitates the operation of plugging and unplugging a plug connection. For example, it allows the use of tools such as torque wrenches. Alternatively or additionally, manual operation for making and / or unplugging the plug connection can also be simplified.

[0016] The operating level of the connector, i.e. the area used to establish and / or release the plug connection, is therefore extended or relocated away from the plug-in end over which the plug connection is formed.

[0017] The entire shell, which extends the entire length of the connector, thus assumes the function of the actuating element and is movably mounted relative to the contact carrier. This allows the necessary rotary or linear movement to be performed, which is required to establish, release, and / or secure the connection. The corresponding movement can be initiated at an upper end of the connector, i.e., the end of the connector facing away from the contact.

[0018] This end can be provided at one end of a connector housing. The connector housing is formed, for example, by the shell.

[0019] The "shell which is designed to extend at least approximately over an entire length of the connector" is to be understood to mean that at least 75%, preferably more than 90% and particularly preferably 100% of the externally accessible length of the connector is formed by the shell in a plugged-in state.

[0020] When plugged in, the contact carrier of the connector is at least almost completely covered or surrounded by the sheath (towards the outside) over its entire accessible length.

[0021] In other words, at least the part of the connector which does not directly engage with a corresponding counterpart in a plug connection is at least almost completely enclosed by the shell.

[0022] In particular, it is conceivable that a part of the contact carrier or the contact of the connector, which is designed to be plugged into a counterpart, for example a socket, in order to form a plug connection, projects beyond the shell when the connector is not plugged in.

[0023] Of course, the sheath can also extend over the entire contact carrier and / or the contact, for example forming a collar on the connector that surrounds a free end of the contact.

[0024] According to one aspect, the sheath can be designed as an adapter that can be placed on the connector such that the sheath completely encloses the connector. In particular, the adapter can be suitable for retrofitting conventional connectors to a connector according to the invention.

[0025] For this purpose, the adapter can, for example, have a geometry on the inside which, when attached, engages with a knurl or a tool interface, for example a hexagon, of the conventional connector and thus creates a mechanical connection.

[0026] The adapter forms a shell that encloses the conventional connector and can be rotated and / or moved relative to it.

[0027] In other words, the adapter takes over the function of the actuating element of the conventional connector.

[0028] In particular, the shell can be designed in several parts, so that several shell parts are provided that can be coupled together. This simplifies the assembly of the connector according to the invention.

[0029] The casing is preferably constructed in several parts in the circumferential direction, particularly in two parts. The casing can therefore comprise two halves, which, when assembled, form the casing.

[0030] If a conventional connector is used, the (two) shell parts can be placed on the conventional connector and then connected to each other, for example by means of a positive, frictional and / or force-locking connection, in particular a snap-in and / or clip connection.

[0031] Alternatively, the shell can also be formed in one piece over the entire length of the connector. This results in a particularly robust mechanical design.

[0032] A sheath designed as an adapter can also be a one-piece unit. It is conceivable for the one-piece sheath to be slipped over the conventional connector on the contact or cable side to create a connector according to the invention. For this purpose, the sheath can be made of an elastic material that still has sufficient rigidity to allow operation.

[0033] A further aspect of the invention provides that the sleeve has at least a first tool interface and / or gripping surface at a first end of the connector facing away from the contact. The tool interface and / or gripping surface can be, for example, a hexagon or wrench flats and / or specially roughened surfaces and / or wings (such as a wing nut). Of course, this is not to be understood as limiting. Other types of actuating elements or connection techniques are also conceivable.

[0034] By positioning the tool interface or gripping surface away from the contact, the access level for manual and / or tool-based connection, disconnection, and / or securing of the connector is shifted toward its cable end, which generally simplifies operation. The cable end of the connector corresponds to the end at which the connector cable is inserted into the sheath.

[0035] In a further variant, the sleeve has at least a second tool interface and / or gripping surface at a second end of the connector facing the contact. Preferably, the first and second tool interfaces and / or gripping surfaces are located on opposite sides of the connector.

[0036] In other words, two spaced-apart operating levels are provided. For tool-based or manual connection, the more accessible of the two operating levels can be used, depending on the application—i.e., above or below, or in the area of ​​the connector cable or away from it.

[0037] However, it is also conceivable that the connector is pre-fixed by means of the first (contact-distant) tool interface and / or gripping surface and then tightened by means of the second (contact-near) tool interface and / or gripping surface.

[0038] This makes it easy to establish a contact first. The subsequent tightening is performed via the tool interface near the contact to prevent excessive bending moments on the contact area of ​​the connector caused by the retightening force. This retightening secures the established connection.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve has a first guide element which is arranged on an inner side of the sleeve and which rests rotatably and / or displaceably on the contact carrier.

[0040] The guide element ensures that the sleeve can only move in a designated path relative to the contact carrier. The guide element thus guarantees accurate connection, release, and / or securing.

[0041] For example, the guide element can be designed as a circular web with a central opening. This allows a cylindrical contact carrier to be easily guided axially within the opening along its inner wall.

[0042] This type of guide allows both rotational movement of the shell relative to the contact carrier and linear translational movement of both parts. This guide element design therefore makes it possible to establish, release, and / or secure the connector contact using a screw connection, a push-pull mechanism, or a bayonet mechanism.

[0043] The push-pull mechanism can, for example, be a mechanism for factory automation connectors as described in the standards IEC 61076-2-010, IEC 61076-2-012.

[0044] In a further variant of the invention, the casing has at least one second guide element. This is also arranged on an inner side of the casing and rests rotatably and / or displaceably against the contact carrier. The first guide element and the second guide element are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the connector.

[0045] The second guide element or the interaction of at least two guide elements ensures even better guidance of the sleeve on the contact carrier.

[0046] A further aspect of the invention provides that the sleeve has a connecting element, in particular an internal thread or an external thread or a push-pull connector, at a second end of the connector facing the contact. Thus, a secure contact with a corresponding connector counterpart can be established quickly and easily by appropriate movement of the sleeve.

[0047] Optionally, a vibration-proof element can also be provided, for example, a locking mechanism between the shell and the contact carrier. The vibration-proof element serves to protect the connector against vibrations and prevent accidental loosening or disconnection of the connector.

[0048] It is also conceivable for the cover to have a rubber coating on at least part of its outer surface. This would particularly improve manual operability. A secure grip of the cover is ensured even under high torsional forces.

[0049] It can further be provided that the connector has a sealing element that is fixedly arranged on the contact carrier and is designed to tightly connect the contact carrier to a connector cable. The sealing element is arranged at least partially within the movable casing.

[0050] The sealing element serves to seal the cable. It can also provide strain relief for the connector. Its placement within the housing protects the sealing element from possible external mechanical interference.

[0051] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of connectors known from the prior art; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a connector according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a connector according to the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a connector according to the invention with a sleeve designed as an adapter.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of conventional connectors 10 known from the prior art.

[0053] These each comprise a housing 12 which is firmly connected to an internal contact carrier (not shown).

[0054] At the lower end of the conventional connectors 10 there is a threaded sleeve 14 with an internal thread, which can be screwed onto a corresponding counterpart (not shown) in order to establish and / or secure a plug connection.

[0055] On their outer side, the threaded sleeves 14 shown of the conventional connectors 10 each have a knurl 16 for manual screwing and a hexagonal contour 18 which serves as a tool attachment point 20.

[0056] A corresponding tool 22, in this case a torque wrench, can grip the threaded sleeve 14 via the hexagon contour 18 and screw it securely by means of a rotating movement.

[0057] The Figure 1The conventional connectors 10 shown are characterized by the fact that the threaded sleeves 14 are located at the connector ends, via which the plug connections are established (in the figure, the lower connector ends). The threaded sleeve 14 is therefore designed to be rotatable relative to the housing 12 (and the contact carrier firmly connected to the housing 12).

[0058] As in Figure 1 As shown schematically, the space available to grip or rotate a threaded sleeve 14 is severely restricted by the adjacent conventional connectors 10, making screwing by hand or with the tool 22 difficult.

[0059] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a connector 24 according to the invention, which offers a simplified possibility for producing or securing a plug connection.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the connector 24 is designed as a circular connector and comprises a shell 26 and a cylindrical contact carrier 28 with a plurality of electrical contacts 30.

[0061] The sheath 26 extends over the entire length of the connector 24 and completely encloses the contact carrier 28. Thus, the sheath 26 surrounds the contact carrier 28.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment, the casing 26 is formed in one piece and is therefore mechanically particularly stable. For example, the casing 26 can be an injection-molded part, a turned part, a die-cast part, in particular a zinc die-cast part, or a 3D-printed component made of a plastic or metal.

[0063] In the connector 24, the contact carrier 28 or the contacts 30 merge into a connector cable 32. At a first end 34 of the connector 24 (in Figure 2the upper end), the sheath 26 has a (frontal) opening 36 through which the connector cable 32 is passed.

[0064] At an opposite second end 38 of the connector 24 (in Figure 2 the lower end), the casing 26 also has a (frontal) opening 36 through which the contacts 30 are accessible in order to form an electrical connection when plugged into a counterpart.

[0065] In contrast to the prior art, in the connector 24 the shell 26 and the contact carrier 28 are movable relative to each other.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 26 can rotate around the contact carrier 28. It can also be displaced in the axial direction relative to the contact carrier 28.

[0067] In order to ensure a directed movement, the sleeve 26 has a first guide element 40 which is arranged on an inner side of the sleeve 26.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the first guide element 40 is a web or a (partial) disc which extends from the inside of the sleeve 26 to the contact carrier 28.

[0069] In its center, the first guide element 40 has an opening through which the cylindrical contact carrier 28 is guided. The contact carrier 28 is rotatable and axially displaceable relative to the guide element 40. It can also rest against the guide element 40, whereby the guide element 40 represents a corresponding bearing for the contact carrier 28.

[0070] The Figure 2 The connector 24 shown further comprises a second guide element 42, which is also arranged on an inner side of the casing 26 and which is rotatable and / or displaceable with respect to the contact carrier 28. The second guide element 42 can also represent a bearing for the contact carrier 28, so that the contact carrier 28 rests against the second guide element 42.

[0071] The first and second guide elements 40, 42 are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the connector 24. This prevents the shell 26 from tilting relative to the contact carrier 28, even when transverse forces act on the connector 24.

[0072] At the second (lower) end 38 of the connector 24, the shell 26 has a connecting element 44. In the exemplary embodiment, the connecting element 44 is an external thread 46 that surrounds the lower region of the shell 26.

[0073] The connecting element 44 is designed to be connected to a corresponding counterpart (not shown). For example, the counterpart can be a socket with a corresponding internal thread, into which the external thread 46 can be screwed by means of a rotational movement of the sleeve 26, thus establishing a plug-and-screw connection, thereby securing the established plug-and-screw connection.

[0074] Of course, the above example is not intended to be limiting. Other types of connecting elements 44, in particular internal threads, bayonet locks, and / or push-pull connectors, are also conceivable.

[0075] In order to move the sleeve 26 relative to the contact carrier 28 so that a plug connection can be established, for example by an axial translational movement and / or a rotational movement, the sleeve 26 has a gripping surface 48 at the first (upper) end 34 of the connector 24.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment, this is a roughened surface of the sleeve 26, which provides a good grip during manual operation, e.g., a knurled surface. The sleeve 26 can therefore be easily grasped and rotated by hand at the easily accessible upper end 34 of the connector 24 to screw the connecting element 44 into the corresponding counterpart, thus establishing or securing a plug-in connection.

[0077] Furthermore, the sleeve 26 also has a tool interface 50 at the second (lower) end of the connector. In the exemplary embodiment, this is designed as a hexagonal geometry 52. ​​A torque wrench, for example, can be applied to the hexagonal geometry 52 to fasten the sleeve 26 to the counterpart with a defined force and / or to retighten a previously performed manual fastening.

[0078] Of course, the sleeve 26 can also have more than two tool interfaces 50 and / or gripping surfaces 48. For example, a hexagonal geometry 52 can also be attached to the first (upper) end 34 of the sleeve 26.

[0079] It is also conceivable that the sleeve 26 has a hexagonal geometry 52 at the first (upper) end 34 and a knurl 16 at the second (lower) end 38.

[0080] Furthermore, other types of tool interfaces 50 and / or gripping surfaces 48 are also possible. For example, wings (not shown) can be attached to the outer circumference of the sleeve 26, similar to a wing nut, extending in the circumferential direction of the connector 24. This allows higher torques to be transferred to the sleeve 26 by hand without causing it to slip.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a connector 24 according to the invention. This corresponds to the first embodiment in several essential aspects, so only the differences will be discussed below. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numbers.

[0082] Also the Figure 3 The connector 24 shown has a contact carrier 28 and a sleeve 26 movable relative to the contact carrier 28.

[0083] The contact carrier 28 is partially arranged in a tube 54, which protects it from mechanical stress. The contact carrier 28 and the tube 54 are firmly connected to each other.

[0084] Within the tube 54, the contact carrier 28 or its contacts (not shown) merge into a connector cable 32, which connects the connector 24 at a first end 34 (in Figure 3 the upper end).

[0085] The sheath 26 has in a region of the connector 24 (in Figure 3 at the upper end) has a smooth inner surface which rests against the outer circumference of the tube 54 and serves as a guide element 40.

[0086] At a second end 38 of the connector 24 (in Figure 3 the lower end), the sleeve 26 has a connecting element 44 which is designed as a push-pull connector 56.

[0087] By an axial translational movement of the sleeve 26 relative to the contact carrier 28, the push-pull connector 56 can be locked to a counterpart (not shown) in order to form and / or secure a plug connection.

[0088] Of course, the connector 24 can also be detached from the counterpart with a suitable translational movement of the sleeve 26.

[0089] Furthermore, the sleeve 26 has a gripping surface 48 at the first (upper) end 34 of the connector 24, by means of which the sleeve 26 can be grasped and moved relative to the contact carrier 28 in order to establish, secure or release a plug connection.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment, the cover 26 also has an outer circumferential rubber coating 58, which also serves to improve operability and manual grip.

[0091] It is also conceivable that the connector 24 has a push-pull connector 56 in order to form a plug connection, which is then secured by rotating the connector 24. For this purpose, the connector 24 can then additionally have an external thread 46, as already described above with regard to Figure 2 was explained.

[0092] Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a connector 24 according to the invention with a sleeve 26 designed as an adapter 60. Here, too, the following description focuses solely on the differences from the previously described embodiments. Identical and / or functionally equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference symbols.

[0093] The Figure 4 The connector 24 according to the invention shown comprises a conventional connector 10 known from the prior art and a sleeve 26 designed as an adapter 60.

[0094] In the embodiment shown, the cover 26 consists of two cover halves 62, which can be coupled via locking mechanisms 64. In principle, however, several cover parts can also be provided.

[0095] The two shell halves 62 each extend in the axial direction of the connector 24 over approximately the entire connector length.

[0096] The shell halves 62 can be placed as individual parts onto the conventional connector 10 and then connected to one another by means of the locking mechanisms 64 such that the shell 26 completely encloses the conventional connector 10.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 26 has a second end 38 of the connector 24 (in Figure 4The sleeve 26 (the lower end) has a hexagonal inner geometry (not shown) which engages with a hexagonal (outer) contour 18 of a threaded sleeve 14 of the conventional connector 10. This firmly connects the sleeve 26 to the threaded sleeve 14.

[0098] This has the consequence that when the sleeve 26 moves, the threaded sleeve 14 of the conventional connector 10 is also moved accordingly, whereby a plug connection with a corresponding counterpart can be established, secured or released.

[0099] The sheath 26 has at the first end 34 of the connector 24 (in Figure 4 the upper end) also has a gripping surface 48 and at a second end 38 of the connector 24 (in Figure 4 the lower end) has a tool interface 50 which is designed as a hexagon geometry 52.

[0100] The Figure 4The connector 24 shown also comprises a sealing element 66, which serves to seal and relieve strain on the connector cable 32 and is firmly connected to the contact carrier (not shown) of the connector 24.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 66 is arranged completely within the movable shell 26 and is thus protected from possible mechanical interference.

[0102] The arrangement shown also has the advantage that by means of the adapter 60 the operating level for establishing, securing and / or releasing the plug connection from the second end 38 (in Figure 4 the contact-forming lower end) over the first end 34 of the conventional connector 10 (in Figure 4 the upper end on the cable side) can be laid upwards.

[0103] This ensures particularly good accessibility. List of reference symbols

[0104] Reference symbol designation 10 conventional connector 12 Housing 14 threaded sleeve 16 knurl 18 Hexagonal contour 20 Tool attachment point 22 Tool 24 connector according to the invention 26 Covering 28 Contact carrier 30 contact 32 Connector cable 34 first end 36 opening 38 second end 40 first guide element 42 second guide element 44 connecting element 46 external thread 48 Grip surface 50 Tool interface 52 Hexagonal geometry 54 Pipe 56 connector 58 Rubber coating 60 adapter 62 Shell half 64 locking mechanism 66 Sealing element

Claims

1. A connector for forming a plug connection, comprising a sleeve (26) which is designed to extend at least approximately over an entire length of the connector (24) and to move relative to a contact carrier (28) of the connector (24), wherein the sleeve (26) has at least one opening (36) through which a connector cable (32) can be passed, which merges into at least one contact (30) provided on the contact carrier (28).

2. Connector according to claim 1, wherein the sheath (26) is designed as an adapter (60) which can be placed on the connector (24) in such a way that the sheath (26) completely encloses the connector (24).

3. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shell (26) is formed in several parts, so that several shell parts are provided which can be coupled to one another.

4. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheath (26) is formed in one piece over the entire length of the connector (24).

5. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (26) has at least one first tool interface (50) and / or gripping surface (48) at a first end (34) of the connector (24) facing away from the contact (30).

6. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shell (26) has at least one second tool interface (50) and / or gripping surface (48) at a second end (38) of the connector (24) facing the contact (30).

7. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (26) has a first guide element (40) which is arranged on an inner side of the sleeve (26) and which rests rotatably and / or displaceably on the contact carrier (28).

8. Connector according to claim 7, wherein the sleeve (26) has at least one second guide element (42) which is arranged on an inner side of the sleeve (26) and which rotatably and / or displaceably bears against the contact carrier (28), wherein the first guide element (40) and the second guide element (42) are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the connector (24).

9. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve (26) has a connecting element (44), in particular an internal thread or an external thread (46) or a push-pull connector (56), at a second end (38) of the connector (24) which faces the contact (30).

10. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a sealing element (66) which is fixedly arranged on the contact carrier (28) and is designed to tightly connect the contact carrier (28) to a connector cable (32), wherein the sealing element (66) is arranged at least partially within the movable sheath (26).

Images