Push-pull connector

Abstract

Push-pull connector (1) comprising a housing, interconnection elements mounted within the housing, an outer casing (4), and a push-pull coupling mechanism comprising a grip sleeve (6) and an elastic latching member (7), the elastic latching member (7) comprising a plurality of latch protrusions (8) on an elastic support, the grip sleeve slidably mounted on the outer casing and configured to bias the plurality of latch protrusions into a disengaged position when the grip sleeve is pulled in an uncoupling direction, the grip sleeve comprising latch receiving orifices (18) receiving therethrough the corresponding latch protrusions (8). The elastic support is in the form of an elastic support ring (9) configured to bias elastically radially the plurality of protrusions (8) mounted on the elastic support ring, and in that the elastic support ring of the elastic latching member is positioned and elastically biased against an inner surface (24) of the grip sleeve (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a push-pull connector.

[0002] A known type of push-pull connector for electrical contacts, is illustrated in figures 1a and 1b. This known push-pull connector 1' is for pluggably and releasably connecting to a complementary connector 20. The push-pull connector 1' comprises interconnection elements in the form of electrical contacts. The interconnection elements are secured in a body which in the case of electrical contacts is an insulating body or housing around which is provided an outer casing 4' and a push-pull coupling mechanism.

[0003] The push-pull coupling mechanism comprises a grip sleeve 6' slidably mounted on the outer casing and movable in the plugging direction (also referred to herein as the axial direction). The push-pull coupling mechanism further comprises a latching member 7' that has a latch protrusion 8' mounted on an elastic cantilever beam 19'. As the push-pull connector 1' is plugged to the complementary connector 20, the latch protrusions 8' are biased elastically inwardly until they pass latching members in the complementary connector 20 and then spring outwardly such that a latching shoulder 10' of the latching protrusion 8' engages a complementary latching shoulder 26 in the complementary connector 20.

[0004] When uncoupling the connectors, a user pulls the grip sleeve 6' rearwardly away from the complementary connector 20 whereby a front end latch engagement portion 16' of the grip sleeve engages a front facing chamfer 11' of the latch protrusion 8' thereby inwardly biasing the latch protrusion such that it disengages the complementary latching shoulder in the complementary connector 20 to uncouple the connectors.

[0005] A user may thus couple the connectors by simply pushing the push-pull connector 1' into engagement with the complementary connector 20, and to release the coupling by simply pulling back on the grip sleeve 6'.

[0006] A drawback is that the latching member 7' as illustrated in figure 1c needs to have a certain length in order to have elastically flexible cantilever beams allowing sufficient displacement of the latching protrusions attached to a sufficiently stable and rigid support. In addition, the latching member 7' imparts a certain complexity in the machining and assembly of the connector, whereas there is a continuous desire to reduce the manufacturing cost of connectors as well as increase the compacity for certain applications.

[0007] For connector arrangements that are not intended to have a limited force uncoupling, e.g. as a safety release, another drawback of this conventional push-pull connector 1' is a possible undesirable uncoupling if a high pulling force is applied on the push-pull connector, for instance by pulling on a cable connected to the push-pull connector. A high force applied on the latch shoulder may cause the beam of the latching member 7' to pivot radially inwardly thus causing the connector to uncouple. This is because the force applied on the latching shoulder is decentered from the point of attachment of the latching member, thus creating a moment of rotation tending to pivot the beam inwardly.

[0008] A push-pull connector according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from CN 103 094 782 B.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide a push-pull connector that is economical to produce.

[0010] It is advantageous to provide a push-pull connector that is compact.

[0011] For certain applications, it is advantageous to provide a push-pull connector that is very secure, in particular against high traction forces on the push-pull connector.

[0012] Objects of this invention have been achieved by providing a push-pull connector according to claim 1. Dependent claims set forth various advantageous features of embodiments of the invention.

[0013] Disclosed herein is a push-pull connector comprising a housing, interconnection elements mounted within the housing, an outer casing, and a push-pull coupling mechanism comprising a grip sleeve and an elastic latching member, the elastic latching member comprising a plurality of latch protrusions on an elastic support, the plurality of latch protrusions (8) including at least two free end latch protrusions (8b) adjacent free ends of the elastic support ring, the grip sleeve slidably mounted on the outer casing and configured to bias the plurality of latch protrusions into a disengaged position when the grip sleeve is pulled in an uncoupling direction, the grip sleeve comprising latch receiving orifices receiving therethrough the corresponding latch protrusions.

[0014] The elastic support is in the form of an elastic support ring configured to bias elastically radially the plurality of protrusions mounted on the elastic support ring, and in that the elastic support ring of the elastic latching member is positioned and elastically biased against an inner surface of the grip sleeve.

[0015] The elastic support ring has a substantially C-shape with an open section.

[0016] The free end of the latch protrusions are provided with a chamfered lateral surface facing the open section and forming a first obtuse angle β relative to an outer rim surface of the latch protrusion, said first obtuse angle β being in a range of 95° to 150°.

[0017] The inward displacement of the two free end latch protrusions is not perfectly radial, in the sense that the displacement of the free end latch protrusions does not only have a radial component directed to the centre of the connector, but also a translational component towards the open section. The chamfered lateral surfaces avoid damage to an outermost corner of the free end latch protrusions facing the open section, especially when a large pull force is exerted on the connectors

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the first obtuse angle β is in a range of 105° to 145°, for instance in a range of 110° to 140°.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, a second lateral surface of the latch free end latch protrusions protrusion is provided with a second obtuse angle φ relative to the outer rim surface in a range of 90° to 120°.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the second obtuse angle φ is in a range of 95° to 115°.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic latching member comprises three or two latch protrusions.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the latch protrusions are spaced apart around the elastic support ring at substantially even distances from each other.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic support ring has an axial length (L) that is less than a diameter (D) of the support ring.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the axial length (L) of the support ring is in a range of 0.3 to 0.6 times the diameter (D) of the elastic support ring 0.3> L / D> 0.6.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic support ring of the elastic latching member is positioned and elastically biased against an inner surface of the grip sleeve.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic latching member is positioned adjacent a plugging face of the grip sleeve.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the grip sleeve comprises latch receiving orifices receiving therethrough the corresponding latch protrusions, all of the latch orifices except for one having a circumferential length that is greater than a circumferential length of the corresponding latch protrusion to allow a tangential displacement of the latch protrusion relative to the grip sleeve during inward radial biasing of the elastic support ring.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the elastic support ring is machined or stamped out of metal.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, each latch protrusion comprises a chamfer on a front side for inwardly biasing the latching protrusions during coupling with a complementary connector, the chamfer starting from a front edge of the elastic support ring.

[0030] In an embodiment, the latching shoulder of the latch protrusion is orthogonal to the uncoupling direction.

[0031] In a variant, the latching shoulder of the latch protrusion comprises an inclined surface with respect to the uncoupling direction, configured to provide a limited force uncoupling of the push-pull connector from the complementary connector.

[0032] Further objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, from the detailed description, and annexed drawings, in which: Figures 1a and 1b are partial cross-sectional views of a connector arrangement according to the prior art in the unconnected state (figure 1a) and connected state (figure 1b); Figure 1c is a perspective view of a spring latching member of the connector arrangement of figures 1a and 1b; Figures 2a and 2b are partial cross-sectional views of a connector arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, in the unconnected state (figure 2a) and connected state (figure 2b); Figure 3a is a perspective view of a push-pull coupling mechanism of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of the push-pull mechanism of figure 3a; Figures 4a to 4d are different views of an elastic latching member of the push-pull mechanism of figure 3a; Figures 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views of of the push-pull mechanism of figures 3a, 3b engaging a complementary connector, whereby figure 5a shows the latching member in a locked position and figure 5b shows the latching member in an inwardly biased unlocked position; Figure 6a is a perspective view of a push-pull coupling mechanism of a connector according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 6b and 6c are different views of an elastic latching member of the push-pull mechanism of figure 6a; Figures 7a is a partial cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment of the invention with limited force uncoupling; Figures 7b is a side partial cross-sectional view of an elastic latching member of the push-pull mechanism according to figure 7a.

[0033] Referring to figures 2a to 4d, a push-pull connector 1 according to embodiments of the invention for coupling to a complementary connector 20 is illustrated. The push-pull connector 1 comprises interconnection elements that may be in the form of electrical contacts as illustrated in the embodiment shown, or may comprise optical or fluidic interconnection elements, or a combination of any of the foregoing. The interconnection elements are assembled within a housing which in the case of electrical contacts is an insulating housing. The push-pull connector further comprises an outer casing 4 within which the insulating housing is assembled, and a push-pull coupling mechanism.

[0034] The push-pull coupling mechanism comprises a grip sleeve 6 slidably mounted on the outer casing 4, the grip sleeve being movable in an axial direction that is parallel to the plugging direction of the push-pull connector to the complementary connector 20.

[0035] The push-pull coupling mechanism comprises a grip sleeve 6 slidably mounted on the outer casing 4, and a latching member 7 assembled to the grip sleeve 6.

[0036] The latching member 7 comprises one or more latch protrusions 8 that have a latching shoulder 10 on a rear side and a chamfer 11 on a front side. In the embodiments illustrated in figures 2a to 4d, the latching shoulder may be substantially orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0037] In variants, as illustrated in figures 7a and 7b, the latching shoulder 10b may comprise a portion inclined in the unplugging direction with respect to the radial plane (i.e. the plane orthogonal to the axial plugging / unplugging direction), to provide a limited force uncoupling of the push-pull connector from the complementary connector. Such limited force uncoupling is a per se known function, and may serve for instance for safety reasons, or to prevent damage to interconnected devices if a cable coupled to one of the connectors is pulled with excessive force.

[0038] The grip sleeve 6 comprises a grip ring portion 14 that may be provided with protrusions, serrations, or other features facilitating the grip between thumb and forefinger of a user when pulling back the grip sleeve. The grip sleeve further comprises a latching engagement portion 16 extending rearwardly from a mating face 21 of the connector, the latch engagement portion comprising one or more latch receiving orifices 18 arranged to allow the one or more latch protrusions 8 to extend therethrough. The chamfer 11 on a front side of the latch protrusion is configured to allow a front edge 23 of the latch receiving orifice 18 to inwardly bias the latch protrusions when the grip ring 6 is pulled rearwardly in the axial unplugging direction to disengage the latch protrusion from the complementary latching shoulder in the complementary connector 20.

[0039] According to an aspect of the invention, the latching member 7 comprises an elastic support ring 9 from which the latch protrusions 8 extend. In an embodiment, the elastic support ring 9 comprises an open section 12a that allows the ring to bias radially inwardly when the latch engagement portion 16 of the grip sleeve 6 is pulled rearwardly in the unplugging direction thus engaging the chamfers 11 of the latch protrusions 8. The open section 12a may be completely void of material as in the illustrated embodiments, or may comprise a deformable bridge (not shown) of elastic and compressible material that join the ends of the full portion of the elastic support ring, the bridge section compressing when the elastic support ring is inwardly biased to the unlocking position.

[0040] The inward radial biasing of the support ring 9 changes its form to a smaller diameter allowing the latching protrusions to disengage from the complementary latching shoulders of the complementary connector.

[0041] There are a plurality of latch protrusions 8. In advantageous embodiments there are preferably three or two latch protrusions. For connectors having an inner surface 24 diameter greater that 10mm there are preferably three latching protrusions 8 whereas for connectors having an inner surface 24 diameter less than 6mm there are preferably two protrusions.

[0042] Embodiments with three latch protrusions have a centre latch protrusion 8a and two free end latch protrusions 8b situated adjacent the free ends of the support ring that define the open section 12. Embodiments with two latch protrusions do not have the centre latch protrusion and have only the two free end latch protrusions 8b situated adjacent the free ends of the support ring.

[0043] During actuation of the latching member from the locked position as illustrated in figure 5a, to the unlocked position illustrated in figure 5b, the latching protrusions 8 are elastically biased radially inwardly against the spring force of the elastic support ring and disengage the complementary latching shoulder 26 of the complementary connector 20.

[0044] The inward displacement of the two free end latch protrusions 8b is however not perfectly radial, in the sense that the displacement of the free end latch protrusions 8b does not only have a radial component directed to the centre of the connector. Rather, the inward displacement of the two free end latch protrusions 8b also comprises a translational component towards the open section 12.

[0045] According to an aspect of the invention, to avoid damage to an outermost corner of the free end latch protrusions facing the open section 12, especially when a large pull force is exerted on the connectors, said free end latch protrusions are provided with a chamfered lateral surface 13 that has a first obtuse angle β relative to the outer rim surface 15 of the latch protrusion. The first obtuse angle β is in a range of 95° to 150°, preferably in a range of 105° to 145°, for instance in a range of 110° to 140°. The chamfered lateral surface 13 faces the open section 12.

[0046] The second lateral surface may optionally also be provided with a second obtuse angle φ relative to the outer rim surface 15 of the latch protrusion, however the second obtuse angle may be smaller than the first obtuse angle β. The second obtuse angle φ is preferably in a range of 90° to 120°, for instance in a range of 95° to 115°..

[0047] The latch receiving orifices 18 for receiving all of the latching protrusions, except optionally one of the latching protrusions, in particular the centre latch protrusion 8a, have a circumferential length that is greater than the circumferential length of the latching protrusion such that during the inward bending of the elastic support ring 9, a tangential displacement of the latching protrusions (except for one of them) is allowed relative to the grip sleeve.

[0048] The elastic support ring 9 may be easily assembled within the grip sleeve 6, positioned against an inner surface 24 of the grip sleeve 6 adjacent a plugging end or face 21 of the grip sleeve. The elastic support ring is in a prestressed state, elastically biased against the inner surface 24, such that it remains securely assembled to the grip sleeve. The amount of elastic compression of the support ring, i.e. the amount of pre-stressing, may be adjusted to vary the locking insertion and release force. This also provides for a very compact latching arrangement.

[0049] The latch protrusions may be spaced apart around the elastic support ring at substantially even distances from each other.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the elastic support ring has an axial length (L) that is less than a diameter (D) of the support ring.

[0051] In variants, for instance for small diameter connectors, it is possible that the axial length (L) of the elastic support is similar or slightly greater than a diameter (D) of the support ring.

[0052] In advantageous embodiments, the axial length L of the support ring is less than the diameter D of the support ring and may advantageously be in a range of 0.3 to 0.6 times the diameter of the elastic support ring 0.3 > L / D > 0.6.

[0053] The elastic latching member 7 is advantageously positioned adjacent a plugging face 21 of the grip sleeve, which also simplifies assembly and allows the connector arrangement to be compact.

[0054] The elastic support ring 9, in an embodiment, may be machined or stamped out of metal. In a variant the elastic support ring may be injected. Other resistant elastic materials such as polycarbonate or other resistant polymers may however be used, depending on the requirements and applications

[0055] For a particularly compact length, the chamfer 11 of the latch protrusion may start from a front edge 25 of the elastic support ring. In variants, the beginning of the slope of the latch protrusion may however be at a certain distance in retreat from the from edge 25.

[0056] Advantageously, the elastic support ring 9 has a very short dimension in the axial (plugging and unplugging) direction thus allowing the push-pull connector to have a more compact dimension, in particular a shorter length in the plugging direction compared to a conventional push-pull connector. Costs are also reduced by the simpler shape of the latching member 7 which also uses less materials than in the prior art solution illustrated in figure 1c. Easy assembly of the latching ring in the grip sleeve also reduces cost.

[0057] Importantly, in applications requiring secure high force coupling, embodiments of the invention provide higher security against inadvertent uncoupling than conventional push-pull connectors. This is because pulling forces on the push-pull connector acting on the latch protrusion shoulder 10 engaging the complementary shoulder 26 of the complementary connector 20 does not cause an uncontrolled inward biasing of the elastic support ring thus improving the security against inadvertent uncoupling. This is because forces acting on the latching protrusion create torsion on the support ring which requires very high forces compared to bending forces on a beam.List of references used

[0058] prior art Push-pull connector 1' interconnection elements electrical contacts insulating housing outer casing 4' latching member 7' latching protrusion 8' shoulder 10' elastic cantilever beam 19' Push-pull connector 1 interconnection elements optical, electrical, fluidic interconnection elements electrical contacts insulating housing outer casing 4 push-pull coupling mechanism grip sleeve 6 grip ring portion14 latch engagement portion 16 latch receiving orifice 18 front edge 23 inner surface 24 plugging end 21 latching member 7 latch protrusions 8 centre latch protrusion 8a free end latch protrusions 8b shoulder 10 limited force release shoulder 10b front chamfer 11 lateral chamfer 13 outer rim surface 15 elastic support ring 9 open section 12 front edge 25 axial length L diameter D Complementary connector 20 complementary latching shoulder 26

Claims

1. Push-pull connector (1) comprising a housing, interconnection elements mounted within the housing, an outer casing (4), and a push-pull coupling mechanism comprising a grip sleeve (6) and an elastic latching member (7), the elastic latching member (7) comprising an elastic support ring having an open section (12a) and a plurality of latch protrusions (8) mounted on the elastic support ring and projecting radially outwardly from the elastic support ring, the plurality of latch protrusions (8) including at least two free end latch protrusions (8b) adjacent free ends of the elastic support ring, the grip sleeve slidably mounted on the outer casing and configured to bias the plurality of latch protrusions into a disengaged position when the grip sleeve is pulled in an uncoupling direction, the grip sleeve comprising latch receiving orifices (18) receiving therethrough the corresponding latch protrusions (8), wherein the elastic support ring (9) is configured to bias elastically radially outwardly the plurality of protrusions (8) mounted on the elastic support ring, the elastic support ring of the elastic latching member being positioned against an inner surface (24) of the grip sleeve (6), characterized in that the free end latch protrusions are provided with a chamfered lateral surface (13) facing the open section (12) and forming a first obtuse angle β relative to an outer rim surface (15) of the latch protrusion, said first obtuse angle β being in a range of 95° to 150°.

2. The push-pull connector of the preceding claim wherein the first obtuse angle β is in a range of 105° to 145°, for instance in a range of 110° to 140°.

3. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein a second lateral surface of the latch free end latch protrusions protrusion is provided with a second obtuse angle φ relative to the outer rim surface in a range of 90° to 120°.

4. The push-pull connector of the preceding claim wherein the second obtuse angle φ is in a range of 95° to 115°.

5. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein the latch protrusions are spaced apart around the elastic support ring at substantially even distances from each other.

6. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein the elastic support ring has an axial length (L) that is less than a diameter (D) of the support ring.

7. The push-pull connector of the preceding claim wherein the axial length (L) of the support ring is in a range of 0.3 to 0.6 times the diameter (D) of the elastic support ring 0.3> L / D> 0.6.

8. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein elastic latching member (7) is positioned adjacent a plugging face (21) of the grip sleeve.

9. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein all of the latch orifices except for one having a circumferential length that is greater than a circumferential length of the corresponding latch protrusion configured to allow a tangential displacement of the latch protrusion relative to the grip sleeve during inward radial biasing of the elastic support ring.

10. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein the elastic support ring (9) is machined or stamped out of metal.

11. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein each latch protrusion comprises a chamfer (11) on a front side for inwardly biasing the latching protrusions during coupling with a complementary connector (20), the chamfer starting from a front edge (25) of the elastic support ring.

12. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein a latching shoulder (10) of the latch protrusion is orthogonal to the uncoupling direction.

13. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim 1-11 wherein a latching shoulder (10) of the latch protrusion comprises an inclined surface with respect to the uncoupling direction, configured to provide a limited force uncoupling of the push-pull connector from the complementary connector.

14. The push-pull connector of any preceding claim wherein for connectors having an inner surface (24) diameter greater that 10mm there are three latching protrusions and for connectors having an inner surface (24) diameter less than 6mm there are only two latching protrusions.

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