Plug elements and plug systems
The plug element design with spring segments between webs addresses the issue of unreliable fits in plastic plug systems by ensuring secure latching and reduced loosening risk through elastic deformation and enhanced contact surfaces.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ONE MOBILITY VOLTERRA GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Plastic plug elements and plug systems often fail to provide a permanently reliable fit due to manufacturing stress and temperature fluctuations, leading to suboptimal latching and increased risk of connection loosening.
A plug element design featuring a body with a cavity and circumferentially arranged spring segments between webs, each with outward-facing projections that elastically deform inward and outward, ensuring precise positioning and a secure latch connection.
The design provides a permanently reliable fit with minimal play, enhancing the resistance to connection loosening and ensuring secure locking through the use of spring segments that maintain projection alignment and maximize contact surface area.
Smart Images
Figure 2026071362000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to plug elements and plug systems.
Background Art
[0002] Plug elements and plug systems play a major role in today's product production. This enables different product parts to be manufactured individually and connected together by plugging them into each other. Plug elements and plug systems are particularly interesting with regard to assembled electrical connectors. These electrical connectors can be manufactured in specialized manufacturing facilities, can be easily attached to the final product, and in particular can be firmly locked to the final product. In addition, plug connectors of various configurations can also be easily manufactured, and the connectors can be optionally attached to the final product without modifying the final product itself before insertion.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] It is preferable to manufacture such plug elements and plug systems from plastic because plastic usually enables inexpensive and rapid production. In addition, rapid adjustment is possible even when requirements regarding, for example, the geometric shape of the plug element change. However, it is known that the fit of such plastic plug elements and plug systems is not always satisfactory. The fit may not provide the actual resistance that should be provided according to the structural design.
[0004] The problem of the present invention is to show improved plug elements and plug systems that provide a permanently reliable fit in the locked position, particularly such a fit as should be obtained as a result of the structural design.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The aforementioned problem is solved by a plug element comprising a body surrounding a cavity between a first opening and a second opening, according to a first aspect of the present invention. The body is configured to guide at least one cable through the first opening, the cavity and the second opening, and at least two webs are arranged on the circumference of the first opening, with a spring segment arranged between at least two adjacent webs along the circumference. There are at least two spring segments in total, each with an outward-facing projection, and each spring segment is configured to elastically deform inward against a spring force when pressure is applied to the projection from the outside, so that the projection can move inward, and so that the projection can move outward by the spring force when the pressure is removed.
[0006] The inventors have focused on the problem of why the fit of plastic plug elements and plug systems does not always meet expectations. In the process, the inventors found that the problem lies not in the plastic material itself, but in the preferred manufacturing method, injection molding.
[0007] In injection molding, high-temperature liquid plastic is injected into a mold and removed after a short cooling phase. Due to the material properties of the plastic and often complex shapes, stress is often present within the plastic, and the cooling process can further increase the tension. The inventors found that this stress can actually cause changes compared to the desired shape. Such changes can also occur due to subsequent temperature fluctuations or the aging of the plastic.
[0008] This could also affect the geometric shape of the latch. Depending on the shape changes caused by the stress, the latching of the plug element or plug system may become suboptimal, potentially reducing its resistance to loosening of the connection.
[0009] The inventors have also found that a problem exists in that the latch or projection does not always precisely position itself in the expected location. In particular, when the overlap between the projection and the corresponding recess of the plug system is reduced, the latch may loosen more easily.
[0010] The plug element shown here is designed, on the one hand, to suppress deformation of the plug element that could affect the desired position of the projection of the latch connection, while on the other hand, because there is a good chance that the projection will move during insertion, the contact surface between the projection and the corresponding recess of the plug system is made as large as possible when inserted. The spring segment is separated from the circumference of the first opening, particularly by a gap or notch. This allows for appropriate and flexible movement.
[0011] In a preferred configuration, spring segments are positioned between adjacent webs along the circumference.
[0012] In this case as well, outward-facing protrusions are positioned on each spring segment. The resulting arrangement allows for good latch engagement.
[0013] In a more preferred configuration, the distal end of the web and at least two spring segments form a closed shape surrounding a virtual continuation portion of the first opening.
[0014] The circumferentially closed shape holds the spring segment in place, and therefore the projection is also properly held in the desired position.
[0015] In a more preferred configuration, the first cross-section of the first opening coincides with the second cross-section of a further opening that lies in the plane in which the spring segment exists.
[0016] This allows for a simple configuration for insertion into the target object.
[0017] In a more preferred configuration, at least two projections of the two spring segments are positioned opposite each other with respect to the central axis of the first opening.
[0018] This configuration allows for good latch engagement.
[0019] In a more preferred configuration, the spring segments form a closed ring.
[0020] The formed ring holds the spring segment, and therefore the projection is also properly held in the desired position. In this case, the ring may be circular or elliptical and may have a straight portion.
[0021] In a more preferred configuration, three, four, or five webs are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first opening.
[0022] In certain shapes of openings, this configuration also provides a favorable arrangement for the resulting spring segment configuration.
[0023] In a more preferred configuration, the projection has an inclined upward surface, which is configured to push the projection inward while increasing the force when the plug element is inserted into the receptacle.
[0024] This allows for secure locking while also enabling easy insertion.
[0025] In a more preferred configuration, the first opening has a cross-section having a normal vector, and the web extends at an angle of up to 20°, preferably up to 10°, and particularly preferably up to 5°, at least substantially parallel to the normal vector.
[0026] This configuration allows for a simple latch connection. The angle is observed starting from the central axis of the first opening. Therefore, if the first opening is round, the angle is observed radially.
[0027] In a further preferred configuration, the ratio of the first width of the spring segment in the circumferential direction to the second width of the protrusion in the circumferential direction is at least 2, preferably at least 3, particularly preferably at least 4.
[0028] This ratio has proven to be advantageous in actual tests. In that case, for determining the width of the protrusion, in particular only the width in which the protrusion has its maximum extension to the outside is taken into account. Depending on the shape of the first opening, the ratio may be at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10.
[0029] In a further preferred configuration, the ratio of the total width of all webs in the circumferential direction to the circumference is at least 3, preferably at least 5, particularly preferably at least 7.
[0030] This ratio has proven to be advantageous in actual tests.
[0031] According to a further aspect, the problem is solved by a plug system comprising the aforementioned plug element and a receptacle configured to accommodate the plug element, the receptacle having a recess which interacts with the protrusion to form a latching connection.
[0032] This plug system provides a good latching fit for the plug element. In this case, the receptacle accommodates the plug element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, whereby a latching fit with little play can be achieved.
[0033] It should be understood that the above-mentioned features and the features further explained below can be used not only in the presented combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0034] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an assembled plug comprising a plug element according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a plug element according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a plug system comprising a plug element according to the first embodiment before insertion into a receptacle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a plug system comprising a plug element according to the first embodiment after insertion into a receptacle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the plug element. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0036] Figure 1 shows an assembled plug 100 comprising a plug element 10 according to a first embodiment. The plug 100 has a first connecting side 102 and a second connecting side 104, and provides an electrical connection between the connecting side 102 and the connecting side 104 via a plurality of cables 106. The cables 106 are drawn out from the body 12 of the plug element 10, which surrounds a cavity between a first opening 14 and a second opening 16.
[0037] The main body 12 is configured to guide at least one cable 106, in this case multiple cables 106, through the first opening 14, the cavity, and the second opening 16. At least two webs 18 are arranged on the circumference of the first opening 14, and a spring segment 20 is placed between at least two adjacent webs 18 along the circumference. There are at least two spring segments 20 in total.
[0038] Each spring segment 20 has a radially outward-facing projection 22. Each spring segment 20 is configured such that when pressure is applied to the projection 22 from the outside, it elastically deforms inward against the spring force, allowing the projection 22 to move inward. When the pressure is removed, it returns to its original shape due to the spring force, allowing the projection 22 to move outward.
[0039] In this embodiment, the spring segments 20 are positioned between the webs 18 arranged along the circumference. This also means that if there are four webs 18 as shown, there are four spring segments 20. The distal sections of the webs 18, i.e., the sections furthest from the first opening 14, and the spring segments 20 form a closed shape surrounding a virtual continuation of the first opening 14.
[0040] The first cross-section of the first opening, represented by a dashed line symbol with reference numeral 30 in Figure 3, coincides with the second cross-section of a further opening, represented by a dashed line symbol with reference numeral 32 in Figure 3, which lies in the plane in which the spring segments exist. At least two projections 22 of the two spring segments 20 are positioned opposite each other with respect to the central axis 34 of the first opening, represented by symbols in Figure 3, in this case, for example, a projection 22 located between 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock and a projection 22 located between 4 o'clock and 5 o'clock.
[0041] The spring segment 20 forms a closed ring. The four webs 18 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first opening 14. As can be read particularly well from Figure 3, each of the projections 22 has an inclined upward surface 24, which is configured to push the projection 22 inward, i.e., in the direction of the central axis 34, while increasing the force when the plug element 10 is inserted into the receptacle 36 (see Figure 3).
[0042] The first opening 14 has a cross-section with a normal vector, which in this case coincides with the central axis 34. Each web 18 extends at least substantially parallel to the normal vector. The ratio of the width of the spring segment 20 in the circumferential direction (referred to as the first width), i.e., the width of the projection between the webs 18 in the circumferential direction (referred to as the second width), is in this case approximately 5.
[0043] Figure 2 shows only the plug element 10 according to the first embodiment. All the explanations given so far apply.
[0044] Figure 3 shows a plug system 40 comprising a plug element 10 according to a first embodiment before insertion into a receptacle 36, the receptacle 36 shown in a cross-sectional view, and having a cylindrical shape. The receptacle 36 is configured to accommodate the plug element 10 and has a recess 38, the recess 38 which interacts with the projection 22 to form a latch connection. See Figure 4 for further details.
[0045] Figure 4 shows a plug-in system 40 comprising the plug element 10 according to the first embodiment after insertion into the receptacle 36. It can be seen that the seal 42 seals the plug element 10. Furthermore, a small material projection 44 is shown, which assists in centering the plug element in the receptacle 36 and ensuring a fit with as little play as possible.
[0046] Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the plug element 10. The reference numbers introduced so far are used similarly for elements that perform the same function. In this case, it can be seen that the webs 18 each form approximately semicircles, and the spring segments 20 are configured in a straight line.
[0047] Figure 6 shows a top view of the second embodiment.
[0048] Figure 7 shows a side view of the second embodiment.
Claims
1. A plug element (10) having a body (12) that surrounds a cavity between a first opening (14) and a second opening (16), The main body (12) is configured to allow at least one cable (106) to be guided through the first opening (14), the cavity and the second opening (16), At least two webs (18) are arranged on the circumference of the first opening (14) so as to extend in the axial direction of the first opening (14), At a distance from the first opening (14) to the opposite side of the second opening (16) in the axial direction of the first opening (14), at least two spring segments (20) are positioned between the at least two webs (18) arranged along the circumference, and there are at least two spring segments (20) in total. An outward-facing projection (22) is positioned on the spring segment (20), A plug element wherein the spring segment (20) is configured such that when pressure is applied to the projection (22) from the outside, it elastically deforms inward against the spring force, thereby allowing the projection (22) to move inward, and when the pressure is removed, the projection (22) can move outward due to the spring force.
2. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the web (18) and the spring segment (20) form a closed ring surrounding the continuation portion of the first opening (14) in the axial direction of the first opening (14).
3. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein a further opening in the plane in which the spring segment (20) is located has a radius corresponding to the first opening (14).
4. A circumferential opening, demarcated by the at least two webs (18) and the spring segment (20), is formed along the circumference. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential opening is opened in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first opening (14).
5. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the spring segment (20) is positioned between adjacent webs (18) along the circumference.
6. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the first cross-section (30) of the first opening (14) matches the shape of the second cross-section (32) of a further opening located in the plane in which the spring segment (20) is located.
7. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein at least two projections (22) of the two spring segments (20) are positioned opposite each other with respect to the central axis (34) of the first opening (14).
8. The plug element according to claim 2, wherein the closed ring is circular or elliptical and may further have a straight portion.
9. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein three, four, or five webs (18) are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the first opening (14).
10. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the projection (22) has an inclined upward surface (24), and the upward surface (24) is configured to increase the force and push the projection (22) inward when the plug element (10) is inserted into the receptacle (36).
11. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the first opening (14) has a cross section (30) having a normal vector, and the web (18) extends at an angle of up to 20°, preferably up to 10°, and particularly preferably up to 5°, especially at least substantially parallel to the normal vector.
12. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the width of the spring segment (20) in the circumferential direction to the width of the projection (22) in the circumferential direction is at least 2, preferably at least 3, and particularly preferably at least 4.
13. The plug element according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the total width of all webs (18) in the circumferential direction to the circumference is at least 3, preferably at least 5, and particularly preferably at least 7.
14. A plug system (40) comprising a plug element (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and a receptacle (36) configured to house the plug element (10), wherein the receptacle (36) has a recess (38), and the recess (38) interacts with the projection (22) to form a latch connection.