Rotatable plug / connector assembly with radial locking

Abstract

To provide a rotatable plug-connector assembly that locks radially. [Solution] The rotatable plug-connector assembly comprises a first plug element and a second plug element having a substantially hollow cylindrical portion. The first and second plug elements can be positioned at least partially inside each other when connected and are rotatable relative to each other when connected. The substantially hollow cylindrical portion of the second plug element has locking teeth on its periphery, which face the first plug element when connected. The first plug element is provided with at least one spring element having at least one spring projection adapted to engage between two adjacent locking teeth of the second plug element when connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radially latching rotatable plug connector assembly, for example, used in an angled plug housing that can be fastened to a unit.

Background Art

[0002] An angled plug housing consists of a plug portion on the side surface of the unit that can be fastened to the unit, and an outlet plug portion arranged at an angle to the plug portion. The outlet plug portion is arranged to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the plug portion on the side surface of the unit. In use, on the one hand, the rotational position of the outlet plug portion must be changeable in order to adapt the angled plug housing to specific usage conditions, and on the other hand, the selected rotational position must be securely held so as to be less affected by vibrations. Therefore, a certain minimum torque is required to rotate the outlet plug portion, and secure latching must be performed at the selected rotational position. Secure latching and the minimum torque must be maintained even after many rotational operations.

[0003] German Utility Model No. 29813455U1 discloses a rotatable plug connector assembly comprising an outer plug portion with a polygonal cross-section along its inner peripheral edge and leaf springs provided on the polygonal surface, and an inner plug portion with a polygonal cross-section along its outer peripheral edge and arranged inside the outer plug portion. At the latching position, the polygonal surface of the inner plug portion is arranged by pressing against the leaf spring. Thereby, depending on the selected spring force, only limited latching with stability can be obtained. When the two plug portions rotate relative to each other, the outer edge of the inner plug portion presses against the leaf spring, resulting in wear, and as a result, the inner plug portion becomes round. When the inner polygonal plug portion becomes round, the torque required for rotation decreases, and thus stable latching can no longer be ensured. Furthermore, wear occurs due to the rotation of the plug portion, and the unit may be damaged.

[0004] European Patent Application No. 1753092A1 discloses a rotatable plug-connector assembly comprising a first plug element and a substantially hollow cylindrical second plug element, the first and second plug elements being at least partially positioned inside each other and rotatable relative to each other, the second plug element having locking teeth on its periphery facing toward the first plug element, the first plug element having a plurality of radially movable locking pins and a plurality of spring elements, each spring element pressing the locking pin radially toward the locking teeth of the second plug element. Due to the provision of a plurality of spring elements and a plurality of locking pins, the assembly of the plug-connector assembly is relatively complex. Furthermore, a retaining ring is required to fix the first and second plug elements axially, and this retaining ring is held in place only by the pretensioning of the springs, which may result in insufficient fixation. Furthermore, disassembling a plug-connector assembly without damage is either impossible or only possible with considerable effort. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Utility Model No. 29813455U1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application No. 1753092A1 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a rotatable plug-connector assembly that solves at least one of the problems outlined above and / or related thereto. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a rotatable plug-connector assembly comprising a first plug element and a second plug element having a substantially hollow cylindrical portion. The first and second plug elements can be positioned at least partially inside each other in the connected state and are rotatable relative to each other in the connected state. The substantially hollow cylindrical portion of the second plug element has locking teeth on its periphery, which face the first plug element in the connected state. The first plug element is provided with at least one spring element having at least one spring projection adapted to engage between two adjacent locking teeth of the second plug element in the connected state.

[0008] Advantages, embodiments, and further developments of the present invention. Since the spring element has at least one locking projection, no additional pins are required, and the number of spring elements needed can be easily reduced (for example, to one or two). This makes it easy to manufacture, assemble, and / or disassemble the plug connector assembly. In particular, it becomes possible to disassemble it without damaging it. For example, to change the minimum torque, the spring element or the spring element integrated with the spring projection can also be easily replaced.

[0009] At least one spring element may have multiple spring projections, each of which is adapted to engage between two adjacent locking teeth of a second plug element in the connected state.

[0010] For example, if a spring element has multiple spring protrusions, the number of spring elements can be reduced, thereby saving material and / or manufacturing costs while maintaining the total number of spring protrusions. Furthermore, since the multiple spring protrusions are connected to each other by a common spring element, the relative position and / or alignment of the multiple spring protrusions can be ensured.

[0011] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the first plug element and the second plug element can be designed such that, when connected, a positive-locking connection between the first plug element and the second plug element is ensured against axial forces.

[0012] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the second plug element may include a retaining ring having an annular retaining portion that extends radially inward, which, in the connected state, engages with a groove provided on the outside of the hollow cylindrical portion of the second plug element. The retaining portion may have, for example, a rectangular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. The retaining portion may take the form of an annular projection that begins from the annular base portion of the retaining ring and extends radially inward. The retaining ring may therefore have, for example, a substantially L-shaped cross-section. However, the retaining ring may also be configured to have a rectangular cross-section. By providing the retaining ring and the corresponding groove, axial locking is ensured.

[0013] The retaining ring may be provided in the form of a completely closed ring, or in the form of a ring that is not completely closed, i.e., a ring with an opening. If the retaining ring is provided in the form of a ring with an opening, the radius of the retaining ring may be slightly increased in some cases to allow the second plug element to be inserted into the first plug element.

[0014] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, engagement of the retaining portion with a groove enables a locked connection between the first plug element and the second plug element against axially acting forces. By overcoming a predetermined minimum axial force, the locked connection can be released, separating the second plug element from the first plug element, and thus releasing the connection.

[0015] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, grooves may be provided within the locking teeth. The locking teeth may extend perpendicular to the groove, and the locking teeth may extend axially while the groove extends circumferentially. In particular, the groove may be configured such that the base portion of the groove is positioned radially at the same height as the base portion of the gap between the locking teeth. However, the groove may be designed to be deeper or shallower.

[0016] The retaining teeth can be located on both sides of the groove when viewed in the axial direction (i.e., the insertion direction). In particular, the retaining teeth can also be located on the side of the groove corresponding to the end face of the second plug element. In this case, the spring projection can slide very close to the first plug element in the axial direction within the gap between the retaining teeth, so that the first plug element can be easily inserted into the second plug element. Thus, guided coupling of the plug-connector assembly becomes possible.

[0017] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the first plug element may include an O-ring that extends annularly around a retaining ring and is adapted to press the retaining ring radially inward. The O-ring can therefore be positioned between the base of the first plug element and the retaining ring. When the second plug element is inserted, the retaining ring is pressed radially outward against the O-ring, causing the O-ring to elastically deform, thereby allowing an elastic restoring force to act radially on the retaining ring, and as a result the retaining ring can be securely engaged with the groove of the second plug element.

[0018] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the first plug element can be axially opened on the side furthest from the second plug element when connected, thereby allowing the retaining ring and O-ring to be removed axially. Thus, the plug-connector assembly can be easily assembled and / or disassembled.

[0019] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the first plug element may be provided with a flange having a screw opening for screwing the first plug element to a flat surface, so that the O-ring and retaining ring are sandwiched between the flat surface and the first plug element when the first plug element is screwed in. The O-ring and retaining ring can therefore be securely held in place when the first plug element is installed. These components can be removed by unscrewing the first plug element.

[0020] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, a tightly molded spring element is provided on a first plug element, and the spring element may have multiple spring protrusions. The multiple spring protrusions may be two, three, or four in particular. When only one molded spring element is provided on the first plug element, it can be assembled and / or disassembled considerably easier than when multiple spring elements are provided. When the spring element has multiple spring protrusions, there is no need to provide additional pins or locking pins, and it can be easily manufactured, assembled, and / or disassembled. In particular when four spring protrusions are provided, any two spring protrusions can be positioned facing each other, so that the radial forces of the spring protrusions act in opposite directions.

[0021] The spring element can be provided, for example, in the form of a completely closed corrugated ring. The spring element can also be provided in the form of a corrugated ring with an opening. In this case, the spring element can be easily manufactured, for example, from a metal sheet. As a general rule, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the terms “ring” or “annular” in this specification also mean a ring that is not closed and therefore has an opening. However, unless explicitly excluded, it also means a closed ring.

[0022] The first plug element may comprise at least two, particularly exactly two, spring elements, each of the spring elements being integrally formed and each of the spring elements comprising at least one spring protrusion. In particular, exactly two spring elements may be provided, each of the spring elements comprising exactly two spring protrusions. By providing two (rather than one) spring elements, the material required to connect two spring elements to form a single spring element otherwise can be saved.

[0023] In a rotatable plug connector assembly, at least one spring protrusion of at least one spring element (i.e., one spring element or, if multiple exist, multiple spring elements) can be adapted to directly contact the latching teeth of the second plug element in the connected state. The at least one spring protrusion thus directly contacts the latching teeth and no additional pins or latching pins are required.

[0024] In a rotatable plug connector assembly, at least one spring element can be in the form of an integrally formed corrugated spring steel plate, and at least one spring protrusion can be formed by bending the spring steel plate and thus is part of the spring steel plate. By integrally forming the spring steel plate, it can be easily manufactured, assembled, and / or disassembled. When at least one spring protrusion is formed by bending the spring steel plate, on the one hand, a controlled spring force can be set, and on the other hand, simple manufacturing of the spring protrusion(s) is possible.

[0025] In a rotatable plug - connector assembly, the spring steel plate can have a constant thickness. In this case, the spring steel plate has, in particular in the region of the latching projection, the same thickness as the rest of the spring steel plate. By thickness is meant the plate thickness, i.e., the thickness of the spring steel plate perpendicular to the corrugated surface of the spring steel plate. If the thickness is constant, the spring projection(s) and the spring steel plate can be easily manufactured together, for example, from a plate of constant thickness. By exchanging the spring elements for spring elements of different thicknesses, in particular spring elements of different constant thicknesses, the torque required to rotate the plug elements relative to each other can be easily varied.

[0026] In a rotatable plug - connector assembly, at least one spring element can be received in a receiving recess of the first plug element in a pre - tensioned state. The receiving recess can have a radial opening for each spring projection, with each spring projection protruding radially inwards. The pre - tensioning ensures that at least one spring element is securely received in the receiving recess and cannot fall out. This radial opening can include a slot extending axially. This radial opening can be substantially rectangular. If only the latching projections of the spring steel plate protrude inwards through the respective openings of the receiving recess, a secure radial engagement of the second plug element can be ensured, and at the same time the spring steel plate is securely held.

[0027] A rotatable plug - connector assembly can further comprise a sealing ring that extends annularly inside the first plug element and seals between the first plug element and the second plug element in the connected state. A further sealing ring can be provided. The sealing prevents, in particular, the ingress of liquid into the plug - connector assembly or between the two plug elements, thereby ensuring reliable operation.

[0028] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the latching teeth of the second plug element may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-section. This reduces wear on the latching teeth when the second plug element rotates and / or allows for easy rotation.

[0029] In a rotatable plug-connector assembly, the first plug element and the second plug element may be configured such that, in the connected state, the second plug element is at least partially located inside the first plug element, the outer circumferential surface of the second plug element faces the inner circumferential surface of the first plug element, and at least one spring projection of at least one spring element is pressed radially inward against a locking tooth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second plug element by at least one spring element.

[0030] Where this specification describes the properties of "at least one spring projection," this may mean that each property applies not only to one spring projection but also to all other spring projections that may exist. Where this specification describes the properties of "at least one spring element," this may mean that each property applies not only to one spring element but also to all other spring elements that may exist.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the first plug element of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the first plug element of a further rotatable plug-connector assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the first plug element of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a top view of the first plug element. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first plug element. [Figure 6] This is a top view of a third embodiment of the first plug element of a rotatable connector assembly of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the second plug element of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the first and second plug elements in a cooperative state in the connected state of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention in its connected state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] In the following, spatial relationships such as top, bottom, interior, and exterior are used to illustrate exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted restrictively.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the first plug element 2 of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. Similarly, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first plug element 2 of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 can be considered as any of the different embodiments of the plug-connector assembly according to the present invention. The first embodiment in Figure 1 is an embodiment in which the first plug element does not have a retaining ring or a sealing ring. However, the first plug element 1 of another embodiment in Figure 2 has a retaining ring 20 and a sealing ring 22. In another view, Figure 1 shows the first plug element 2 of Figure 2 before the retaining ring 20 and the sealing ring 22 are attached, and thus Figures 1 and 2 both show the same embodiment.

[0035] Figures 3 to 5 show different diagrams of a second embodiment of the first plug element 2, the essential difference from the first embodiment of the first plug element in Figures 1 and 2 being that the first plug element 2 in the second embodiment has two spring elements 14a and 14b instead of one spring element 14. The first plug element 2 in the second embodiment may also have a retaining ring 20 and a sealing ring 22, similar to that shown in Figure 2. The first plug element 2 in the second embodiment in Figures 3 to 5 is otherwise identical to the first plug element 2 in the embodiment (or more) of Figures 1 and 2, so the following descriptions of Figures 1 and 2 also apply to the second embodiment in Figures 3 to 5.

[0036] Figure 6 shows a top view of a third embodiment of the first plug element 2. A feature common to the second embodiment of the first plug element in Figures 3 to 5 is that the first plug element 2 of the third embodiment has two spring elements 14a and 14b instead of one spring element 14. However, unlike the spring elements 14a and 14b of the second embodiment, the spring elements 14a and 14b of the third embodiment each have only one spring projection 6. The two spring elements 14a and 14b are each W-shaped. The first plug element 2 of the third embodiment may also have a retaining ring 20 and a sealing ring 22, similar to the first plug element 2 shown in Figure 2. The first plug element 2 of the third embodiment in Figure 6 is otherwise identical to the first plug element 2 of the embodiments (or more) in Figures 1 and 2, so the following descriptions of Figures 1 and 2 also apply to the third embodiment in Figure 6.

[0037] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the second plug element 4 of the rotatable plug-connector assembly of the present invention. The second plug element 4 is preferably inserted axially (defined herein and according to the drawings as the Z direction) into the substantially cylindrical opening of the first plug element 2 according to one of the first to third embodiments of Figures 1 to 6 to form the connected state shown, for example, in Figures 8 and 9. The second plug element 4 in Figure 7 forms the housing portion of the angle plug of the plug-connector assembly. The other elements of the angle plug are assumed to be known and are therefore not shown in the figures and not described herein for clarity.

[0038] Figures 8 and 9 show different views of the plug-connector assembly 1 in a connected state, formed by the first plug element 2 of Figure 2 or one of the first plug elements 2 of Figures 3 to 6 and the second plug element 4 of Figure 7. Figures 8 and 9 thus show the rotatable plug-connector assembly 1 having the first plug element 2 and the second plug element 4. The second plug element 4 has a substantially hollow cylindrical portion 24 (see Figure 7) that defines the radial and axial directions. The axial direction is defined as the Z direction, according to the figures. In the connected state according to Figures 8 and 9, the second plug element 4 is positioned inside the first plug element 2.

[0039] The second plug element 4 faces the first plug element 2 when connected and includes a substantially trapezoidal cross-section locking tooth 10 that extends axially along the outer edge of the substantially hollow cylindrical portion 24 of the second plug element 4.

[0040] In the first embodiment shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the first plug element 2 comprises four spring protrusions 6, which are part of an integrated spring element 14. The spring element 14 is in the form of an integrally formed corrugated spring steel plate. In the second embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first plug element 2 also comprises a total of four spring protrusions 6. However, the four spring protrusions are divided into two spring elements 14a and 14b. More specifically, the first plug element 2 in the second embodiment comprises two spring elements 14a and 14b, each of which comprises two spring protrusions 6. In the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, the first plug element 2 comprises a total of two spring protrusions 6, with each of the two spring elements 14a and 14b comprising one spring protrusion 6.

[0041] In the first to third embodiments, the spring projection 6 is formed by bending a spring steel plate and is therefore part of the spring steel plate. The spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b are positioned within a receiving recess 16 of the first plug element 2, where they are held separately by pretensioning of the spring elements. The receiving recess 16 extends substantially circumferentially around the cylindrical opening of the first plug element 2. Starting from the receiving recess 16, an opening is provided at the location of the spring projection 6, and the spring projection 6 passes through this opening and protrudes radially with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical opening of the first plug element 2. This opening is provided in the frame element 12 of the first plug element 2. The spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b are pretensioned to press the locking projection 6 radially against the second plug element 4. The locking projection 6 is elastically deformable independently of each other by a radially acting force.

[0042] The number of spring protrusions 6 is not limited to four and can be freely selected as needed, although it is advantageous to have at least two spring protrusions 6. Furthermore, as shown according to the second exemplary embodiment in Figures 3 to 5, for example, two integrated spring elements 14a and 147b, each having two spring protrusions 6, can be provided and positioned in the corresponding receiving recesses 16. According to the third embodiment shown in Figure 6, two integrated spring elements 14a and 14b, each having spring protrusions 6, may be provided and positioned in the corresponding receiving recesses. The first plug element 2 is part of a plug portion on the side of the unit (not shown) that can be connected to the unit, and the second plug element 4 is part of an outlet plug portion (not shown). The plug portion on the side of the unit and the outlet plug portion form an angle plug housing.

[0043] As the second plug element 4 rotates relative to the first plug element 2, the inclined sides of the substantially trapezoidal locking teeth 10 press each spring projection 6 radially outward, generating a reaction force acting on the locking teeth 10. This generates the torque necessary to rotate the first plug element 2 and release the lock. This force, or torque, can be specified, for example, by the selection of the material of the spring elements 14, 14a, 14b, and / or the thickness (i.e., material thickness) of the spring elements 14, 14a, 14b, and can be changed as needed by replacing spring element 14 or spring elements 14a, 14b.

[0044] The release of the latch is performed in a state of minimal wear because no plastic deformation occurs. The spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b elastically absorb the radial movement of the spring projection 6, and in some cases the deformation of the spring projection 6, without causing plastic deformation of the first plug element 2, the second plug element 4, or the latching teeth 10.

[0045] As the second plug element 4 rotates further, and as a result the radial outer surface of the substantially trapezoidal locking tooth 10 facing the first plug element 2 contacts the spring projection 6, the spring projection 6 is in a position of large radial displacement, and the spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b reach a state of greater spring tension. As the second plug element 4 rotates further, the spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b, due to the spring tension of the spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b, push the spring projection 6 into the substantially trapezoidal groove (i.e., gap) between the two locking teeth 10. Thus, a secure lock is achieved. When the spring projection 6 in the locked position contacts the inclined sides of the two substantially trapezoidal locking teeth 10, a lock without play can be achieved.

[0046] When the plug-connector assembly 1 is in the locked position, all spring protrusions 6 are in the locked position between the two locking teeth 10, thereby achieving secure clamping. The torque required to rotate the second plug element 4 relative to the first plug element 2 in order to unlock the spring protrusions 6 generates a force applied to the locking teeth 10 through the spring protrusions 6. During unlocking, all spring protrusions 6 move out of their locked positions, and the unlocking force generated by the torque is divided among the multiple spring protrusions 6 and multiple locking teeth 10. Therefore, the unlocking force that the spring protrusions 6 apply to each locking tooth 10 with a given torque required for rotation is relatively small. Thus, wear can be reduced. The locking teeth 10 and spring protrusions 6 extend axially, which creates a larger contact surface, i.e., a larger pressing surface, between the locking teeth 10 and the spring protrusions 6, thereby reducing wear. The latching teeth 10 do not necessarily have to extend in the axial direction; they can also extend parallel to each other and at an angle to the axial direction.

[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that the substantially trapezoidal shape of the latching tooth 10 can be rounded to further minimize wear. Furthermore, the radial surface of the substantially trapezoidal latching tooth 10 can be reduced to obtain a substantially rectangular shape, thereby reducing the spacing between the latching positions. This shape of the latching tooth 10 is considered equivalent. The substantially trapezoidal latching tooth 10 results in a plug-connector assembly 1 that is less susceptible to manufacturing tolerances.

[0048] Suitable surface coatings on the retaining teeth 10, spring projections 6, and / or spring elements 14, 14a, and 14b can reduce friction and, consequently, torque. Furthermore, lubrication can be provided.

[0049] The rotatable plug-connector assembly 1 of the present invention has been described such that the second plug element 4 is located within the first plug element 2 and the locking teeth 10 are radially outward. However, those skilled in the art will understand that such a rotatable plug-connector assembly 1 may also have the opposite structure.

[0050] The plug-connector assembly 1 in Figures 2 to 9 allows for axial locking of the second plug element 4 to the first plug element 2, in addition to the radial locking described above. The first plug element 2 has a retaining ring 20 for this purpose. The retaining ring 20 of the first plug element 2 is fitted to engage with the groove 26 of the second plug element 4 when connected. The retaining ring 20 in the illustrated embodiment has an opening or notch that allows or facilitates a change in the radius of the retaining ring 20. The O-ring 28 of the first plug element 2, described below, applies a radially inward force to the retaining ring 20, and when inserting the second plug element 4, this force must be overcome until the retaining ring 20 can engage with the groove 26. In this case, the inner diameter of the retaining ring 20 increases.

[0051] The retaining ring has a retaining portion 30 that extends in an annular shape and faces radially inward, as shown in Figure 8. The retaining portion 30 is a part of the retaining ring 20 that is located inside the groove 26 when connected. The retaining ring 20 may have a substantially L-shaped cross-section, as shown in Figure 8. The retaining portion 30 therefore has a substantially rectangular cross-section with rounded corners.

[0052] The retaining portion 30 engages with the groove 26, thereby achieving a locking connection between the first plug element 2 and the second plug element 4 against axial forces. By overcoming a predetermined minimum axial force, the locking connection can be released, the second plug element 4 can be separated from the first plug element 2, and thus the connection can be released.

[0053] An O-ring 28 is provided to apply a radial force to the retaining ring 20 and to hold the retaining ring 20 in place. The O-ring 28 is located between the base of the first plug element 2 and the retaining ring 20.

[0054] The first plug element 2, when connected, has an axial opening on the side furthest from the second plug element 4, allowing the retaining ring 20 and O-ring 28 to be removed axially. This facilitates the assembly and / or disassembly of the plug-connector assembly 1.

[0055] The first plug element 2 includes a flange 32 having a screw opening for screwing the first plug element 2 to a flat surface, so that the O-ring 28 and retaining ring 20 are sandwiched between the flat surface and the first plug element 2 when the first plug element 2 is screwed in. The O-ring 28 and retaining ring 20 can therefore be securely held in place when the first plug element 2 is installed. These components can be removed by unscrewing the first plug element 2.

[0056] The rotatable plug-connector assembly 1 includes a sealing ring 22 that extends annularly inside the first plug element 2, providing a seal between the first plug element 2 and the second plug element 4 when connected. Further sealing rings may be provided. The seal prevents the ingress of liquid, particularly into the plug-connector assembly 1 or between the two plug elements 2 and 4, thereby ensuring reliable operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Plug and connector assembly 2. First plug element 4. Second plug element 6. Spring protrusion 10 Latch teeth 12 frame elements 14 Spring elements 14a Spring element 14b Spring element 16 Receptive recesses 20 retaining rings 22 sealing rings 24 Hollow cylindrical portion 26 Groove 28 O-rings 30 Holding part 32 flange

Claims

1. The first plug element (2) and, A second plug element (4) having a substantially hollow cylindrical portion (24) and A rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) comprising, The first plug element (2) and the second plug element (4) can be positioned at least partially inside each other when connected, and are rotatable relative to each other when connected. The substantially hollow cylindrical portion (24) of the second plug element (4) is provided with locking teeth (10) on its periphery, and the locking teeth face the first plug element (2) in the connected state, and A rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) is characterized in that the first plug element (2) is provided with at least one spring element (14, 14a, 14b) having at least one spring projection (6) adapted to engage between two adjacent locking teeth (10) of the second plug element (4) in the connected state.

2. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one spring element (14, 14a, 14b) comprises a plurality of spring protrusions (6), each of which is adapted to engage between two adjacent locking teeth (10) of the second plug element (4) in the connected state.

3. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plug element (2) and the second plug element (4) are designed such that, in the connected state, a locking connection between the first plug element (2) and the second plug element (4) is ensured against an axial force.

4. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first plug element (2) comprises a retaining ring (20) having a retaining portion (30) that extends in an annular shape and faces radially inward, and the retaining portion engages with a groove (26) provided on the outside of the hollow cylindrical portion (24) of the second plug element in the connected state.

5. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the engagement of the retaining portion (30) with the groove (26) enables a locking connection between the first plug element (2) and the second plug element (4) against an axial force.

6. The rotatable plug connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the groove (26) is provided on the retaining tooth (10).

7. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first plug element (2) comprises an O-ring (28) that extends annularly around the retaining ring (20) and is fitted to press the retaining ring radially inward.

8. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the element (2) of the first plug has an axial opening on the side furthest from the second plug element (4) in the connected state, thereby allowing the retaining ring (20) and the O-ring (28) to be removed in the axial direction.

9. The rotatable plug connector assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first plug element (2) comprises a flange (32) having a screw opening for screwing the first plug element (2) to a flat surface, thereby sandwiching the O-ring (28) and the retaining ring (20) between the flat surface and the first plug element (2) when the first plug element (2) is screwed in.

10. The rotatable plug connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a single, integrally formed spring element (14) is provided on the first plug element (2), and the spring element comprises the plurality of spring protrusions (6), wherein the plurality of spring protrusions (6) are particularly two, three, or four spring protrusions.

11. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two, in particular two, tightly coupled spring elements (14) are provided on the first plug element (2), and each of the spring elements comprises at least one spring projection (6).

12. The rotatable plug connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one spring element (14, 14a, 14b) is in the form of an integrally formed corrugated spring steel plate of a certain thickness, and the at least one spring projection (6) is formed by bending the spring steel plate and is therefore part of the spring steel plate.

13. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one spring element (14, 14a, 14b) is received in a receiving recess (16) of the first plug element (2) with pretension applied, and the receiving recess (16) has a radial opening for the at least one spring projection (6) from which the spring projection (6) protrudes radially inward.

14. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing ring (22) that extends annularly inside the first plug element (2) and provides a seal between the first plug element (2) and the second plug element (4) in the connected state.

15. The rotatable plug-connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the connected state, the first plug element (2) and the second plug element (4) are configured such that the second plug element (4) is at least partially located within the first plug element (2), the outer circumferential surface of the second plug element (4) faces the inner circumferential surface of the first plug element (2), and the at least one spring projection (6) of the at least one spring element (14, 14a, 14b) is pressed radially inward against the locking teeth (10) formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second plug element (4) by the at least one spring element (14, 14a, 14b).

Images