Interference fit locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector system (2) for connecting two mating ends of cables to one another for a current to flow in a connected state and to discontinue the current flow in an unconnected state in which two complementary designed mating parts (4, 6) of the plug connector system (2) are disconnected from one another, the plug connector system (2) comprises an inner sleeve (4) comprising an inserting section (4.1), wherein the insertion section (4.1) is at least partially provided with a smooth surface circumferentially extending around a longitudinal axis; an outer sleeve (6) comprising a receiving section (6.3) defining an outer circumferential periphery to at least partially receive the inserting section (4.1) of the inner sleeve (4), the receiving section (6.3) defining a mating surface (6.31) to mate with the inserting section (4.1) of the inner sleeve (4), wherein a locking sleeve (8) is provided relatively rotatable on the outer sleeve (6), and wherein the inner sleeve (4) and the outer sleeve (6) are configured such that rotation of the locking sleeve (8) with respect to the outer sleeve (6) directly changes the mating surface (6.31) from a clearance or transition fit, allowing the inner sleeve (4) to be moved relatively to the outer sleeve (6), to an interference fit between the mating surface (6.31) and the smooth surface of the insertion section (4.1), restricting relative movement of the inner sleeve (4) with respect to the outer sleeve (6), wherein the mating surface (6.31) is configured to exert a radial force on the smooth surface towards the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] Interference Fit Locking Mechanism

[0002] Prior art

[0003] In general, the invention relates to a plug connector system comprising two with one another releasably connectable plug elements, one of which is designed to receive the other, namely one component generally designed as a socket to receive the other component designed as a plug insertable or inserted into the socket to achieve a connection between the two correspondingly designed, connectable and releasable plug members. A user-activatable locking mechanism allows the plug to be connected to the socket and vice-versa.

[0004] Plug connector systems or connectors of this kind are well-known in the prior art for connecting two mating ends of cables with one another to achieve an electric current to flow in the connected position. They should easily disconnect the mating ends from one another for maintenance assembly purposes or during regular use. Hence, the plug and the socket are usually connected to cables or to the mating ends of cables, which are located or received within the plug connectors; in other words, the connecting elements of the plug connector system are attached to the mating end of the cables to be connected to one another for operation and for an electric current to flow.

[0005] US 2015 / 155654 A discloses a locking connector that comprises first and second connector parts configured to releasably engage with one another along a longitudinal axis of the connector. The first connector part comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed fingers, each finger attached at one end to the first connector and having an ear at an opposite end. The second connector part comprises one or more recesses to receive the ears. The connector comprises a locking ring, moveable such that in a first position the ears engage in the recesses to lock the connector parts together, and in a second position the ears are free to move outwards to enable the connector parts to be separated.

[0006] EP 2 776 752 B1 discloses a device for connecting two conduit sections of an automobile conduit, comprising a plug element and a basic body with a receptacle for the plug element, wherein the plug element comprises at least one catch element and the receptacle comprises at least one catch element corresponding to the catch element of the plug element, wherein the catch elements releasably engage with one another upon insertion of the plug element into the receptacle and a locking mechanism is provided which impedes a release of the engagement of the catch elements in a locking position and which allows a release of the engagement of the catch elements in an unlocking position.

[0007] CN 204 216 358 U provides a kind of test connector and test connector assembly, for testing the filtering performance of cavity body filter. The test connector that the utility model provides, comprises the inner wire, insulator, outer conductor, the holder that set gradually from the inside to the outside, and locking member; Described inner wire is connected in described outer conductor by described insulator; Described holder is fixedly connected with described outer conductor; Described locking member and described outer conductor are rotatably connected, and can apply along the radially inner coupling mechanism force of outer conductor along moving axially of described outer conductor to described holder.

[0008] Disadvantages associated with prior art

[0009] The locking mechanism or connecting mechanism is typically designed as a push- pull mechanism requiring the pulling of an outer member relative to an inner member to unlock the connection means inside the inner member, e.g., a ball-lock mechanism. This locking mechanism, therefore requires a certain amount of space for moving the outer member relative to the inner member. This space is not always present, especially in restricted areas.

[0010] Technical problem

[0011] Starting from the prior art described above and the disadvantages associated therewith, it is, consequently, the technical problem of the present invention to at least partially avoid the disadvantages discussed and provide for an act electric plug connector system which can be especially easily released and connected within restricted or confined spaces.

[0012] Invention

[0013] This technical problem is solved by the features of the independent claim, i.e. a plug connector system for connecting two mating ends of a cables to one another for a current to flow in a connected state and to discontinue the current or fluid to flow in an unconnected state in which two complementary designed mating parts of the plug connector system are disconnected from one another, the plug connector system comprising an inner sleeve comprising an inserting section, wherein the insertion section is at least partially provided with a smooth surface circumferentially and / or radially extending around a longitudinal axis; an outer sleeve comprising a receiving section defining an outer circumferential periphery to at least partially receive the inserting section of the inner sleeve, the receiving section defining a mating surface to mate with the inserting section of the inner sleeve. Further, a locking sleeve is provided relatively rotatable on the outer sleeve. In order to simplify release an connection of the plug connector system, the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are configured such that rotation of the locking sleeve with respect to the outer sleeve directly changes the mating surface from a clearance or transition fit, allowing the inner sleeve to be moved relatively to the outer sleeve, to an interference fit between the mating surface and the smooth surface of the insertion section, restricting, preferably not allowing, relative movement of the inner sleeve with respect to the outer sleeve. The mating surface is configured to exert a radial force on the smooth surface of the inserting section towards and / or along the longitudinal axis.

[0014] Further features are disclosed in the dependent claims to better put the invention into practice.

[0015] In the most abstract and most straightforward solution, the problem is solved by providing a locking sleeve, in particular on the outside of the outer sleeve, that is rotatable on, in particular around, the outer sleeve, in particular along a longitudinal axis, and by further designing the outer sleeve to change the mating surfaces on the inserting section and the receiving section from clearance or transition fit, allowing the inner sleeve to move relatively to the outer sleeve, to an interference fit, hindering or not allowing relative movement of the inner sleeve with respect to the outer sleeve.

[0016] Hence, according to the invention, locking and unlocking of the plug connector system is achieved by rotating the locking sleeve on, in particular around, the outer sleeve, in particular around its longitudinal axis. The invention can also be called a “twist-lock mechanism” in contrast to the push-pull mechanism known from the prior art. Therefore, the translatory movement in the prior art is replaced with a rotational movement of the locking sleeve on, in particular around, the outer sleeve, reducing the space required.

[0017] Since the geometry is simpler compared to e.g. ball-bearing push-pull devices, latch based, bayonet or screw-on solutions according to the prior art, generally requiring less parts than these prior art solutions, the invention is also cost-efficient and easy to mass-produce and assemble.

[0018] The fittings or tolerances used generally depend on the diameter of the plug connector system. For a 50 mm diameter of the plug connector system, especially of the inserting section of the inner sleeve and / or the receiving section of the outer sleeve, the clearance fit may be between +0.025 mm and +0.089 mm and the inference fit between -0.001 mm and -0.042 mm.

[0019] To further influence the fitting, coatings can be provided on the mating surfaces, namely on the male inserting section and / or the female receiving section. Especially preferred and durable coatings having a low coefficient of friction and good hardness are, e.g. Tin, nickel, nickel-phosphorus, silver, hard gold, palladium, palladium-nickel. Preferably hard gold and / or palladium.

[0020] The coating can also serve to compensate tolerances, that may occur during manufacturing by turning, forging, etc.

[0021] Preferably, the plug connector system, especially or including the locking sleeve, according to the invention, is made of plastic, preferably obtainable by, i.e. produced as, injection molding. However, more sturdy embodiments can also be made of metal or partially of metal, combining metal and plastic components as required.

[0022] One especially interesting aspect of the invention is that a breakaway-mechanism can be integrated into the connector, meaning that when a predefined threshold force is exceeded the typically connected components can disconnect, thereby with providing a safety release feature when certain threshold-forces are exceeded which may vary according to the respective application. A breakaway-mechanism can be integrated into the plug connector system and configured to separate the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve when a predetermined threshold force is exceeded.

[0023] The breakaway-mechanism can comprise the interference fit between the mating surface and the smooth surface of the insertion section, and wherein the interference fit is configured to maintain connection between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve up to the predetermined threshold force, and to allow separation of the inner sleeve from the outer sleeve when the predetermined threshold force is exceeded.

[0024] Preferably, the receiving section defines an outer circumferential periphery with elastically deformable members, wherein the elastically deformable members form two groups of interchanging latches members, a release group, and a locking group. The release group extends less radially outwards with respect to a central axis of rotation than the locking group. The elastic members of the locking group can be pressed (minimally) inwards by the locking sleeve when locking to achieve the interference fit, i.e. a frictional connection.

[0025] The provision of several alternating elastically deformable members, also referred to as elastic members, shaped differently reduces the required rotation of the lock ring to the angular length of one finger.

[0026] The inserting section can provide a, in particular complementary, mating surface corresponding to the mating surface of the receiving section. By rotation of the locking sleeve with respect to the outer sleeve in a state in which the receiving section at least partially receives the inserting section, the mating surfaces of the receiving section and the inserting section can be changed from a clearance or transition fit to an interference fit. The mating surface of the inserting section can be the smooth surface or a part of the smooth surface of the inserting section.

[0027] Furthermore, the locking sleeve or ring can enclose the outer periphery of the receiving section. This locking sleeve or ring can be relatively rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and can comprise a circumferential locking surface on an inner locking side.

[0028] On a preferred embodiment, this circumferential locking surface can comprise two sets of interchanging surfaces, a longer set and a shorter set, the longer set of locking surfaces can extend further radially towards the longitudinal axis than the shorter locking set of locking surfaces.

[0029] The elastic members can be configured as cantilevered arms.

[0030] The elastic members can be integrally formed on the outer sleeve.

[0031] In the following detailed figure description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form part of this description of the invention and are shown to illustrate specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "front," "rear," etc., is used in reference to the orientations of the figure(s) described. Since components of embodiments may be positioned in several different orientations, the directional terminology is for illustrative purposes and is not limiting in any way. It is understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. The following detailed description is not to be construed in a limiting sense.

[0032] In the context of this description, the terms "connected", "connected" as well as "integrated" are used to describe both a direct and an indirect connection, a direct or indirect connection as well as a direct or indirect integration.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, the indefinite and definite articles refer not only to a single component but are to be understood as "at least one". The terminology includes the previously mentioned words, variations thereof, and similar meanings. It should also be understood that the terms "about," "substantially," and similar terms in connection with the dimensions and a property of a component of the invention do not describe the described dimension and property as a strict limit or parameter and do not exclude minor variations thereof which are functionally similar. At a minimum, description parts with numerical parameters also include variations of these parameters according to mathematical and manufacturing principles in the prior art, e.g., rounding, deviations and other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0034] In the figures, identical or similar elements are given identical reference numbers where appropriate. Reference mark lines connect the reference mark to the part in question. An arrow, on the other hand, that does not touch a part refers to an entire unit to which it is directed.

[0035] Incidentally, the representations in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain areas may be shown exaggeratedly large to illustrate details. Furthermore, the drawings may be strikingly simplified and do not include every detail that may be present in the practical embodiment.

[0036] All features of the respective embodiment are disclosed independently of other features of the respective embodiment example. Likewise, the features mentioned above and the features described in further detail can each be used individually by the invention, or in any combination of several features. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as a conclusive list but rather have an exemplary character for the description of the invention.

[0037] The Figures show:

[0038] Figure 1 an isometric front view of the disconnected plug connector system according to the invention with the male and female parts of the locking mechanism disconnected from one another;

[0039] Figure 2 a front view of the connected locking mechanism in the unlocked position; and

[0040] Figure 3 the front view according to figure 2 in the locked position; figures 2 and 3 both not including the inner member with the inserting section for reasons of better visualization.

[0041] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the disconnected plug connector system 2, generally consisting of a male plug member 4 and a female receiving member 6. Both, the plug member 4 and the receiving member 6, are designed as sleeves with central openings to locate one or more cables (not shown) therein, the ends of the cables ending in the plug member 4 and the receiving member 6 to be electrically connected to one another when the plug connector system 2 is locked or connected.

[0042] Hence, in this embodiment, the plug member 4 constitutes the inner sleeve comprising an inserting section 4.1 with a smaller outer diameter than an abutment flange 4.2 located at the distal end of the inserting section 4.1 . The inserting section 4.1 forms a cylindrical outer mating surface to be inserted into the receiving member 6.

[0043] The receiving member 6 constitutes an outer sleeve defining a receiving section 6.3 with an outer circumferential periphery to at least partially receive the inserting section 4.1 of the plug member 4. The plug member 4, constituting the inner sleeve, comprises a distal end oriented away from the connection surface between the plug member 4 and the receiving member 6, defining a closed periphery or closed ring and a number of elastic arms extending proximally in a direction away from the closed ring. These elastic arms define the mating surface 6.31 to mate with the inserting section 4.1 of the plug member 4.

[0044] Located on the outside of the receiving member 6 is a rotatable locking ring 8 circumferentially enclosing the outer side of the receiving member 6.

[0045] The elastic members provided on the receiving member 6 form two groups of respectively interchanging elastic members / arms, a release group 6.1 and the locking group 6.2 (for clarity, only one of each group is indicated with a reference number). As shown in figures 2 and 3, the elastic members or arms of the release group 6.1 are less wide or extend less radially outwards with respect to the central axis of rotation A than the locking group 6.2.

[0046] The locking ring 8 encloses the outer periphery of the receiving section 6.3 in the installed state and is relatively rotatable about the longitudinal central axis A. The locking ring 8 defines a circumferential locking surface on an inner locking side. This circumferential locking surface, again, comprises two sets of interchanging surfaces or defines two sets of interchanging surfaces, a longer set 8.1 and a shorter set 8.2, meaning that the longer set 8.1 extends further radially in the direction of the central axis A than the shorter set 8.2. By designing the fitting system between the receiving member 6 and the locking ring 8 accordingly, turning the locking ring 8 with respect to the then stationary receiving member 6 in figure 2 allows for the locking group 6.2 of elastic members to deflect radially outward with respect to the central axis A, therewith allowing relative movement of the plug member 4 with respect to the receiving member 6 and therefore disconnection of the plug connector system 2. When turning the locking ring 8 clockwise from the position shown in figure 2 to the position shown in figure 3, the longer set of locking surfaces 8.1 on the locking ring 8 rests outside of the locking group 6.2 of the receiving member 6 so that the locking group 6.2 of the elastic arms are pressed radially inwards towards the central axis A, therewith locking the plug member 4 (not shown) inside the receiving member 6 by a friction fit and therewith locking the plug connector system 2 in the connected state for transmitting current from the cables located inside the plug connector system 2.

[0047] Reference Numbers

Claims

Claims1 . A plug connector system (2) for connecting two mating ends of cables to one another for a current to flow in a connected state and to discontinue the current flow in an unconnected state in which two complementary designed mating parts (4, 6) of the plug connector system (2) are disconnected from one another, the plug connector system (2) comprises an inner sleeve (4) comprising an inserting section (4.1 ), wherein the insertion section (4.1 ) is at least partially provided with a smooth surface circumferentially extending around a longitudinal axis; an outer sleeve (6) comprising a receiving section (6.3) defining an outer circumferential periphery to at least partially receive the inserting section (4.1 ) of the inner sleeve (4), the receiving section (6.3) defining a mating surface (6.31 ) to mate with the inserting section (4.1 ) of the inner sleeve (4), wherein a locking sleeve (8) is provided relatively rotatable on the outer sleeve (6), and wherein the inner sleeve (4) and the outer sleeve (6) are configured such that rotation of the locking sleeve (8) with respect to the outer sleeve (6) directly changes the mating surface (6.31 ) from a clearance or transition fit, allowing the inner sleeve (4) to be moved relatively to the outer sleeve (6), to an interference fit between the mating surface (6.31 ) and the smooth surface of the insertion section (4.1 ), restricting relative movement of the inner sleeve (4) with respect to the outer sleeve (6), wherein the mating surface (6.31 ) is configured to exert a radial force on the smooth surface towards the longitudinal axis.

2. The plug connector system (2) according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving section (6.3) defines an outer circumferential periphery with elastic members (6.1 , 6.2), wherein the elastic members form two groups of interchanging members, a release group (6.1 ) and a locking group (6.2), wherein the release group (6.1 ) extends less radially outwards with respect toa central axis of rotation (A) than the locking group (6.2).

3. The plug connector system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking sleeve (8) encloses the outer periphery of the receiving section (6.3) and is relatively rotatable about a longitudinal axis and comprises a circumferential locking surface on an inner locking side.

4. The plug connector system (2) according to claim 3, wherein the circumferential locking surface comprises two sets of interchanging surfaces, a longer set (8.1 ) and a shorter set (8.2), the longer set (8.1 ) of locking surfaces extending further radially towards the longitudinal axis (A) than the shorter locking set (8.2) of locking surfaces.

5. The plug connector system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the elastic members (6.1 , 6.2) are configured as cantilevered arms.

6. The plug connector system (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the elastic members (6.1 , 6.2) are integrally formed on the outer sleeve (6).

7. The plug connector system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more coatings are provided on the mating surfaces, in particular on the inserting section (4.1 ) and / or the receiving section (6.3).

8. The plug connector system (2) according to claim 7, wherein the one or more coatings comprise one or more of tin, nickel, nickel-phosphorus, silver, hard gold, palladium, and palladium-nickel.

9. The plug connector system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plug connector system (2), especially or including the locking sleeve, is made of plastic, preferably obtainable by injection molding.

10. The plug connector system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a breakaway-mechanism is integrated into the plug connector system (2) andconfigured to separate the inner sleeve (4) and the outer sleeve (6) when a predetermined threshold force is exceeded. The plug connector system (2) according to claim 10, wherein the breakawaymechanism comprises: the interference fit between the mating surface (6.31 ) and the smooth surface of the insertion section (4.1 ), and wherein the interference fit is configured to maintain connection between the inner sleeve (4) and the outer sleeve (6) up to the predetermined threshold force, and to allow separation of the inner sleeve (4) from the outer sleeve (6) when the predetermined threshold force is exceeded.

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