PLUG-IN CONNECTOR WITH LATCHING ELEMENT

Abstract

A plug-in connector comprises a first connecting part with at least one first contact element and a second connecting part with at least one second contact element. The first connecting part is configured for being connected with and disconnected from the second connecting part. The first connecting part comprises a latching element with a snap-in member, and the second connecting part comprises a retaining sleeve configured for accepting the latching element. The latching pin and the retaining sleeve constitute a mechanical mechanism provided in addition to the at least one first contact element and the at least one second contact element. A mechanical interaction between the latching pin and the retaining sleeve enforces a predetermined motion pattern of the at least one first contact element relative to the at least one second contact element during a process of connecting or disconnecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

Claims

1. A connecting part (1) configured for being connected with another connecting part (2), the connecting part (1) comprising at least one contact element (3) configured for establishing at least one electrical connection with the other connecting part (2), characterized in that the connecting part (1) comprises a retaining sleeve (13) configured for accepting a latching pin (12) of the other connecting part (2), wherein the retaining sleeve (13) comprises a first counter-latching element (14) at an intermediate position and a second counter-latching element (15) at a final position.

2. A plug-in connector comprising a first connecting part (2) comprising at least one first contact element (4) and a second connecting part (1) comprising at least one second contact element (3), wherein the first connecting part (2) is configured for being connected with and disconnected from the second connecting part (1), characterized in that the first connecting part (2) comprises a latching pin (12) and the second connecting part (1) comprises a retaining sleeve (13) configured for accepting the latching pin (12), wherein the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) constitute a mechanical mechanism provided in addition to the at least one first contact element (4) and the at least one second contact element (3) and wherein a mechanical interaction between the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) is configured for enforcing a predetermined motion pattern of the at least one first contact element (4) relative to the at least one second contact element (3) during a process of connecting or disconnecting the first connecting part (2) and the second connecting part (1).

3. Plug-in connector according to claim 2, wherein the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) are not configured for establishing an electrical connection.

4. Plug-in connector according to claim 2, wherein the latching pin (12) comprises one or more latching elements (17), wherein the retaining sleeve (13) comprises one or more counter-latching elements (14, 15) and wherein at least one of the latching elements (17) is configured for engaging with at least one of the counter-latching elements (14, 15).

5. Plug-in connector according to claim 2, wherein the latching pin (12) comprises a latching element (17) and wherein the retaining sleeve (13) comprises a first counter-latching element (14) at an intermediate position and a second counter-latching element (15) at a final position, and wherein the latching pin's latching element (17) is configured for engaging with the first counter-latching element (14) or with the second counter-latching element (15).

6. Plug-in connector according to claim 5, wherein at the latching pin's intermediate position the at least one first contact element (4) is electrically disconnected from the at least one second contact element (3), and at the latching pin's final position at least one electric connection is established between the at least one first contact element (4) and the at least one second contact element (3).

7. Plug-in connector according to claim 5, wherein in case the latching element (17) is engaged with the first counter-latching element (14) at the intermediate position and an inwardly directed force (19) of predefined minimum strength is applied to the connecting parts (1, 2), the latching pin's latching element (17) is configured for disengaging from the first counter-latching element (14), moving to the final position and engaging with the second counter-latching element (15).

8. Plug-in connector according to claim 7, wherein the inwardly directed force (19) of predefined minimum strength gives rise to a predefined minimum acceleration of the first connecting part (2) relative to the second connecting part (1) when moving from the intermediate position to the final position.

9. Plug-in connector according to claim 5, wherein in case the latching element (17) is engaged with the second counter-latching element (15) at the final position and an outwardly directed force (20) of predefined minimum strength is applied to the connecting parts (1, 2), the latching pin's latching element (17) is configured for disengaging from the second counter-latching element (15) at the final position, moving to the intermediate position and engaging with the first counter-latching element (14).

10. Plug-in connector according to claim 9, wherein the outwardly directed force (20) of predefined minimum strength gives rise to a predefined minimum acceleration of the first connecting part (2) relative to the second connecting part (1) when moving from the final position to the intermediate position.

11. Plug-in connector according to claim 5, wherein when the second connecting part (1) is disconnected from the first connecting part (2), the latching element's engagement at the first counter-latching element (14) incurs a time delay that ensures that electric arcs between the at least one first contact element (4) and the at least one second contact element (3) are extinguished.

12. Plug-in connector according to claim 2, wherein the first connecting part (2) and the second connecting part (1) are configured for being connected and disconnected under electrical load.

13. Plug-in connector according to claim 2, wherein the plug-in connector is configured for being used in explosion-proof environments.

14. A method for connecting a first connecting part (2) with a second connecting part (1), the first connecting part (2) comprising at least one first contact element (4), a latching pin (12) and the second connecting part (1) comprising at least one second contact element (3) and a retaining sleeve (13) configured for accepting the latching pin (12), wherein the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) constitute a mechanical mechanism provided in addition to the at least one first contact element (4) and the at least one second contact element (3), the method comprising connecting the first connecting part (2) with the second connecting part (1), wherein a mechanical interaction between the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) enforces a predetermined motion pattern of the at least one first contact element (4) relative to the at least one second contact element (3) during the connecting process.

15. A method for disconnecting a first connecting part (2) from a second connecting part (1), the first connecting part (2) comprising at least one first contact element (4), a latching pin (12) and the second connecting part (1) comprising at least one second contact element (3) and a retaining sleeve (13) for accepting the latching pin (12), wherein the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) constitute a mechanical mechanism provided in addition to the at least one first contact element (4) and the at least one second contact element (3), the method comprising disconnecting the first connecting part (2) from the second connecting part (1), wherein a mechanical interaction between the latching pin (12) and the retaining sleeve (13) enforces a predetermined motion pattern of the at least one first contact element (4) relative to the at least one second contact element (3) during the disconnecting process.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0047] The invention is illustrated in greater detail with the aid of schematic drawings.

[0048] It shows schematically:

[0049] FIG. 1: FIG. 1 shows a socket part of a plug-in connector.

[0050] FIG. 2: FIG. 2 shows a connector part of a plug-in connector that mates with the socket part shown in FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 3a: FIG. 3a shows a longitudinal section of the retaining sleeve, the retaining sleeve being located at the centre of the socket part's front face.

[0052] FIG. 3b: FIG. 3b shows a longitudinal section of the latching pin, the latching pin being located at the centre of the connector part's front face.

[0053] FIG. 4a: FIG. 4a shows a longitudinal section of the socket part.

[0054] FIG. 4b: FIG. 4b shows a longitudinal section of the connector part.

[0055] FIG. 5: FIG. 5 shows both the socket part and the connector part in the plugged-in state.

[0056] FIG. 6a: FIG. 6a shows how the connector part is plugged with the socket part.

[0057] FIG. 6b: FIG. 6b shows the connector part at the intermediate position, wherein the electrical contacts between the connector pins and the corresponding connector sockets are disconnected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0058] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, identical reference numerals denote identical or comparable components.

[0059] In FIG. 1, a socket part 1 of a plug-in connector is shown, and in FIG. 2, the corresponding connector part 2 is shown. The socket part 1 comprises a plurality of connector sockets 3 arranged circumferentially around the centre of the socket part 1. Correspondingly, the connector part 2 comprises a plurality of connector pins 4 arranged circumferentially around the centre of the connector part 2, wherein the lower portion of each connector pin 4 is covered by an insulating sleeve 5. When the connector part 2 is plugged onto the socket part 1, each of the connector pins 4 is inserted into a corresponding connector socket 3, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the respective connector pin 4 and the connector socket 3. Hence, when the connector part 2 is plugged onto the socket part 1, a total of eight electrical connections are established between the connector part 2 and the socket part 1.

[0060] The housing 6 of the socket part 1 comprises a plurality of ribs 7 extending in the axial direction. Correspondingly, the housing 8 of the connector part 2 comprises a plurality of slits 9. The ribs 7 are configured for engaging with the slits 9, to ensure a desired orientation of the connector part 2 relative to the socket part 1. The connector part 2 further comprises a ring-shaped cover 10 with a bayonet fitting for securing the plug-in connector after the connector part 2 has been plugged onto the socket part 1. The bayonet fitting of the ring-shaped cover 10 is configured for engaging with the corresponding bayonet fitting of the socket part 1, in order to fasten the ring-shaped cover 10 and to protect the plug-in connection.

[0061] The socket part 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the connector part 2 shown in FIG. 2 are configured for being connected and disconnected under electrical load. When connecting and disconnecting the connector part 2 and the socket part 1 under electrical load, the problem arises that an electric arc may form between the connector pins 4 and the corresponding connector sockets 3. The formation of electric arcs may lead to erosion and carbonisation of the electric contacts and to partial melting of plastic parts. In explosion protected areas, the formation of light arcs imposes severe safety hazards. Therefore, in plug-in connectors suitable for use in explosion protected areas, the formation of electric arcs is wholly unacceptable.

[0062] In order to prevent the formation of electric arcs, the connector part 2 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a latching pin 12 located at the centre of the connector part's front face. Correspondingly, the socket part 1 comprises a retaining sleeve 13 located at the centre of the socket part's front face. When the connector part 2 is plugged onto the socket part 1, the latching pin 12 is inserted into the retaining sleeve 13. The latching pin 12 comprises a latching element that is realised as a snap-in member, the snap-in member being configured for engaging at one of two possible snap-in positions of the retaining sleeve 13.

[0063] FIG. 3a shows a longitudinal section of the retaining sleeve 13, and FIG. 3b shows a longitudinal section of the latching pin 12. In the inner wall of the retaining sleeve 13, a first counter-latching element is located, the first counter-latching element being realised as a first circumferential recess 14 located at an intermediate snap-in position. Further inwards, a second counter-latching element is located, the second counter-latching element being implemented as a second circumferential recess 15 at a final snap-in position. The second circumferential recess 15 is located at a certain distance 16 from the first circumferential recess 14.

[0064] FIG. 3b shows the corresponding latching pin 12. When the connector part 2 is plugged onto the socket part 1, the latching pin 12 is inserted into the retaining sleeve 13. When the connector part 2 is unplugged, the latching pin 12 is pulled out of the retaining sleeve 13. As shown in FIG. 3b, the latching pin 12 comprises a snap-in member 17 that is realised as a protrusion. The front portion 18 of the latching pin 12 is realized as a slotted sleeve, with the slotted sleeve providing a resilient support for the protrusion.

[0065] When the connector part 2 is plugged onto the socket part 1, the snap-in member 17 first engages with the first circumferential recess 14. The snap-in member 17 is now located at the intermediate snap-in position of the retaining sleeve 13. For further movement of the latching pin 12 in the inwards direction, an inwardly directed pushing force 19 has to be applied to the latching pin 12. If the inwardly directed pushing force 19 exceeds a predefined force limit, the snap-in member 17 will disengage from the first circumferential recess 14, move in the inwards direction to the second circumferential recess 15 and engage with the second circumferential recess 15. Thus, in case an inwardly directed pushing force 19 of sufficient strength is applied to the latching pin 12, the latching pin 12 will move from the intermediate snap-in position to the final snap-in position of the retaining sleeve 13. Due to the construction of the retaining sleeve 13, the inwardly directed pushing force 19 has to exceed a predefined force limit. The force limit depends for example on the shape and the dimensions of the snap-in member 17 and on the tilt angle of the respective edge of the snap-in member 17.

[0066] By requiring an inwardly directed pushing force 19 of a certain strength, it is made sure that the latching pin 12 is moved with a predefined minimum speed from the intermediate snap-in position to the final snap-in position. At the intermediate snap-in position, there is no electric contact between the connector pins 4 and the connector sockets 3 yet. When moving to the final snap-in position, the connector pins 4 get in electric contact with the corresponding connector sockets 3, respectively. By enforcing a minimum speed of this movement, the electrical contacts between the connector pins 3 and the corresponding connector sockets 4 are quickly established, and a formation of electric arcs between the connector pins 4 and the corresponding connector sockets 3 is prevented.

[0067] Next, it will be discussed what happens when the connector part 2 is unplugged from the socket part 1. At the beginning, the latching pin 12 is completely inserted in the retaining sleeve 13, with the snap-in member 17 being engaged with the second circumferential recess 15. For retracting the latching pin 12 from the final snap-in position, an outwardly directed pulling force 20 is applied to the latching pin 12. If the outwardly directed pulling force 20 exceeds a predefined force limit, the snap-in member 17 will disengage from the second circumferential recess 15, move from the final snap-in position to the intermediate snap-in position and engage with the first circumferential recess 14. Now, the latching pin 12 is located at the intermediate snap-in position. If the outwardly directed pulling force 20 is persistently applied to the connector part 2, the snap-in member 17 will disengage from the first circumferential recess 14 as well, and the latching pin 12 will be completely pulled out of the retaining sleeve 13.

[0068] For moving the latching pin 12 from the final snap-in position to the intermediate snap-in position (and further), the outwardly directed pulling force 20 has to exceed a predefined force limit. The force limit depends for example on the shape and the dimensions of the snap-in member 17 and on the tilt angle of the respective edge of the snap-in member 17. Thus, it is made sure that the outwardly directed pulling force 20 has a certain magnitude, and therefore, the latching pin 12 is moved from the final snap-in position to the intermediate snap-in position with a predefined minimum speed. When moving from the final snap-in position to the intermediate snap-in position, the electric connections between the connector pins 4 and the connector sockets 3 are disrupted, respectively. At the intermediate snap-in position, there is no electric contact between the connector pins 4 and the connector sockets 3 anymore. By enforcing a minimum speed of this movement, the electrical contacts between the connector pins 3 and the connector sockets 4 are quickly disrupted, and electric arcs that may have formed between the connector pins 4 and the corresponding connector sockets 3 are extinguished.

[0069] When pulling out the latching pin 12 from the retaining sleeve 13, the snap-in member 17 engages with the first circumferential recess 14 at least for a certain time interval, which causes a time delay at the intermediate snap-in position. During this time delay, any electric arc between a connector pin 4 and a corresponding connector socket 3 is reliably extinguished. The time delay at the intermediate snap-in position is large enough for terminating and extinguishing any electric arcs. Hence, when the snap-in member 17 is pulled out of the first circumferential recess 14, there do not exist any electric arcs anymore. The predefined time delay at the intermediate snap-in position is an important security feature, especially for applications in explosion-proof environments.

[0070] FIG. 4a shows a longitudinal section of the socket part 1. In this longitudinal section, two connector sockets 3 are depicted, with each connector socket 3 comprising a contact sleeve 21 with a lamella socket 22. The lamella socket 22 comprises a plurality of lamellae resiliently bent inwards that are pressed from all sides against a plugged-in connector pin 4 and thus establish an electrical contact between connector pin 4 and connector socket 3. Alternatively, a connector socket with wire spring contacts or a slotted sleeve may be utilised. The socket part 1 further comprises connecting wires 23 for electrically connecting the contact sleeves 21. The connector sockets 3 are arranged around the retaining sleeve 13, which is located at the centre of the socket part's front face. The socket part 1 is contained in a housing 6.

[0071] FIG. 4b shows a longitudinal section of the corresponding connector part 2. The connector part 2 comprises a plurality of connector pins 4, wherein each connector pin 4 is adapted for being inserted into a corresponding connector socket 3 of the socket part 1. The lower portion of each connector pin 4 is covered by an insulating sleeve 5. The connector part 2 further comprises a plurality of connecting wires 24 for electrically connecting the connector pins 4. The connector pins 4 are circumferentially arranged around the latching pin 12, with the latching pin 12 being located at the connector part's centre. The latching pin 12 is configured for being inserted into the retaining sleeve 13 of the socket part 1, whereby the latching pin's snap-in member 17 may engage either with the first circumferential recess 14 or with the second circumferential recess 15. The connector part 2 is encompassed by a housing 8 and comprises a ring-shaped cover 10, wherein the ring-shaped cover 10 may be fastened at the socket part's housing 6.

[0072] FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the socket part 1 and the connector part 2, with the connector part 2 being completely plugged into the socket part 1. Each of the connector pins 4 is inserted into the corresponding connector socket 3, and due to the presence of the lamella sockets 22, a reliable electrical contact is established. The latching pin 12 is completely inserted into the retaining sleeve 13, with the latching pin's snap-in member being engaged with the second circumferential recess 15. The housing 8 of the connector part 2 overlaps with the housing 6 of the socket part 1, and the ring-shaped cover 10 is fastened at the corresponding counterpart at the housing 6.

[0073] It can be seen from FIG. 5 that the latching pin 12 and the retaining sleeve 13 together form a mechanical module that is configured for controlling the dynamics of plugging in and unplugging the connecting parts of the plug-in connector. However, electrical connections are solely established between the connector pins 4 and the corresponding connector sockets 3. In the example of FIG. 5, the latching pin 12 and the retaining sleeve 13 do not fulfil any electrical function. The latching pin 12 and the retaining sleeve 13 are solely responsible for controlling the dynamic aspects and the timing when plugging the connector part 2 into the socket part 1 and when unplugging the connector part 2 from the socket part 1.

[0074] In FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, it is shown how the connector part 2 is unplugged from the socket part 1. In FIG. 6a, the connector part 2 has been pulled out, whereby the snap-in member 17 of the latching pin 12 is in contact with the utmost right edge of the retaining sleeve's second circumferential recess 15. In this position of the connector part 2, the electrical connections between the connector pins 4 and the corresponding connector sockets 3 are not disrupted yet. For the further outward movement of the connector part 2, a certain pull-out resistance has to be overcome, because the latching pin's snap-in member 17 has to disengage from the second circumferential recess 15 and move to the first circumferential recess 14, whereby the resiliently mounted snap-in member 17 is pressed together. Hence, for pulling the connector part 2 from the final snap-in position to the intermediate snap-in position, an outwardly directed pulling force 20 of a certain strength is required. Thus, it is ensured that the connector part 2 moves from the final snap-in position to the intermediate snap-in position with a predefined speed, thereby preventing the formation of electric arcs.

[0075] In FIG. 6b, the connector part 2 has arrived at the intermediate snap-in position, whereby the latching pin's snap-in member 17 is engaged with the first circumferential recess 14 of the retaining sleeve 13. In this intermediate snap-in position, there is no electrical contact between the connector pins 4 and the corresponding connector sockets 3 anymore. In general, the quick movement of the connector part 2 does not allow for a formation of electric arcs. But even if there is any electric arc between a connector socket 3 and a corresponding connector pin 4, this electric arc will extinguish during the time interval when the snap-in member 17 is engaged with the first circumferential recess 14. The first circumferential recess 14 enforces a certain time delay before the connector part 2 is pulled out completely. This time delay is an important security feature, because it helps preventing electric arcs, which is particularly important in the field of explosion protection. From the intermediate snap-in position, the connector part 2 may then be pulled out of the socket part 1.

[0076] The features described in the above description, claims and figures can be relevant to the invention in any combination. Their reference numerals in the claims have merely been introduced to facilitate reading of the claims. They are by no means meant to be limiting.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0077] 1 socket part

[0078] 2 connector part

[0079] 3 connector socket

[0080] 4 connector pin

[0081] 5 insulating sleeve

[0082] 6 housing

[0083] 7 ribs

[0084] 8 housing

[0085] 9 slits

[0086] 10 ring-shaped cover

[0087] 12 latching pin

[0088] 13 retaining sleeve

[0089] 14 first circumferential recess

[0090] 15 second circumferential recess

[0091] 16 distance between recesses

[0092] 17 snap-in member

[0093] 18 front portion

[0094] 19 inwardly directed pushing force

[0095] 20 outwardly directed pulling force

[0096] 21 contact sleeve

[0097] 22 lamella socket

[0098] 23 connecting wires

[0099] 24 connecting wires