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EP-4742461-A1 - PLUG-IN CONNECTOR

EP4742461A1EP 4742461 A1EP4742461 A1EP 4742461A1EP-4742461-A1

Abstract

A connector (1) with a base body (2) and a locking element (3) is proposed, wherein the locking element (3) is rotatably mounted relative to the base body (2), wherein the connector (1) with the locking element (3) can be secured in a plugged position, wherein a leaf spring (4) exerts a force (5) which opposes a torque (6) applied to rotate the locking element (3).

Inventors

  • HÜGLIN, Alexander
  • WOLF, TOBIAS
  • DUFNER, Tobias
  • KEHR, Eugen

Assignees

  • HUMMEL AG

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241108

Claims (11)

  1. Connector (1) with a base body (2) and a locking element (3) which is rotatably mounted on the base body (2) and with which the connector (1) can be secured in a plugged position, characterized in that a leaf spring (4) exerts a force (5) which counteracts a torque (6) which is applied to rotate the locking element (3).
  2. Connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) is designed asymmetrically and/or that a receptacle (7) of the leaf spring (4) in the base body (2) is designed asymmetrically.
  3. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (3) has a locking profile (8), in particular a locking lug (9).
  4. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) directly acts on the locking element (3).
  5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adjustment path (10) of the locking element (3) is limited.
  6. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) covers more than one third of the adjustment travel (10).
  7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) forms a sliding surface (11) for the locking element (3).
  8. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one marking (12) is applied to the base body (2) and/or the locking element (3).
  9. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further extension (13) is rotatably mounted relative to the base body (2).
  10. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaf spring (4) is formed in one piece.
  11. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (3) and/or the base body (2) and/or the extension (13) have at least one tool engagement point (14).

Description

The invention relates to a connector with a base body and a locking element which is rotatably mounted on the base body and with which the connector can be secured in a plugged-in position. These connectors are well-known components in electrical engineering, such as cable glands and circular connectors. Connectors can be used, for example, as power and/or signal connectors. The object of the invention is to improve connectors of the type mentioned above. To solve the aforementioned problem, the features of claim 1 are provided according to the invention. In particular, to solve the problem in a connector of the type described above, it is proposed that a leaf spring exerts a force that counteracts a torque applied to rotate the locking element. This makes it possible, for example, to ensure that the locking element can only open or close when the torque exerted on the locking element is greater than the force exerted by the leaf spring. Thus, a locking mechanism for a connector can be created that opens and closes reliably, i.e., only when a user intends to open or close the locking mechanism. The main body of the connector can be the part through which cables pass. The mated position can be the position in which the connector is in sync with a corresponding plug. Opening and closing the locking mechanism may require... to apply a torque to the locking element of the connector. This torque can be applied, for example, with the user's hand or with a tool, such as pliers. In an advantageous embodiment, the leaf spring can be designed asymmetrically. This allows, for example, the torque required to open the closure (i.e., to rotate the closure element in one direction) to be greater or less than the torque required to close the closure (i.e., to rotate the closure element in another direction). In other words, opening and closing the closure can require different torques. To prevent accidental opening, for example, due to machine vibrations, opening can require a higher torque than closing. Alternatively or additionally, the leaf spring's mounting in the base body can be designed asymmetrically. This also allows for different required torques for opening and closing. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element may have a detent profile. This allows the locking element to be gripped particularly securely. The detent profile can also serve as a tool attachment point, enabling the locking element to be gripped with a tool. In particular, the locking element may have a detent lug. This, for example, can ensure that the locking element can be gripped particularly securely. In an advantageous embodiment, the leaf spring can be designed to directly act on the locking element. This allows, for example, direct contact between the locking element and the leaf spring, so that No additional components are required. This allows for the production of a less error-prone closure. Assembly can also be simplified. In an advantageous embodiment, the adjustment range of the locking element can be limited. This can, for example, create a defined range within which the locking element can be rotated. This can simplify operation for the user. It can also prevent the locking element from being over-rotated in one direction. Furthermore, the limitation can be advantageous because it allows the user to see when the end point of the locking element's rotation has been reached. In an advantageous embodiment, the leaf spring can cover more than one-third of the adjustment range. This allows, for example, a uniformly distributed force to act from the leaf spring on the locking element. In an advantageous embodiment, the leaf spring can be designed to form a sliding surface for the locking element. This can, for example, allow a surface of the locking element to slide over the sliding surface, enabling smooth opening and closing. In an advantageous embodiment, at least one marking may be provided on the base body. This allows the user, for example, to see the position of the locking element, "open" or "closed". Alternatively or additionally, at least one marking may be provided on the locking element itself. This allows, for example, the marking to indicate the position of the locking element in conjunction with the marking on the base body. For instance, an arrow could point to "close," so the user can see that the locking element is in the closed position. In an advantageous embodiment, a connecting section can be rotatably mounted relative to the base body. This can, for example, reduce torsional forces or torques that may occur. In an advantageous embodiment, the leaf spring can be formed in one piece. This can, for example, enable simple and cost-effective assembly. It can also make the production of the leaf spring more cost-effective. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element may be provided with at least one tool engagement point. Alternatively or additionally, the base body may be provided with a tool engagement