Connection Technology D-Sub Connectors With Push-Pull Locking

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HARTING Technologiegruppe

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Harting has equipped the traditional D-Sub connector with the groundbreaking push-pull technology. Read here why this development is revolutionary, how versatile the application possibilities are, and what advantages this innovation offers.

At Hannover Messe 2025, Harting is presenting an exemplary advancement of one of the most established connectors on the market: the D-Sub miniature connector. Harting has successfully integrated push-pull technology into the D-Sub range, thereby expanding its portfolio of push-pull connectors. This development addresses a market that relies on proven yet innovative solutions.

Potential of the D-Sub Connector

D-Sub connectors are well known as established and long-proven interfaces. Since D-Sub connectors are found in standardized interfaces but are also commonly chosen for new and custom projects, Harting experts estimate their potential to be high. The technology group is a strong and established partner for customers in industrial environments in the area of D-Sub connections. Within the company, there is confidence that this advancement will solidify its perception in the market.

When considering how the idea of a push-pull locking mechanism for D-Sub interfaces came about, there isn’t just one answer. Harting has been known for many years for its innovative locking systems. The drive to expand the portfolio further came from consistently positive feedback for push-pull locking mechanisms, which are self-explanatory, user-friendly, and highly process-secure during connection. Implementing a D-Sub push-pull housing was, therefore, a logical step in the product strategy. D-Sub connectors are often used alongside other interfaces that already feature push-pull locking mechanisms, such as Push-Pull Variant 4 or M12 circular connectors. Now, customers have the option to equip their devices with a unified locking mechanism, making things easier for everyone, especially the end user. Additionally, in recent years, competitive products featuring quick-locking systems for D-Sub connectors have increasingly entered the market. Harting's customers demanded a compatible solution from the company, and this has now been successfully executed. The task of developing an easy-to-use, fast, and absolutely secure locking mechanism was rethought entirely by Harting. Customers are now offered a true D-Sub push-pull housing that is compatible with other systems. This is a particularly crucial factor today, as customers need the assurance of a second source, emphasize the experts at Harting.

Locking System With Technical Features

The locking system is based on two springs that latch onto special locking bolts, effectively preventing unintentional unlocking. When the contoured housing is pulled back on the movable part, the springs open, and the housing can be removed from the locking bolts. These locking bolts are the key to the entire system, as they make upgrading existing D-Sub interfaces very simple (retrofit). In addition to the push-pull mechanism, the housing has been equipped with further features. For example, Harting's D-Sub coding frames can be installed in housings with the appropriate mounting option. This allows customers to implement mechanical coding for up to 36 interfaces and prevents accidental mismating. This can help avoid communication problems in the system or damage to sensitive components.

Not only the locking mechanism itself but also the topics of assembly and packaging have been redesigned. The D-Sub push-pull housings do not require cover screws but are simply clicked together after the connector has been assembled and the cable attached. Two options are available for cable attachment.

1. the standard internal cable clamp, which is included in the delivery,
2. an external cable clamp, which is suitable for a wider range of cable diameters and provides more connection space inside the D-Sub Push-Pull housing.

In the packaging, the company focused on avoiding plastic and making the housing parts easily accessible.

D-Sub Push-Pull Connectors in Application

The push-pull mechanism is backward compatible with common products on the market. This means that all existing products on the market can be equipped with Harting D-Sub Push-Pull. For this purpose, the technology group offers corresponding "upgrade pins," which can be screwed into the existing screw bolts on the device side. This step is quickly implemented and only needs to be done once to create the locking level for the D-Sub Push-Pull housing. Alongside the "upgrade pins," HARTING will offer a wide variety of D-Sub Push-Pull screw bolts to meet every application need—whether customers prefer rear mounting or front mounting of the device connector, and whether they are using 0.04 inches or 0.10 inches panels.

The most well-known feature of push-pull connectors is the quick assembly and disassembly. In virtually any application, using push-pull connectors can save a significant amount of assembly time.

This time savings becomes particularly relevant with three or more D-Sub connectors per application or when a connection needs to be made frequently. Quality requirements in the industrial environment are constantly increasing, and customers are increasingly asking for tightening torques for traditional locking screws, according to the manufacturer. For customers with these demands, D-Sub Push-Pull is cost-effective even from the very first interface, as no special tools are required, and users are assured of a secure connection through audible feedback ("click"). Initial customer feedback has been: "A real problem solver. Why hasn’t this existed for 20 years?"

D-Sub Push-Pull Cleverly Combined

D-Sub connectors have traditionally been used in serial communication such as Profibus, RS232, CAN bus, or others. However, due to their widespread use, robustness, and ease of handling, they are often employed for other purposes as well. D-Sub connectors are "good enough" for many applications and are therefore also used in modern machinery. In addition, Harting offers a range of special D-Sub connectors, which can now be combined with the D-Sub Push-Pull housings. D-Sub Mixed is a good example: this connector series within the D-Sub portfolio offers countless combination possibilities. Special contacts for higher currents (up to 40 A), higher voltages, coaxial contacts, or even pneumatics can be used to meet customer application needs—when paired with D-Sub Push-Pull, this enables enormous application versatility.

Portfolio And Accessories for Every Application

The product launch for D-Sub Push-Pull took place in the first quarter of 2025. At Hannover Messe 2025, Harting was able to showcase initial application studies to the industry and demonstrate the time advantage compared to traditional screw locking using a demonstrator. The launch begins with a portfolio of plastic housings and metallized plastic housings in sizes 1, 2, and 3, suitable for 9, 15, and 25-pin standard D-Sub connectors. The housings can also be used with other D-Sub connectors, such as D-Sub High Density or D-Sub Mixed. In addition to the housings, Harting will offer a wide range of accessories, including upgrade pins and D-Sub Push-Pull screw bolts for every application case. The additional D-Sub coding elements provide customers with an added feature. By selecting D-Sub Push-Pull housings designed for coding elements (the housing includes an additional slot to accommodate a coding frame), up to 36 interfaces can be mechanically coded to prevent unwanted mismating.

In the industrial environment, there is a clear need for a wide variety of connectors. Since Harting is known for both push-pull locking technology and D-Sub connectors, the technology group sees great potential for future projects.

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