Push Pull Simplifies Proven Connection Technology

D-Sub Connectors Push Pull Simplifies Proven Connection Technology

2025-10-01 From Kristin Rinortner| Translated by AI 5 min Reading Time

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The push-pull locking technology for the classic D-Sub connector not only reduces assembly times but also enhances user-friendliness during installation in an industrial environment. What idea lies behind this?

Quick connection technology: In a time where efficiency and user-friendliness are crucial, Harting has equipped the traditional D-Sub connector with push-pull locking.(Image: Harting) — Quick connection technology: In a time where efficiency and user-friendliness are crucial, Harting has equipped the traditional D-Sub connector with push-pull locking.
(Image: Harting)

In modern connection technology, miniaturization, efficiency, and user-friendliness are crucial. Connection technology manufacturers are therefore constantly optimizing their products. For instance, Harting presented an advancement of the classic D-Sub connector at Hannover Messe, Germany 2025.

D-Sub connectors were introduced to the market in 1952 by Cannon (now ITT Cannon). The so-called “Cannon connector” is now one of the established interfaces that quickly made its way into various standards, primarily MIL specifications. The locking mechanism operates via two side-mounted screw connections.

Gallery

Image 3: D-Sub connectors are often used alongside other interfaces that feature push-pull connection technology.(Image: Harting)

Image 2: The housing enables quick locking, providing greater efficiency and reliability. After the upgrade, installation and maintenance work is faster, downtimes are reduced, and productivity is increased.(Image: Harting)

Image 1: Upgrade pins enable retrofitting to push-pull-compatible interfaces. These pins can be effortlessly integrated and easily screwed into existing threaded holes, instantly providing the push-pull functionality to the classic D-Sub socket.(Image: Harting)

D-Sub is short for D-Subminiature. The external shape of the trapezoidal connector system resembles the letter D and was considered very small for its time, as indicated by the term Subminiature.

Almost every computer used to have a D-Sub connector as a peripheral interface for the monitor or floppy drive. The connector is internationally specified in standard IEC 807-2. Depending on the application, it is also defined in the US military standard MIL-C-24308 or in Germany in DIN standard 41652-1.

Since the D-Sub is established in standardized interfaces but is also frequently chosen for new and custom projects, the specialists from Espelkamp see significant potential. This is particularly true in industrial environments, where the company intends to continue offering a broad portfolio. In Espelkamp, there is confidence that improvements in connection technology will give the interface a new boost.

The Idea Behind the D-Sub Push-Pull Connection Technology

"When asking how the idea for a push-pull locking mechanism for D-Sub interfaces came about, there isn’t just one answer," explains Thomas Seesing, Global Product Manager at Harting. "The consistently positive feedback for push-pull locking mechanisms, which are self-explanatory, user-friendly, and highly process-secure during connection, motivated us to continuously expand our portfolio. Implementing a D-Sub push-pull housing was therefore a logical step in our product strategy."

D-Sub connectors are often used alongside other interfaces that feature push-pull connection technology, such as M12 circular connectors. The logical consequence is to equip devices with a uniform locking mechanism. This simplifies usage for device developers.

In recent years, more and more competing products have entered the market, already offering quick-locking systems for D-Sub connectors. "Our customers wanted a compatible solution from us. We have now successfully addressed this and reimagined the task of developing a user-friendly, fast, and absolutely secure locking mechanism," adds Kurt Robert Hippler, Director of Global Product Management at Harting.

Customers receive a D-Sub connector with a push-pull-compatible housing that is compatible with other systems. This is a very significant factor in today's times, especially from the perspective of a second source.

The Key Technology: Retrofit Locking Bolts

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 detached from the locking bolts.

These locking bolts are the key to the entire system, as they enable the easy upgrade (retrofit) of existing D-Sub interfaces. In addition to the push-pull mechanism, additional features have been incorporated into the housing. For instance, it is possible to install the company's D-Sub coding frames in housings with the appropriate slot. (The housing includes an additional slot for accommodating a coding frame).

This enables mechanical coding of up to 36 interfaces, preventing incorrect connections. It helps avoid communication issues within the system or the destruction of sensitive components.

Not only the locking mechanism but also the 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 fastening. One is the standard internal cable clamp, which is included in the package, and the other is an external cable clamp, suitable for a wider range of cable diameters, providing more connection space inside the push-pull housing. The packaging was designed to avoid plastic and ensure easy access to the housing components.

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Retrofit: Upgrading existing D-Sub systems is completed in two steps: First, screw in the upgrade pins (Image 1), and then attach and connect the push-pull housing (Image 2).

The push-pull mechanism is backward compatible with standard products on the market. All existing products on the market can be equipped with the D-Sub PushPull from Espelkamp. For this purpose, the company offers corresponding “upgrade pins,” which can be screwed into the existing screw bolts on the device side.

This step is quickly implemented and only needed once to create the latching level for the locking of the push-pull housing. In addition to the “upgrade pins,” a wide variety of D-Sub push-pull screw bolts is offered. The aim is to meet every application need: rear or front mounting of the device connector; 0.04 inches or 0.1 inches pitch.

D-Sub Push Pull: The Advantages in Application

The arguably most well-known advantage of push-pull connectors is the quick assembly and disassembly. In virtually every application, using push-pull connectors can save up to 60% of assembly time.

This time-saving becomes particularly relevant with three or more D-Sub connectors per application or when a connection needs to be plugged in repeatedly. Quality requirements in industrial environments are steadily increasing, and defined tightening torques for traditional locking screws are becoming increasingly important.

For users with these requirements, D-Sub PushPull is cost-effective starting from the first interface, as no special tools are needed, and a secure connection is confirmed by audible feedback ("click").

D-Sub connectors are traditionally used in serial communication such as PROFIBUS, RS232, CAN-BUS, or others. However, due to their widespread use, robustness, and ease of handling, the connector is also frequently used for other purposes.

D-Sub connectors are "good enough" for many applications and are therefore used in modern machines. In addition, the company from Espelkamp offers a range of special D-Sub connectors that can now be combined with D-Sub push-pull housings.

D-Sub Mixed is an example of this. This connector series within the D-Sub portfolio offers numerous combination options. Special contacts for higher currents (up to 40 A), higher voltages, coaxial contacts, or pneumatics can be used.

The product launch for D-Sub PushPull took place in the first quarter of 2025. At Hannover Messe 25, initial application studies were already showcased, demonstrating the significant time advantage compared to traditional screw connections using a demonstrator.

The launch begins with a portfolio of plastic housings and metallized plastic housings in sizes 1, 2, and 3, catering to the 9-, 15-, and 25-pin standard D-Sub. The housings can also be used with other D-Sub connectors such as D-Sub High Density or D-Sub Mixed. The connection is shock and vibration-resistant according to IEC 61373— Category 1, Class B.

In addition to the housings, a variety of accessories will be available, such as the aforementioned "upgrade pins," screw bolts, and coding elements.

The Potential of the D-Sub Connector in the Industry

In the industrial environment, there is a clear demand for different connectors. The company therefore sees great potential for future projects, as it is known for both push-pull locking technology and D-Sub connectors.

With the introduction of the D-Sub push-pull connector, the company is not only expanding its product range but also aiming to position itself as an innovator in a traditional market. This innovation demonstrates how technological advancements can not only improve existing products but also set new standards for the future. (kr)