DE102021115690A1 - Connector with locking element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (10), preferably a series connector (10), with at least one plug contact (10K) for forming an electrical plug connection with at least one mating plug contact (20K) of a mating connector (20), preferably a series mating connector (20), in one plugging direction (X), the at least one plug contact (10K) on the side of a mating face (10G) of the plug connector (10) extending from a first end wall (11W1) of a housing (11; 11a, 11b) of the plug connector (10) in the plugging direction ( X) extends at least in sections, the plug connector (10) having a locking element (30) for locking the electrical plug connection with the mating connector (20), which is arranged in the housing (11; 11a, 11b) and extends through a passage (14 ) in the first end wall (11W1) at least in sections in the direction of the at least one plug contact (10K), preferably in the plugging direction (X), wherein the locking element (30) is designed to be resilient, at least in sections, and in the housing (11; 11a, 11b), wherein the locking element (30) is accessible via an actuating opening (15) on the housing (11; 11a, 11b) and can be actuated in at least a second direction (X2), preferably perpendicular to the direction of insertion (X).

Description

The present invention relates to a plug connector, preferably a series connector, with at least one plug contact for forming an electrical plug connection with at least one mating plug contact of a mating connector, preferably a series mating connector, in a plugging direction. The plug connector includes a locking element for locking the electrical plug connection.

Connectors with locking mechanisms are known from the prior art in different configurations and designs.

For example, in German Patent Specification No. DE 10 2010 017 262 B4 describes a connector plug with a connector housing for plugging onto a base housing and with a rocker-like locking device for locking the connector plug on the base housing.

Other connectors with locking mechanisms from the prior art are, for example, from CN 110994265A , U.S. 2019/0280403 A1 , DE 10 2014 115 252 A1 , DE 20 2009 002 159 U1 , DE 20 2007 005 300 U1 , DE 10 2020 110 979 A1 , DE 10 2017 124 670 A1 , EP 3 462 546 B1 and EP 3 389 149 A1 famous.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector with a locking element, which is primarily characterized by simple handling, a compact structure and preferably by an increased safety aspect.

The object is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Further exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention result from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the invention relates to a plug connector, preferably a series connector, with at least one plug contact for forming an electrical plug connection with at least one mating plug contact of a mating connector, preferably a series mating connector, in a plugging direction, with the at least one Plug contact extends at least in sections from a first end wall of a housing of the plug connector in the plugging direction, with the plug connector having a locking element for locking the electrical plug connection with the mating connector, which is arranged in the housing and extends through a passage in the first end wall at least in sections in the direction of the at least one plug contact, preferably in the plugging direction, extends, the locking element being designed to be resilient at least in sections and in the housing e is mounted, the locking element being accessible via an actuating opening on the housing and being operable in at least a second direction, preferably perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the actuating opening is formed on the housing on the side of the connector opposite the mating face in the direction of insertion and/or is designed for introducing an actuating element for the locking element, preferably in the direction of insertion.

It is possible for a clamping section of the locking element to be fastened at least in sections on the side of the connector opposite the mating face in the mating direction on a second end wall of the housing, preferably clamped at least in sections and/or latched at least in sections.

According to a further aspect of the invention, provision can be made for the locking element to have a locking section outside the housing with a locking element for forming a releasable locking connection with a locking section of the mating connector, the locking section preferably being in the form of a plate and/or the locking element in one view, preferably in a side view, has a substantially trapezoidal or a substantially triangular contour.

It is possible for the locking element to have an actuation section, preferably for actuation by an actuation element, the actuation section being arranged on the locking element between the passage and the actuation opening.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the connector has a guide channel for introducing an actuating element, preferably essentially in the direction of insertion.

The guide channel can be formed at least in sections by the locking element and/or by an outer wall of the housing adjoining the actuating opening.

It is possible for the guide channel to be delimited in the insertion direction at least by the first end wall on the side of the insertion face, with the first end wall having a bearing section for the pivotable mounting of the actuating element.

In a view, preferably in a cross-sectional view, the bearing section can have, at least in sections, a substantially wedge-shaped or a substantially U-shaped contour for receiving a support section of the actuating element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the plug connector has an actuating element and the actuating element is preferably designed as an actuating lever and is clamped at least in sections to the outer wall by the locking element when inserted via the actuating opening and in the unactuated state.

It is possible for the actuating element to have an engagement portion which forms an operative connection with the locking element, preferably with an actuating portion of the locking element, in order to be able to actuate the locking element via the actuating element and/or to hold the actuating element in the housing by the locking element , preferably operable to clamp.

The exemplary embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

• 1a eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 1b eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Gegensteckverbinders, welcher zur Ausbildung einer elektrischen Steckverbindung mit dem in 1a dargestellten Steckverbinder konfiguriert ist;
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Betätigungselements eines Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3a eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verriegelungselements eines Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3b eine Frontansicht des in 3a dargestellten Verriegelungselements;
• 4a eine Schnittansicht (Seitenansicht) des in 1a dargestellten Steckverbinders;
• 4b eine Schnittansicht (Draufsicht) eines zweiten Gehäuseteils des in 1a dargestellten Steckverbinders;
• 5a eine Schnittansicht (Seitenansicht) des in 1a dargestellten Steckverbinders bei Ausbildung einer elektrischen Steckverbindung mit dem in 1b dargestellten Gegensteckverbinder in einem verriegelten Zustand (ohne Betätigungselement);
• 5b eine weitere Schnittansicht (Seitenansicht) des in 1a dargestellten Steckverbinders bei Ausbildung einer elektrischen Steckverbindung mit dem in 1b dargestellten Gegensteckverbinder in einem verriegelten Zustand, wobei in dem Steckverbinder ein Betätigungselement eingeführt und dieses unbetätigt ist;
• 5c eine weitere Schnittansicht (Seitenansicht) des in 1a dargestellten Steckverbinders bei Ausbildung einer elektrischen Steckverbindung mit dem in 1b dargestellten Gegensteckverbinder in einem entriegelten Zustand, wobei in dem Steckverbinder ein Betätigungselement eingeführt und dieses betätigt ist.

Show it:

• 1a a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector according to the present invention;
• 1b a perspective view of an embodiment of a mating connector, which is used to form an electrical plug connection with the in 1a connector shown is configured;
• 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator of a connector according to the present invention;
• 3a a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking element of a connector according to the present invention;
• 3b a front view of the in 3a shown locking element;
• 4a a sectional view (side view) of the in 1a shown connector;
• 4b a sectional view (top view) of a second housing part of the in 1a shown connector;
• 5a a sectional view (side view) of the in 1a connector shown when forming an electrical plug connection with the in 1b shown mating connector in a locked state (without actuator);
• 5b another sectional view (side view) of the in 1a connector shown when forming an electrical plug connection with the in 1b shown mating connector in a locked state, wherein in the connector an actuator is inserted and this is unactuated;
• 5c another sectional view (side view) of the in 1a connector shown when forming an electrical plug connection with the in 1b shown mating connector in an unlocked state, wherein an actuating element is introduced into the connector and this is actuated.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified in the figures with the same reference symbols. For their explanation, reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplary embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures serves for the purpose of further illustration or clarification and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

1a 10 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector 10 according to the present invention.

The connector 10 comprises a two-part housing 11 with a first housing part 11a and a second housing part 11b. The first housing part 11a and the second housing part 11b are preferably configured to form a plug-in connection, ie a housing plug-in connection, and can also form snap-in connections (not shown in detail in the figures) in order to prevent undesired detachment from one another.

Both the first housing part 11a and the second housing part 11b can preferably be made of an insulating material, for example by at least one injection molding process and/or by at least one casting process. The insulating material can be a castable and/or injectable plastic, for example. It is also possible for the first housing part 11a and the second housing part 11b to be produced by at least one sintering process, at least one 3D printing process and/or by at least one gluing process.

On the side of the mating face 10G of the connector 10, the connector 10 has five plug contacts 10K, which are arranged in a row transversely to the direction of insertion X in a longitudinal direction of the connector 10. The connector 10 is designed in the form of a series connector. The plug-in contacts 10K extend, starting from a first end wall 11W1 of the first housing part 11a, in the plug-in direction X and accommodate corresponding contact elements for establishing an electrically conductive connection (in 1a not shown).

The first end wall 11W1 extends on its outside contributing to the mating face 10G of the plug connector 10 substantially perpendicularly to the mating direction X. A passage 14 is formed in the middle region of the first end wall 11W1. In a view, preferably in the insertion direction X, the passage 14 has an essentially rectangular contour.

As shown in the illustration in 1a As can be seen, a locking section 32 of a locking element 30 protrudes through the passage 14. The locking element 30 is arranged in the housing 11, i.e. in the area of the first housing part 11a and the second housing part 11b, and is mounted accordingly, which will be described in more detail below. The locking section 32 includes a locking element 33. The locking element 33 is arranged on the locking section 32 on the side facing away from the plug contacts 10K. The latching element 33 is preferably formed integrally in one piece with the locking section 32 . The locking element 30 is described in more detail below with reference to further figures.

On the opposite side of the mating face 10G, there is an actuating opening 15 on the housing 11 and thus on the second housing part 11b, which is configured and/or designed to accommodate an actuating element 40, preferably in the direction X of insertion. Both the actuating opening 15 shown and the actuating element 40 are described in more detail below.

1b shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a mating connector 20. The mating connector 20 is to form an electrical plug connection with the in 1a Connector 10 shown configured and / or formed. Analogously to the housing 11 of the connector 10, the housing of the mating connector 20 can also be made from an insulating material.

To lock the electrical plug connection between the plug connector 10 and the mating connector 20, the mating connector 20 has the latching section 21 on a corresponding wall section. Latching section 21 is designed as a recess with a rectangular cross section and is configured to engage with latching element 33 of plug connector 10 when an electrical plug connection is formed, and thus the electrical plug connection by means of locking element 30 by forming a latching connection between latching element 33 and latching section 21 to lock.

The mating connector 20 also includes, among other things, contact elements for producing an electrically conductive connection, which, however, is not described in more detail here.

2 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an actuator 40 of a connector 10 according to the present invention. The actuator 40 in 2 corresponds to the in 1a partially visible actuating element 40, which is arranged in the connector 10 and / or accommodated therein.

The actuating element 40 is preferably designed as a flat lever element and comprises an operating section 43 at a free end for manual operation, ie actuating the actuating element 40 when the actuating element 40 is arranged in the housing 11 of the plug connector 10 . On the opposite side of the operating section 43 of the operating element 40 there is a further free end of the support section 42 which serves to support and pivotally mount the operating element 40 within the housing 11 of the connector 10 . Furthermore, the actuating element 40 includes the engagement portion 41 for forming an operative connection with an actuating portion 34 of the locking element 30, which will be described in more detail below.

The actuating element 40 can be made of an insulating material analogously to the housing 11, that is to say the housing parts 11a, 11b. The actuator 40 is used before preferably as a lever for transmitting a movement and force to the locking element 30 as a result of actuation of the actuating element 40 via the operating section 43.

3a 10 now shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a locking element 30 of a connector 10 according to the present invention.

The locking element 30 corresponds to that in 1a partially visible locking element 30. Analogously to the actuating element 40, the locking element 30 is preferably also designed as a flat lever element and comprises at a free end the clamping section 31 with the two outwardly arranged snap-in clamps 31A1 and 31A2. The clamping section 31 is used to mount the locking element 30 in the housing 11 of the plug connector 10, which follows in more detail from the description of the other figures below.

The locking element 30 is plate-shaped and/or flat, at least in sections. The locking section 32 with the locking element 33 is located at the free end, which is arranged opposite the clamping section 31. The actuating section 34 is arranged on the locking element 30 between the locking element 33 and the clamping section 31 in the central region of the locking element 30.

Both the latching element 33 and the actuating section 34 have a substantially trapezoidal or a substantially wedge-shaped contour in a view, preferably in a side view of the locking element 30 . The locking element 30 can preferably be formed integrally in one piece with the described elements or components.

Furthermore, the locking element 30 is preferably designed to be resilient at least in sections and can thus be reversibly deformed. The area or section between the actuating section 34 and the clamping section 31 can preferably be designed to be resilient.

3b shows a front view of the in 3a shown locking element 30. The result is that the locking element 30 in the area of the actuating section 34 tapers steadily in the direction of the locking section 32 in order to then transition into the locking section 32.

4a shows a sectional view (side view) of the in 1a illustrated connector 10 with an in the housing 11 of the connector 10 received and / or arranged actuating element 40.

Out of 4a shows clearly that the housing 11 is formed by a first housing part 11a and by a second housing part 11b. The first housing part 11a is connected to the second housing part 11b via a plug connection and thus via a positive connection. Furthermore 4a it can be seen that the visible plug contact 10K extends at least in sections from the first end wall 11W1 in the plugging direction X.

The passage 14 is formed in the first end wall 11W1 above the plug contact 10K, that is to say at a distance therefrom. The locking section 32 of the locking element 30 extends through the passage 14 in the insertion direction X. The locking element 30 is fastened with its clamping section 31 to the second end wall 11W2, preferably at least partially clamped and/or at least partially latched. The second end wall 11W2 is located on the opposite side of the plug connector 10 from the plug face 10G in the plugging direction X on the second housing part 11b.

Due to the one-sided mounting of the locking element 30 via the clamping section 31 and the at least partially resilient design of the locking element 30, the locking element 30 can be actuated accordingly, so that a reversible deformation occurs. As a result, the locking section 32 in particular moves with the latching element 33 in the second direction X2, i.e. essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X.

The actuating element 40 is accommodated via the actuating opening 15 in the first housing part 11a and in the second housing part 11b. In other words, the actuating element is arranged in the guide channel 16 . The guide channel 16 is formed at least in sections by the locking element 30 and/or the outer wall 11WA. The actuating opening 15 is designed for the introduction of the actuating element 40 for the locking element 30, preferably in the plug-in direction X. The actuating opening 15 is arranged and/or formed on the housing 11, that is to say on the second housing part 11b on the side of the plug connector 10 opposite the plug-in face 10G in the plug-in direction X.

The operating element 40 is accommodated with its support section 42 in the bearing section 17 of the first end wall 11W1. The actuator 40 contacts with its engagement Section 41 the actuating portion 34 of the locking element 30 and thereby forms an operative connection. Due to the corresponding geometric configuration of the locking element 30 and the resilient deformation properties of the locking element 30, the locking element 30 clamps the actuating element 40 in the unactuated state at least in sections to the outer wall 11WA of the second housing part 11b due to its arrangement and mounting in the second housing part 11b. Furthermore, the actuating element 40 is prevented from moving in the insertion direction X by the operative connection and the support on the bearing section 17 . The actuating element 40 is thus mounted in a correspondingly clamping manner in the housing 11 and can therefore not be detached from the plug connector 10 without the corresponding exertion of force.

In this view, the bearing section 17 has, at least in sections, an essentially U-shaped or an essentially wedge-shaped contour for receiving the support section 42 of the actuating element 40 . This enables a pivoting movement of the actuating element 40 about an axis of rotation or pivot axis arranged or aligned transversely to the insertion direction X, so that the actuating element 40 can be pivotally actuated via the operating section 43 by applying a compressive force P.

The pivoting movement of the actuating element 40 is transmitted from the engagement section 41 to the actuating section 34 of the locking element 30, after which a section of the locking element 30 is deformed in a resilient and thus reversible manner, so that a movement of the locking section 32 with the latching element 33 is made possible essentially in the second direction X2 .

4b shows a sectional view (plan view) of the second housing part 11b of FIG 1a shown connector 10 with the locking element 30 arranged therein, i.e. mounted on one side via the clamping section 31.

5a shows a sectional view (side view) of the in 1a shown connector 10 in the formation of an electrical plug connection with the in 1b shown mating connector 20 in a locked state. The connector 10 has no actuating element 40 here. The guide channel 16 and the actuating opening 15 in the housing part 11b are clearly visible, via which the actuating element 40 can optionally be inserted, preferably in the insertion direction X, for actuating the locking element 30 .

The latching element 33 of the locking section 32 engages in the latching section 21 of the mating connector 20 and thus locks the electrical plug connection formed between the connector 10 and the mating connector 20.

5b shows another sectional view (side view) of the in 1a shown connector 10 in the formation of an electrical plug connection with the in 1b shown mating connector 20 in a locked state, wherein the connector 10, the actuating element 40 is inserted. The actuating element 40 makes contact with the outer wall 11WA at least in sections and is thus shown in an unactuated state.

5c now shows another sectional view (side view) of the in 1a shown connector 10 in the formation of an electrical plug connection with the in 1b shown mating connector 20 in an unlocked state, in which the connector 10, the actuating element 40 is inserted and this is actuated by means of the applied to the operating portion 43 of the actuating element 40 compressive force P.

To illustrate the resilient and thus reversible deformation of the corresponding section of the locking element 30 when it is actuated by the actuating element 40 via the operative connection between the engagement section 41 and the actuating section 34, the fulcrum or pivot point 30D is shown as a representative example, around which the corresponding part or section of the locking element 30 performs a reversible deformation.

With the provided locking mechanism according to the present invention with the division into locking element and actuating element, a simple but reliable and, above all, secure locking of an electrical plug connection can preferably be ensured. It is possible for the connector 10, that is to say the locking element 30, to be operated via the operating opening 15 without an operating element 40, for example by means of a tool to be inserted. As a result, for example, an accidental pulling of the plug connector 10 from the mating plug connector 20 can be ruled out or avoided.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably beans the present invention also claims protection for the subject-matter and features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

Reference List

10

connector

10K

plug contact

11

Housing

11 a

first housing part

11b

second housing part

11WA

outer wall

11W1

first end wall

11W2

second end wall

14

passage

15

actuation opening

16

guide channel

17

storage section

20

mating connector

20K

mating contact

21

rest section

30

locking element

30D

Pivot/Pivot

31

clamping section

31A1, 31A2

locking clip

32

locking section

33

locking element

34

operating section

40

actuator

41

engagement section

42

support section

43

operating section

P

compressive force

X

mating direction

X2

second direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102010017262 B4 [0003]
• CN 110994265A [0004]
• US 20190280403 A1 [0004]
• DE 102014115252 A1 [0004]
• DE 202009002159 U1 [0004]
• DE 202007005300 U1 [0004]
• DE 102020110979 A1 [0004]
• DE 102017124670 A1 [0004]
• EP 3462546 B1 [0004]
• EP 3389149 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Plug connector (10), preferably a series connector (10), with at least one plug contact (10K) for forming an electrical plug connection with at least one mating plug contact (20K) of a mating connector (20), preferably a series mating connector (20), in a plugging direction (X), on the side of a mating face (10G) of the plug connector (10), the at least one plug contact (10K) extends from a first end wall (11W1) of a housing (11; 11a, 11b) of the plug connector (10) in the plugging direction (X) at least extends in sections, wherein the plug connector (10) has a locking element (30) for locking the electrical plug connection with the mating connector (20), which is arranged in the housing (11; 11a, 11b) and extends through a passage (14) in the first end wall ( 11W1) extends at least in sections in the direction of the at least one plug-in contact (10K), preferably in the plug-in direction (X), wherein the locking element (30) is designed to be resilient, at least in sections, and is mounted in the housing (11; 11a, 11b), wherein the locking element (30) is accessible via an actuating opening (15) on the housing (11; 11a, 11b) and can be actuated in at least a second direction (X2), preferably perpendicular to the direction of insertion (X). Connector (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the actuating opening (15) is formed on the housing (11; 11a, 11b) on the side of the connector (10) opposite the mating face (10G) in the mating direction (X) and/or for introducing an actuating element (40) for the locking element (30), preferably in the plug-in direction (X). Connector (10) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a clamping section (31) of the locking element (30) on the opposite side of the plug-in face (10G) in the plug-in direction (X) of the connector (10) on a second end wall (11W2) of the housing (11; 11a, 11b) is attached at least in sections , Preferably at least partially clamped and / or at least partially latched is. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (30) outside the housing (11; 11a, 11b) has a locking section (32) with a latching element (33) for forming a releasable latching connection with a latching section (21) of the mating connector (20), wherein the locking section (32) is preferably plate-shaped and/or the latching element (33) has a trapezoidal or triangular contour in a view, preferably in a side view. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (30) has an actuating section (34), preferably for actuation by an actuating element (40), the actuating section (34) on the locking element (30) between the passage (14 ) and the actuating opening (15) is arranged. Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (10) has a guide channel (16) for introducing an actuating element (40), preferably in the direction of insertion (X). Connector (10) according to claim 6 , wherein the guide channel (16) is formed at least in sections by the locking element (30) and/or by an outer wall (11WA) of the housing (11; 11a, 11b) adjoining the actuating opening (15). Connector (10) according to claim 6 or 7 , the guide channel (16) being delimited in the insertion direction (X) at least by the first end wall (11W1) on the side of the insertion face (10G), the first end wall (11W1) having a bearing section (17 ) having. Connector (10) according to claim 8 , wherein the bearing section (17) in a view, preferably in a cross-sectional view, at least partially has a wedge-shaped or a U-shaped contour for receiving a support section (42) of the actuating element (40). Connector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (10) has an actuating element (40) and the actuating element (40) is preferably designed as an actuating lever and when inserted via the actuating opening (15) and in the unactuated state by the locking element (30 ) is clamped at least in sections to the outer wall (11WA). Connector (10) according to claim 10 , wherein the actuating element (40) has an engagement section (41) which forms an operative connection with the locking element (30), preferably with an actuating section (34) of the locking element (30), in order to release the locking element (30) via the actuating element (40 ) to be able to actuate and/or to be able to to hold the movement element (40) by the locking element (30) in the housing (11; 11a, 11b), preferably to clamp it in an actuatable manner.

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