CN114204316A

CN114204316A - Plug connector part for connection to a mating plug connector part

Info

Publication number: CN114204316A
Application number: CN202111025374.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 德特勒夫·内姆; 托尔斯滕·狄塞耳; 哈特穆特·施韦特曼
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2020-09-02
Filing date: 2021-09-02
Publication date: 2022-03-18
Also published as: DE102021122319A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector part (3) for connection to a mating plug connector part (2), comprising a housing part (30), a plug assembly (31) accommodated in the housing part (30) for plug connection to a mating plug assembly (21) of the mating plug connector part (2), and a locking device (34) for locking the plug connector part (3) to the mating plug connector part (2). The locking device (34) has a locking element (341) which is adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The plug connector part (3) further comprises an electric drive (35) for adjusting the locking element (341) between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Description

Plug connector part for connection to a mating plug connector part

Technical Field

The invention relates to a plug connector part for connection to a mating plug connector part according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background

The plug connector part comprises a housing part, a plug assembly accommodated in the housing part for plug connection with a mating plug assembly of a mating plug connector part, and a locking device for locking the plug connector part with the mating plug connector part. The locking device has a locking element that is adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Such a plug connector part can be realized, for example, in a modular manner in that a modular assembly of plug modules is accommodated in the housing part. The plug assembly may have a receiving frame, for example, on which the individual contact modules can be modularly received and combined with one another in order to realize in this way a variably configurable plug assembly which can be plug-connected to a correspondingly configured mating plug connector part.

Such plug connector parts can be, in particular, so-called heavy-duty plug connectors, which are used, for example, in the industrial sector, for example in industrial installations such as processing machines or the like. Such a plug connector part is accordingly robust and durable, wherein the plug assembly is enclosed and encapsulated by the housing part, so that the housing part serves a protective function.

In such plug connector parts, a simple handling is desired, in particular a simple handling of the plug connector part for plug connection with a corresponding mating plug connector part. In the plugged position, the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part should be securely and reliably locked to one another in such a way that they cannot become detached from one another in an unintentional manner.

DE 202015009753U 1 discloses a plug connector module having a housing which is formed from two housing parts. For arrangement in the receiving frame, the housing can be clamped to the receiving frame.

DE 102017118719 a1 discloses an assembly of plug connector parts, in which modular contact inserts are accommodated in a holding frame. The contact insert has a plurality of plug openings for inserting electrical conductors.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a plug connector part which enables simple handling, in particular for connecting a plug connector part and a mating plug connector part.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of claim 1.

The plug connector part accordingly has an electrically operated drive for adjusting the locking element between the locking position and the unlocking position.

Automation is desirable for the plug connector part, in particular for automatic locking when the plug connector part is plug-connected to an associated mating plug connector part. The connection of the plug connector part to the mating plug connector part is preferably carried out in such a way that, when the plug connector part is plug-connected to the mating plug connector part, the plug connector part is automatically and automatically locked to the mating plug connector part, so that a secure, reliable and loadable connection is achieved between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part without the user having to perform further operating steps, in particular for establishing the lock.

For this purpose, the plug connector part has an electrically operated drive for adjusting a locking element of the locking device between a locked position and an unlocked position. For example, if it is determined by a sensor that a plug connector part has been connected to a corresponding mating plug connector part, the locking element driven by the drive means may be adjusted to move the locking element from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby locking the plug connector part to the mating plug connector part. The locking is thus established automatically in an electrically operated manner, without the user having to carry out further operating steps for this purpose. In this way, the connection process can be automated in a simple manner, in particular by controlling the drive device via the control device as a function of the sensor signals detected during the plugging process.

In general, the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part can be connected to one another in a plug-in direction. The locking device locks the connection between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part in such a way that, when the locking device is locked, the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part cannot be released from one another in the plug-in direction.

The locking device can also provide coding in addition to the locking function. Thus, for example, it can be ensured by the locking device that only mating plug connector parts can be connected to one another. The plug connector part can therefore be connected, for example, only to a mating plug connector part having a mating locking device which is matched to the locking device, but not to other plug connector parts.

Such coding can be provided, for example, by a locking element of the locking device which can (only) engage in a defined manner with a corresponding counter-locking device of the counter-plug connector part. In this case, it can also be ensured by the locking element that the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part are connected to one another in a positionally correct manner in such a way that the locking element can only be brought into engagement with the corresponding counter-locking means if the plug connector part is properly oriented relative to the mating plug connector part.

The plug assembly is accommodated in the housing part. The plug assembly in this case forms a so-called plug surface, by means of which the plug connector part can be plug-connected to a corresponding mating plug connector part, so that, for example, the electrical contacts of the plug assembly are plug-connected and thus electrically contacted to corresponding mating contact elements of a mating plug assembly of the mating plug connector part.

The plug assembly can be constructed modularly and assembled, for example, by individual modular contact modules accommodated in a receiving frame. This enables a variable configuration of the plug assembly and thus of the plug face, so that the assembly of the contacts can be configured modularly.

However, this is not mandatory. The plug assembly can also be designed without modules and in this case as a so-called fixed-pole assembly, in which the number and arrangement of the contacts is fixed from the outset and is therefore not configurable.

For a modular design, the plug assembly has in one embodiment a receiving frame which forms a receiving opening for receiving at least one contact module. At least one contact module has a plug section for plug connection with a mating plug assembly of a mating plug connector part. For example, the receiving frame may form a plurality of slots, on which one or more contact modules may be arranged. The modules of the same type or different types can, for example, be arranged in rows with one another along the direction of arrangement and combined with one another in this way and accommodated in the accommodating space. The contact modules form, for example, plug-in sections with (electrical) contact elements arranged thereon, so that a plug-in surface is realized by the contact modules for plug-in connection with a mating plug-in connector component.

The locking device can be arranged fixedly on the plug assembly, for example in the design of the fixed pole of the plug assembly in a non-configurable manner.

Alternatively, the locking device can be realized by a locking module, which can be arranged in a modular manner on the plug assembly and can be combined with other modules. The locking device is therefore of modular design in this embodiment, so that it can be provided on the plug assembly in a modular manner while being freely combinable with other modules to be arranged in the receiving opening of the receiving frame.

If the locking device is formed in a modular manner by a locking module, the locking module preferably has a module housing which is received in the receiving opening of the receiving frame and latches with the receiving frame. For example, latching elements in the form of one or more projecting elements which can latch with the walls of the receiving frame can be formed on the module housing. For example, the module housings can each have a latching element on the sides facing away from each other, by means of which latching elements latching of the module housings to the longitudinal walls of the receiving frame running in the longitudinal direction opposite each other can be established. The latch can be releasable, so that the locking module can also be removed again from the receiving frame, as can the other contact modules.

In one embodiment, the locking element can be rotated about an axis of rotation. The locking element can thus be adjusted between an unlocking position and a locking position by the drive of the drive means, wherein for this purpose the locking element is rotated about its axis of rotation and thereby a locking (such that the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part are held in a locking manner with respect to one another) or a unlocking (such that the locking between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part is cancelled and the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part can thus be separated from one another) is established or unlocked between the plug connector part and the corresponding mating plug connector part.

The locking element can be designed in particular for establishing a form-fitting locking with a corresponding counter-locking means of a counter-plug connector part. In the locking position, the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part are thus held on top of one another in a form-fitting manner and cannot be easily separated from one another, at least not without releasing the locking.

In one embodiment, the plug connector part has a control device for controlling the drive device to adjust the locking element between the locked position and the unlocked position. The control can take place in particular as a function of a sensor signal which is detected during the plugging process or in the plugged state and signals that a connection of a plug connector part to a corresponding mating plug connector part is established or that such a connection is released. If it is determined, for example by means of a sensor, that a plug connector part has been plug-connected with a corresponding mating plug connector part, the locking can be established automatically by the locking device without further user steps being required for this purpose. Likewise, a force action on the plug connector part or the mating plug connector part, for example, or if necessary a user input via an operating device, such as a switch or the like, can be detected, which force action or user input indicates that the user wishes to release the plug connector part from the mating plug connector part, so that the control device can in this case control the locking device to release the locking.

For detecting the sensor signal, the plug connector part can have a sensor device, for example in the form of a contact sensor or a proximity sensor, for example in the form of an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor or a microswitch. Such a sensor device can be used to monitor the plugging process, in particular to detect the complete plugging state of the plug connector part and the corresponding mating plug connector part, so that the drive device can be controlled by the control device to establish the locking according to the sensor signal of the sensor device.

In one embodiment, the plug connector part has an identification device for identifying the mating plug connector part. The control device is designed to recognize the mating plug connector part on the basis of a signal obtained from the recognition device and to control the drive device to adjust the locking element between the locking position and the unlocking position in dependence on this recognition.

The control device can be designed in particular to control the plugging process by detecting mating plug connector parts. Thus, in some cases, a plug connection locked by the locking element can only be achieved if the plug connector part is connected with a corresponding mating plug connector part which is predetermined as permissible. If the mating plug connector part is connected to a plug connector part which is identified by the control device as not being permissible, a plug connection of the plug connector part to the mating plug connector part can be prevented, and the control device accordingly controls the drive device not to adjust the locking element and thus not to lock with the mating plug connector part. The plug connection of the plug connector part with the mating plug connector part is only permitted if an allowable mating plug connector part is detected, for example, by mechanical blocking means being unlocked, so that the plug connection is possible, and the locking is established by adjusting the locking element when the plug connector part is plug connected with the mating plug connector part.

The identification device can be formed, for example, by an RFID reader, which is connected to the control device. In contrast, for example, an RFID tag (so-called RFID tag) can be provided on the mating plug connector part. If the mating plug connector part approaches the plug connector part, the RFID tag of the mating plug connector part can be read by the RFID reader of the plug connector part and identifies the mating plug connector part from the information obtained thereby and as required is identified as permissible.

The identification means can also be designed on condition that another identification or communication technology (e.g. bluetooth or NFC) is used, as required.

Those mating plug connector parts which are to be recognized as permissible, which should be connectable therewith, can be stored in the control device in advance. If the mating plug connector part approaches a plug connector part which is not stored as permitted in the control device, the connection of the mating plug connector part with the plug connector part is prevented by, for example, blocking the plug connection via the mechanical blocking device and, furthermore, not establishing a locking via the locking element.

The further sensor device can be designed, for example, to detect an electrical current between the plug connector part and a mating plug connector part connected to the plug connector part. The sensor device can be connected to a control device, wherein the control device is designed to permit unlocking of the locking element by means of a corresponding control of the drive device only if no current is detected between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part or if the detected current is below a predetermined threshold value. In this way, the release of the locking can be prevented when there is a current flow between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part. As a result, a release of the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part from one another under load is precluded, which prevents damage to the components and furthermore makes it possible to avoid sparking, in particular during dc transmission.

The data detected by the control device can be transmitted to a higher-level machine control device to which the control device of the plug connector component is connected via a data connection, for example a network connection (in particular an ethernet connection). For example, in the machine control device, it can also be determined, for example by user programming, which mating plug connector parts are permitted to be connected to the plug connector parts, so that upon identification by the identification means the mating plug connector parts can be identified as permitted.

According to a further aspect, a plug connector device has a plug connector part according to the type described above and a mating plug connector part to be connected to the plug connector part in a plug-in direction.

For example, the plug connector part can be fixed to an electrical device, for example a switch cabinet. In this case, the housing part can be designed, for example, as a so-called mounting frame which is fastened, for example, by screwing, to a housing wall of the electrical device, for example, a switch cabinet wall. In this case, the mating plug connector part can be connected, for example, to a cable, so that the cable can be connected to the electrical device by connecting the plug connector part to the mating plug connector part.

Conversely, it is also possible to connect a plug connector part to a cable, while a mating plug connector part is provided, for example, on the electrical device or is connected to another cable.

The mating plug connector part can have a housing part and a mating plug assembly accommodated in the housing part, similar to the plug connector part, for plug connection with the plug assembly of the plug connector part. The mating plug connector part here comprises a mating locking device for locking with a locking device of the plug connector part and is designed, for example, as a passive, non-electrically driven device for interacting with an electrically driven locking device of the plug connector part.

In one embodiment, the locking means of the plug connector part are designed to lock the locking means with the counter-locking means by adjusting the locking element such that the plug connector part and the counter-plug connector part are moved towards each other along the plugging direction by a predetermined axial stroke. The connection process between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part can thus be supported electrically by the (electrically driven) locking device of the plug connector part in such a way that, when the plug connector part is plug-connected to the mating plug connector part, a stroke is caused between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part, and the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part are thus drawn together in an electrically driven manner with a certain displacement by adjustment of the locking device of the plug connector part. This makes it possible to initially manually attach the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part to one another, wherein by establishing the locking, the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part are then moved relative to one another in a defined manner until the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part enter a defined plugging state.

By means of this axial stroke, a sealed, in particular moisture-and dirt-tight connection can be produced between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part. For example, the plug connector part has a first sealing element, while the mating plug connector part has a second sealing element. The first sealing element can, for example, surround an edge section of the plug connector part, while the second sealing element is arranged on a corresponding edge section of the mating plug connector part. During the plug connection of the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part, the sealing elements bear against one another, wherein the sealing elements are tensioned and thus pressed against one another by the axial stroke resulting from the locking being established. When the locking is established, the sealing elements therefore bear against one another in a defined manner and are pressed against one another in such a way that a moisture-proof transition is established between the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part.

The stroke may, for example, have a value between 0.1mm and 4mm, such as between 0.5mm and 1.5 mm.

The plug connector part and the corresponding mating plug connector part are held against one another by the locking device, for example with a force of between 1 and 50 newton, for example between 5 and 20 newton.

Similar to the plug connector part, the mating plug assembly of the mating plug connector part may also have a receiving frame which forms a receiving opening for receiving at least one contact module. One or more contact modules can be accommodated in the receiving frame and combined with one another, wherein the contact modules are complementary to the contact modules of the plug assembly of the plug connector part and the plug connector part can thus be plug-connected with the mating plug connector part with these contact modules in contact. The contact modules of the mating plug assembly can, for example, form plug sections which are complementary to the plug sections of the contact modules of the plug assemblies of the plug connector part, so that the plug assemblies of the plug connector part can be plug-connected to the mating plug assemblies of the mating plug connector part.

In a similar manner to the locking device of the plug connector part, the mating locking device of the mating plug assembly of the mating plug connector part can also be formed in a modular manner by a mating locking module which can be accommodated in the receiving opening of the receiving frame, wherein the mating locking module has, for example, a module housing with latching elements arranged thereon for latching with the receiving frame of the mating plug assembly.

In one embodiment, the locking device of the plug connector part or the counter locking device of the counter plug connector part has a signal device for outputting an optical signal. The signaling device is used, for example, to output an optical signal which indicates status information of the locking device or of the counter-locking device. For example, the signaling device can output a first signal when the (counter) locking device is not locked and output a second signal when the (counter) locking device is in the locked state and the plug connector part is connected and locked by the locking device thus in a defined manner with the corresponding counter plug connector part. These signals may differ in color, for example, so that the user obtains status information about the presence or absence of a lock from the color signals.

The signaling means may be realized, for example, by means of light-emitting diode means. The light-emitting diode arrangement can be designed here to output a (light) signal, which can be color-variable, for example, so that status information can be output depending on the color of the light.

In one embodiment, the plug connector part or the mating plug connector part has a transmission element for transmitting an optical signal between the signal device and a housing wall of the housing part of the plug connector part or the mating plug connector part.

The signaling device is designed to output an optical signal, for example a monochromatic or polychromatic optical signal, wherein the optical signal may also be temporally variable, for example in the form of a pulsed signal or a color-variable signal. Since the signaling device is accommodated here, for example, inside the corresponding housing part, the signaling device cannot be easily accessed and viewed from the outside. For this reason, the transmission element is designed to conduct a signal generated by a signal device in the housing part to the housing wall, so that the signal is provided on the housing part and is visible from the outside.

The transmission element can be formed, for example, by an optical light guide. For this purpose, the transmission element can be made, for example, of a plastic material, for example polycarbonate.

However, the transfer element may also be constituted, for example, by a tubular element or a mirror device adapted to transmit the optical signal. The tubular element can thus have, for example, an inner cavity in which signals can be conducted, wherein the inner surface of the tubular element can be designed, for example, to be reflective in such a way that, for example, the inner surface is provided with a reflective coating.

The transmission element serves to transmit the signal generated at the signaling device to the housing wall. In order to be able to recognize the signal from outside the respective housing part, so that the user can obtain status information from the signal, for example, the housing wall can have an optical window to which the transmission element conducts the signal, so that the signal can be transmitted to the outside via the optical window.

The optical window can be formed, for example, integrally on the housing wall, for example by the housing wall being made of an optically transparent or translucent material in one section.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the optical window can be formed by a closure element in the form of a plug arranged on the housing wall. The closing element is arranged on the housing wall, for example, in such a way that the closing element closes the opening in the housing wall in a moisture-tight manner. The closing element can be released from the housing wall, for example, so that the opening in the housing wall is released by removing the closing element and the interior of the corresponding housing part is thus accessible.

The closure element is preferably molded from an optically transparent or translucent material, such as a plastic material, for example polycarbonate.

In a transparent or translucent embodiment, the closure element enables a view into the interior of the housing part, wherein the transmission element extends in the interior of the housing part and preferably corresponds with one end to the signaling device and with the other end to the closure element, such that the transmission element ends directly in the region of the closure element. Thus, the signal generated by the signaling device is conducted through the transmission element to the closure element, so that the signal can be emitted outward through the closure element.

The closing element can be connected to the transmission element, for example, in that the closing element is designed integrally with the transmission element. However, the closing element can also be formed separately from the transmission element, so that the closing element can be separated from the transmission element by removal from the housing wall.

In one embodiment, the transmission element is formed by a tubular element for transmitting the optical signal. The tubular element can have an internal interior space which provides a guide channel for access to the plug assembly (when the signal device is arranged on the plug connector part) or the mating plug assembly (when the signal device is arranged on the mating plug connector part), so that the interior of the respectively corresponding housing part accommodating the signal device is accessible via the tubular element. The signal of the signaling device can be guided in an inner space of the tubular element or also in the surrounding wall, wherein the tubular element is made of an optically transparent or translucent material for this purpose and therefore light transmission is possible.

The counter-locking device has, for example, counter-locking elements for co-acting with locking elements of the locking device of the plug connector part. By adjusting the locking element, for example, a form-fitting engagement can be established between the locking element and the counter-locking element in order to lock the plug connector part with the counter-plug connector part in this way, wherein the locking can be released by resetting the locking element into the unlocking position.

The locking elements of the locking device of the plug connector part can be actuated electrically in order to establish a locking when the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part are connected to one another in a plug-in manner, while the mating locking elements of the mating locking device of the mating plug connector part can be adjusted manually, for example, in order to achieve an emergency unlocking in this way, for example, in the event of a power supply interruption, without requiring electrical actuation.

The mating locking element can be formed, for example, by a locking bolt which interacts with a locking element of the plug connector part in a form-fitting manner for locking purposes. However, other configurations are also contemplated and possible, such as a configuration of the mating locking element as a rocking handle (klinke) or as a threaded element.

In one embodiment, the transfer element has a guide channel in which a tool can be introduced to act on the locking means of the plug connector part or the counter-locking means of the counter-plug connector part. For example, the locking element of the locking device or the counter-locking element of the counter-locking device can be accessed through such a guide channel in the transmission element. If the transmission element is provided, for example, on a mating plug connector part and emergency unlocking is to be achieved by access to a counter locking device of the mating plug connector part, the user can access the counter locking element by inserting a tool into the guide channel of the transmission element in order to manually turn the counter locking element and thereby to disengage the locking between the plug connector part and the counter plug connector part. Such an emergency unlocking can be achieved, in particular, in the event of a failure of the electrically operated locking device of the plug connector part or in the event of a power failure, by releasing the lock and thus enabling the plug connector part and the mating plug connector part to be separated from one another.

Since the transmission element forms a guide channel for the introduction tool, the user can engage into the housing interior via the transmission element without the risk of the user coming into contact in an unintentional manner with other elements inside the respective housing part, for example with electrical leads in the interior of the housing part. Thus, potential hazards to the user by accessing the interior of the housing components are minimized and at the same time the risk of damage to elements in the interior of the housing components may be reduced.

The plug connector part and the mating plug connector part can be produced, for example, using a modular system. Within the framework of a modular system, for example, different housing parts and plug-in modules can be combined with one another. In this case, the different housing parts can have different dimensions, for example, so that, for example, plug connector parts of different sizes and power classes can be provided.

The plug assembly of the plug connector part and the mating plug assembly of the mating plug connector part can each be of fixed-pole or modular design.

In the context of a modular plug assembly or a mating plug assembly, for example, modules of the same type or different types, for example, optionally locking modules and/or one or more contact modules for providing electrical contacts, can be arranged in the receiving frame and combined with one another in order to achieve a variably configurable contact assembly in this way.

Drawings

The idea underlying the invention is explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments shown in the drawings. The figures show:

fig. 1 shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of a plug connector arrangement with two plug connector parts which are connected to one another by plugging;

fig. 2 shows a further view of the plug connector device;

fig. 3 shows a side view of the plug connector arrangement;

fig. 4 shows a top view of the plug connector arrangement;

fig. 5 shows an end-side view of the plug connector arrangement;

fig. 6 shows a view of the plug connector arrangement with the plug connector parts separated;

fig. 7 shows a partial enlarged view of the device according to fig. 6;

fig. 8 shows an exploded view of one of the plug connector parts;

fig. 9 shows a view of a locking device in the form of a locking module of a plug connector part;

fig. 10 shows a view of the plug assembly of the plug connector part;

fig. 11 shows the device according to fig. 10 without a transmission element provided on the locking device;

12A-12C show schematic views of operative connections between locking elements of a locking module; and

fig. 13 shows a functional diagram of a plug connector arrangement with two plug connector parts to be plug-connected to each other.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 11 show views of a plug connector device 1 having a plug connector part 3 which can be plug-connected in a plug-in direction E to a further plug connector part 2 which implements a mating plug connector part in order to establish an electrical connection between the

plug connector parts

2, 3.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug connector part 2 is designed as a plug which can be connected in the plug direction E to the plug connector part 3 which forms the housing socket. The plug connector part 2 is connected to an electrical cable 4, while the plug connector part 3 can be fastened, for example, to a wall of an electrical device, for example, a switchgear cabinet or the like, so that the electrical cable 4 can be detachably connected to the electrical device via the plug connector device 1.

The plug connector part 2 has a housing part 20 which forms an interior in which a plug assembly 21 is accommodated, as can be seen for example from the illustration according to fig. 6. The plug assembly 21 provides a plug surface, wherein the contact module 23 implements an assembly of contacts via which a plug connection can be established with the plug connector part 3.

A cable outlet 200 is formed in the housing part 20, which cable outlet is formed by a screw 201 and a fastening element 202 in the form of a nut, the screw 201 having a through-opening formed therein for the passage of the cable 4. By screwing the fastening element 202 onto the screw 201, the cable 4 introduced into the housing part 20 can be fastened to the housing part 20 to relieve tension.

The plug connector part 3 has a frame-shaped housing part 30, which can be fixed to an associated electrical device, for example a switch cabinet or the like. A plug assembly 31 is accommodated in the interior of the housing part 30, as can be seen, for example, from fig. 6, the plug assembly 31 having a contact module 33 for forming a plug surface, which contact module forms a component of a contact for connection to the plug surface of the plug connector part 2.

The

contact modules

23, 33 may, for example, provide electrical connections for power transmission or for data transmission.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, both the plug assembly 21 on the plug connector part 2 side and the plug assembly 31 on the plug connector part 3 side are of modular design. As can be seen from fig. 6 in conjunction with fig. 10 and 11, each plug-in

module

21, 31 has a receiving

frame

22, 32 which has a rectangular shape and is shaped to form a plurality of receiving

openings

220, 320 of slots arranged in line with one another in the arrangement direction a. In the receiving

openings

220, 320,

contact modules

23, 33 can be received, wherein identical or

different contact modules

23, 33 can be combined with one another and arranged in rows with one another along the arrangement direction a, in order in this way to achieve a variable arrangement of the electrical contacts on the

respective plug assembly

21, 31.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a pair of locking elements 221 is associated with each insertion groove, wherein locking elements 221, for example in the form of latching springs, are provided for each insertion groove on the longitudinal sides of receiving frame 22 which are opposite one another. The contact modules 23 have latching elements 23 in the form of projections which project on the end faces facing away from one another and which are intended for latching connection with the latching elements 221 of the slots, so that each contact module 23 can be arranged on the associated slot and thereby be connected to the receiving frame 22 in a latching and form-fitting manner.

As can be seen from the exploded view of fig. 8, for example, the contact module 23 may provide power contacts for the transmission of electrical power, as shown in the lower left side of fig. 8. The contact module 23 has a plug section 230 with electrical contacts arranged therein, which can be plug-connected to an associated contact module 33 on the plug connector part 3 side.

In contrast, the other contact module 23 shown at the top left in fig. 8 can be used, for example, for establishing a data connection and has a connector unit 232 of the data plug type, for example of the RJ45 plug type. The contact modules 23 have plug-in sections 231, which can be plug-connected to corresponding contact modules 33 on the plug connector part 3 side, as can be seen from fig. 6.

The plug arrangement 31 of the plug connector part 3 has a contact module 33 which is complementary to the contact module 23 and has plug

sections

330, 331 formed thereon and which can be connected in a plug-in manner to the

plug sections

230, 231 of the contact module 23.

Furthermore, each

plug assembly

21, 31 has a locking device in the form of a

locking module

24, 34 for establishing a lock between the plug connector part 2 and the plug connector part 3. The locking

modules

24, 34 are designed in a modular manner and are accommodated in corresponding

accommodating frames

22, 32 of the

plug assemblies

21, 31, respectively, so that the locking

modules

24, 34 can be combined in a modular manner with the

contact modules

23, 33.

The locking device 24 of the plug connector part 2 has a module housing 240 with the basic shape of a cuboid, which on the sides facing away from one another is configured with latching elements 245 in the form of projections which can be latchingly engaged with corresponding locking elements 221 on the opposite longitudinal side of the receiving frame 22 in order to fix the locking module 24 in the receiving frame 22. The module housing 240 has such a width as to occupy two slots in the receiving opening 220 of the receiving frame 22, as measured in the arrangement direction a.

The locking module 24 has a locking element 241 in the form of a connecting bolt, the engaging element 242 being formed in the form of a projecting element projecting laterally from the locking element 241, as can be seen, for example, from the enlarged view according to fig. 7.

When the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are plug-connected to one another, the locking elements 241 engage with the locking elements 341 on the module housing 340 of the locking module 34 of the plug connector part 3, so that a locking can be established between the

plug connector parts

2, 3 and the

plug connector parts

2, 3 cannot be easily released from one another when the locking is established, at least not without releasing the locking.

In the embodiment of the plug connector device 1 shown, the locking between the

plug connector parts

2, 3 is established automatically by the locking

modules

24, 34 when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are connected to each other. For this purpose, the locking element 341 is adjustably arranged on the module housing 340 of the locking module 34 and forms an engagement opening 342, with which the locking element 241, on which the engagement element 242 is formed, can engage when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are connected.

The locking element 341 is operatively connected to a drive device 35 in the form of a motor associated with the plug connector part 3, so that when the locking element 241 engages with the locking element 341, the locking element 341 can be rotated in an electric manner about the plug direction E relative to the module housing 340. By turning the locking element 341, a form-fitting connection between the locking

elements

241, 341 is established, so that the locking

modules

24, 34 and thus the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are fixed to one another and thus locked to one another in a form-fitting manner.

The locking

modules

24, 34 serve on the one hand to lock the

plug connector parts

2, 3 to one another, but also to seal the

plug connector parts

2, 3 to one another. In order to seal the transition between the

plug connector parts

2, 3, a (elastically deformable) sealing

element

205, 300 is arranged on each

housing part

20, 30 on the edge section corresponding to the respective other

plug connector part

3, 2, which element surrounds a respective opening formed in the

housing part

20, 30, in which opening the associated

plug assembly

21, 31 is accommodated. When the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are attached to one another, the sealing

elements

205, 300 bear against one another, wherein the locking

modules

24, 34 are designed, in addition to locking, to produce an axial stroke between the

plug connector parts

2, 3, so that the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are pulled toward one another in the plugging direction E and, as a result, the sealing

elements

205, 300 are pressed against one another.

Such a stroke can be provided, for example, by the locking

elements

241, 341 being designed in the manner of a bayonet coupling (bajonitkupplung), wherein the engagement elements 242 of the locking elements 241 move within the engagement openings 342 of the locking elements 341 over the corresponding mating engagement elements and thereby cause an axial stroke between the

plug connector parts

2, 3.

This is schematically illustrated in the embodiment in fig. 12A to 12C.

In this exemplary embodiment, the locking elements 241 of the locking module 24 engage with the engagement openings 342 of the locking elements 341 of the locking module 34 in the plug-in direction E when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are plug-connected to one another, so that the engagement elements 242 projecting laterally from the locking elements 241 each enter into a corresponding, slot-like guide section 347 extending longitudinally along the plug-in direction E on the hollow-cylindrically shaped locking element 341, as can be seen in fig. 12A.

If the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are attached to one another and the sealing

elements

205, 300 on the

housing parts

20, 30 bear against one another, the locking element 241 assumes the position according to fig. 12B relative to the locking element 341. The engaging elements 242 are located, for example, at the transition between the respective corresponding longitudinally extending guide section 347 and the section 348 connected thereto, which extends obliquely with respect to the plugging direction E.

If the locking element 341 is now rotated by the electric drive 35 about a rotational axis extending along the plugging direction E relative to the locking element 241, as can be seen in the transition from fig. 12B to fig. 12C, the engagement elements 242 project into the respectively corresponding, obliquely extending sections 348, as can be seen in fig. 12C, wherein due to the oblique extension of the respective sections 348 the locking element 241 and thus the entire plug connector part 2 is pulled toward the plug connector part 3 by the stroke X, and the sealing

elements

205, 300 are pressed against one another.

The stroke may for example have a value between 0.1mm and 4mm, such as between 0.5mm and 1.5 mm.

The

plug connector parts

2, 3 are held against one another by the locking means 24, 34, for example with a force of between 1 and 50 newton, for example between 5 and 20 newton.

The establishment of the lock is automatically performed when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 are connected to each other. For this purpose, the locking

modules

24, 34 each have a

sensor device

243, 343, which has a sensor, for example in the form of a proximity sensor or a contact sensor, for example an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor or a microswitch, for outputting a sensor signal when the

plug connector parts

2, 3 and thus the locking

modules

24, 34 are plugged in, and a control device 36 (shown schematically in fig. 2) controls the drive device 35 as a function of the sensor signal in order to establish the locking.

For this purpose, the control device 36 is connected to the connection device 344 of the locking module 34, for example, by electrical lines.

If the locking is to be released again, the locking element 341 of the locking module 34 can be moved back via the electric drive, so that the locking is released and the

plug connector parts

2, 3 can be removed from one another.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking module 24 of the plug connector part 2 has a signaling device 249, for example in the form of a light-emitting diode arrangement, which is used to generate an optical signal, in particular an optical signal, in order to output status information about the locking established by the locking

module

24, 34.

A transmission element 26 in the form of a tubular element for transmitting the signal generated by the signal device 249 toward the housing wall 203 on the side of the housing part 20 of the plug connector part 2 facing away from the plug connector part 3 is arranged on the module housing 240 of the locking module 24. The transmission element 26 is made of a transparent or translucent plastic material, for example polycarbonate, and forms a guide channel 260, which extends longitudinally along the cylindrical transmission element 26. The signals generated in the interior of the module housing 240 by the signal device 249 can be conducted in the hollow-cylindrical wall of the transmission element 26.

The transmission element 26 extends from the locking module 24 towards a closing element 25 in the form of a plug which is mounted on the housing wall 203 and closes an opening 204 in the housing wall 203, as can be seen, for example, from fig. 1. Thus, via the transmission element 26, the signal of the signaling device 249 can be conducted from the locking module 24 to the closure element 25, wherein the closure element 25 is made of a transparent or translucent material, for example polycarbonate, so that the signal is visible to the user through the closure element 25 from outside the housing part 20.

The closing element 25 is connected to the housing part 20 in the operating state and closes the opening 204 in the housing wall 203 in a moisture-tight manner. Since the closing element 25 is made of a transparent or translucent material and furthermore signals are guided from the locking module 24 inside the housing part 20 to the closing element 25, the user can easily obtain status information about the locking between the

plug connector parts

2, 3 by visual inspection of the plug connector part 2. For example, it is possible to indicate to the user whether and when the locking between the

plug connector parts

2, 3 is established correctly, or whether and when the locking is not or not fully established.

The signaling device 249 may be powered and controlled, for example, by wires connected to the connection device 244 of the locking module 24.

The closing element 25 can be released from the housing wall 203 in order to gain access to the opening 204 and the transmission element 26 arranged in the interior of the housing part 20.

As can be seen, for example, from fig. 11, the head 247 of the locking element 241 is accessible on the side of the locking module 24 facing away from the locking module 34, wherein the transmission element 26 with the guide channel 260 formed therein is aligned with the locking element 241, and therefore the user can access the locking element 241 with a tool by inserting the tool into the guide channel 260 and thereby effectively connecting with the head 247 of the locking element 241.

In order to establish a locking during the plug connection, in the operating state, the locking element 341 of the locking module 34 on the plug connector part 3 side is adjusted electrically via the drive 35. In operation, the lock is also released by an electric operation via the drive device 35. However, in the event of a power failure or a failure in the drive 35, emergency unlocking can be prompted by accessing the locking element 241 in that the user rotates the locking element 241 on the locking module 24 with respect to the module housing 240 with a tool and thereby disengages from the locking element 341 of the locking module 34.

By opening the closure element 25 and by inserting a tool into the guide channel 260 in the transmission element 26, the

plug connector parts

2, 3 can thus be unlocked from one another and thus separated from one another. The transmission element 26 thus fulfills a double function in that the transmission element 26 serves on the one hand to transmit the optical signal from the signaling device 249 to the outside and on the other hand to guide the tool toward the locking element 241 for the purpose of emergency unlocking. By providing the transmission element 26 in the interior of the housing part 20 for mechanical guidance of the tool, the risk of damaging elements in the interior of the housing part 20 can be minimized when touching for emergency unlocking purposes, and furthermore, for example, when transmitting power in the interior of the plug connector part 2, hazards to the user can be ruled out.

Fig. 13 shows a schematic functional view of the plug connector device 1. The

plug connector parts

2, 3 are functionally shown here, which can be connected to one another in a plug-in manner in order to establish a connection between the contact assemblies, which are provided, for example, by the

contact modules

23, 33.

The locking means 24, 34, for example in the form of a modular locking module, are used to establish a lock between the

plug connector parts

2, 3. The locking is effected via locking

elements

241, 341, wherein one of the locking elements 241 can be designed passive, for example, and the other locking element 341 can be adjusted, for example, electrically via a corresponding drive. The control device 36 controls the locking, and the control device 36 can be connected to an (external) data network via a data connection 360, for example.

By means of the

sensor devices

243, 343, information about the plugged state of the

plug connector parts

2, 3 can be detected in a sensor-like manner.

The locking can be locked by the

additional locking device

248, 346, so that it cannot be released without releasing the locking effect of the

locking device

248, 346. Thus, additional security can be provided by

such locking devices

248, 346 when a connection is established.

The locking action can be effected mechanically by means of mechanical locking elements. However, the locking action can also be achieved, for example, by an electric drive, which for this purpose can be designed, for example, to be self-locking.

The

plug connector parts

2, 3 can have identification means 27, 37, respectively. For example, the identification device 27 of the plug connector part 2 can be formed by a so-called RFID tag, which can be read via the identification device 37 of the plug connector part 3. The identification device 37 can have for this purpose an antenna 370 and an evaluation device 371 of the reader type, by means of which the information of the identification device 27 can be read and evaluated.

For example, the identification means 27, 37 can identify the

plug connector parts

2, 3 in order to achieve in this way only plug connections of the

plug connector parts

2, 3 which correspond to one another and are to be connected to one another. The identification device 27 can clearly identify the plug connector part 2, for example. Thus, it can be evaluated by recognition via the recognition means 37 on the plug connector part 3 whether the plug connector part 2 is permitted to be connected to the plug connector part 3, and only if this is defined as permitted, the connection between the

plug connector parts

2, 3 is permitted and the transmission of electrical signals, for example load signals or data signals, can be effected.

The idea on which the invention is based is not limited to the embodiments described above but can also be implemented in other ways.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the plug-in module of the plug-in connector part is constructed in a modular manner. However, this is not mandatory. Fixed-pole, non-configurable plug assemblies are also conceivable and can be used for producing plug connector parts.

In particular, in the modular design of the plug-in module, a modular system can be provided in which the plug-in connectors can be configured in a variable manner. In order to configure the plug assembly, different dimensions of the housing parts can be selected to provide plug connector parts of different sizes and power classes. By means of the contact modules to be arranged on the receiving frame, an assembly of contacts can be achieved, which achieve a variable configuration of the plug surface.

Description of the reference numerals

1 plug connector device

2 plug connector part

20 housing part

200 cable outlet

201 screw member

202 fixed element (nut)

203 casing wall

204 opening

205 sealing element

21 plug-in assembly

22 receiving frame

220 receiving opening

221 locking element

23 contact module

230 splicing section

231 splicing section

232 connector unit

233 latching element

24 locking module

240 module case

241 locking element

242 engaging element

243 sensor device

244 connecting device

245 latch element

246 opening

247 head

248 locking device

249 signal device (LED device)

25 optical window (closing element)

26 transfer element

260 guide channel

27 identification means (RFID tag)

3 plug connector part

30 housing part

300 sealing element

31 plug assembly

32 receiving frame

320 receiving opening

33 contact module

330. 331 splicing section

34 locking module

340 module case

341 locking element

342 engage opening

343 sensor device

344 connecting device

345 latching element

346 locking device

347. 348 section(s)

35 drive device

36 control device

360 data connection

37 identification device

370 antenna

371 analytical equipment

4 cable

A arrangement direction

E direction of insertion

X stroke

Claims

1. Plug connector part (3) for connection with a mating plug connector part (2), having a housing part (30), a plug assembly (31) accommodated in the housing part (30) for plug connection with a mating plug assembly (21) of the mating plug connector part (2), and a locking device (34) for locking the plug connector part (3) with the mating plug connector part (2), wherein the locking device (34) has a locking element (341) which is adjustable between a locking position and an unlocking position, characterized by an electrically driven drive device (35) for adjusting the locking element (341) between the locking position and the unlocking position.

2. Plug connector part (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug assembly (31) has a receiving frame (32) which forms a receiving opening (320) for receiving at least one contact module (33), wherein the at least one contact module (33) has a plug section (330, 331) for plug connection with the mating plug assembly (21) of the mating plug connector part (2).

3. Plug connector part (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking means (34) are constituted by a locking module arranged in the receiving opening (320) of the receiving frame (32).

4. Plug connector component (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking module has a module housing (340) which is accommodated in an accommodation opening (320) of the accommodation frame (32) and latches with the accommodation frame (32).

5. Plug connector part (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the locking element (341) can be rotated about a rotational axis in a driven manner by the drive device (35).

6. Plug connector part (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (36) for controlling the drive device (35) for adjusting the locking element (341) between the locked position and the unlocked position.

7. Plug connector part (3) according to claim 6, characterized by a sensor device (343) for detecting a sensor signal when the plug connector part (3) is plug-connected with a mating plug connector part (2), wherein the control device (36) is configured to control the drive device (35) as a function of the sensor signal to lock the plug connector part (3) with the mating plug connector part (2) via the locking device (34).

8. Plug connector part (3) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by identification means (37) for identifying the mating plug connector part (2), wherein the control means (36) are designed to identify the mating plug connector part (2) on the basis of a signal obtained by the identification means (37) and to control the drive means (35) to adjust the locking element (341) between a locked position and an unlocked position on the basis of the identification.

9. Plug connector component (3) according to claim 8, characterized in that the identification means (37) are constituted by an RFID reader.

10. Plug connector device (1) having a plug connector part (3) according to one of the preceding claims and a mating plug connector part (2) to be connected to the plug connector part (3) in a plug-in manner along a plug-in direction (E).

11. Plug connector device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the mating plug connector part (2) has a housing part (20), a mating plug assembly (21) accommodated in the housing part (20) for plug connection with a plug assembly (31) of the plug connector part (3), and a mating locking device (24) for locking with a locking device (34) of the plug connector part (3).

12. Plug connector device (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the locking means (34) of the plug connector part (3) are designed to lock the locking means (34) with the counter-locking means (24) by adjusting the locking element (341), the plug connector part (3) and the counter-plug connector part (2) being moved towards each other in the plugging direction (E) by a predetermined axial stroke (X).

13. Plug connector device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the plug connector part (3) has a first sealing element (300) and the mating plug connector part (2) has a second sealing element (205), wherein the first sealing element (300) and the second sealing element (205) are configured for abutting against each other when the plug connector part (3) is connected with the mating plug connector part (2) and are tensioned relative to each other by the axial stroke (X) when locked.

14. Plug connector device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the mating plug assembly (21) has a receiving frame (22) which forms a receiving opening (220) for receiving at least one contact module (23) having plug sections (230, 231) for plug connection with the plug assemblies (31) of the plug connector part (3).

15. Plug connector device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the counter locking device (24) is constituted by a counter locking module arranged in a receiving opening (220) of the receiving frame (22).

16. Plug connector device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterised in that the locking means (34) of the plug connector part (24) or the counter-locking means (24) of the counter plug connector part (2) have signal means (249) for outputting an optical signal.

17. Plug connector device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the locking device (34) of the plug connector part (3) or the counter-locking device (24) of the counter plug connector part (2) has a transmission element (26) for transmitting an optical signal between the signal device (249) and the housing wall (203) of the plug connector part (24) or the counter plug connector part (2).

18. Plug connector part (3) according to claim 17, characterized in that the housing wall (203) has an optical window (25), wherein the transmission element (21) extends between the signal device (249) and the optical window (25).

19. Plug connector part (3) according to claim 18, characterized in that the optical window (25) is constituted by a closure element provided on the housing wall (203).

20. The plug connector part (3) according to claim 19, characterized in that the housing wall (203) has an opening (204), wherein the closing element closes the opening (204) in a position arranged on the housing wall (203) and can be released from the housing part (20) to release the opening (204).

21. Plug connector part (3) according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the transmission element (26) has a guide channel (260) into which a tool for acting on the locking means (34) of the plug connector part (3) or the counter-locking means (24) of the counter-plug connector part (2) can be introduced.