DE102010021507A1 - Plug socket for attaching plug at external area of motor vehicle, has cover attached at plug socket housing and closing plug receiving opening in closing position, and holding mechanism increasing holding force of cover in closing position - Google Patents

Abstract

The socket (1) has a plug receiving opening located in a plug socket housing (5) and formed with electrical contacts for attaching a plug and producing an electrical connection. A cover (6) is attached at the housing. The cover closes the opening in a closing position in a sealing manner, and is pre-stressed in a closing direction. A holding mechanism (7) increases holding force of the cover in the closing position. The mechanism has a retaining element e.g. ball, resisting against a resetting force and subjecting the cover to additional holding force in the closing position.

Description

The The invention relates to a socket for connecting a Plug in the exterior of a motor vehicle with a Socket housing in which a connector receiving opening with electrical contacts for attaching a plug and making an electrical connection is formed, and with a the socket housing hinged lid, the in his Closed position sealing the plug receiving opening closes and biased in the closing direction is. In the closed position, one accommodated in the lid acts Seal with the edge of the plug-receiving opening as a sealing surface together, so no water in the plug-receiving opening can occur if the outlet is not connected to a plug and the plug receiving opening covered by the lid is.

Mostly are the hinged to the socket housing cover mounted on a hinge and loaded by a leg spring in the closing direction. Because of this, the moment acting in the closing direction is up the lid in the open position larger than in the closed position of the lid. The spring force of the leg spring must be in a fully or partially open position of Lid just be so high that the lid when released again closes. To the tightness of the socket between the closed To improve the cover and the wall of the plug receiving opening, It is basically desirable that the spring force as well in the closed position of the lid as high as possible is. This could be due to a sufficiently strong leg spring be achieved, but then in the open position of the lid such a great closing force develops that one not insignificant risk of injury exists when the lid in the open position accidentally released and a finger between the cover and the socket housing is clamped. To minimize the risk of injury, is therefore at present on the market sockets the closing force of the lid limited.

From the DE 44 13 141 A1 an electrical installation device with a hinged lid is known, which is pivotally connected via an insertion opening on the device cover. It is provided a pivot guide with a leaf spring, which rests against a latching projection, which is arranged on the associated pivot axis and thereby acts on the hinged lid in a stable closed position with an additional closing force. However, the closing force is not sufficient to achieve a reliable sealing of the contact area.

The DE 44 16 992 A1 similarly describes a watertight closure assembly for charging terminals having a leaf spring which acts on a cam portion of a lid to increase its closing force. Furthermore, the lid not acted upon by a bias in the closing direction should be kept open by the leaf spring in its open position. In its closed position, a retaining element mounted on the cover also engages in a suitable receiving opening of the socket housing. However, the closure mechanism shown is comparatively expensive without reliably achieving the desired additional closing force.

The insufficient closing force leads in practice especially when using the sockets in the field of agriculture or in lorries to problems in the tightness, as trucks and agricultural equipment during their use often heavily soiled and if necessary by means of high-pressure cleaners be cleaned again. It may happen that by the Power of the water jet lifted the lid from its closed position so that moisture enters the contact area of the socket, in a later case of use to short circuits to lead.

task The invention is therefore to provide a socket, which in the Closed position of the lid improved grip of the lid reached. According to an important application so should the sealing of the contact area by an increased Closing force of on the wall of the plug receiving opening Overlying lid can be improved.

This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1, in particular, that at the socket a holding force of the lid in its closed position increasing Zuhalte mechanism is provided. According to the invention, this locking mechanism does not form a rigid lock which must be unlocked before opening by means of a bolt, but rather an arrangement with a retaining element which engages the cover or a locking bracket only in the closed position and can be moved against a particular adjustable force is trained. This holding element engages in the closed position of the lid or locking bracket on this and keeps the lid or the lid supporting the locking bracket closed with an acting in particular in the closing direction additional force that must be overcome when opening the lid. According to the invention, however, this additional holding force does not further bias the cover in the closing direction. A separate unlocking of the lid or the locking bar, for example. By manual release or pressing an Entrie gelungselements, is not necessary according to the invention. Nevertheless, according to the invention, however, in an open position of the cover which differs from the closed position, no additional force acts in the closing direction of the cover. In this case, the closed position of the lid does not necessarily have the position of the lid, in which the lid rests with maximum force on a wall of the plug-receiving opening or a seal for sealing the contact area. The closed position of the lid can also be a position in which the lid rests independently of the biasing force acting in the closing direction - with a defined contact pressure on the seal or the wall of the plug-receiving opening. This position can for example be defined by a defined distance of the lid from the wall of the plug receiving opening and serve to set the contact pressure defined on the seal so that on the one hand a reliable seal is achieved and on the other hand, the force acting on the seal is not so great in that the seal is damaged over time by the force acting on it. In general, therefore, the invention relates to increasing the holding force of the lid in a previously defined closed position. The closed position does not necessarily have to be a position in which the lid rests with maximum closing force on a wall of the plug receiving opening. The closed position is rather a position of the lid in which the lid is to be in its closed position, even if the opening to be closed in this position is not closed completely or not with maximum force. In a preferred application, the additional holding force is a closing force of the lid for sealing a plug receiving opening.

To the Structure of the holding force according to the invention has the locking mechanism an evasive against a restoring force Retaining element on which the lid in its closed position in the closing direction with an additional holding force applied. After overcoming this holding force gives way the holding element in a designated guide out. After moving the lid or a separate locking bracket, which is part of the locking mechanism and attacks the lid, from the closed position is no in the closing direction the lid acting holding force more exerted on the lid. This is already after opening the lid or locking bracket by a small opening angle from the closed position for example, reached from 5 to 10 °. In this context it is particularly advantageous if the guide is formed in this way is that the retaining element in the guide substantially moved perpendicular to the additionally acting holding force becomes.

The Retaining element engages in the closed position of the lid and / or the locking bracket in a receiving opening one. The holding element received in the receiving opening is formed so that it is on the edge or the inner wall supported the receiving opening to the additional Holding force on the lid exercise and the closing force of the lid in its closed position. However, if in the opening direction one the additional Holding force overcoming force exerted on the holding element is, the retaining element in the leadership gives way to his own Restoring force. It gets out of the receiving opening squeezed out and in the designated leadership guided. When the retaining element is completely in taken up the leadership or leadership opening is, it is preferably at a the restoring force the retaining element receiving wall or guide surface on, against which the retaining element by its restoring force is pressed. During a movement of the holding element relative only one compared to the additional holding force acts on this surface low friction force in the closed position. If the lid or the locking latch of the lid in one of the Closed position is different open position, can the lid or locking bracket therefore without significant additional effort relative to the socket housing to be moved. In particular, this frictional force in the closing direction the lid or locking bracket applied no force.

The additional holding force in the closed position of the lid or the locking bar can be achieved in an advantageous manner when the holding element has a rounded and / or bevelled surface for transmitting power to a surface receiving the additional holding force. By a suitable bevel or rounding with a suitable radius of curvature is achieved that the holding force is preferably applied to a point or surface area, for example, the receiving opening, so that the force and its direction are easily controlled. In particular, the chamfer or rounding can be designed so that in the closed position the force exerted during the opening movement acts largely in the direction of the additional holding force receiving surface and only a small portion obliquely or in particular perpendicular to the holding direction. With this force acting obliquely or perpendicular to the holding force, the holding element is then moved against its restoring force out of the receiving opening and releases the lid or the locking bar for an opening movement. About the angle between the tangential direction of the rounding or bevel and the point of attack on the holding force receiving surface, which is also referred to as a holding surface, can be optimally adjust the power conditions. As a result of this dynamic pressure angle according to the invention, the additional holding force can be well adjusted and formed in such a way that it acts selectively only in the desired position of the lid or of the locking stirrup.

It has been found that in a particularly according to the invention preferred embodiment, the holding element is a ball is. This ball can be moved in the guide or guide opening be included, in particular a the diameter of the ball corresponding inner diameter. This is the ball freely movable in the guide opening. According to one Simply trained embodiment, the guide hole be formed in the manner of a blind bore, d. H. an open one and have a closed end. As the restoring force the holding element generating element can in the guide opening a spring, in particular a coil spring, be included, the at the closed end of the guide opening supports and at the opposite end which also included in the management opening Bullet hits. The length of the guide opening or the spring is dimensioned such that the spring and the thereto abutting ball in the non-tensioned state of the spring is not completely absorbed in the guide hole become. Under tension of the spring, the ball can then completely be pressed into the guide hole, so that the spring with its restoring force the ball in Direction of the open end of the guide opening biases. In the assembled state of the socket or the invention Locking mechanism supports the ball against an open one End of the guide opening closing wall or guide surface, in which the receiving opening for partially receiving the ball or generally the retaining element is trained. In the closed position of the lid or the Locking bracket enters the retaining element partially in the receiving opening and generated by the supporting on the (inner) wall of the receiving opening according to the invention provided additional holding power.

The Holding element does not have to be a ball, as already indicated, but in principle can also be used as a differently shaped holding element be educated. The ball, however, is particularly advantageous because do not tilt the retaining element in the guide opening can, a simple installation without a preferred direction of the holding element is possible and generates only a small frictional force is when the retaining element from the receiving opening in moved out of the closed position and on the wall or guide surface supported. In addition, will achieved by the ball that the holding force only in one Point exerted on the wall or edge of the receiving opening becomes, in the tangential direction and one to the tangential direction normal direction.

According to one Particularly advantageous embodiment, the inner diameter of Receiving opening smaller than the outer diameter the ball. Preferably, however, the receiving opening only slightly smaller than the outside diameter the ball, d. H. preferably about 5 to 15% smaller. This causes, that the tangent on the spherical surface in the closed position the lid or locking bracket almost parallel to the wall of the receiving opening is aligned so that a large force component in the direction of the holding force against the wall of the receiving opening acts, and only a small one Force component perpendicular thereto in the direction opposite to the restoring force the spring is exercised. This is a particularly high, generates additional holding force and a minimal force component achieved against the restoring force, so that the force when opening the lid or locking bracket to overcome the holding force is very large.

In In another embodiment of the invention, the retaining element also be integrally formed with a flexible element and a preferably rounded or bevelled area have to engage in a receiving opening. The flexible Element may be made of plastic or spring leaf. In this embodiment, holding elements and spring for generating the restoring force so preferably from a Material, where in the socket, the locking mechanism or the Lid or the locking bracket itself sufficient Recovery room is formed to the flexible element with the integrally formed or fixed holding element from its located in a receiving opening position to move into a position in which the opening movement the lid or -Verriegelungsbügels is released.

According to one particularly preferred embodiment is the retaining element with its restoring force causing element in the Can body stored. There is usually enough space present to the holding element and, for example, a spring for Generation of the restoring force in the guide opening to take the lead. However, the invention is express not limited to such an embodiment, but also includes Ausfüh tion forms in which the holding element for example, in the lid itself or the locking bracket is included.

In a holding element mounted in the socket housing, the receiving opening can be designed according to the invention in the lid itself. Here by a direct force of the retaining element is achieved on the lid and thus a reliable closing action.

In an alternative embodiment, the receiving opening Also be formed in the locking bracket, preferably pivotally hinged to the box body and over the lid is foldable in its closed position. In this Position engages the retaining element in the receiving opening of the locking bracket, which then secures the lid.

As already mentioned, in another embodiment the retaining element in the lid or the locking bracket movably guided against a restoring force and a receiving opening, for example, in the socket housing be educated. In a guide of the retaining element in the locking bracket can the receiving opening also be formed in the lid. Accordingly, it is possible to form the receiving opening in the locking element, when the holding element is guided in the lid.

The remaining Features of the locking mechanism and / or the outlet can be implemented accordingly in these embodiments. It is crucial that the retaining element and the locking bracket in the closed position of the lid and a corresponding one Fuse position of the locking bracket cooperate according to the invention, to the holding force of the lid in its closed position increase.

A easy handling of the locking bar and a secure Closing effect can be achieved when the locking bracket at a opposite with respect to the plug-receiving opening Side of the socket housing is hinged as the lid. Cover and locking bracket fold in this embodiment So close to each other, the lid in the closing direction is biased and the locking bracket according to a preferred Embodiment of the invention then manually operated must become. To open the lid from the closed position The locking bracket can first manually against the additional holding force of the locking mechanism to be opened. However, it is also possible to use the locking bar by pulling the cover with a correspondingly high force with too to solve.

According to the invention the locking bracket at least one, but preferably two over the edge of the lid pivotable arms, which in the closed position of the lid and the locking bracket resting on a pressure surface of the lid, to exert the additional holding force on the lid.

The Contact or pressing surface between the arm or The arms of the locking bracket and the socket can in the direction transverse to the pivot axis of the lid and the locking bracket formed centrally with respect to the plug-receiving opening be. This results in a uniform contact pressure achieved, if necessary, through slots in the cover storage and the lid spring for biasing the lid in the closing direction is adjustable.

Further Features, advantages and applications of the present Invention will become apparent from the following description of Embodiments and the drawing. All form described and / or illustrated features for itself or in any combination the subject matter of the present Invention, also independent of its summary in the claims or their remittances.

It demonstrate:

1 an outlet according to the invention in three-dimensional view with a locking bracket according to the invention Zuhalte mechanism in the closed position of the lid and the locking bracket;

2 the socket according to 1 with open latch bracket;

3 the socket according to 1 with lid open and latch open;

4 the socket according to 1 with plug inserted;

5 the socket according to 1 with secured by the locking bracket connector;

6 the socket according to 1 in an exploded view;

7 a partial sectional view of the socket according to 1 in the area of the locking mechanism with the lid closed and the locking latch closed;

8th a partial section drawing according to 1 in the area of the locking mechanism with the plug plugged in and the locking latch closed;

9 a partial sectional view of the socket according to 1 with partially opened locking bracket;

10 a second embodiment of the socket according to the invention with an immediate locking mechanism acting on the lid in the closed position of the lid;

11 the socket according to 10 in the open position of the lid;

12 a third embodiment of a socket according to the invention with a locking mechanism acting directly on the lid in the closed position of the lid;

13 the socket according to 12 in the open position of the lid;

14 a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the open position;

15 a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism during the closing operation in a first position;

16 a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism during the closing operation in a second position;

17 a schematic diagram of the locking mechanism in the closed position;

18 the socket according to 1 in a three-dimensional side view and

19 the socket in the view according to 18 in a sectional view.

In the 1 illustrated socket 1 serves to connect a plug 2 who in 4 is shown. The power outlet 1 is typically mounted in the exterior of a vehicle and used to connect trailers or other electrical loads to the electrical circuit of the motor vehicle. This can be the outlet 1 by means not shown screws through the mounting holes 3 be bolted to the vehicle.

The present invention is particularly suitable for use in towing vehicles that are used in the field of agriculture or construction equipment, and can be connected to the own circuit having trailer or other machines. For the electrical supply of the trailer or machines they are with a plug 2 equipped in the socket 1 can be inserted.

In 1 is the outlet 1 shown in a state in which no plug 2 into the socket 1 is plugged in. One for plugging in the plug 2 provided plug-receiving opening 4 as they are in 3 is shown in 1 with one on the socket housing 5 hinged lid 6 sealed off. The lid 6 is biased in the closing direction and by a locking mechanism 7 additionally secured, the holding or closing force of the lid 6 raised in its closed position. For this purpose, the locking mechanism 7 a locking bracket 8th with two each one edge of the lid 6 overarching poor 9 on that in the closed position of the lid 6 and the locking bracket 7 on a pressing surface 10 of the lid 7 rest, the inventively provided additional holding force on the lid 6 exercise.

The locking bracket 8th is similar to the lid 6 on the socket housing 5 hinged, wherein the pivot axes of the lid 6 and the locking bracket 8th spaced from each other are aligned parallel, so that the pivoting direction of the lid 6 and the locking bracket 8th lie in parallel planes to each other.

The lid 6 is like 2 good to recognize, one-piece with the socket housing 5 connected lid holder 11 and the locking bar 8th via a one-piece with the socket housing 5 connected bracket holder 12 at the socket 1 hinged. lidholder 11 and hanger holder 12 can be found on opposite sides of the plug-receiving opening 4 and are arranged such that the pivot axes for the lid 6 and the locking bracket 8th are arranged in parallel in the manner described. This will make the lid 6 and the locking bar 8th from different sides over the plug receiving opening 4 worked. In 2 there is the lid biased in the closing direction 6 on the plug receiving opening 4 , The locking bracket 8th with both arms 9 is shown in an open position. Because the locking bracket 8th is biased neither in the direction of its open position nor in the direction of its closed position, remains the locking bracket 8th after opening in the in 2 position shown.

The on her the lid 6 facing side straight or plan trained arms 9 of the locking bracket 8th come in the closed position of lid 6 and locking straps 8th on rounded pressure surfaces 10 of the lid 6 for lying, with the Andrückflächen 10 in a direction transverse to the pivot axes of the lid 6 and locking straps 8th in the middle of the plug receiving opening 4 are arranged so that the arms 9 in the closed position of the locking bracket in the middle of the lid 6 apply a uniform contact pressure and achieve a reliable sealing effect.

When the locking latch 8th , as in 2 shown, opened, the lid can oppose its by a lidded pen 13 exerted preload can be opened as 3 shows. This will cause the plug receiving opening 4 with the contacts arranged therein 14 for attaching the plug 2 Approved. Around the plug receiving opening 4 in the closed position of the lid 6 seal is in the lid 6 a ring seal 15 arranged with the frontal wall of the plug receiving opening 4 as a sealing surface in the closed position of the lid 6 interacts.

In 4 is a schematic on the outlet 1 plugged in 2 shown at one of the Andrückflächen 10 of the lid 6 corresponding position a flange-like projection 16 having. This makes it possible, the locking bracket 8th to fold back towards the plug-receiving opening so that the arms 9 on the flange-like projection 16 rest and also the plug 2 in his in the socket 1 Insert inserted state with an additional holding force. This is in 5 shown.

In the following 6 are the outlet 1 with the lid 2 and the locking mechanism 7 in an exploded view showing the structure and operation of the locking mechanism according to the invention 7 explained in more detail, according to which the locking bracket 8th and the holding element 21 for generating an additional holding force in the closed position of the locking bracket 8th respectively the lid 6 interact.

The lid 2 the socket 1 is by means of a spiral tension pin 17 on the lid holder 11 set, wherein the spiral tension pin in addition a lid spring 13 , which is designed as a leg spring, picks up the lid 6 to bias towards his closed position. This is the cover 6 on the front wall of the plug-receiving opening 4 on if no plug 2 into the socket 1 is plugged in. As a result, in the plug-receiving opening 4 located contacts 14 Protected from the entry of moisture, as in the lid 6 arranged ring seal 15 on the front side of the plug receiving opening 4 rests.

However, the bias of the lid spring 13 just be so great that no serious injury (bruising) will occur if the lid 4 from his open position is accidentally released and a finger between the lid 6 and the front wall of the plug receiving opening 4 is squeezed. However, the achievable under this condition closing force is usually not sufficient to the lid 6 To keep reliably in its closed position, when the towing vehicle is cleaned, for example, with a pressurized water jet. It happens regularly that the lid 6 is lifted slightly, leaving moisture in the plug-receiving opening 4 entry. This can lead to short circuits if used later.

To the lid 6 in its closed position to apply an additional holding force, according to the invention, the additional locking mechanism 7 provided, which has a locking bracket 8th having, which means of two spiral tension pins 17 on the bracket holder 12 is articulated. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 7 a guide 18 with two axially opposite sides of the guide 18 arranged guide openings 19 on whose axes are preferably parallel to those through the spiral tension pins 17 in the bracket holder 12 defined pivot axis of the locking bracket 8th run.

In the trained in the manner of a blind hole guide opening 19 are each a compression spring 20 and a ball 21 recorded such that the serving as a holding element ball 21 against a restoring force of the compression spring 20 in the guide hole 19 can be pressed. In the assembled state of the locking bracket 8th be the balls 21 against the restoring force of the compression springs 20 in the guide hole 19 held, because the balls 21 on a wall or guide surface 22 of the locking bracket 8th support. In the closed position of the locking bracket 8th are in the wall surface 22 provided receiving openings 23 in front of each of the guide holes 19 and allow a partial escape of the balls 21 from the guide holes 19 into the receiving openings 23 ,

The guide openings 19 and the receiving openings 23 are in the closed position of the locking bracket 8th and thus also the lid 6 coaxially arranged, the diameter of the receiving openings 23 smaller than the diameter of the guide holes 19 so the balls 21 not completely out of the guide hole 19 can escape. Nevertheless, the balls with the inner wall or edge of the receiving openings act 23 together so that in the closed position of the locking bracket 8th an additional holding force on the locking bracket 8th or lid 6 is exercised by the arms 9 on the pressure surfaces 10 of the lid 6 rest and those in the lid 6 while doing so, press the ring seal on the front wall of the plug receiving opening.

This is in the 7 to 9 once again clarified. 7 shows the locking bar 8th in its closed position, in which its arms 9 on the pressing surface 10 of the lid 6 rest. In the lead 18 of the socket housing 5 with the two guide holes 19 are each the compression spring 20 and serving as a holding element ball 21 recorded, each compression spring 20 are compressed to produce a restoring force when the ball 21 completely in the guide hole 19 is included.

This restoring force of the compression springs 20 causes the balls in the closed position of the locking bracket 8th partly in the front of the guide opening 19 positioned receiving openings 23 in the wall or guide surface 22 enter so that to open the locking bar 8th An additional force must be generated, which the ball 21 completely in the guide hole 19 pushes back. As a result, an additional holding force on the lid 6 exercised without it being locked with a rigid lock, which break off in the event of excessive force application and damage to the socket 1 or the additional locking mechanism 7 would lead.

Unless the on the locking bracket 8th Excessive force is too large, the additional holding force on the locking bracket 8th overcome and the locking bracket 8th opens in the same way as with an intended opening of the locking bracket 8th by pulling on the tension surfaces 24 of the locking bracket 8th takes place on the arms 9 of the locking bracket 8th are formed in particular laterally projecting outwards.

A corresponding situation with regard to the locking mechanism 7 arises when the plug 2 is plugged into the socket and the locking bracket 8th is in its closed position. This is in 8th clarified.

9 shows the locking bar 8th in a partial open position in which the arms 9 of the locking bracket 8th from the pressure surfaces 10 of the lid 6 are lifted a bit far. In this position of the locking bracket 8th are the balls 21 contrary to the restoring force of the compression springs 20 through the wall surface 22 of the locking bracket 8th in the guide hole 19 pressed in, leaving the locking latch 8th except for a low frictional force of the balls 21 on the wall surface 22 can be moved freely. A significant additional holding force is on the locking bracket 8th exerted and in particular no restoring force acts on the locking bracket 8th towards his closed position.

In the 10 and 11 respectively. 12 and 13 is another embodiment of the locking mechanism 25 shown directly on a lid 26 . 30 a socket, not shown, acts. For this purpose, the holding elements are guided in a manner not shown in the locking bracket. The socket is according to the previously described socket 1 is constructed, but with the exception that the leadership 18 immediately adjacent to the lid holder 11 is formed, in which the lid 26 is stored. This guide, also not shown, is designed such that the guide opening in the 10 and 11 shown ball 21 and compression spring 20 each on both sides of the lid leads. The receiving opening 27 into which the ball 21 in the closed position of the lid 26 enters, is in each case in a wall surface 28 of the lid 26 formed, at which the ball 21 supported when fully pressed into the guide hole. 10 shows the lid accordingly 26 in the closed position while 11 a partially opened lid 26 shows.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS 12 and 13 shown. In this serving as a holding element ball 21 and the compression spring 20 through a flexible element 28 replaced, which is fixed to the locking bracket and a semicircular curved retaining element 29 that is in the closed position of the lid 30 in one in the lid 30 according to the shape of the holding element 29 trained receiving opening 31 engages when the lid 30 is in its closed position. When opening the lid 30 becomes the retaining element 29 of the flexible element 28 from the receiving opening 31 pushed out, for which purpose a corresponding receiving space is provided in the socket.

In the above-described embodiments according to 10 and 11 respectively. 12 and 13 So was the guide or holder in the locking bracket 8th integrated the first embodiment, so that the locking mechanism 25 each directly on the lid 26 . 30 attacks.

It It is understood that with the same operating principle, other training of evasive against a restoring force holding element possible are.

The preferred kinematics of the locking mechanism 7 . 25 is described below with reference to the schematic sketches of 14 to 17 described, being on a ball 21 is referred to as a holding element. With differently shaped, for example, rounded or bevelled retaining elements 29 however, the same function can be achieved.

In 14 is a guide 18 for those with a restoring force Fb by the compression spring 20 impinged ball 21 shown, which serves as a holding element according to the invention. With Fr, the reaction force is shown on the restoring force Fb, which according to the in 14 represented position through the wall surface 22 which is either part of the locking bracket 8th or the lid 26 is. This corresponds to an open position of the lid 26 or locking bracket 8th , In the drawn coordinate system, the axis P is parallel to the axis of rotation of the lid 26 or the locking bracket 8th formed and the axis S perpendicular thereto.

According to 14 is the ball 21 completely in the guide hole 19 added. The reaction force Fr is then opposite to the restoring force Fb, the forces Fr and Fb being aligned parallel to the axis P in each case.

Once the ball 21 , as in 15 shown, begins in the receiving opening 23 to enter, is the reaction force Fr in the normal direction to the tangent of the ball 21 at the point of contact of the sphere 21 with the wall or guide surface 22 (Edge of the receiving opening 23 ). This results in an engagement angle θ between the restoring force Fr and the axis P, so that the reaction force Fr has a force component Fa in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation P standing axis S, which exerts an additional holding force when opening the lid. This additional component Fa is in the in 15 illustrated position of the ball 21 still comparatively small, since the ball only minimally in the receiving opening 23 is included. The force component Fa increases when the receiving opening 23 with the guide opening 19 essentially aligned in parallel, like 16 illustrated.

In a fully parallel orientation of the receiving opening 23 and the guide hole 19 holding a closed position of the lid 26 or the locking bracket 8th corresponds, the ball enters 21 as far as possible in the receiving opening 23 one, the one opposite the outer diameter of the ball 21 having reduced inner diameter. In this case, the force component Fa in the direction of the axis S increases significantly, although the restoring force Fb of the spring by the deflection of the ball 21 subsides. It creates a particularly high additional holding force on the lid.

It must have a very high reaction force Fr spent on the lid to overcome the restoring force Fb Force component in the direction of the axis P to produce. This will be the very high additional holding force in the closed position reaches the lid or the locking bracket, without that in the open position of the lid or the locking bracket an additional restoring force on the lid is exercised.

The additional holding force according to the invention thus occurs selectively only in the state of a closed lid or locking bar, so that the risk of injury is minimized by unintentional closing of the lid or the locking bar and at the same time a particularly high closing force of the lid is ensured, the moisture in the plug-receiving opening 4 prevented.

18 shows the interaction of the arm 9 of the locking bracket 8th the first embodiment with the round trained Andrückfläche 10 of the lid 4 , which, as the sectional drawing according to 19 can be seen, a particularly uniform pressing force on the ring seal 15 the lid is exerted on the front wall of the plug-receiving opening 4 rests. On this front wall, an additional seal 32 be upset.

1

socket

2

plug

3

fastening opening

4

Plug-receiving opening

5

socket Outlets

6

cover

7

Zuhalte mechanism

8th

locking clip

9

poor

10

pressing surface

11

lidholder

12

cradle

13

cover spring

14

contacts

15

ring seal

16

flange-like head Start

17

Spiral pin

18

guide

19

guide opening

20

compression spring

21

Bullet, retaining element

22

Wall- or guide surface

23

receiving opening

24

pull face

25

Zuhalte mechanism

26

cover

27

receiving opening

28

flexible element

29

retaining element

30

cover

31

receiving opening

32

poetry

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 4413141 A1 [0003]
• - DE 4416992 A1 [0004]

Claims (10)

Socket for connecting a plug ( 2 ) in the exterior of a motor vehicle with a socket housing ( 5 ), in which a plug receiving opening ( 4 ) with electrical contacts ( 14 ) for attaching a plug ( 2 ) and establishing an electrical connection is formed, and with a on the socket housing ( 5 ) hinged lid ( 6 . 26 . 30 ), which in its closed position, the plug-receiving opening ( 4 ) sealingly and biased in the closing direction, wherein the holding force of the lid ( 6 . 26 . 30 ) in its closed position increasing locking mechanism ( 7 . 25 ) is provided, which is an evasive against a restoring force retaining element ( 21 . 29 ), which covers the lid ( 6 . 26 . 30 ) is acted upon in its closed position in the closing direction with an additional holding force and in the closed position in a receiving opening ( 23 . 31 ) engages, characterized in that on the socket housing pivotally a locking bracket ( 8th ) is hinged over the lid ( 6 . 26 . 30 ) is foldable in its closed position and with the holding element ( 21 . 29 ) cooperates. Socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding element ( 21 . 29 ) has a rounded and / or beveled surface for transmitting power to an additional holding force receiving surface. Socket according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding element is a ball ( 21 ). Socket according to claim 3, characterized in that the inner diameter of the receiving opening ( 23 ) is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball ( 21 ). Socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element ( 21 . 29 ) in the socket housing ( 5 ), the lid ( 6 ) or the locking bracket ( 8th ) is stored. Socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving opening ( 31 ) in the lid ( 26 . 30 ) is trained. Socket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving opening ( 23 ) in the locking bracket ( 8th ) is trained. Socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Verrieglungsbügel ( 8th ) at one with respect to the plug receiving opening ( 4 ) opposite side of the socket housing ( 5 ) is articulated as the lid ( 6 ). Socket according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking bracket ( 8th ) at least one over the edge of the lid ( 6 ) swiveling arm ( 9 ), which in the closed position of the lid ( 6 ) and the locking bracket ( 8th ) on a pressing surface ( 10 ) of the lid ( 6 ) rests. Socket according to claim 9, characterized in that the pressure surface between the arm ( 9 ) of the locking bracket ( 8th ) and the lid ( 6 ) in the direction transverse to the pivot axes of the lid ( 6 ) and the locking bracket ( 8th ) in the middle of the plug receiving opening ( 4 ) are formed.