DE102022113144A1 - CONNECTOR WITH A LATCHING DEVICE FOR LOCKING A PLUG CONNECTION WITH A MATCHING CONNECTOR, MATCHING CONNECTOR AND ARRANGEMENT WITH A PLUG CONNECTOR AND A MATCHING CONNECTOR - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug connector (100) for forming a plug connection with a mating plug connector (300) in a plugging direction (X), the plug connector (100) having at least one latching device (200) for locking the plug connection with the mating plug connector (300), wherein the at least one latching device (200) is designed as an individual part and is configured to be deflectable at least in sections in at least one direction different from the plugging direction (X), preferably perpendicular to the plugging direction (X), in order to form a latching connection with the mating connector (300), in order to lock in a locking position when forming the plug connection with the mating plug connector (300) and to lock the plug connection, the at least one latching device (200) between the locking position and an unlocking position on the housing (110) of the plug connector (100) about an axis (Y), preferably perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X), is pivotally mounted in order to release the locking of the plug connection in the unlocking position. The present invention further relates to a mating plug connector (300) and an arrangement with a plug connector (100) and a mating plug connector (300).

Description

The present invention is in the field of electromechanics and relates to a plug connector for forming a plug connection with a mating plug connector, the plug connector comprising a latching device which is used to mechanically lock the plug connector with the mating plug connector when the plug connection is formed. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mating plug connector designed accordingly to the plug connector and an arrangement with a plug connector and a mating plug connector. The connector is preferably an electrical connector and the mating connector is preferably an electrical mating connector.

Plug connectors and associated or complementary mating plug connectors are used to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals. In order to connect respective electrical conductors to one another in an electrically conductive manner via the plug connector and the mating plug connector, the plug connector forms with the mating plug connector during assembly, among other things, a positive connection in the form of a plug connection. Corresponding contact elements for transmitting electrical energy and/or electrical signals also form a non-positive connection, for example a clamp connection. One requirement here is that assembly and disassembly can be done quickly and easily. Another requirement is, if possible, tool-free assembly and/or disassembly. The area of application of connectors and mating connectors can be very different. For example, both the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be configured as a device that can be handled separately and can be connected on a respective cable connection side to a cable which comprises a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting the electrical energy and/or the electrical signals. It is also possible, for example, for the mating connector to be fixed in place on a base plate or on a printed circuit board or on a mounting strip of a control box of an industrial system.

In order to be able to meet further requirements, especially with regard to mechanical load capacity, mechanical locks are used when designing or in the course of forming plug connections, with different solutions being known.

The mechanical locking serves, for example, on the one hand to avoid unwanted detachment of the plug connector from the mating plug connector. On the other hand, an increased tensile force, for example for cable strain relief, can be absorbed by a mechanical lock on the housing of the connector. A mechanical lock can be implemented, for example, by using screws, a screw lock or a bayonet lock. Snap locks, snap locks using tabs or so-called push-pull locks are also known.

From international patent application no. WO 2019/101269 A1 a connector with a push-pull locking mechanism is known, wherein a locking and unlocking element is movably held parallel to a broad side of a connector housing and is formed in one piece with the connector housing from a resilient plastic. The locking and unlocking element has several locking arms with locking hooks. The movement required for unlocking is inversely proportional to the number of locking arms, with the elasticity still being determined by their shape, i.e. by their width.

In German patent specification no. DE 10 2017 215 788 B4 A lever type connector with a housing and a lever is described. The connector housing can be inserted into mating housings. The lever is pivotally mounted on the housing and is pivotally operable between a temporary locking position and a mating completion position. In order to ensure a secure locking function, especially in the event of the influence of external forces in the form of vibrations and shocks, the lever includes so-called lever release prevention parts with corresponding projections and grooves on two sides of the housing.

The European patent number EP 3 403 298 B1 relates to a connector with a housing which has a plug-in side and a cable connection side. There is a locking element on the housing of the connector. There is at least one latching element on the housing, which is arranged laterally to the base body. The at least one latching element is movable between a first, locked and a second, unlocked position. The at least one locking element is integrally formed on the housing and is formed from two spring arms. One end of the spring arm is connected to the housing and another end of the spring arm is designed as a free, resilient end. The at least one locking element has two openings in the area of the end attached to the housing, whereby a tool can be used to intervene in the openings on the two spring arms. By pressing the two openings together, the spring arms of the Locking element can be moved towards each other into the unlocked position.

Mechanical locks for connectors can be fundamentally differentiated as to whether an additional work step is necessary after plugging, i.e. after the plug connection has been formed, in order to activate the locking or whether no additional work step is necessary during plugging and thus in the course of training A mechanical lock is formed by a plug connection.

An example in which an additional locking step is necessary after plugging is the above-mentioned screw locking, in which after plugging the plug connector into the mating plug connector, corresponding screws still have to be tightened with a tool. Furthermore, for example, in the case of a plug connector with a snap lock, a lever must be turned over after plugging in in order to form a mechanical lock after the plug connection has been formed.

In contrast, connectors with a snap lock or a push-pull lock no longer require any additional work steps. A mechanical locking takes place here directly during or during the formation of the plug-in connection, in which corresponding components, elements or sections interlock with one another in a form-fitting manner and form a locking mechanism.

In terms of releasing a mechanical lock, this can be done without tools or may require the use of a tool. For example, screw locks require a screwdriver, whereas snap locks with push elements do not require a tool to release the mechanical lock. Likewise, the various well-known mechanical locks in the form of snap locks with tabs can be operated without tools, for example by simply manually squeezing them together, or using a tool. If there are two tabs on a connector that can only be loosened with a tool, they can usually only be opened one after the other. In order to prevent the first tab from snapping back into place while the second tab is being released, a great deal of skill or even a second tool is often necessary so that the mechanical lock between the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be released and the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be pulled apart from one another.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved plug connector which is characterized by one or more simply designed but nevertheless stable mechanical lock(s), whereby no additional work step should be necessary, especially in the course of forming a plug connection with a mating plug connector, to form the mechanical lock. Furthermore, in the case of several mechanical locks, they should be releasable in such a way that no unwanted locking takes place again. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corresponding mating connector, as well as an arrangement with a plug connector and a mating connector.

The task is solved by the features of claims 1, 14 and 15. Further exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention result from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a plug connector, preferably an electrical plug connector, for forming a plug connection with a mating plug connector in a plugging direction, the plug connector having at least one latching device for locking the plug connection with the mating plug connector, the at least one latching device being an individual part is designed and is configured to be deflectable to form a locking connection with the mating connector at least in sections in at least one direction different from the plugging direction, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plugging direction, in order to lock in a locking position when the plug connection is formed with the mating plug connector and close the plug connection lock, wherein the at least one latching device is pivotally mounted between the locking position and an unlocking position on the housing of the plug connector about an axis, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plugging direction, in order to release the locking of the plug connection in the unlocking position.

The present invention provides, for example, a plug connector which makes it possible to form a plug connection with a mating plug connector in a relatively simple manner and without additional work steps and without tools, with the plug connection being locked at the same time as it is formed. In other words, the plug connector is preferably characterized by an effective plug-in technology for forming a plug connection and a locking of the plug connection. The locking connection here is essentially one positive connection, preferably a detachable, essentially positive connection.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one latching device is made at least in sections from a resilient material, and/or that the at least one latching device on the housing is resilient and/or in a direction different to the plug-in direction, preferably in Essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction, with play and / or at least partially pivotally mounted.

By using a resilient material, the latching device or at least a section or a region of the latching device can, for example, be designed to be reversibly deformable and can return to an original geometric configuration after a deflection, that is, for example after a change in the geometric shape. Deflection can additionally or alternatively also include a change in the position, that is to say the position and/or the orientation of the at least one latching device. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately mounting the latching device on the housing of the plug connector.

It is possible for a fastening element to be arranged on the housing and for the latching device to be pivotally mounted on the fastening element, preferably pivotable with play, via a mounting plug-in section of the latching device, which is designed to be open on one or half sides. The fastening element can be designed as an individual part and thus as a separate part.

The mounting plug-in section can be configured for manual assembly of the latching device and/or for captively storing the latching device on the fastening element. This ensures, for example, easy assembly of the latching device by hand on the housing of the connector. In addition, an unwanted loss of the locking device can be avoided.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the latching device comprises a latching element, preferably a latching bracket or a latching lever, which is arranged on a side opposite to the storage of the latching device, preferably on a side opposite a mounting plug-in section of the latching device, and in that the locking element has a contact section at a free end for forming a substantially positive connection with a stop of the housing in the locking position, wherein in the locking position of the locking device the contact section of the locking element lies behind the stop when viewed from the side of the plug-in face in the plug-in direction . This can, for example, ensure secure locking by the locking device in the insertion direction X.

It is possible for the latching device to comprise a support section which is arranged between one or between the latching element and one or the mounting plug-in section of the latching device, wherein the support section guides the latching device between the locking position and an unlocking position of the latching device at least in sections along a guide section of the housing and the latching device in the locking position is supported at least in sections on the guide section in the plugging direction.

It is possible that in the locking position of the latching device, the guide section forms a stop for the latching device in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction. This ensures, for example, that the locking device can always be properly pivoted into the locking position as a defined position.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the latching device is held in the locking position via at least one cam connection between the housing and the support section. This ensures, for example, that the locking device remains permanently in the locking position and changes its position, especially if, for example, mechanical loads in the form of tensile forces occur in the insertion direction X.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the housing, preferably an outer housing wall of the housing, comprises a recess which extends at least in sections along the housing, preferably along the outer housing wall, in the plug-in direction and for receiving at least one latching section of the mating connector is configured when the plug connection is formed. In the course of forming a plug connection, a locking section of the mating plug connector can gradually slide into the recess in the plug connector. It goes without saying that the recess is preferably designed to be open towards the plug-in face or in the direction of the plug-in face.

It is possible for the latching device, preferably a latching element of the latching device, to at least partially cover the recess in a view essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction in the locking position of the latching device. This preferably realizes the locking mechanism of the latching device, after which a latching section of the mating connector can be arranged in the remaining area of the recess to form a positive connection.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the latching device on the housing is acted upon by a spring element which is configured to return the latching device from an unlocking position to the locking position, the spring element being designed as an individual part or with a section of the housing is integrally formed in one piece.

The spring element is preferably designed as a coil spring, lever spring or as a leaf spring. It is alternatively possible for the spring element to be made of a resilient plastic and preferably to be formed integrally in one piece with a section of the housing, for example with an outer wall section. This ensures, for example, that the locking device always returns to the locking position independently and remains there.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the latching device is configured for manual and/or tool-free actuation between an unlocking position and the locking position via an actuation section of the latching device, and/or wherein the latching device is configured for actuation at least from the locking position into an unlocking position is configured by means of a tool, preferably by means of a slotted screwdriver, and has at least one tool engagement section. The at least one tool engagement section can be designed, for example, as a recess or as a blind hole and preferably have a substantially rectangular cross section. The manual operation preferably represents an operation that is only carried out by hand.

It is possible for the latching device to be essentially flat and/or for the latching device to be made from a different material than the housing, preferably from a metallic material or from a plastic, which has at least a higher strength than the material of the housing and/or that the latching device is produced by at least one punching process and/or by at least one bending process.

According to a second general aspect, the present invention relates to a mating connector, preferably an electrical mating connector, for forming a plug connection with a plug connector as disclosed herein, wherein the mating connector comprises a mating plug section for forming a plug face, which is designed to be essentially complementary to the plug section of the plug connector , wherein the mating plug-in section comprises on one side, preferably on an outer side wall, a latching section which is configured to form a latching connection with the latching device and at least one sliding surface, preferably at least one substantially flat sliding surface, for guiding the latching device over the latching section and at least one Stop surface, preferably at least one substantially convex stop surface, for supporting the latching device in the plug-in direction, wherein preferably the at least one stop surface is arranged substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction and the at least one sliding surface is arranged substantially obliquely to the plug-in direction.

According to a third general aspect, the present invention relates to an arrangement having a connector as disclosed herein and a mating connector as disclosed herein, the connector preferably comprising two latching devices and the mating connector preferably comprising two latching sections, the latching devices and the latching sections each being on opposite sides of the connector and the mating connector are arranged.

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

• 1A ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei sich die Rasteinrichtung des Steckverbinders in einem demontierten Zustand befindet;
• 1B den Steckverbinder aus 1A in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei sich die Rasteinrichtung des Steckverbinders in einem montierten Zustand und in einer Montagestellung befindet;
• 1C den Steckverbinder aus 1B in einer zweiten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei sich die Rasteinrichtung in der Verriegelungsstellung befindet;
• 1D den Steckverbinder aus 1B in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei sich die Rasteinrichtung in der Verriegelungsstellung befindet;
• 1Eden Steckverbinder aus 1C in einer Seitenansicht (Seitenansicht von links);
• 2A eine Anordnung mit dem Steckverbinder aus den 1A bis 1 E und mit einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel des Gegensteckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei der Steckverbinder und der Gegensteckverbinder in einem Zustand gezeigt sind, bei welchem keine Steckverbindung zwischen dem Steckverbinder und dem Gegensteckverbinder ausgebildet ist;
• 2Bdie Anordnung aus 2A in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei der Steckverbinder und der Gegensteckverbinder in einem Zustand gezeigt sind, bei welchem zumindest abschnittsweise eine Steckverbindung zwischen dem Steckverbinder und dem Gegensteckverbinder ausgebildet ist, wobei allerdings (noch) keine Verriegelung der Steckverbindung gegeben ist;
• 2C die Anordnung aus 2A in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei der Steckverbinder und der Gegensteckverbinder in einem Zustand gezeigt sind, bei welchem eine Steckverbindung zwischen dem Steckverbinder und dem Gegensteckverbinder ausgebildet ist und wobei eine Verriegelung der Steckverbindung gegeben ist;
• 2D die Anordnung aus 2A in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei der Steckverbinder und der Gegensteckverbinder in einem Zustand gezeigt sind, bei welchem keine Steckverbindung zwischen dem Steckverbinder und dem Gegensteckverbinder ausgebildet ist und sich die Rasteinrichtung des Steckverbinders in einer Entriegelungsstellung befindet, bei welcher eine Entriegelung der Steckverbindung möglich ist;
• 2E die Anordnung aus 2C in einer Seitenansicht;
• 3A die Anordnung aus 2A in einer Frontansicht;
• 3B die Anordnung aus 3A in einer Schnittansicht (Schnitt A-A in 3A) in schematischer Darstellung;
• 4A die Anordnung aus 2B in einer Frontansicht;
• 4B die Anordnung aus 4A in einer Schnittansicht (Schnitt B-B in 4A) in schematischer Darstellung;
• 5A die Anordnung aus 2C in einer Frontansicht;
• 5B die Anordnung aus 5A in einer Schnittansicht (Schnitt C-C in 5A) in schematischer Darstellung;
• 6A die Anordnung aus 2C in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei zur Betätigung der Rasteinrichtung ein Werkzeug vorgesehen ist;
• 6B die Anordnung aus 6A in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei die Rasteinrichtung durch das Werkzeug zumindest teilweise betätigt ist und sich in einer Entriegelungsstellung befindet;
• 7A eine Anordnung mit einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel des Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung und mit einem Gegensteckverbinder gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Frontansicht;
• 7B die Anordnung aus 7A in einer Frontansicht, wobei sich die Rasteinrichtung in der Verriegelungsstellung befindet und zur Betätigung der Rasteinrichtung ein Werkzeug vorgesehen ist;
• 7C die Anordnung aus 7A in einer Frontansicht, wobei die Rasteinrichtung durch das Werkzeug zumindest teilweise betätigt ist;
• 8 die Anordnung aus 2C in der ersten perspektivischen Ansicht, wobei zu Betätigung der Rasteinrichtung ein Werkzeug vorgesehen ist;
• 9A die Anordnung aus 2C in einer Frontansicht, wobei die Rasteinrichtung des Steckverbinders in einer Entriegelungsstellung angeordnet ist, bei welcher eine Entriegelung der Steckverbindung möglich ist;
• 9B den Steckverbinder aus 9A in einer Frontansicht;
• 10A die Anordnung aus 9A mit einer dargestellten Schnittebene;
• 10B die Anordnung aus 10A in einer Schnittansicht (Schnitt D-D aus 10A) in schematischer Darstellung.

Show it:

• 1A a first embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in a first perspective view, wherein the latching device of the connector is in a dismantled state;
• 1B the connector 1A in the first perspective view, wherein the latching device of the connector is in a mounted state and in a mounting position;
• 1C the connector 1B in a second perspective view, with the latching device in the locking position;
• 1D the connector 1B in the first perspective view, with the locking device in the locking position;
• 1Eden connector 1C in a side view (side view from the left);
• 2A an arrangement with the connector from the 1A until 1 E and a first embodiment of the mating connector according to the present invention in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector and the mating connector are shown in a state in which no plug connection is formed between the plug connector and the mating connector;
• 2Bthe arrangement 2A in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector and the mating plug connector are shown in a state in which a plug connection is formed at least in sections between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, although the plug connection is not (yet) locked;
• 2C the arrangement 2A in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector and the mating plug connector are shown in a state in which a plug connection is formed between the plug connector and the mating plug connector and the plug connection is locked;
• 2D the arrangement 2A in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector and the mating plug connector are shown in a state in which no plug connection is formed between the plug connector and the mating plug connector and the latching device of the plug connector is in an unlocking position in which unlocking of the plug connection is possible;
• 2E the arrangement 2C in a side view;
• 3A the arrangement 2A in a front view;
• 3B the arrangement 3A in a sectional view (section AA in 3A) in a schematic representation;
• 4A the arrangement 2 B in a front view;
• 4B the arrangement 4A in a sectional view (section BB in 4A) in a schematic representation;
• 5A the arrangement 2C in a front view;
• 5B the arrangement 5A in a sectional view (section CC in 5A) in a schematic representation;
• 6A the arrangement 2C in the first perspective view, a tool being provided for actuating the locking device;
• 6B the arrangement 6A in the first perspective view, wherein the locking device is at least partially actuated by the tool and is in an unlocking position;
• 7A an arrangement with a second embodiment of the plug connector according to the present invention and with a mating plug connector according to the present invention in a front view;
• 7B the arrangement 7A in a front view, whereby the latching device is in the locking position and a tool is provided for actuating the latching device;
• 7C the arrangement 7A in a front view, the locking device being at least partially actuated by the tool;
• 8th the arrangement 2C in the first perspective view, a tool being provided for actuating the locking device;
• 9A the arrangement 2C in a front view, wherein the latching device of the plug connector is arranged in an unlocking position in which unlocking of the plug connection is possible;
• 9B the connector 9A in a front view;
• 10A the arrangement 9A with a section plane shown;
• 10B the arrangement 10A in a sectional view (section DD from 10A) in a schematic representation.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are marked with the same reference numerals in the figures. To explain these, reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplary embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

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

1A shows a first embodiment of the connector 100 according to the present invention in a first perspective view. Furthermore, in 1A a latching device 200, which is included in the connector 100, is shown. The locking device 200 in 1A is still in a disassembled state with respect to the connector 100 and is therefore detached from the housing 110 of the connector 100.

The plug connector 100 is used to form a plug connection with a mating plug connector 300 (see for example the 2A until 9A and 10A) formed and/or configured essentially in a plug-in direction X. The plug connector 100 is preferably used to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals via respective contact elements, of which in 1E for the connector 100 the contact elements 141, 142, 143 and 144 are shown. The connector 100 is therefore an electrical connector. The contact elements 141, 142, 143 and 144 are in turn electrically connected to a respective electrical conductor. The electrical conductors are covered with an insulating material or with at least one layer of insulating material, for example based on plastic, and are preferably combined to form a cable K (see the 1A until 1D as well as 2A to 10A).

The formation of a plug connection between the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 preferably represents an assembled or assembled state of an arrangement of the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300, in which the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 are intended and / or properly, especially to ensure the Function and safety, can be used. The mating connector 300 can be designed as a single part. It is also possible, for example, for the mating connector 300 to be fixed in place on a base plate or on a printed circuit board or on a mounting strip of a control box of an industrial system. For reasons of clarity, the mating connector 300 is only shown in sections in the respective figures.

The connector 100 has a housing 110 with a plug-in section 101. To form the plug connection with the mating plug connector 300, the plug-in section 101 extends essentially in the plug-in direction The housing 110 can, for example, be designed in one piece or in several parts. The housing 110 or at least a housing part of the housing 110 can be produced by at least one casting process and/or by at least one spraying process with the insulating material. It is additionally or alternatively possible for the housing 110 or at least a housing part to be produced from insulating material by at least one sintering process and/or by at least one 3D printing process.

The housing 110 includes respective walls and/or wall sections of the plug connector 100, of which the outer walls 111 and 112 are marked in the respective figures. The outer walls 111 and 112 delimit the housing 110 of the connector 100 on opposite sides. The respective outer surfaces of the outer walls 111 and 112 are essentially flat except for corresponding components and/or elements for interaction with the latching device 200, which will be described in more detail below. As can be seen from the illustration in 1A results, the housing 110 is characterized by a substantially cuboid base body.

The plug-in section 101 of the plug-in connector 100, together with the contact elements 141, 142, 143 and 144, forms a plug-in face 102, through which the plug-in connector 100 is characterized. The design of the plug-in face 102 is graphically clear 1E out.

To lock the plug connection of the plug connector 100 with the mating plug connector 300, the plug connector 100, as already mentioned above, according to the invention has the latching device 200. The locking of the plug connection between the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 serves, for example, to avoid unwanted loosening, for example as a result of mechanical loads, in order, above all, to ensure the safety and proper functioning of such an arrangement.

The latching device 200 is manufactured and/or designed as an individual part, that is to say separately or independently of the housing 110 of the plug connector 100. The latching device 200 is essentially flat. Preferably, the latching device 200 is made of a different material than the housing 110, for example a metallic material or a plastic, which has at least a higher strength than the material of the housing 110. The latching device 200 can be produced by at least one punching process and/or by at least one bending process. It is additional or alternative possible that the latching device 200 is manufactured, for example, by at least one forging process. Further properties of the latching device 200 are described using further figures.

The latching device 200 is pivotally mounted on the housing 110 via a fastening element 120 between a locking position and an unlocking position about the axis Y, which is oriented or aligned essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X. The axis Y, i.e. its alignment or orientation, is preferably defined by the fastening element 120. The locking position and the unlocking position of the latching device 200 on the housing 110 of the plug connector 100 are described in more detail below.

The fastening element 120 can be designed, for example, as a screw with a cylindrical bearing section for receiving and supporting the locking device 200. An external thread of the screw can be accommodated, that is, screwed, into a correspondingly provided internal thread of the housing 110. How out 1A results, the fastening element 120 is releasably attached to the housing outer wall 111 and can be used, for example, by means of a tool W in the form of a slotted screwdriver (see for example the 6A and 6B) can be removed from the housing 110 or releasably attached to the housing outer wall w 111.

The latching device 200 comprises a mounting plug-in section 202. The mounting plug-in section 202 is designed to be open on one side and includes sections of a substantially circular bore and wall sections arranged and/or designed in a substantially V-shape relative to the substantially circular bore, which are shown in the figures for reasons of clarity are not marked in more detail. With the assembly plug-in section 202, which is open on one side, it is possible, during manual assembly, to captively insert the latching device 200 onto the fastening element 120, which is preferably designed to be cylindrical in at least sections for pivotable storage.

The latching device 200 comprises a latching element 201 to form a latching connection, the latching element 201 preferably being designed as a latching bracket 201 or as a latching lever 201. How out 1A results, the locking element 201 is hook-shaped and at least partially convex on an outer end face and / or at least partially concave on an inner end face. It is alternatively or additionally possible for the locking element 201 to be essentially flat at least in sections on an outer end face and/or on an inner end face. The latching element 201 is arranged on a side of the latching device 200 opposite the mounting plug-in section 202.

At the free end of the locking element 201, a contact section for positive connection or contacting with a stop 131 of the housing 110 is formed. The stop 131 of the housing 110 is formed on the housing outer wall w 111 and extends away from the outer surface of the housing outer wall w 111, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction in order to realize the positive connection or contact when the latching device 200 is in the locking position.

The housing 110, that is to say the outer housing wall 111 of the housing 110, comprises a recess 133. The recess 133 extends along the housing 110 and thus along the outer housing wall 111 essentially in the plug-in direction X, at least in sections. The recess 133 is configured to accommodate at least one latching section 311 of the mating connector 300 when the plug connection is formed (see for example 2C ). In other words, a locking section 311 of the mating connector 300 gradually slides into the recess 133 or into the area of the recess 133 essentially in the plug-in direction X during the formation of the plug connection.

Between the latching element 201 and the mounting plug-in section 202, a support section 203 is arranged in the latching element 201, the support section 203 being convex on an outer end face, which is arranged opposite the inner end face of the latching element 201. During the transition or during the pivoting movement of the locking device 200 from the unlocking position to the locking position, the support section 203 is guided along a guide section 132 of the housing 110. The guide section 132 of the housing 110 is formed on the housing outer wall w 111 and extends away from the outer surface of the housing outer wall w 111, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X. In other words, the support section 203 guides the latching device 200 at least in sections along the guide section 132 in the course of a pivoting movement of the latching device 200 from the unlocking position into the locking position. Further The guide section 132, which is essentially complementary to the convex end face of the support section 203 and is therefore concave, serves to support the support section 203 when a latching connection of the latching device 201 is formed with the mating connector 300. The latching element 201, the mounting plug-in section 202 and the support section are preferred 203 of the locking element 201 is cohesively connected to one another and/or integrally formed in one piece.

1 B shows the connector 1A in the first perspective view, wherein the latching device 200 of the plug connector 100 is in a mounted state and thus in a mounting position on the housing 110 of the plug connector 100. In other words, the locking device 200 is mounted in a mounted state on the housing 110 of the plug connector 100 via the fastening element 120 so that it can pivot about the axis Y.

1C shows connector 100 1B in a second perspective view, with the latching device 200 now in the locking position. In this position, among other things, the contact section at the free end of the locking element 201 at least partially contacts the stop 131 of the housing 110. As can be seen from the illustration in 1C results, the contact section of the locking element 201 lies behind the stop 131 in the locking position of the locking device 200, viewed from the side of the plug-in face 102 in the plug-in direction X. A corresponding locking section 311 of the mating connector 300 (see for example 2C ), which is located between the latching element 201 and the support section 203 when a plug connection is formed and possibly at least partially contacts at least the inner end face of the latching element 201, can therefore no longer be easily released, whereby the plug connection is locked. This is described below using additional figures.

Furthermore, in the locking position of the latching device 200, the guide section 132 forms a stop for the latching device 200 in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X.

The latching device 200 can preferably be configured for tool-free actuation or operation between the unlocking position and the locking position via an actuating section of the latching device 200, for example in the form of a projection or a rib. It is alternatively or additionally possible for the locking device 200, as in the present exemplary embodiment, to be actuated or operated, at least from the locking position to the unlocking position, by means of a tool W, preferably by means of a slotted screwdriver (see for example the 6A and 6B) , is configured. For this purpose, the locking device 200 comprises two tool engagement sections 204 and 205, each in the form of a recess with a substantially rectangular cross section. The tool engagement section 205 is formed on the latching device 200 on the side of the mounting plug-in section 202 which is open on one or half sides, and the tool engagement section 204 is located on a side of the latching device 200 adjacent thereto. The latching device 200 can therefore be operated from two different directions by means of a tool W , whereby the directions form an angle of approximately 90° to one another. The arrangement and design of the tool engagement sections 204 and 205 on the locking device 200 is in 1D good to see. Furthermore, it shows in 1D that the latching device 200 is captively mounted on the fastening element 120 via the mounting plug section 202.

Out of 1C This also shows graphically the design of the plug-in section 101 with the arrangement and orientation of the contact elements 141, 142, 143 and 144 to form the plug-in face 102 of the plug-in connector 100.

1E shows connector 100 1C in a side view (side view from the left). From this illustration it is clear that the plug connector 100 includes, in addition to the latching device 200 on the housing outer wall 111, a further, second latching device 200 on the housing outer wall 112. The second latching device 200 is preferably designed analogously to the first latching device 200 and is pivotably mounted on the housing 110 by means of a fastening element 120. The mechanism of action of the second latching device 200 is identical to the mechanism of action of the first latching device 200, which is why a description of the second latching device 200 is omitted in order to avoid repetition. How out 1 E results, the housing 110 of the plug connector 100 has a substantially rectangular outer contour when viewed in the plugging direction X. The wall sections arranged correspondingly to one another, i.e. housing outer walls of corresponding width or thickness, of which the housing outer walls 111 and 112 are marked, are clearly visible. The latching device 200 is in the locking position, whereby the contact section of the latching element 201 lies behind the stop 131 as viewed from the side of the plug-in face 102 in the plug-in direction 110, that is blocked by the stop 131, which leads to the realization of the locking.

2A shows an arrangement with the connector 100 1A and with a first embodiment of the mating connector 300 according to the present invention in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector 100 and the mating connector 300 are shown in a state in which no plug connection is formed between the plug connector 100 and the mating connector 300.

The mating connector 300 is characterized by a housing 310 with a mating plug section 301. Within the mating plug section 301, contact elements of the mating plug connector 300 corresponding to the contact elements 141, 142, 143 and 144 of the plug connector 100 are arranged to form the mating face 302 of the mating plug connector 300, which in 2A however, are not visible.

The mating plug-in section 301, with the corresponding walls or wall sections, has a contour that is complementary to the plug-in section 101 when viewed in the plug-in direction X, which enables the plug-in connection to be formed in the plug-in direction X. On an outer surface of a wall or a wall section, the mating connector 300 comprises the latching section 311. The latching section 311 is configured to form a latching connection with the latching device 200 and comprises at least one sliding surface and at least one stop surface. The sliding surface is essentially flat and designed to guide the locking device 200 over the locking section 311. As can be seen from the illustration in 2A results, the sliding surface is arranged and/or aligned obliquely to the insertion direction. The stop surface is preferably essentially convex and designed to support the locking device 200 in the insertion direction X. The stop surface is arranged and/or aligned essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction X.

2 B shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2A in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 are shown in a state in which a plug connection is formed at least in sections between the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 in the plugging direction X. However, no locking of the plug connection has been implemented (yet).

How out 2 B results, the latching device 200 is configured to form a latching connection, that is to say a releasable latching connection, with the mating connector 300 at least in sections in at least one direction different from the plug-in direction to lock the plug connection. The direction of deflection is preferably essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction X and in 2 B marked with a corresponding arrow.

The deflection and thus the change in the position of at least a section or at least a region of the latching device 200, preferably at least the latching element 201, can be realized by the kinematic properties of the mounting of the latching device 200 and/or by properties of the material of the latching device 200. In other words, the latching device 200 as a whole can change its position, that is to say its position and/or orientation, due to the storage, and/or at least a section of the latching device 200 can be designed to be resilient and thus reversibly deformable. The storage between the assembly plug-in section 202 and the fastening element 120 can be designed with play in order, for example, to enable sufficient pivoting of the locking device 200 about an axis which is arranged essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X. Preferably, at least the section between the locking element 201 and the support section 203 can be made essentially from a resilient material, for example based on a plastic.

In the course of forming the plug connection, that is to say during the plugging process, the latching section 311 and here in particular the obliquely arranged and/or aligned sliding surface of the latching section 311 deflects the latching element 201 from its original position of the locking position of the latching device 200. With further movement of the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 in the plug-in direction in which the locking element 201 essentially returns to its original position after the kinematic condition of the locking section 311 no longer applies. The status of the locking of the plug connection can be seen 2C . The latching section 311 is located in the area of the recess 133 of the housing 110 or is included in this area of the recess 133. The locking device 200 is in the locking position, in which the at least Sectionally concave inner end face of the locking element 201 at least partially contacts the stop surface of the locking section 311.

This makes it easy to lock the plug connection, which can be made without additional tools. In addition, with the solution according to the invention, no special, further work step is necessary to implement the locking.

The connector 100 with the locking device 200 in the locking position and the mating connector 300 are only plugged into one another in the plug-in direction Return of the locking device 200 to the original position and / or geometric design is realized.

2D shows the arrangement 2A in the first perspective view, wherein the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 are shown in a state in which no plug connection is formed between the plug connector and the mating plug connector and the latching device 200 of the plug connector 100 is arranged in an unlocked position or is in an unlocked position , which allows the plug connection to be unlocked. In other words it results from 2D Graphically clearly shows the pivotable mounting of the latching device 200 on the housing 110 via the fastening element 120, which enables a change in the position of the latching device 200 and thus a change in the position and/or the orientation of the latching device 200. The same naturally also applies to the latching device 200 on the opposite, invisible side of the plug connector 100, on which the housing wall 112 is located. The plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300 can be separated from one another in the plugging direction X when the locking connection is released or opened.

2E shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 for further illustration 2C in a side view. The two locking devices 200 on opposite sides of the housing 110 of the plug connector 100 are clearly visible.

3A shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2A in a front view. From this view it follows that the stop surface of the latching section 311 is essentially convex and/or essentially complementary to the inner concave end face of the latching element 201. In this view, the locking element 201 at least partially covers the recess 133.

3B shows the arrangement 3A in a sectional view (section AA in 3A) in a schematic, i.e. simplified, representation.

4A shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2 B in a front view. It can be clearly seen here that the locking section 311 is located at least in sections in the recess 133 of the housing 110, that is to say the outer wall 111 of the housing, when viewed in the plug-in direction X. In other words, in the state shown, a plug connection is at least partially formed between the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300.

4B shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 4A in a sectional view (section BB in 4A) in a schematic representation. Out of 4B The result is that the locking device 200 gradually or continuously deflects relative to the housing 110 in the course of forming the plug connection or is gradually or continuously deflected by the locking section 311 via the sliding surface of the locking section 311, preferably essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X. This applies especially for the locking element 201, the deflection of which is marked with a corresponding arrow for graphical illustration.

5A shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2C in a front view. The plug connection is now formed and locked between the plug connector 100 and the mating plug connector 300. The latching section 311 is located in the recess 133 at the corresponding position and projects in the direction of the latching device 200. In other words, the latching section 311 is held in its position by the latching element 201 and by the support section 132. This avoids, for example, unwanted detachment of the mating connector 300 from the connector 100.

5B shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 5A in a sectional view (section CC in 5A) in a schematic representation. It can be seen here that preferably the locking element 201 and overall the locking device 200 are no longer deflected, but into the original position has returned, which is illustrated by a corresponding arrow.

6A shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2C in the first perspective view, a tool W being provided for actuating the locking device 200. For reasons of clarity, only respective reference numbers are shown.

The tool W is preferably designed as a slotted screwdriver and engages in the tool engagement section 205 in order to be able to pivot the locking device 200 from the locking position into an unlocking position.

6B shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 6A in the first perspective view, wherein the latching device 200 is at least partially actuated by the tool W, that is to say is pivoted about the axis Y into an unlocking position. For reasons of clarity, only respective reference numbers are shown. The locking section 311 is released primarily due to the changed position and the associated changed position and orientation of the locking element 201, whereby the mating connector 300 can be pulled off from the connector 100 in the plug-in direction X in order to separate the plug-in connection.

7A shows an arrangement with a second embodiment of the connector 100 according to the present invention and with a mating connector 300 according to the present invention in a front view.

The connector 100 in 7A is essentially identical to the connector 100, which is in the 1A until 6B is shown, trained. Additionally, the connector includes 100 in 7A a spring element 150. The spring element 150 serves to apply a force to the latching device 200, which ensures the return of the latching device 200 from or from an unlocking position to the locking position. The spring element 150 can be designed, for example, as a lever spring or as a leaf spring and can be supported on the housing 110 of the plug connector 100. It is possible that the spring element 150 is a component, preferably an integral component, of the housing 110 and is, for example, molded onto the housing outer wall 111 and/or integrally connected to the housing 110. Alternatively, it is possible that the spring element 150 for acting on the latching device 200 is designed, for example, as a coil spring.

7B shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 7A in a front view, wherein the latching device 200 is in the locking position and a tool W in the form of a slotted screwdriver is again provided for actuating the latching device 200. Here too, only respective reference numbers are shown to ensure clarity. In this view, the form-fitting receptacle or form-fitting connection in the form of the latching connection between the latching element 201, the latching section 311 and the support section 132 can again be clearly seen. Likewise, the hook-shaped design of the latching device 200 in sections is again graphically clear.

7C shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 7A in a front view, wherein the latching device 200 is at least partially actuated by the tool W and is in an unlocking position, that is to say is pivoted into an unlocking position. To actuate the latching device 200, it is necessary to use the tool W to overcome the resistance force of the spring element 150, which presses on the latching device 200. Also are in this 7C only respective reference numbers are shown to ensure clarity.

8th shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2C in the first perspective view, a tool W in the form of a slotted screwdriver being provided for actuating the locking device 200. The tool W engages in the further existing tool engagement section 204 in order to actuate the latching device 200, that is to say to pivot about the axis Y in order to transfer the latching device 200 from the locking position into an unlocking position.

9A shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 2C in a front view, wherein the latching device 200 of the plug connector 100 is arranged in an unlocking position, in which unlocking of the plug connection is possible.

9B shows connector 100 9A in a front view. In 9B A section of the second latching device 200 is also visibly shown.

10A shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 9A with a sectional plane shown.

10B shows the arrangement with the plug connector 100 and with the mating plug connector 300 10A in a sectional view (section DD from 10A) in a schematic, i.e. simplified, representation.

Out of 10B It can be seen that the latching device 200 is held at least in the locking position via at least one cam connection 160 between the housing 110, that is to say the respective outer housing wall 111 and 112, and the support section 203. For this purpose, a cam or a cam-shaped section of the housing outer wall 111, 112 engages in a correspondingly designed recess in the latching device 200 on one side of the latching device 200, which is not visible in the assembled state.

This ensures, for example, that the locking device 200 remains at least in the locking position and does not come loose by itself and pivot unintentionally.

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

Reference symbol list

100

Connectors

101

plug section

102

Plug face

110

Housing

111

Housing outer wall

112

Housing outer wall

120

fastener

131

attack

132

Leadership section

133

recess

141

Contact element

142

Contact element

143

Contact element

144

Contact element

150

Spring element

160

Cam connection

200

Rest facility

201

Locking element

202

Mounting plug section

203

Support section

204

Tool engagement section

205

Tool engagement section

300

Mating connector

301

Mating section

302

Plug face

310

Housing

311

Rest section

K

Cable

W

Tool

X

Plugging direction

Y

axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• WO 2019101269 A1 [0005]
• DE 102017215788 B4 [0006]
• EP 3403298 B1 [0007]

Claims (15)

Plug connector (100) for forming a plug connection with a mating plug connector (300) in a plugging direction (X), the plug connector (100) having at least one latching device (200) for locking the plug connection with the mating plug connector (300), wherein the at least one latching device (200) is designed as an individual part and is configured to be deflectable at least in sections in at least one direction different from the plugging direction (X), preferably perpendicular to the plugging direction (X), in order to form a latching connection with the mating connector (300), in order to lock in a locking position when the plug connection is formed with the mating plug connector (300) and to lock the plug connection, wherein the at least one latching device (200) is pivotally mounted between the locking position and an unlocking position on the housing (110) of the plug connector (100) about an axis (Y), preferably perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X), in order to be in the unlocked position To release the locking of the plug connection. Plug connector (100). Claim 1 , wherein the at least one latching device (200) is made at least in sections from a resilient material, and/or wherein the at least one latching device (200) on the housing (110) is resilient and/or in a direction different from the plug-in direction (X), is preferably mounted perpendicular to the plugging direction (X), with play. Plug connector (100). Claim 1 or 2 , wherein a fastening element (120) is arranged on the housing (110) and the latching device (200) is pivotally mounted on the fastening element (120) via a mounting plug-in section (202) of the latching device (200), which is open on one side. Plug connector (100). Claim 3 , wherein the mounting plug-in section (202) is configured for manual assembly of the latching device (200) and/or for captively storing the latching device (200) on the fastening element (120). Plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching device (200) comprises a latching element (201), preferably a latching bracket (201) or a latching lever (201), which is on a bearing (120, 202) of the latching device (200), preferably on a side opposite to a mounting plug-in section (202) of the latching device (200), and wherein the latching element (201) has a contact section at a free end to form a positive connection with a stop (131) of the housing (110) in the locking position, wherein in the locking position of the locking device (200), the contact section of the locking element (201) lies behind the stop (131) when viewed from the side of the plug-in face (102) in the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching device (200) comprises a support section (203) which is arranged between a latching element (201) and a mounting plug-in section (202) of the latching device (200), the support section (203) the latching device (200) leads between the locking position and an unlocking position of the latching device (200) at least in sections along a guide section (132) of the housing (110) and the latching device (200) in the locking position at least in sections on the guide section (132) in the plug-in direction (X) supports. Plug connector (100). Claim 6 , wherein in the locking position of the latching device (200), the guide section (132) forms a stop for the latching device (200) in a direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (100). Claim 6 or 7 , wherein the latching device (200) is held in the locking position via at least one cam connection (160) between the housing (110) and the support section (203). Plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (110), preferably an outer housing wall (111) of the housing (110), comprises a recess (133) which extends along the housing (110), preferably along the housing outer wall ( 111), extends at least in sections in the plug-in direction (X) and is configured to accommodate at least one latching section (311) of the mating connector (300) when the plug connection is formed. Plug connector (100). Claim 9 , wherein the latching device (200), preferably a latching element (201) of the latching device (200), at least partially covers the recess (133) in the locking position of the latching device (200) in a view perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching device (200) on the housing (110) is acted upon by a spring element (150) which is used to reset the latching device (200) from an unlocking position to the locking position is configured, wherein the spring element (150) is designed as a single part or is integrally formed in one piece with a portion of the housing (110). Connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching device (200) is configured for manual and/or tool-free actuation between an unlocking position and the locking position via an actuating section of the latching device (200), and/or wherein the latching device (200) for Actuation at least from the locking position into an unlocking position by means of a tool (W), preferably by means of a slotted screwdriver, is configured and has at least one tool engagement section (204, 205). Plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching device (200) is flat, and/or wherein the latching device (200) is made of a different material than the housing (110), preferably of a metallic material or of a plastic, is produced, which has a higher strength than the material of the housing (110), and / or wherein the latching device (200) is produced by at least one punching process and / or by at least one bending process. Mating connector (300) for forming a plug connection with a plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mating connector (300) for forming a mating face (302) comprises a mating plug section (301) which is connected to the plug section (101) of the plug connector ( 100) is designed to be complementary, wherein the mating plug-in section (301) comprises on one side, preferably on an outer side wall, a latching section (311) which is configured to form a latching connection with the latching device (200) and at least one sliding surface, preferably at least one flat one Sliding surface for guiding the latching device (200) over the latching section (311) and at least one stop surface, preferably at least one convex stop surface, for supporting the latching device (200) in the insertion direction (X), preferably the at least one stop surface being perpendicular to the Plugging direction (X) is arranged and the at least one sliding surface is arranged obliquely to the plugging direction (X). Arrangement with a plug connector (100) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 13 and a mating connector (300). Claim 14 , wherein the connector (100) preferably comprises two latching devices (200) and the mating connector (300) preferably comprises two latching sections (311), the latching devices (200) and the latching sections (311) each being on opposite sides of the connector (100) and the Mating connector (300) are arranged.

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