EP3174163B1 - Plug-in device for electrical conduit - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a plug-in device, which is designed as a coupling or plug, for an electrical line comprising a housing and a mounted in an assembled state at least partially in the housing contact carrier with at least one contact element, wherein the contact carrier has a support member by means of which the contact carrier in Housing is fastened and wherein the support member has a first Fixiergeometrie and the housing has a fixing with a second Fixiergeometrie and the two Fixiergeometrien are locked together in the assembled state in a Verrastposition, wherein for the purposes of carriage in and out of the latching position, the first or second Fixiergeometrie is formed deflectable in relation to the rest position.

STATE OF THE ART

Plug-in devices are used both in the industrial, commercial and domestic area to connect two electrical lines, such as cables, with each other, the term plug-in devices of course also Schutzkontaktsteckvorrichtungen and industrial plug devices are to be understood. Such plug devices are usually made of plastic or metal, wherein in general one of the two plug-in device is male and one female. Usually, the male plug is referred to as a plug and the female plug as a coupling, plug receptacle or socket.

A plug-in device, whether female or male, generally comprises a housing made of insulating material with a connection point for receiving an electrical line and at least one electrical contact element. Around to connect the individual conductors of the electrical line to the electrical contact element, a contact carrier is provided, which the individual conductors, such as wires, the electrical line with the corresponding contact elements, such as phase to phase, neutral to neutral and ground to ground.

In order to electrically connect two lines to one another, the contact elements of a male plug-in device, as a rule connecting pins, must be contacted with the contact elements of a female plug-in device, usually connecting sockets. For this purpose, the housing of the two plug devices are designed to be connected to each other in such a way that the so-produced electrical connection is isolated from the environment, so that there is no risk of electric shock to a user.

In order to connect an electrical line, for example an electrical cable, with a plug-in device, it is necessary for the contact carrier and the housing to be detachably connected to one another, since the electrical connection of the contact elements to the conductors of the electric line is possible only in a disassembled state is. In this case, the electrical line is inserted through the junction in the housing, the individual conductors exposed and then connected to the contact carrier with the corresponding contact elements. Thereafter, the plug-in device itself is mounted and brought into a mounting state, in which the contact carrier is partially or completely disposed inside the housing and fixed to the housing to isolate the lying inside the housing electrical contacts against the environment. For attachment of the contact carrier in the housing, a support member is attached to the contact carrier, which is inserted in the assembled state in the housing and locked to the housing. The fixation of the support member in the housing, which is necessary to prevent accidental release of the latch in the assembled state, via a screwed in the radial direction in the housing and support member connecting screw, which prevents withdrawal of the contact carrier from the housing.

A disadvantage of the prior art is that the screwing or unscrewing the connecting screw in any case, the aid of a tool, such as a screwdriver, wrench or socket wrench required. To connect the contact carrier with the housing and then fix the support member in the housing or to solve the fixation so that the latch can be separated, so additional manipulations by the user with the aid of a tool are necessary, which takes a considerable amount of time in the Assembly or disassembly condition. In addition, the tightness of the housing is adversely affected by the screw.

In other embodiments according to the prior art, the support member may be secured by means of snap hooks on the housing, wherein the snap hooks engage in a locking geometry of the housing. Although the assembly problem does not arise in this case, the disassembly is much more complex. For disassembly, it is namely necessary with a, preferably pointed, tool, for example. A slot screwdriver to contact the snap hook in the locking geometry and deform so that the contact carrier can be detached from the housing. Often, this does not succeed in the first attempt, so that the disassembly before the disadvantages described above.

From the EP 2 811 580 A2 a mains plug is known which comprises a core and a shell, wherein the core consists of a first part and a second part. The first part of the core has contact elements, which are held by retaining elements on the back of the first part. The retaining elements, on the other hand, make contact with projections formed by the second part of the core, so that the retaining elements are firmly clamped between the first part and the second part. The contact elements extend into the second part, where the rear end of the contact elements is connected to the leads of an electrical cable. The cable is held in the core via a strain relief device, which can be fastened via two clamps in the second part. The first part has two detents, over which the first part by means of Latch hook of the second part with just this is connectable. In other words, the two parts of the core are locked together to prevent slippage of the contact elements before the shell is poured over the core.

In the US 4 191 443 A a plug-in device is disclosed in which a plug part is formed by a connection body and a connection housing. The connection body comprises a connection front part, which has the contact elements, and a clamping housing in which the cables can be clamped. The connection front part has two latching hooks, which are on the one hand deflectable outwardly (auseinanderdrückbar) to be secured by lateral projections on the terminal housing. As soon as the connection front part and the terminal housing are connected to the connection body via the latching hooks, the lugs of the latching hooks protrude beyond the connection housing and can be deflected inwards. As a result, the latching lugs can be latched with corresponding latching openings in the connection housing in order to connect the connection body and connection housing.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a plug-in device for an electrical line, which can be mounted or removed in a simple manner and without the aid of additional tools.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by a plug-in device according to claim 1.

The deflectability of the first or second fixing geometry of the plug-in device according to the invention is limited so that the Fixiergeometrien in the assembled state are no longer conveyed from the latching position. Only when the limitation of the deflectability is canceled by the fuse element, for example by removing the fuse element, contact carrier and housing can be separated again. Under latching position is understood in the sequence a position in which the deflectable fixation geometry is in its rest position and the stationary Fixiergeometrie a promotion from the locking position is prevented in at least one direction. In other words, in the latching position a clearance between the Fixiergeometrien be present, so small relative movements between the support member and fixing, for example, in an axial direction, be possible, or the Fixiergeometrien can play in contact with each other. In any case, it is prevented by locking the Fixiergeometrien that the contact carrier can be easily transported out of the housing.

The fuse element causes in the assembled state blocking of the support member as soon as the limitation of the deflectability is reached, so that the locking between the two Fixiergeometrien and thus the fixation of the Contact carrier is guaranteed on or in the housing. To move the two fixation geometries into the latching position can, one of the two Fixiergeometrien, such as the first, deflectable, so that the one Fixiergeometrie slides during insertion on the other Fixiergeometrie, such as the second, to reach at the end of the insertion process in the latching position locking the two Fixiergeometrien. The other fixation geometry, such as the second, however, is not designed deflectable and remains stationary throughout the insertion process in relation to the housing or to the contact carrier. For example, in this case, the support member may be formed elastically deformable to allow the deflectability of the first Fixiergeometrie or the fixing may be elastically deformable to allow the deflectability of the second Fixiergeometrie. The Fixiergeometrien can be designed as two surfaces, one on the support member and one on the fixing, which contact each other in the latching position. It is advantageous if the deflectable fixation geometry is formed, for example, of a nose and the stationary Fixiergeometrie of an eye or an edge.

Due to the securing element, the deflectability of the first fixation geometry or the second fixation geometry is limited, so that the fixation geometries do not detach from the latching position even with large, eg. Acting on the contact carrier, tensile forces and so contact carrier and housing remain firmly connected. Without a fuse element there would be the danger that the deflectable fixation geometry will release itself from the latching position analogously to the insertion process when a maximum force is exceeded. The securing element is generally rigid and can limit the deflectability, for example, by direct contact with the holding element or with the fixing element. If the first fixation geometry is deflectable, then the securing element is in contact, for example, with the holding element; If the second fixation geometry can be deflected, then the securing element is in contact with the fixing element, for example. It is not necessary that the fuse element constantly in contact with the support member or fixation is, so the deflection completely prevented, but also conceivable that small deflections are possible and the contact is made only after a small deflection, without causing the effective contact between the Fixiergeometrien is interrupted. For this purpose, the securing element may be formed, for example, as a bolt, sleeve or pin.

Thus, by virtue of the provision according to the invention of a securing element delimiting the deflectability of the first or second fixing geometry, considerably fewer handles are necessary, since no additional tools are required for assembly. The likelihood of improper installation, for example due to insufficient screwing depth of a connecting screw, is lowered. Once the fuse element is removed, the contact carrier can be easily removed from the housing again. Since no hole in the housing is necessary for mounting the contact carrier, also eliminates further sealing measures. It goes without saying that the solution according to the invention can be applied both for couplings and for connectors.

An embodiment variant of the invention provides that, in the assembled state, the securing element and the holding element or the securing element and the fixing element overlap at least in sections in order to limit the deflectability of the first or second fixing geometry. The overlap in an overlapping section allows a simple limitation of the deflection of the first or second fixation geometry, in that the securing element delimits the elastic deformation path of the holding element or the fixing element, depending on which fixation geometry is deflectable. The deflectability of the deflectable fixation geometry is limited such that the distance between the securing element and the holding element or fixing element in the overlapping state is smaller than the deflection necessary for conveying out of the latching position.

In particular, when the housing is designed as a hollow body with a first and second opening, wherein the openings are arranged coaxially and span an axial direction, a particularly simple mounting or design of the securing element is possible if the securing element inserted in an axial direction in the housing is and the overlap takes place in the axial direction. To mount the connector so it is only necessary to insert the support member and the contact carrier on the first opening in the housing until the Fixiergeometrien lock together, and then insert the fuse element, preferably via the second opening of the housing in the housing until adjusts an overlap to prevent disengagement of the latch by limiting the deflectability of the first or second fixation geometry. The insertion of the fuse element thus replaces the complicated handles of the prior art.

In a further embodiment variant of the invention, it is provided that the securing element contacts the holding element or the fixing element at least in sections in the assembled state. Due to the contact between the fuse element and the support element, the deflectability of the first fixation geometry is completely prevented, whereas the deflectability of the second fixation geometry is completely prevented by the contact between the securing element and the fixing element. The contact produced after the positioning of the securing element prevents an elastic deformation of the holding element or the fixing element which is necessary for the deflection.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the securing element is sleeve-shaped. The sleeve shape of the fuse element allows on the one hand to carry out the electrical conduction through the fuse element. On the other hand, an inner surface of the sleeve in a simple manner as a limitation of the deflectability of Fixiergeometrien, in particular the first Fixiergeometrie serve. If the inner surface of the sleeve at the same time serves as a limitation for the deflection, in other words, the fuse element can be inserted into the housing or positioned in the housing, without having to pay attention to the location of Fixiergeometrien, so that a particularly simple assembly is possible. However, it is also conceivable that the substantially sleeve-shaped securing element has one or more extensions which limit the deflectability of the Fixiergeometrien and the sleeve shape is used only for carrying out the electrical line.

To be particularly advantageous, it has been found that the first fixation geometry is designed to be deflectable and the support member is elastically yielding to allow the deflectability. Since the support member is formed as a rule, preferably extending in the axial direction, tab-shaped extension of the contact carrier, the elastic compliance can be adjusted by suitable dimensioning and choice of material of the support member particularly simple. In order to prevent a deflection of the first fixing geometry in the direction of the nearest portion of an inner wall of the housing, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the securing element is arranged in the assembled state at least in sections between the holding element and an inner wall of the housing.

A particularly low rigidity of the securing element is possible when the securing element is supported in the assembled state on the inner wall and the deflectable Fixiergeometrie is supported in the assembled state at a portion of the securing element. The portion of the securing element, which may be formed, for example, sleeve-shaped or lug-shaped extension, is usually disposed within the housing and contacted the deflectable fixier geometry bearing element, so either the support member or the fixing. By the mutual support, a failure of the fuse element can be almost eliminated.

Usually, the interior of the housing, due to the standardized shape of the plug, at least partially rotationally symmetrical, in particular circular cylindrical. The interior of the housing can also have a polygonal, for example. Rectangular or square, cross-section with transition curves. If the rotationally symmetric or polygonal section is formed in the region of the overlap or in the region of the limitation of deflectability, then it is particularly advantageous if the section of the securing element can be inserted into the housing so that the section of the securing element and the housing can slide into one another , If, for example, the surface defining the inner wall of the housing is circular cylindrical in the region between the second opening of the housing and the overlapping area, the circumferential surface of the securing element is also circular-cylindrical in the region of the section of the securing element. The same applies if the surface defining the inner wall of the housing is formed prismatically with a polygonal ground plan connected by transition radii.

Since the latching position of the Fixiergeometrien must be maintained in the assembled state to prevent detachment of the contact carrier from the housing and a, for example, axial play between the Fixiergeometrien adversely affect the attachment of the contact carrier, since the contact carrier "wobbles" in the housing, is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that contact in the assembled state, the first Fixiergeometrie and the second Fixiergeometrie.

To ensure that the contact carrier together with the holding element is not inserted too deeply into the housing but preferably ends flush with the housing, is in a further preferred embodiment of the Invention provided that a arranged in the housing, preferably formed by the fixing element, limiting element is provided for the support member to limit a depth of insertion of the contact carrier in the housing. If contact carrier and housing are pushed into one another in the axial direction, then the limiting element limits the insertion depth in the axial direction and is designed, for example, as a stop. In particular, if the first fixation geometry is deflectable, it is advantageous if the limiting element is formed by the fixing element. By limiting the insertion depth can also be ensured that the Fixiergeometrien constantly touch each other in the latching position, as a, usually axial, clearance between the Fixiergeometrien can be prevented by a corresponding positioning of the limiting element. It is also conceivable that, alternatively or in addition to the limiting element, at least one further limiting element is provided for the contact carrier itself, against which the contact carrier rests in the assembled state.

Often, generic plug devices have a strain relief component, which is usually designed as an extension of the housing. The Zugentlastungsbauteil cooperates with a screwed on the housing union nut, which is elastically deformed by the screw of the nut the strain relief, usually pressed together to clamp the electrical line and so a strain relief of the electrical line, for example. The electric cable to reach , In order to combine the strain relief of the electrical line in a simple manner with the inventive limitation of the deflectability of the first or second Fixiergeometrie, provides a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention that the securing element is formed by an end portion of a cooperating with a nut strain relief component by means which strain relief component, the electrical line, preferably an electrical cable, is clamped in the plug-in device. The strain relief component is designed as a separate component separable from the housing, whose end portion formed as a securing element can be inserted into the housing. In the assembled state, therefore, the end portion of the strain relief component formed as a securing element is at least partially within the housing, while the portion of the strain relief component causing the strain relief projects out of the housing. The electrical line is guided by the strain relief and a preferably arranged in the strain relief component sealing element. By screwing the nut is projecting beyond the housing portion of the strain relief component, which is formed elastically deformable in this section, compressed, so that a positive connection with the electrical line can be produced, which acts as a strain relief. This prevents that at a tensile load of the electrical line, the electrical conductors are pulled out of the contact element. The elastically deformable section of the strain relief component may be formed, for example, by a plurality of strain relief elements distributed over the circumference of the strain relief component.

In order to ensure a sealing of the plug-in device at least in the region of the entry of the electrical line or the cable entry is provided in a further particularly preferred embodiment that a, preferably sleeve-shaped, sealing element is arranged in the strain relief to the plug-in device by the interaction of the union nut and strain relief component at least one-sided seal. Thus, both the liquid ingress and the ingress of solids, such as. Dust, in the interior of the housing cable entry side prevented. The sealing element is also elastically deformed by the compression of the strain relief member due to the union nut and attaches to the electrical line, so that a tight connection is formed. In order to obtain a particularly good seal, the sealing element is sleeve-shaped and the electrical Conduction through the sealing element feasible or guided in the operating state by the sealing element. It goes without saying that for complete or double-sided sealing of the plug-in device and the contact carrier, the other side of the housing, such as the first opening, sealingly closes.

To fix the fuse element in the assembled state in the housing, so that the limitation of the deflectability is not unintentionally lifted by slipping of the fuse element in the axial, radial or circumferential direction in the housing, provides a further particularly preferred embodiment of the invention that the fuse element in the assembled state by means of screwed with the housing union nut is held stationary in the housing. Thus, the fuse element is fixed in a simple manner in the housing without having to provide additional elements or mechanisms. At the same time, the securing element can only be removed from the housing when the union nut is separated from the housing.

Advantageously, the entire formed as a securing element end portion of the strain relief component is received in the assembled state in the housing. So that the position of the securing element relative to the overlapping portion can be safely maintained and the assembly is further facilitated, it can be provided that the strain relief at the end of the end portion has a shoulder which limits the insertion depth of the securing element in the housing, preferably in the axial direction , In the assembled state, the shoulder rests against an end face of the housing, preferably the second opening, and is pressed against the end face by the union nut.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the fixing element and the housing are integrally formed. Thus, it is possible, for example, to manufacture the housing together with the fixing element in a casting process without the need for further production steps. Advantageously, it is in the case with Fixing element to an injection molded part, preferably thermoplastic, plastic. In alternative embodiments, fixing element and housing may also consist of different materials, for example hard and fixing element made of soft plastic or vice versa, wherein the fixing element and the housing are integrally connected to one another in the multi-component injection molding process.

A particularly easy to manufacture and easy to install embodiment of the invention provides that the first Fixiergeometrie is formed as a nose and the second Fixergeometrie has a stop surface for the nose, wherein in the assembled state, the nose and the stop surface lock together in the latching position. A contacting with the stop surface of the second Fixiergeometrie contact surface of the nose and the stop surface itself can thereby include an acute angle with the axial direction in order to increase the size of the surfaces. In this embodiment, the nose is deflected during the insertion process by the support member elastically deformed. In the latching position, in which the nose is no longer deflected but is in contact with the stop surface or when play is present in contact with the stop surface can be brought, the support member is elastically deformed back into its rest position. In order to allow the deflection of the nose in a simple manner, it can be provided that the second fixation geometry is formed as a bridge-like transition between two guide elements of the fixing. The holding element with the first, preferably designed as a nose, Fixiergeometrie can thus be performed between an inner wall of the housing and the fixing member to lock with the second Fixiergeometrie or with the stop surface of the second Fixiergeometrie in the latching position. In order to simplify the implementation and deflection, the second Fixiergeometrie may have a ramp-shaped receiving geometry, which merges into the abutment surface, so that the first Fixiergeometrie, preferably the nose, during the implementation of the Sliding recording geometry and is deflected by the receiving geometry. The receiving geometry preferably transitions directly into the stop surface.

The object set out above is also achieved by a method according to claim 15.

The inventive method is characterized in that only two steps are necessary to secure the contact carrier in the housing. In the method described, the first fixation geometry is designed to be deflectable, but it goes without saying that the method can be used analogously if the second fixation geometry is deflectable and the fixation element is elastically yielding, in that the securing element and fixation element overlap.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the insertion of the securing element until the support member and securing element in the axial direction at least partially overlap and / or fixing the securing element in the housing is accomplished by screwing a nut with the housing. With the help of the union nut, the securing element during the screw union union nut can be introduced by the screwing movement in the housing. However, it is also conceivable that the securing element is first inserted into the second opening of the housing and the screwed union nut serves to fix the securing element against axial displacement. Of course, the insertion process and the fixing process can be combined in a simple manner. By screwing the nut can at the same time a strain relief, which forms the securing element in an end portion, are actuated to clamp the electrical line in the plug-in device and seal the housing by means disposed in the strain relief component sealing element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the inventive idea, but in no way restrict it or even reproduce it.

Fig. 1

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Steckvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine horizontale Schnittdarstellung der Steckvorrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht während eines Einschubvorgangs;

Fig. 2a

eine vertikale Schnittdarstellung der Steckvorrichtung nach Fig. 2;

Fig. 3

eine vertikale Schnittdarstellung der Steckvorrichtung mit Überwurfmutter im Montagezustand;

Fig. 3a

eine vertikale Schnittdarstellung der Steckvorrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht nach Fig. 3;

Fig. 4

eine vertikale Schnittdarstellung der Steckvorrichtung, wobei die Überwurfmutter mit einem Zugentlastungsbauteil zusammenwirkt.

Showing:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of a plug-in device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a horizontal sectional view of the plug-in device in a perspective view during a slide-in operation;

Fig. 2a

a vertical sectional view of the plug device according to Fig. 2 ;

Fig. 3

a vertical sectional view of the plug-in device with union nut in the assembled state;

Fig. 3a

a vertical sectional view of the plug-in device in perspective view Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 4

a vertical sectional view of the plug-in device, wherein the union nut cooperates with a strain relief component.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the components of a connector according to the invention designed as a plug-in device 1, which comprises a contact carrier 3, a housing 2, a fuse element 5 and a cap nut 8 in the present embodiment. The contact carrier 3 has two contact elements 3a designed as connecting pins, which in the application case are each connected to a conductor of an electrical line (not shown). It goes without saying that the construction described below can also be used analogously for a plug-in device 1 designed as a coupling, in which the contact elements 3a are designed as connecting bushes. For connecting the conductors to the contact elements 3a, the contact carrier 3 may have, for example, terminals. The housing 2 is formed as a hollow body and has a first opening 2 a, through which the contact carrier 3 is inserted into the housing 2, and a second opening 2 b, through which the not shown electrical line and the fuse element 5 in the housing 2 can be inserted are. On the outside of the housing 2, a threaded portion 2c is formed in the region of the second opening 2b, with which the union nut 8 can be screwed. The threaded portion 2c extends in the present embodiment not over the entire circumference of the outside of the housing 2 but over several, here two, partial areas. However, it is also conceivable that the threaded portion 2c extends in alternative embodiments over the entire circumference. The first and second openings 2a, 2b of the housing 2 face each other and are arranged coaxially with an axial direction 13.

The contact carrier 3 has a holding element 4, which extends like a tongue in the axial direction 13 on the side facing away from the contact elements 3a. The support member 4 may either be integrally formed with the contact carrier 3 or be formed as a separate, fixed to the contact carrier 3 part. The support member 4 serves to secure the contact carrier 3 in the housing 2 in order to isolate the connection of electrical line and contact carrier 3 from the environment. How the attachment of the support member 4 is realized will be described in detail below.

The Figures 2 and 2a show the plug-in device 1 during the insertion process of the contact carrier 3 and the securing element 5. The support member 4 has a first Fixiergeometrie 6, which is formed in the present embodiment as a nose. The first fixation geometry 6 interacts with a second fixation geometry 7 a, which second fixation geometry 7 a is formed by a fixing element 7 arranged in the interior of the housing 2. The fixing element 7 is formed integrally with the housing 2, for example, produced as an injection molded part. In the present embodiment, the fixing element 7 has two normal to the axial direction 13 spaced-apart lateral guide elements 7c for guiding the support member 4 during the insertion process. The second fixation geometry 7a is formed by a bridge-like transition connecting the two guide elements 7c, and has on the side facing away from the first opening 2a a stop face 7b for a contact surface of the first fixation geometry 6 designed as a nose. The two guide elements 7c project beyond the second fixing geometry 7a in the axial direction 13 on both sides, ie both in the direction of the first opening 2a and in the direction of the second opening 2b. At the end facing the second opening 2b, the two guide elements 7c are interconnected by a transition formed as a delimiting element 7d for limiting the insertion depth of the support element 4, wherein the Restricting element 7d below the second Fixiergeometrie 7a is arranged. In addition to this, the guide elements 7c and the delimiting element 7d are spaced apart from the inner wall 9 of the housing 2 at the end of the fixing element 7 facing the second opening 2b in order to push the securing element 5 underneath.

The fixing element 7 extends in the radial direction 14 approximately to the middle of the housing 2, as in FIG FIG. 3a you can see. Also in Fig. 3a Two extensions of the guide elements 7c, which extend in the region of the second fixing geometry 7a normal to the axial direction 13 up to the inner wall 9 of the housing 2, in order to additionally stiffen the fixing element 7, can be seen. Seen in the axial direction 13 from the direction of the first opening 2a, the fixing element 7a has an opening which is bounded laterally by the guide elements 7c, on the upper side by the second fixing geometry 7a and on the underside by the inner wall 9 of the housing 2. Through the opening thus formed, the support element 4 can now be introduced into the fixing element 7 and the fixation geometries 6, 7a can thus be brought into the latching position.

In a latching position (see FIGS. 3, 3a and 4 ), the two Fixiergeometrien 6,7a are locked together to secure the contact carrier 3, which in the present embodiment is flush with the first opening 2a, in the housing 2. While the Fixiergeometrien 6,7a are formed backlash in the latching position in the present embodiment and constantly contact each other in the assembled state, may be present in alternative embodiments in the locking position an axial clearance between the Fixiergeometrien 6,7a, so that the contact carrier 3 is slightly movable in the housing , so "wobbles".

In order to explain the mode of action of the invention, the mechanics behind the locking will be briefly discussed below, which in the insertion process in time between the representations in FIG. 2 or 2a and 3 or 3a takes place, reference being made to both figures. Once the contact carrier 3 together with the support member 4 is inserted so far into the housing 2, that the first Fixiergeometrie 6 contacted the second Fixiergeometrie 7a, the first Fixiergeometrie 6 relative to its rest position, here in the radial direction 14, deflected as soon as the contact carrier 3 further in axial direction 13 is inserted into the housing 2. The deflection results from an elastic deformation of the support element 4, since the first fixation geometry 6 is arranged on a free end 4a of the support element 4. The free end 4a of the support member 4 can thus be compared with the end of a bending support with fixed clamping from a mechanical point of view. The deflection is assisted by a ramp-shaped receiving geometry formed by the second fixation geometry 7a, which continuously increases the deflection of the first fixation geometry 6 during insertion. After the maximum point of deflection, which corresponds to a certain axial position of the support member 4 relative to the housing 2, is overcome, the support member 4 elastically deforms back to its rest position, now the first Fixiergeometrie 6 and the second Fixergeometrie 7a together in a latching position are locked (see Fig. 3 ). This latching position sets in as soon as the first fixation geometry 6 has passed the ramp-shaped receiving geometry of the second fixation geometry 7a and the first fixation geometry 6 on the abutment surface 7b of the second fixation geometry 7a. In order to prevent further insertion of the contact carrier 3 in the axial direction 13, a limiting element 7d formed by the fixing element 7 is provided, which acts as an axial stop for the holding element 4. In the latching position of the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing geometries 6, 7 a contact one another and thus prevent, by the formed positive connection, that the contact carrier 3 together with the holding element 4 can be pulled out of the housing 2. In the present embodiment, the Fixiergeometrien 6,7a are thus formed backlash.

However, if a sufficiently large tensile force is applied to the contact carrier 3 in the latching position of the Fixiergeometrien 6,7a, it may lead to a renewed deflection of the first Fixiergeometrie 6, which for releasing the Verrastposition and thus to the failure of the attachment of the contact carrier 3 on the housing. 2 leads. According to the prior art, therefore, a connecting screw in the radial direction 14 is screwed through the wall of the housing 2 in the support member 4, which fixes the contact carrier 3 together with the support member 4 in the housing 2 against pulling out in generic plug-in devices 1. The connecting screw can, for example, also be screwed parallel to the axial direction 13, from the second opening 2b, through the two fixing geometries 6, 7a.

According to the fuse element 5 is provided instead of the screw, which limits the deflectability of the first Fixiergeometrie 6 in the assembled state and thus prevents the latching of the Fixiergeometrien 6,7a can solve and the contact carrier 3 together with the support element 4 at high tensile forces unintentionally from the housing. 2 is transported. For this purpose, the securing element 5 is at least partially inserted into the housing 2, wherein at least a portion 5a of the securing element 5, the free end 4a of the support member 4 overlaps.

The FIGS. 3 and 3a show the plug-in device 1 in the assembled state, wherein the Fixiergeometrien 6,7a are free of play in the latching position and the fuse element 5 is inserted through the second opening 2b in the housing 2. The securing element 5 overlaps the free end 4a of the support element 4 in the axial direction 13 in sections in an overlapping region 15. The overlap of the elastic deformation path of the free end 4a of the support member 4 and thus equally the deflectability of the first Fixiergeometrie 6 is limited. The limitation can be achieved either in that the securing element 5, the free end 4a of the support member 4th in the assembled state directly contacted or in that fuse element 5 and the free end 4a of the support member 4 are indeed spaced apart, but after a defined deflection of the first Fixiergeometrie 6 in the radial direction 14 a contact with the fuse element 5 is made before the latch detaches. In other words, in the second variant, a small deflection of the first fixation geometry 6 is possible before the securing element 5 limits the deflection and blocks a further deflection by the support element 4 abutting the securing element 5. While the free end 4a of the support member 4 extends in the axial direction 13 over the first Fixiergeometrie 6 away in the direction of the second opening 2b of the housing 2, can be provided in alternative embodiments that the first Fixiergeometrie 6 in the axial direction 13 the End portion of the free end 4a forms.

In the present embodiment, the securing element 5 is sleeve-shaped, so that the electrical line, not shown, can be guided by the securing element 5. The securing element 5 is completely accommodated in the housing 2 in the present exemplary embodiment, with an overlapping section 5a of the securing element 5 being arranged between an inner wall 9 of the housing 2 delimiting the inner space and the retaining element 4 in order to limit the deflectability of the first fixing geometry 6. The interior of the housing 2 has in the region of the second opening 2b a circular cross-section, so that the inner wall 9 is curved and circular cylindrical in this area. The circumferential surface, or the radially outer surface, of the securing element 5 corresponds to the inner wall 9 defining surface and is therefore also circular cylindrical. Due to the corresponding shape of the inner wall 9 and peripheral surface of the securing element 5, the securing element 5 can be introduced into the housing 2 in a simple manner via the second opening 2 b without an angular offset between the housing 2 and the securing element 5 having to be taken into account. The fuse element 5 and thus also the overlapping portion 5a is supported in the assembled state on the inner wall 9 of the housing 2. In the region of the overlapping portion 5a, the inner surface of the securing element 5 designed as a sleeve contacts the underside of the free end 4a of the holding element 4, so that the free end 4a of the holding element 4 is supported on the securing element 5 in the assembled state. Since the inner surface of the fuse element 5 designed as a sleeve is curved and the support member 4 is flat, it comes only in the lateral edge region of the underside of the free end 4a of the support member 4 for contact with the fuse element 5. However, this small area contact enough already to limit the deflectability sufficiently.

In generic plug-in devices 1, a strain relief component 16 is often provided, which is designed as part of the housing 2 and cooperates with a union nut 8 to clamp the electrical line in the housing 2 and so tearing out the electrical line from the connector 1 at high tensile loads prevent. For this purpose, the strain relief component 16 is designed to be elastically deformable and comprises a plurality of distributed over the circumference and spaced from each other strain relief elements 11, which extend substantially rod-shaped in the axial direction 13. By screwing the union nut 8 with the threaded portion 2c of the housing 2, the union nut 8 comes into engagement with the free ends of the strain relief 11 and pushes them in the radial direction in the direction of electrical conduction, so that with sufficient screwing the union nut 8 a positive contact between electrical line and strain relief member 16 sets (see Fig. 4 ).

According to the invention in the present embodiment, the strain relief member 16 is not formed as part of the housing 2 but as a separate, separable from the housing 2 component having the properties described above. To the inventive limitation of the deflectability of the first Fixiergeometrie 6 with the Strain relief in a simple manner to combine, with the number of necessary for mounting handles is further reduced, the securing element 5 is formed as an end portion of the strain relief member 16. The sleeve-shaped securing element 5, which is formed on the free ends of the strain relief 11 opposite end of the strain relief member 16 is completely received in the housing 2, and is used in addition to the limitation of the Auslenkbarkeit for centering and connection of the strain relief member 16. In alternative embodiments the fuse element 5 also partially protrude from the housing 2 addition. By screwing the union nut 8 with the threaded portion 2c of the housing 2 on the one hand, the securing element 5 is held stationary in the housing 2, so that the overlap in the overlapping region 15 is ensured. On the other hand, the electrical line or the electric cable is clamped by the compressed strain relief elements 11 to the plug-in device 1, as soon as the nut 8 is screwed far enough on the threaded portion 2c. Due to the frictional engagement between the electrical line and the strain relief component 16, the pulling out of the electrical line and thus a release of the electrical conductors from the contact elements 3a of the contact carrier 3 is prevented (see Fig. 4 ). In order to protect the electrical line, to unify the surface pressure and to achieve a seal of the interior of the housing 2, a sleeve-shaped sealing element 10 in the strain relief member 16 in the region of the strain relief 11 is arranged. A connection point 12 between electrical line and plug-in device 1 is formed by a rear opening of the union nut 8. In order to define the axial insertion depth of the securing element 5 or of the overlapping portion 5a of the securing element 5 in the housing 2, the securing element 5 or the strain relief component 16 has a shoulder 5b at the transition between securing element 5 and strain relief elements 11, which shoulder 5b in the assembled state abuts against an end face of the second opening 2b of the housing 2 and via the union nut 8 to the End face is pressed. In order to allow a sealing of the plug-in device 1, or the interior of the housing 2, sealing means can be arranged between the end wall of the housing 2 and the shoulder 5b. Preferably, the sealing means are attached to the end wall.

It goes without saying that the combination of strain relief member 16 and securing element 5 represents an advantageous embodiment of the invention. If no strain relief is provided or this is solved differently, the securing element 5, for example formed as a sleeve, of course, be introduced independently of a strain relief member 16 in the housing 2 and for example by means of, in this case as a cover for the second opening 2b, Union nut 8 to be fixed in the housing.

FIG. 3a shows an alternative view of the plug-in device 1 in the previously described mounting state in which in particular the locking of the two Fixiergeometrien 6,7a, and the overlap of fuse element 5 and support member 4 in the overlapping region 15 can be seen. With the exception of the electrical contact elements 3a, a ground and the connection of the electrical conductors with the contact elements 3a in the contact carrier 3, all elements of electrically non-conductive materials, in particular made of plastic, preferably made of thermoplastic material and approximately by means of an injection molding process or a multi-component injection molding process , preferably a two-component injection molding process.

In Fig. 4 the union nut 8 in the axial direction 13 further screwed onto the threaded portion 2c as in the FIGS. 3 and 3a , in the present example up to a maximum position. It can be clearly seen that the free ends of the strain relief 11 are pressed by the interaction with the cap nut 8 in the radial direction 14 inwardly to a, not shown, electrical line, such as a cable, non-positively contact or clamp. Also, the sealing element 10 is elastically deformed by the deformation of the strain relief 11 and applies sealingly to the electrical line. The second opening 2b is closed by the strain relief member 16, which clamps at its end the, not shown, electrical line. Due to the elastic deformation of the sealing element 10 or the contact produced by the deformation between the sealing element 10 and electrical line, the second opening 2b is sealed. The first opening 2a of the housing 2, however, is sealed by the contact carrier 3, which is provided with corresponding sealing means. As a result, the interior of the housing 2 from all sides against liquid ingress and the penetration of solids, such as dust particles, protected.

The preceding embodiments relate to a preferred embodiment of the invention. For the expert it is obvious that the inventive solution of the problem can also be achieved for a plug-in device 1 in which the fixing element 7 is elastically yielding and the second fixation geometry 7a is deflectable, for example designed as a nose, while the support element 4 is rigid and remains stationary during locking. Here, on the basis of the teaching of the previously described example, a securing element 5 can be provided in the same way, which, according to the invention, limits the deflection of the second fixing geometry 7a without having to carry this out in detail at this point.

The section 5a of the securing element 5, which limits the deflection of the first fixing geometry 6 in the example described above and is circular in the overlapping area 15, can in alternative embodiments overlap with the support element 4 or with the fixing element 7 and limit the deflectability of the first or second Fixiergeometrie 6,7a also, for example, rod-shaped or bar-shaped projections respectively. It is also conceivable that the securing element 5 itself is formed as a plate, rod, bolt or curved part of a circular arc cylinder and the inner wall 9 contacted only in sections, in which case a predetermined insertion direction must be maintained with an associated angular offset.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug-in device

2

casing
2a first opening
2b second opening
2c threaded section

3

contact support
3a contact element

4

supporting member
4a free end

5

fuse element
5a section
5b paragraph

6

first fixation geometry

7

fixing
7a second fixation geometry
7b stop surface
7c guide element
7d limiting element

8th

Nut

9

Inner wall of the housing 2

10

sealing element

11

strain relief

12

junction

13

axial direction

14

radial direction

15

overlap area

16

strain relief

Claims (16)

1. Plug-in device (1), which is designed as a coupling or plug, for an electrical line, comprising a housing (2) and a contact carrier (3) having at least one contact element (3a), which contact carrier (3) is arranged at least partially in the housing (2) in an assembled state, wherein the contact carrier (3) has a holding element (4), by means of which the contact carrier (3) can be fastened in the housing (2) and wherein the holding element (4) has a first fixing geometry (6) and the housing (2) has a fixing element (7) with a second fixing geometry (7a) and the two fixing geometries (6) are latched to one another in a latched position in the assembled state, wherein the first (6) or second fixing geometry (7a) is designed to be deflectable with respect to its rest position for the purpose of conveying into and out of the latched position, wherein the fixing element (7) is arranged in the interior of the housing (2), and wherein a removable securing element (5) is provided which, in the assembled state of the plug-in device (1), limits the deflectability of the first (6) or second fixing geometry (7a).
2. Plug-in device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the securing element (5) and the holding element (4) or the securing element (5) and the fixing element (7) overlap at least in sections in order to limit the deflectability of the first or second fixing geometry (6, 7a).
3. Plug-in device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the securing element (5) is inserted into the housing (2) in an axial direction (13) and the overlapping takes place in the axial direction (13).
4. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the securing element (5) contacts the holding element (4) or the fixing element (7) at least in sections.
5. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the securing element (5) is designed in the form of a sleeve.
6. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the securing element (5) is arranged at least in sections between holding element (4) and an inner wall (9) of the housing (2).
7. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the securing element (5) is supported on the inner wall (9) and the first fixing geometry (6) is supported on a section (5a) of the securing element (5).
8. Plug-in device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the first fixing geometry (6) and the second fixing geometry (7a) contact each other.
9. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a limiting element (7d) for the holding element (4) is provided in order to limit an insertion depth of the contact carrier (3) in the housing (2), which limiting element (7d) is arranged in the housing (2) and is preferably formed by the fixing element (7).
10. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the securing element (5) is formed by an end section of a strain relief component (16) cooperating with a union nut (8), by means of which strain relief component (16) the electrical line, preferably an electrical cable, can be clamped in the plug-in device (1).
11. Plug-in device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that a, preferably sleeve-shaped, sealing element (10) is arranged in the strain-relief component (16) in order to seal the plug-in device (1) at least on one side by the interaction of union nut (8) and strain-relief component (16).
12. Plug-in device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the assembled state, the securing element (5) is held stationary in the housing (2) by means of the union nut (8) screwed to the housing (2).
13. Plug-in device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fixing element (7) and the housing (2) are integrally designed.
14. Plug-in device (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first fixing geometry (6) is designed as a nose and the second fixing geometry (7a) has a stop face (7b) for the nose, wherein the nose and the stop face (7b), in the assembled state, latch into each other in the latched position.
15. Method for mounting a plug-in device (1), which is designed as a coupling or plug, for an electrical line,
    the plug-in device (1) comprising a housing (2), a contact carrier (3) having at least one contact element (3a) and a removable securing element (5),
    wherein the contact carrier (3) has a holding element (4) with a first fixing geometry (6) and the housing (2) has a fixing element (7) with a second fixing geometry (7a), and the two fixing geometries (6,7a) can be latched to one another,
    wherein the first (6) or second fixing geometry (7a) is designed to be deflectable with respect to its rest position for the purpose of conveying into and out of the latched position,
    wherein the fixing element (7) is arranged in the interior of the housing (2) and the housing (2) comprises a first opening (2a) and a second opening (2b),
    wherein the following method steps are carried out:

    - inserting the contact carrier (3) together with holding element (4) in a first insertion direction parallel to the axial direction (13) into the first opening (2a) until the first fixing geometry (6) of the holding element (4) latches with the second fixing geometry (7a) in the latching position in the interior of the housing (2);

    - inserting the securing element (5) into the second opening (2b) in a second insertion direction directed counter to the first insertion direction until the holding element (4) and securing element (5) or fixing element (7) and securing element (5) overlap at least in sections in the axial direction (13),

    wherein an elastic deformation of the holding element (4) and thus a deflection of the first fixing geometry (6) in the radial direction (14) or

    an elastic deformation of the fixing element (7) and thus a deflection of the second fixing geometry (7a) in the radial direction (14)

    is limited by the securing element (5) in order to prevent the release of the latching between the fixing geometries (6, 7a) and to fix the contact carrier (3) in the housing (2) against withdrawal from the first opening (2a).
16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the insertion of the securing element (5) is effected until the holding element (4) and securing element (5) or until the fixing element (7) and securing element (5) overlap at least in sections in the axial direction (13) and/or the fixing of the securing element (5) in the housing (2) is effected by screwing a union nut (8) to the housing (2).

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