EP4222825A1

EP4222825A1 - Locking mechanism for a plug connection unit, plug connection unit having such a locking mechanism and a method for controlling a locking mechanism of a plug connection unit

Info

Publication number: EP4222825A1
Application number: EP21782924.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stephan Schabbehard; Sascha Nolte; Marc Neu; Simon Althoff; Christoph Dierks; Olaf GRÜNBERG
Original assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2020-09-30
Filing date: 2021-09-22
Publication date: 2023-08-09
Also published as: CN116250154A; DE102020125548A1; WO2022069314A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking mechanism (4) for a plug connection unit (1) comprising a first locking assembly (4a) and a second locking assembly (4'a), wherein, in a blocking position, the locking mechanism (4) blocks plugging of the first locking assembly (4a) into the second locking assembly (4'a) or unplugging of the first locking assembly (4a), which has been plugged into the second locking assembly (4'a), and wherein, in an unlocked position, the locking mechanism (4) enables plugging of the first locking assembly (4a) into the second locking assembly (4'a) or unplugging of the first locking assembly (4a), which has been plugged into the second locking assembly (4'a). The first locking assembly (4a) has a latching head (6a) having a specific geometry, and the second locking assembly (4'a) has a receptacle (9a) having a through-opening (10a) having a specific geometry, wherein, in the blocking position, the specific geometry of the through-opening (10a) is shifted and/or rotated in relation to the specific geometry of the latching head (6a) such that the specific geometries have no congruence, and wherein, in the unlocked position, the specific geometry of the through-opening (10a) is shifted and/or rotated in relation to the specific geometry of the latching head (6a) such that the specific geometries are congruent. The invention furthermore relates to a plug connection unit (1) having a locking mechanism (4) and to a method for controlling a locking mechanism.

Description

Locking mechanism for a connector unit, connector unit with such a locking mechanism and a method for controlling a locking mechanism of a connector unit

The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a connector unit according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a connector unit with such a locking mechanism, as well as a method for controlling a locking mechanism of a connector unit.

Industrial connectors form the electrical connection component between different modules in industrial production plants. Connectors support the simple and quick exchangeability of production modules or enable the installation of complex and possibly meshed infrastructures. Energy, signals and data are preferably transmitted at the interfaces. The infrastructures not only affect the electrical supply with AC and DC voltages, but also information technology and other auxiliary media such as control voltages of e.g. 24V or compressed air.

Due to the changeable production systems, based on the modularization of production lines, the infrastructure must also be significantly more changeable than today. It can be assumed that more decentralized infrastructure nodes will establish themselves in production, which are networked with each other and supply the individual production modules. This leads to changing infrastructure supply topologies. It can be assumed that non-expert personnel will also make changes to the assembly of production modules or changes to the decentralized infrastructure access. Here, the connector can serve as a safety element to rule out danger to life and limb for the operator.

To do this, the connector requires access to the safety-related control level of the infrastructure. An application example is DC voltage networks, where it is essential to prevent power lines from being disconnected. These infrastructures require connectors whose operation must be enabled by a control level of the infrastructure.

Connector locks have been state-of-the-art for decades and ensure the necessary operational safety of industrial systems. the Increasing complexity of infrastructures and the increasing performance, which is transmitted through connectors, with simultaneous operation by unskilled users, make it necessary to automate the locks. Operation by unskilled users in the field of charging plugs for electromobility is evident. In this area in particular, there are a number of applications for automated locking mechanisms that incorporate the connector housing into the operating mechanism.

The document DE 10 2016 105 975 A1 illustrates a locking device for connectors, having a first locking means and a second locking means. The two locking means can be plugged into one another and latched. At least one blocking element is provided for latching the first locking means with the second locking means. The blocking element is suitable for mechanical latching and can be actuated and released via an actuator. To prevent the locking device from failing, an actuator is also arranged in the first locking means or the second locking means. The latching of the two locking means can be released via the actuator even if the actuator fails. The first locking means and the second locking means are intended for use in a plug and a corresponding mating plug.

The known solutions have proven themselves. However, it is desirable to further develop locking devices, with greater functionality being created with increased security, a compact design and a smaller number of components.

The solution to this problem is the object of the invention. The invention solves this problem with the subject matter of claim 1 .

The object is also achieved by the subject matter of claim 13 by a plug connection unit with a locking mechanism.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method according to the subject matter of claim 14.

A locking mechanism according to the invention for a plug-in connection unit comprises a first locking assembly and a second locking assembly, wherein the locking mechanism in a blocking position allows the first locking assembly to be plugged into the second locking assembly. blocking or pulling out of the first locking assembly inserted into the second locking assembly, and wherein the locking mechanism in an unlocking position allows mating of the first locking assembly into the second locking assembly or pulling out of the first locking assembly inserted into the second locking assembly. The first locking assembly has a locking head with a specific geometry, and the second locking assembly has a receptacle with a through-opening with a specific geometry, with the specific geometry of the through-opening being adjusted in relation to the specific geometry of the locking head in the blocking position and/or is twisted that there is no coverage of the specific geometries, and wherein in the unlocking position the specific geometry of the through-opening is adjusted in relation to the specific geometry of the latching head and/or twisted such that the specific geometries are covered.

A particular advantage here is that the specific geometries are easy to produce, with blocking and unlocking being able to be made possible with little installation space by advantageously simple adjustment and/or rotation of the coding elements involved.

Coverage of the specific geometries can advantageously be easily achieved by means of an adjustment movement. This adjustment movement can be a simple linear and/or curved movement. The adjustment movement can also include a pitching movement or tilting movement. In addition, the adjustment movement can also be a twisting movement or pivoting movement. Of course, a combination of an adjustment movement and a twisting movement or pivoting movement is also conceivable.

A plug connection unit according to the invention with a first plug connector and a second plug connector has the locking mechanism described. In this way, such a locking mechanism can be fully integrated in the connector.

A method according to the invention for controlling a locking mechanism of the connector unit described comprises the following method steps: (S1) detecting information on a first connector that is to be mated with a second connector, the information on the first connector being read by an identification device of the second connector from an identification element of the first connector can be read the; (S2) Comparing the information read out in this way with data previously stored in a controller for the second plug connection and adjusting and/or rotating the locking mechanism from a blocking position into an unlocking position in relation to a locking axis by means of a drive unit if the comparison involves releasing the first plug connector for mating with the second connector, or leaving the locking mechanism in the blocked position if the comparison has not revealed a release of the first connector for mating with the second connector. (S3) Mating the first connector with the second connector if the comparison has resulted in a release of the first connector for mating with the second connector, and adjusting and/or rotating the locking mechanism from the unlocked position to the blocking position in relation to the locking axis by means of the drive unit.

This creates what is known as a fail-safe mechanism which, under all operating conditions, prevents the plug connection from being plugged in or unplugged in the event of a power or information failure (except for the mechanical emergency unlocking/emergency locking).

Further advantageous configurations can be found in the remaining dependent claims.

In one embodiment, the specific geometry of the through-opening of the locking head is an outer contour of the locking head, and the specific geometry of the through-opening of the receptacle is an inner contour of the through-opening of the receptacle. This results in an advantageous space-saving design.

A particular advantage results from the mechanical coding of the locking mechanism through different geometries of the locking head (similar to a key) to mechanically avoid impermissible combinations.

This is also particularly advantageous since existing connector housings can be used without reducing the degree of protection of the connector unit.

A further embodiment provides that a receiving shaft with the receptacle is mounted in a bearing housing in which one of the two locking assemblies can be adjusted and/or rotated with respect to a locking axis. A wave is advantageously easy to store in a housing. In addition, the housing can consist of two parts that are connected by latching. This advantageously reduces installation space and assembly time.

In yet another embodiment, the take-up shaft interacts with the take-up with a drive unit which is coupled to the take-up shaft. In this way, blocking and unlocking can advantageously be automated.

It is also advantageous if the take-up shaft is coupled to the drive unit via a gear train. Transmissions of this type are available on the market at low cost and with high quality. In addition, different drive units can be adapted to the mechanics in this way.

The drive unit can be an electromotive, electromagnetic or pneumatic drive unit. These drives are also available on the market at low cost and with high quality.

For a purely mechanical actuation (emergency actuation) to enable plugging (startup) or separating (emergency, malfunction of the plug connector), the receiving shaft can be adjustable and/or rotatable with respect to its locking axis using a tool.

The latching head can also be adjustable and/or rotatable in relation to a locking axis by means of a tool. This is advantageous because in this way either the receiving shaft or the locking head can be reached for emergency actuation, depending on the installation position.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking head is connected to a stub shaft, which is mounted in a bearing housing of the other of the two locking assemblies so that it can be adjusted and/or rotated. In this way, the advantage is made possible that simple storage can take place in a housing made of two parts, as in the case of the take-up shaft. This housing can also be closed, for example, by latching.

The latching head alone or in connection with the stub shaft is arranged in the associated housing so that it can be adjusted and/or rotated in a sluggish manner in order to prevent unwanted adjustment and/or rotation from taking place. Adjustment and/or twisting is therefore only possible with a suitable tool. borrowed. An additional braking element is also conceivable, which is released with the tool in the event of an emergency operation.

Another embodiment provides that the locking mechanism has an identification device and at least one identification element, the identification device being arranged in one locking assembly and the at least one identification element being arranged in the other locking assembly. This results in the advantage that automatic control can be made possible.

It is advantageous if the locking mechanism has a display device for a status of a plug connector, since in this way there are clear signs that failed attempts to connect actions can be avoided.

A further embodiment provides that the locking mechanism has a central and/or decentralized control of the drive unit, the identification device and the display device. This achieves an advantageous release via the electrical control element/the (de-)central control intelligence.

The plug connection unit can have a detection device which detects the position of a plug connector that has been inserted sufficiently deeply. This increases the security of the plug-in connection unit.

In a further embodiment of the method, it is provided that in the method step (S2) comparison, a display device on the second connector indicates that mating of the first connector with the second connector is possible if the comparison means that the first connector is released for mating with the second connector has resulted, or that mating the first connector with the second connector is not possible if the comparison has not resulted in a release of the first connector for mating with the second connector. This results in advantageous security in order to recognize the status early and, if necessary, to take appropriate measures such as using suitable or suitable connectors.

Yet another embodiment of the method provides that in method step (S3) the position of a sufficiently deeply inserted connector is detected before the locking mechanism is adjusted and/or rotated the unlocking position takes place in the blocking position in relation to the locking axis by means of the drive unit. This is advantageous for automating the locking process.

The following advantages result.

- A locking/blocking mechanism fully integrated into the connector

- Use of existing connector housing without reducing the degree of protection

- Mechanism for blocking a mating process

- Mechanism to avoid pulling

- Detection of the sufficiently deep inserted plug in the socket

- Automatic activation of the release via an electrical control element/(de-)central control intelligence

- Concept for modular connectors (small design, upgradeable, configurable)

- Purely mechanical actuation (emergency actuation) to enable mating (commissioning) or unmating (emergency, connector malfunction)

- Mechanical coding of the locking by different geometries of the locking head (similar to a key) to mechanically avoid impermissible combinations

- Fail-safe mechanism which, under all operating conditions, prevents plugging or unplugging of the plug connection in the event of a power or information failure (except for the mechanical emergency unlocking/emergency locking).

The invention is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a plug connection unit according to the invention with a locking mechanism according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a first plug connector of the plug connection unit according to the invention according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a second plug connector of the plug connection unit according to the invention according to FIG. 1 ; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a locking assembly of the first connector shown in Figures 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the assembled plug-in connection unit according to FIG. 1 ; and

6 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention.

The terms "top", "bottom", "left", "right" relate to the respective arrangement of the components in the figures.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a plug connection unit 1 according to the invention with a locking mechanism 4 according to the invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a first plug connector 2 of the plug connection unit 1 according to FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a second plug connector 3 of the plug connection unit 1 according to the invention according to FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a locking assembly 4a of the first plug connector 2 according to FIGS. FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the mated connector unit 1 according to FIG. 1.

The connector unit 1 comprises a first connector 2, a second connector 3 and the locking mechanism 4.

The connectors 2, 3 each have a housing 2a, 3a and a frame 2b, 3b arranged therein. The frame 2b, 3b serves as a support for various applications, e.g. with electrically conductive plug contacts, socket contacts, optical, pneumatic, hydraulic connections and the like.

The housing 2a of the first connector 2 is designed here as a type of hood, which has an open plug-in side 2c and a cover 2f opposite this plug-in side 2c. The cover 2f and attached side parts form the housing 2a of the first connector 2.

The locking mechanism 4 has two locking assemblies 4a, 4'a. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first locking assembly 4a is fastened in the frame 2b of the first connector 2 and the second locking assembly 4'a is fastened in the frame 3b of the second connector 3.

The locking mechanism 4 can also be used and/or retrofitted in other types of plug-in connection units than the plug-in connection unit 1 shown here only as an example.

The first locking assembly 4a is fixed here in the first connector 2 in its frame 2b. This attachment can e.g. by latching or screwing or the like. take place. Together with the frame 2b, the first locking assembly 4a is inserted through an open plug-in side 2c into the housing 2a of the first connector 2 and fastened therein in a manner not shown in detail. This can also be done, for example, by locking.

The first locking assembly 4a comprises a bearing housing 5, 5a and a key shaft 6 (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 4, Fig. 5).

The bearing housing 5, 5a consists of two halves which are separated or assembled in a plane which lies in a locking axis 7. The locking axis 7 is at the same time a central axis of the key shaft 6. Each half of the bearing housing 5, 5a has an approximately square bearing section 5c with a bearing 5b. An elongate, rectangular guide section 5d is formed centrally in each case on an end face of the square bearing section 5c, which points away from the plug-in side 2c of the housing 2a.

The key shaft 6 has a locking head 6a formed on one end of a central cylindrical body 6b. The locking head 6a has a specific shape and outer contour, which will be described in more detail below. In the end regions of the cylindrical body 6b, a circumferential collar 6c is attached in each case. An outside diameter of the collar 6c is about 1.5 times as large as an outside diameter of the cylindrical body 6b. The other end of the cylindrical body 6b is provided as a driving end 6d with a slot 6e for a tool 17 such as a screwdriver.

The key shaft 6 is arranged between the halves of the bearing housing 5, 5a by means of the bearing 5b in the square bearing section 5c. The latching head 6a protrudes from the opening of the mating side 2c of the first connector 2 by a certain amount. This is described in more detail below. The drive end 6d of the key shaft 6 is then arranged pointing towards the cover 2d of the housing 2a in a bore in a transition of the square bearing section 5c to the elongated guide section 5d of the bearing housing 5, 5a.

The key shaft 6 with the locking head 6a can be adjusted by means of different adjustment movements. The illustrated embodiment shows a twisting movement or a pivoting movement. It is also possible that a rectilinear adjustment movement can be carried out in combination with a twisting movement.

The bearing 5b here consists of ribs that run transversely to the locking axis 7 . These ribs also have the task of stiffening the bearing housing 5, 5a. The collars 6c of the key shaft 6 are axially fixed between these ribs so that the key shaft 6 is axially fixed. Furthermore, the key shaft 6 with its body 6b and its collar 6c is arranged in the bearing 5b so that it is difficult to rotate in such a way that the key shaft 6 can only be turned in an emergency with the tool 17 provided for this purpose from the side of the cover 2f of the housing 2a of the first connector 2 can (Fig. 5). An opening 2d in the cover 2f of the housing 2a is used for this purpose, which is closed, for example, by a suitable plug which, for example, can only be removed with the tool 17.

Then the tool is inserted through the opening 2d in the guide portion 5d of the bearing housing 5, 5a in the direction of the locking axis 7 until it comes into engagement with the slot 6d of the driving end 6d of the key shaft 6. This is clearly shown in FIG.

Two bolts 2e are attached to the long sides of the housing 2a of the first connector 2, which interact on each side with a locking bracket 3d of the second connector 3 in the mated state and hold the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 firmly together.

The second locking assembly 4'a is fastened here in the second connector 3 in its frame 3b (FIG. 1, FIG. 3, FIG. 5). This attachment can be done by latching, screwing, etc., for example. Together with the frame 3b, the second locking subassembly 4'a is inserted through an open plug-in side 3c into the housing 3a of the second connector 3 and is not shown in detail way attached in this. This can also be done, for example, by latching and/or screwing.

The second locking assembly 4'a comprises a bearing housing 8, 8a, a receiving shaft 9, a drive shaft 13, a transmission, preferably a gear transmission, and a drive unit 14.

The bearing housing 8, 8a consists of two substantially square halves which are separated or assembled in a plane which lies in a locking axis T. The locking axis T is at the same time a central axis of the receiving shaft 9. When the plug-in connection unit 1 is plugged together, the locking axes 7 and 7' form a common axis.

Each half of the bearing housing 8, 8a has a bearing 8b. The bearing 8b also consists of ribs running transversely to the locking axis T. Here, too, these ribs have the additional function of stiffening the bearing housing 8, 8a. A bearing bore 8c is formed centrally on an end face of the bearing housing 8, 8a, which faces towards the plug-in side 3c of the housing 3a.

The receiving shaft 9 comprises a hollow-cylindrical seat 9a, a hollow-cylindrical body 9b and a circumferential collar 9c.

The receptacle 9a has a cylindrical interior space 9d, which is covered with a plate section 10 in an end region of the receptacle 9a toward the insertion side 3c. In the plate portion 10, a through hole 10a is formed. The through opening 10a has a specific shape, i.e. inner contour, which corresponds to the outer contour of the latching head 6a of the key shaft 6.

In the example shown, the specific shape is an outer contour with the geometry of an elongated hole, the longitudinal axis of which runs transversely to the locking axis T. In the axial direction of the locking axis 7', the plate section 10 has a wall thickness which is approximately 1.5 times as thick as the peripheral wall of the interior 9d of the receptacle 9a.

The interior 9d also communicates with an interior 9e of the hollow-cylindrical body 9b. This inner space 9e has an inner profile, for example a square, a hexagon or the like. The circumferential collar 9c is integrally formed on the end of the body 9b of the receiving shaft 9 opposite the receptacle 9a. The outside diameter of the collar 9c roughly corresponds to an outside diameter of the receptacle 9a, an outer diameter of the body 9b being smaller than the outer diameter of the collar 9c.

The receiving shaft 9 with the receptacle 9a can be adjusted by means of different adjustment movements. The illustrated embodiment shows a twisting movement or a pivoting movement. It is also possible that a rectilinear adjustment movement can be carried out in combination with a twisting movement.

The receiving shaft 9 is rotatably supported in the bearing housing 8, 8a in the bearing 8b, with the receptacle 9a being received in the bearing bore 8c. The collar 9c serves as a stop on a rib R of the bearing 8b. Between this rib R and the socket 9a, a spring element 15 is arranged around the body 9b, which prestresses the socket shaft 9 in the direction of the locking axis 7' towards the plug-in side 3c in relation to the bearing 8b (Fig. 5). In this way, the seat 9a protrudes from a plane of the mating side 3c of the second connector 3 in order to cooperate with the latching head 6a of the key shaft 6 of the first connector 2. This is explained in more detail below.

The drive shaft 13 has a coupling section 13a and a drive toothing 13b. The coupling section 13a has a rectangular, preferably square, cross-section with beveled longitudinal edges and is inserted into the interior space 9e of the receiving shaft 9. The profile of the interior 9e corresponds to the outer profile of the coupling section 13a of the drive shaft 13 and transmits torque from the drive shaft 13 to the receiving shaft 9.

The drive toothing 13b, here in the form of a spur gear, is attached to the free end of the coupling section 13a of the drive shaft 13 protruding from the interior space 9e of the receiving shaft 9 . The drive shaft 13 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 8b via the receiving shaft 9 and a bore BR.

A hub of the drive toothing 13b has a receptacle 13c for a tool 17' (FIG. 5). The receptacle 13c can be a hexagon socket, for example. An emergency release or an emergency locking of the locking mechanism is possible with the tool 17', in that the receiving shaft 9 can be rotated with the tool 17'.

The drive toothing 13b is in engagement with a pinion 14b. The pinion 14b is attached to an output shaft 14a of the drive unit 14 in a torque-proof manner. The drive unit 14 can be, for example, an electric stepper motor, an electric geared motor, an electromagnetic actuator, an electromagnetic rotary switch drive, or the like. A compressed air or hydraulic drive is also conceivable.

The drive unit 14 has the function of turning or pivoting the second locking assembly 4'a of the locking mechanism from a locking or blocking position into an unlocking or plugging position and back again. This is described further below.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the locking assembly 4a of the first connector 2 according to Fig. 1 and 2 with an enlarged representation of the locking head 6a of the key shaft 6.

The shape of the latching head 6a is one possible embodiment, but is not limited to this shape and geometry.

The latching head 6a includes a base portion 6f, an intermediate portion 6g and an end face 6h. In this example, the base section 6f has the shape, i.e. the outer contour, of a rounded feather key with an underside 6i. On the side opposite the underside 6i, the intermediate section 6g is integrally formed on the base section 6f in the direction of the plug-in side 2c. The intermediate section 6g has circumferential inclined surfaces and the end surface 6h, which also has a shape of a round-ended feather key.

The latching head 6a protrudes in the direction of the locking axis 7 from an end face 5e of the bearing housing 5, 5a in the direction of the plug-in side 2c (FIG. 1).

An intermediate section of the body 6b of the key shaft 6 between the collar 6c located at the locking head 6a (clearly visible in FIG. 5) and the bottom side 6i of the locking head 6a is arranged in a bore 5g in the bearing 5b of the bearing housing 5, 5a. A recess 5f, which is formed coaxially to the bore 5g in the wall with the end face 5e of the bearing housing 5, 5a, has a diameter that is larger than the imaginary longitudinal axis of the bottom section 6f of the locking head 6a and with the outer diameter of the receptacle 9a the take-up shaft 9 corresponds. When the plug-in connection unit 1 is plugged together, an end area of the receptacle 9a is arranged with the plate section 10 in the recess 5f (FIG. 5). In the locking position of the locking mechanism, the receptacle 9a of the receptacle shaft 9 is rotated about the locking axis 7' such that the locking head 6a of the key shaft 6 cannot be inserted into the receptacle 9a through the through-opening 10a of the plate section 10. For example, in the case of the geometry of the slot of the through-opening 10a, the imaginary longitudinal axis of the slot of the through-opening 10a is pivoted by 90° about the locking axis T in relation to the imaginary longitudinal axis of the locking head 6a. In other words, in the locking position there is no overlap between the inner contour of the through opening 10a and the outer contour of the locking head 6a.

In the unlocked position or plugged-in position, the receptacle 9a of the receiving shaft 9 is rotated about the locking axis 7' in such a way that the locking head 6a of the key shaft 6 can be inserted into the receptacle 9a through the through-opening 10a of the plate section 10. For example, in the case of the geometry of the slot in the through-opening 10a, the imaginary longitudinal axis of the slot in the through-opening 10a is pivoted parallel to the imaginary longitudinal axis of the latching head 6a. In other words, the inner contour of the through opening 10a and the outer contour of the latching head 6a coincide.

In Fig. 5, the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are plugged together. The locking head 6a of the key shaft 6 is accommodated in the interior space 9d of the receptacle 9a of the receptacle shaft 9. The end section of the receptacle 9a with the plate section 10 is arranged in the recess 5f of the end face 5e of the bearing housing 5, 5a. Furthermore, the plate section 10 is arranged between the underside 6i of the locking head 6a (FIG. 4) and a wall of the bearing housing 5, 5a, in which the bore 5g for the key shaft 6 is formed.

When the first connector 2 is mated with the second connector 3 as shown in Fig. 5 and the latching head 6a is arranged in the receptacle 9a, the receptacle 9a with the receptacle shaft 9 is rotated again by 90° with respect to the latching head 6a by means of the drive unit 14 twisted into a blocking position. The through opening 10a, designed as a slot, of the plate section 10 of the receptacle 9a also rotates between the bottom side 6i of the locking head 6a and the bearing housing 5, 5a in the recess 5f. In this way, the imaginary longitudinal axes of the through opening 10a of the plate section 10 of the receptacle 9a and of the base section 6f of the locking head 6a no longer run parallel but at right angles to one another. This means that the first connector 2 can no longer be pulled out of the second connector 3 . The connector binding unit 1 is locked. A further locking security of the plug-in connection unit 1 is given by the locking clip 3d in cooperation with the bolts 2e.

A hub of the drive toothing 13b has a receptacle 13c for a tool 17' (FIG. 5). The receptacle 13c can be a hexagon socket, for example. Emergency unlocking or emergency locking of the locking mechanism 4 is possible with the tool 17', in that the receiving shaft 9 can be rotated with the tool 17'.

A further emergency unlocking or an emergency locking of the locking mechanism 4 is also possible in that the tool 17 can be used to turn the key shaft 6 with the locking head 6a.

The locking mechanism 4 of the connector unit 1 is also equipped with an identification device 16, which is shown only symbolically in FIG. The identification device 16 is assigned here to the second locking assembly 4'a and has an antenna which interacts with an identification element 16a, which is not shown but is easy to imagine, of the first locking assembly 4a. The identification element 16a is installed in the latching head 6a of the key shaft 6 here only by way of example (FIG. 4). It can also be arranged at another location of the first locking assembly 4a, for example in the bearing housing 5, 5a.

The identification element 16a is an RFID module, for example, in which information about the first connector 2 is stored. The identification device 16 enters into wireless communication with the identification element 16a when the first connector 2 comes close to the second connector 3 for an intended insertion process. Then the information of the identification element 16a is read out by the identification device 16 and a check is made as to whether the first connector 2 is intended or suitable for mating with the second connector 3 .

If mating is permitted in this way, the second locking assembly 4'a is moved from a previous blocking position, in which mating of the first connector 2 to the second connector 3 is not possible, by a controller using the drive unit 14 to the unlocked position as described above misaligned. The first connector 2 can now be plugged into the second connector 3 . If this plug-in process has ended correctly, this is detected by a further detection device, which is not shown but is conceivable, for example a limit switch. Guide devices F, F′ (FIG. 1) that are not explained further here can be used for this purpose. The drive unit 14 is then prompted by the controller to reset the second locking assembly 4'a from the unlocked position back into the blocking position as described above. In this way, the assembled plug-in connection unit 1 is secured against a separation of the first plug-in connector 2 from the second plug-in connector 3 .

In the event that mating is not permitted by the identification device 16, the locking mechanism 4 remains in the blocking position. Plugging the connector unit 1 together is therefore not possible.

The control, the identification device 16 and the drive unit 14 can be supplied with electrical energy in different ways by electrical supply lines in the second plug connector 3 . Rechargeable electrical power storage devices are also possible. Inductively transmitted electrical supply energy is also conceivable.

The controller can, for example, have a microcomputer in the plug-in connection unit 1, e.g. in the second plug-in connector 3, for example integrated in the drive unit 14. It is also possible for the controller to be arranged decentrally as part of a higher-level control device, in which case the microcomputer in the plug-in connection unit 1 can be connected to the higher-level control device.

A display device 11 , 12 is provided for quick identification of the position of the locking mechanism 4 or the second locking assembly 4 ′ a in the second connector 3 .

The two display devices 11, 12 are installed in an end face 8d of the bearing housing 8, 8a of the second locking assembly 4'a. These can be designed as red and green LEDs, for example. When the green LED lights up, it indicates the unlocked position for plugging the first connector 2 into the second connector 3 if the previous check by means of the identification device 16 resulted in a release. If such a release is not present, the red LED lights up and indicates the blocked position. a collision It is not possible to bend, since the second locking assembly 4'a prevents plugging together due to its blocking position.

6 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the invention for controlling a locking mechanism 4 of a plug connection unit 1.

In a first method step S1, information about a first connector 2 that is to be plugged into a second connector 3 is recorded. The information of the first connector 2 is read out by the identification device 16 of the second connector 3 from an identification element 16a of the first connector 2 .

Then the information read out in this way is compared with data previously stored in a controller for the second plug connection 3 in a second method step S2. Based on this comparison, a decision is made as to whether the first connector 2 intended for mating may be connected to the second connector 3 . If plugging can be made possible in this way, the locking mechanism 4, i.e. here the second locking assembly 4'a, is moved and/or rotated from a blocking position to an unlocking position, with the drive unit 14 being used to loosen the receiving shaft 9 with the receptacle 9a the blocking position in the unlocking position about the locking axis 7 'is adjusted and / or rotated. If the comparison does not result in a release for mating, the locking mechanism 4, i.e. here the receptacle 9a, remains in the blocked position.

In a third method step S3, the locking mechanism is moved and/or rotated from the unlocked position into the blocked position.

In the third method step S3, the position of a sufficiently deeply inserted connector 2, 3 is also detected before the locking mechanism 4, i.e. the receiving shaft 9 with the receptacle 9a, is adjusted and/or rotated from the unlocked position to the blocked position in relation to the locking axis takes place by means of the drive unit 14.

When the connector unit 1 is pulled apart, the locking mechanism, ie here the locking assembly 4'a of the second connector 3, is automatically placed back into the blocking position, causing an erroneous ches mating with other connectors that have no identification element 16a, for example, is prevented.

The invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiment described above, but can be modified within the scope of the claims.

It is conceivable, for example, that the first connector 2 can also have a motorized drive unit, which adjusts the latching head 6a. In this way, combined adjustment movements and/or twisting movements of receptacle 9a and latching head 6a can be implemented.

Reference List

Connector unit 1

Connector 2, 3

housing 2a, 3a

frames 2b, 3b

Mating side 2c, 3c

opening 2d

Bolt 2e

cover 2f

Lock strap 3d

locking mechanism 4

Latch assembly 4a, 4'a

Bearing housing 5, 5a

Storage 5b

Storage section 5c

Guide section 5d

face 5e

recess 5f

Bore 5g

key shaft 6

locking head 6a

body 6b

collar 6c

Drive end 6d

Slot 6e

base section 6f

intermediate section 6g

face 6h

bottom side 6i

Lock axis 7, T

Bearing housing 8, 8a

Storage 8b

Bearing bore 8c

Take-up shaft 9

Recording 9a

body 9b

drive end 9c

interior 9d plate section 10

through hole 10a

Display device 11, 12

Drive shaft 13

coupling section 13a

Drive teeth 13b

Recording 13c

Drive unit 14

output 14a

pinion 14b

Spring element 15

Identification device 16

Identification element 16a

Tool 17, 17'

Bore BR

Guide device F, F'

Rib R

Process step S1, S2, S3

Claims

Expectations

1 . Locking mechanism (4) for a connector unit (1), having a first locking assembly (4a) and a second locking assembly (4'a), wherein the locking mechanism (4) in a blocking position plugging the first locking assembly (4a) into the second locking assembly ( 4'a) or a pulling out of the first locking assembly (4a) inserted into the second locking assembly (4'a), and wherein the locking mechanism (4) in an unlocking position blocks the first locking assembly (4a) from being plugged into the second locking assembly (4' a) or allows the first locking assembly (4a) inserted into the second locking assembly (4'a) to be pulled out, characterized in that the first locking assembly (4a) has a latching head (6a) with a specific geometry, and in that the second locking assembly ( 4'a) a receptacle (9a) with a through opening (10a) m it has a specific geometry, with the specific geometry of the through-opening (10a) being adjusted and/or twisted in relation to the specific geometry of the locking head (6a) in the blocking position in such a way that the specific geometries do not coincide, and with in the unlocking position, the specific geometry of the passage opening (10a) in relation to the specific geometry of the latching head (6a) is adjusted and/or twisted in such a way that the specific geometries coincide.

2. Locking mechanism (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific geometry of the through-opening of the locking head (6a) is an outer contour of the locking head (6a), and that the specific geometry of the through-opening (10a) of the receptacle (9a) is an inner contour the through-opening (10a) of the receptacle (9a).

3. Locking mechanism (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a receiving shaft (9) with the receiving (9a) in relation to a bearing housing (8, 8a) in the one of the two locking assemblies (4a, 4'a). is adjustable and/or rotatable on a locking axis (7').

4. Locking mechanism (4) according to claim 3, characterized in that the receiving shaft (9) interacts with the receptacle (9a) with a drive unit (14) which is coupled to the receiving shaft (9).

5. Locking mechanism (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that the receiving shaft (9) is coupled to the drive unit (14) via a gear train.

6. Locking mechanism (4) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the drive unit (14) is an electromotive, electromagnetic or pneumatic drive unit (14).

7. Locking mechanism (4) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the receiving shaft (9) can be adjusted and/or rotated about its locking axis (7) by means of a tool (17').

8. Locking mechanism (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching head (6a) can be adjusted and/or rotated in relation to a locking axis (7) by means of a tool (17).

9. Locking mechanism (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching head (6a) is connected to a plug-in shaft (6) which is mounted in a bearing housing (5, 5a) of the other of the two locking assemblies (4a, 4'a ) is adjustable and/or rotatable.

10. Locking mechanism (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (4) has an identification device (16) and at least one identification element (16a), wherein the identification device (16) in the one locking assembly (4a, 4' a) and the at least one identification element (16a) is arranged in the other locking assembly (4a, 4'a).

1 1 . Locking mechanism (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (4) has a display device (1 1, 12) for a status of a connector (2, 3).

12. Locking mechanism (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (4) has a central and / or decentralized control of the drive unit (14), the identification device (16) and the display device (1 1, 12). Plug connection unit (1) with a first connector (2), with a second connector (3) and with a locking mechanism (4), characterized in that the locking mechanism (4) is designed according to one of the preceding claims. Plug connection unit (1) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the plug connection unit has a detection device which detects the position of a sufficiently deeply inserted plug connector (2, 3). Method for controlling a locking mechanism (4) of a plug connection unit (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the method steps

(51) Detection of information from a first connector (2) that is to be plugged together with a second connector (3), the information from the first connector (2) being read by an identification device (16) for the second connector (3) from an identification element ( 16a) of the first connector (2) are read;

(52) Comparing the information read out in this way with data previously stored in a controller for the second plug connection (3) and adjusting and/or rotating the locking mechanism (4) from a blocking position to an unlocking position in relation to a locking axis (7') by means of a drive unit (14) if the comparison has resulted in a release of the first connector (2) for mating with the second connector (3), or leaving the locking mechanism (4) in the blocking position if the comparison does not result in a release of the first connector (2) for Mating with the second connector (3) has resulted.

(53) Mating the first connector (2) with the second connector (3) when the comparison has resulted in the first connector (2) being released for mating with the second connector (3), and adjusting and/or twisting the locking mechanism ( 4) from the unlocked position to the locked position in relation to the locking axis (7') by means of the drive unit (14). Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that in the method step (S2) comparing a display device (11, 12) on the second connector (3) indicates that mating the first connector (2) with the second connector (3) is possible if the comparison has shown that the first connector (2) has been released for mating with the second connector (3), or that mating the first connector (2) with the second connector (3) is not possible if the Compare no release of the first connector (2) for mating with the second connector (3) has resulted. Method according to one of Claims 15 or 16, characterized in that in method step (S3) the position of a sufficiently deeply inserted connector (2, 3) is detected before the locking mechanism (4) is adjusted and/or rotated from the unlocked position to the blocking position about the locking axis (7') takes place by means of the drive unit (14).