WO2016135303A1

WO2016135303A1 - Electrical plug connector with cable clamping device

Info

Publication number: WO2016135303A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/054107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus Gimbel; Franz-Josef Thiel; Alexander WEIPERT
Original assignee: Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh
Priority date: 2015-02-26
Filing date: 2016-02-26
Publication date: 2016-09-01
Also published as: DE102015203489A1; EP3262721A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical plug connector (1) with a housing (2) which comprises an inlet (4) for insertion of at least one cable arrangement (6) in an insertion direction (10). Furthermore, the electrical plug connector (1) is provided with a cable clamping device (24) which is latchable to the housing (2) and which is moveable into the inlet (4). In order to simplify fitting and, nevertheless, to maintain an effective protection against vibrations for the cable arrangement, the invention provides that the cable clamping device (24) is configured for direct clamping of the at least one cable arrangement (6). Through this configuration, it is possible to dispense with the rubber or silicone inlays present in the prior art.

Description

Electrical Plug Connector with Cable Clamping Device

The invention relates to an electrical plug connector with a housing which comprises an inlet for insertion of at least one cable arrangement in an insertion direction, and with a cable clamping device which is latchable to the housing and which is moveable into the inlet.

Such plug connectors are known from EP 2 228 870 B1 , for example. The cable arrangements have at least one contact which is attached to the end of a cable. In the event of vibrations on the cable and/or on the plug connector, it is possible for these to be transferred up to the at least one contact. As a result, both the contact can be damaged and the electrical connection disrupted. In order to prevent this, the cable arrangement is clamped in the region of the cable. This brings about protection against vibration by the vibration being absorbed before it can act on the connection between the cable and the contact. In particular in surroundings in which an electrical plug connector is subjected to strong vibrations, the plug's lifespan and security of contact can be improved via a cable clamping device. In addition, relief of tension can be achieved through the clamping.

However, the contact shown in EP 2 228 870 B1 is mechanically complex.

The invention is therefore based on the object of simplifying the electrical plug connector and nevertheless guaranteeing the cable arrangement protection from vibrations.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cable clamping device for directly clamping the at least one cable arrangement.

This simple solution differs from the solution from EP 2 228 870 B1 in that it is possible to dispense with the elastic element, a rubber or silicone hose between the cable clamping device and the cable arrangement, which is required there. Dispensing with this additional part leads to lower manufacturing costs. Furthermore, direct clamping is more secure than mere indirect clamping via the elastic element. Both protection from vibrations and relief of tension can be achieved through the solution according to the invention.

The solution according to the invention can be further improved by way of the following configurations which are each advantageous and independent of one another.

In a first advantageous configuration, the cable clamping device can have a clip with two legs. Here, the clips can be configured in particular in a U-shape. Clamping receptacles which are arranged next to one another and which are for a plurality of cable arrangements are situated at the opposing sides of the two legs. Precisely one cable arrangement is preferably allocated to

P99176PEsuh each clamping receptacle. As a consequence, with this configuration several cable arrangements can be clamped at the same time by the two legs.

The clip can be able to be inserted, in particular be able to be slid, into the inlet transverse to the insertion direction. The housing can form a receptacle for the clip, the clip being guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the receptacle in the direction of its legs. When the clip is being slid into the housing, the clip preferably protrudes into the inlet, at least in sections. At their outsides, the legs can act as guides for the clip.

The clamping receptacle for a cable arrangement can have a push-through opening and a clamping region arranged next to the push-through opening. The inner width of the push- through opening can in particular be larger than that of the clamping region. In the case of such a subdivision, it is in particular possible that a cable arrangement, in particular with a contact fitted thereon and where applicable with a seal fitted thereon, is able to be inserted into the housing through the push-through opening.

The clip can be latchable to the housing in a preliminary latching position, with the push-through opening of a clamping receptacle, in the preliminary latching position, being able to be aligned with a contact chamber of the housing, in which a contact of the cable arrangement is able to be received. In the preliminary latching position, the clip preferably protrudes out of the housing so that it is immediately visible that the completed latching position required for protection against vibrations has not yet been achieved.

In a further advantageous configuration, the clip is able to be latched in a completed latching position. In the completed latching position, the cable arrangement is clamped. Furthermore, in the completed latching position the clamping region can align with the contact chamber.

In the completed latching position, the clip is preferably pushed further into the housing compared to a preliminary latching position, where this is present.

The clip can in particular be elongated such that the legs are longer than a section connecting the legs. Such a configuration is sensible for example if the cable clamping device is configured at a narrow side of the housing in a manner able to be slid into the inlet.

The clamping receptacle for one cable arrangement can have a serrated wall course with a section which runs flat and a section which runs steep. The clamping preferably takes place at the section which runs flat. The opposing clamping receptacles of the two legs can form between them a drop-shaped opening of which the flatter side is situated in the introduction direction of the clip. The drop shape of the opening can be advantageous in order to avoid the cable displacing.

According to further advantageous configuration, the cable arrangement can have a seal element which surrounds the cable, the cable clamping device clamping the cable in the region of the seal element. In this configuration, the seal element is situated between the cable and the cable clamping section. In this regard, the compressibility of the seal is used to obtain a good clamping effect without squeezing the cable. For simplified clamping, the seal can have a hose section which extends away from the contacts and which can join onto a bellows-shaped section of the seal with at least a sealing ring which runs in the circumferential direction.

In a further advantageous configuration, the two legs of the clip can be movably connected to one another, for example via a thin material bridge, which in particular can be elastic. The material bridge can represent a spring. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a clamping effect not or not exclusively via the geometry of the clamping receptacle but rather through a movement of the legs towards one another. The material bridge connecting both legs can in particular be curved.

A receptacle for the clip can narrow, continuously or in steps, in the introduction direction in order to move the legs towards one another when the clip is inserted. Alternatively or in addition, the clip can widen, continuously or in steps, counter to the introduction direction. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the housing and/or the cable clamping device are each equipped with the cooperating deflection elements which, upon engagement with one another, move the legs toward one another. Such a deflection element can be, for example, a rising slope, a shoulder and/or a projection. For example, if a leg rises onto the rising slope, the shoulder and/or the projection of the housing, it is deflected in the direction of the inlet and thus of the cable arrangement. This is also the case if the deflection element is arranged on the clip.

The legs are displaced parallel to one another by the deflection elements, preferably in the completed latching position, compared to a state prior to the completed latching position, for example in the preliminary latching position, if present in this embodiment. In order to relocate the legs in as parallel a manner as possible and thus obtain a uniform clamping effect over their entire length, at least two pairs of deflection elements should be provided, spaced apart from one another in the direction of movement of the clip. In particular, one pair of deflection elements can be assigned to one free end and the other pair can be assigned to the other end of this leg. In order to strengthen the clamping effect, deflection elements can be assigned to both legs of a clip. In order to prevent the cable arrangements from being pushed, by the applied clamping, into the inlet too when the clip is inserted, it is advantageous if the deflection elements bring about a movement of the legs towards one another only at the end of the movement of the cable clamping device. Structurally, this can be implemented, for example, in that the deflection elements extend over only one small part and at the end of the path of movement along which the clip is inserted into the housing. For example, a deflection element, in particular a rising incline, can extend over less than half of the cable's diameter along the path of movement of the cable clamping device.

In the clamp's fully slid-in state, when the cable arrangements are clamped by the cable clamping device, the clip is preferably supported at the housing walls which are opposite one another in the introduction direction and delimit the inlet, such that large clamping forces can be obtained.

The cable clamping device or clamping receptacle can be equipped with at least one cable- squeezing rib projecting into the inlet, preferably two cable-squeezing ribs which are opposite one another, in order to increase the clamping effect and to strengthen the friction-locking connection between the cable arrangement and the cable clamping device through a form-fitting connection.

Independently of all electrical plug connector configurations listed above, the cable clamping device can also have at least one hinged-on clamping receptacle in the form of a clamping jaw preferably for a plurality of cable arrangements. In particular, the cable clamping device can have two hinged-on clamping receptacles situated opposite one another. The two opposing clamping jaws form the legs of a clip.

The at least one hinged-on clamping jaw can be part of an insert which can be inserted in the housing's inlet and which can be latched there. The insert can be able to be introduced into the housing in or transverse to the insertion direction of the cable arrangement, and can in particular line the inlet. The insert can form a base on which the clamping receptacles are retained via film hinges, for example.

When the cable clamping device is swung open, the cable arrangement can be inserted through the insert into the housing.

At least one foldable clamping receptacle can be equipped with a grip rail which protrudes outwards over the hinge in order to facilitate handling. In addition, the grip rail can be configured for the mounting of an outer cover. The latching of the at least one clamping receptacle in the housing or insert can be carried out through a laterally protruding clamping receptacle. The clamping receptacle can automatically latch in a central opening of the insert or of the housing upon folding.

If the at least one cable arrangement is clamped by the cable clamping device such that this cable clamping device is fully latched, the inlet can be locked by the cable clamping device.

Hereinafter, the invention is explained in greater detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used for elements which are identical or similar with regard to design and/or function.

In view of the above statements, individual features of the exemplary embodiments described below can also be omitted if the technical effect linked to the respective feature is unimportant in the case of a particular application. Furthermore, in accordance with the above statements it is also possible to exchange individual features between the exemplary embodiments, if, in the case of a particular application, the technical effect linked to a feature of another exemplary embodiment is required.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connector according to the invention with a housing and a cable clamping device in a schematic perspective view;

Fig. 2 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective view, additionally with cable arrangements in a prefitting position;

Fig. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective depiction of a fully fitted state;

Fig. 4 shows the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective sectional depiction of the prefitting position;

Fig. 5 shows the view from Fig. 4 in the fully fitted state;

Fig. 6 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connector according to the invention in a schematic perspective view before fitting;

Fig. 7 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 6 in a schematic perspective view with fitted cable arrangements; Fig. 8 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 6 in a schematic perspective depiction of a fully fitted state;

Fig. 9 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 6 in a schematic enlarged perspective depiction of the inlet;

Fig. 10 shows the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6 in a schematic sectional depiction of a first position of the cable clamping device;

Fig. 1 1 shows the view from Fig. 10 in a second position of the cable clamping device;

Fig. 12 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 10 in a schematic sectional depiction of a third position of the cable clamping device;

Fig. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connector according to the invention in a schematic perspective depiction;

Fig. 14 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 13 in a schematic perspective depiction with a closed cable clamping device;

Fig. 15 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connector according to the invention in a schematic perspective depiction before the fitting of the cable arrangements;

Fig. 16 shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 15 in a schematic perspective depiction of a fully fitted state;

Fig. 17 shows a cable clamping device of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 15 in a schematic perspective view of an opened state;

Fig. 18 shows the cable clamping device from Fig. 17 in a schematic perspective depiction of a closed state.

The structure of a first exemplary embodiment of a plug connector 1 according to the invention shall firstly be explained using Figures 1 to 3. Fig. 1 shows a housing 2 of the electrical plug connector which is equipped with an inlet 4 through which at least one cable arrangement, but preferably a plurality of cable arrangements 6, can be inserted into the interior 8 of the housing 2 in an insertion direction 10. Each cable arrangement 6 preferably has a contact 12 which is connected to the end of a cable 14. The cable arrangement 6 furthermore has a seal 16, which externally surrounds the cable 14 and serves to seal the cable 14 from the housing 2. A bellows-shaped section 18 equipped with one or more rib-shaped seal rings 20 is used for sealing. The seal 16 continues with a hose section 22 on the side of section 18 facing away from the contact 12.

The electrical plug connector 1 further has a cable clamping device 24 which is preferably movable transverse to the insertion direction 10 along an introduction direction 26 into the housing 2, in particular the inlet 4. The cable clamping device 24 can in particular be able to be inserted into a narrow side 28 of the housing 2. The housing 2 can have a corresponding receptacle 30 for this purpose which extends through the two opposing side walls 32 at the narrow sides 28. The cable clamping device 24 can in particular be designed in the form of a clip 34 which is designed substantially in a U-shape. The clip 34 has two legs 36 which extend preferably parallel to one another and which in the introduced state are situated at two opposing sides 38 of the inlet 4 and delimit the inlet 4. As Fig. 1 shows, the two sides 38 can in particular be the two longitudinal sides of the inlet 4. Several clamping receptacles 42 are arranged next to one another between the opposing sides 40 of the legs 36, with each clamping receptacle 42 being assigned to a cable arrangement 6. Each clamping receptacle 42 has a push-through opening 44 and a clamping region 46 arranged beside the push-through opening 44. An inner width of the push-through opening 44 is in this case larger than that of the clamping region. The inner width of a push-through opening 44 can be sized such that the contacts 12 and the seals 16 of the cable arrangements 6 can be inserted into the housing 2 through the push-through opening 44 between the legs 36. The push-through opening 44 can be delimited by circular-arc sections of the legs 36.

The inner width between the legs 36 in a clamping region 46 is, in contrast, preferably smaller than the outer diameter of the hose section 22. When the cable arrangement 6 is fully received in the housing 2, the hose section 22 extends at least up to the clamping region 46.

The clamping receptacle 42 can be formed by a cable-squeezing rib 48 which runs along the legs 36. The cable-squeezing rib 48 projects toward the respective opposing leg 36. It can be restricted to the clamping region 46 of a clamping receptacle 42. Thus, in the region of the clamping receptacle 42, the leg 36 has a substantially N-shaped cross-section. Both legs 36 are preferably structured identically such that the clip 34 is symmetrical.

The legs 36, in particular their outer sides 50, guide the clip 34 during insertion into the housing 2. The legs 36 can have a thickening 52 of material at their ends, so that they are not so easily damaged.

The clip 34 can be equipped with at least two, preferably two pairs of, latching elements 54 spaced apart from one another in the introduction direction 26 or in the direction of the legs 36. The housing 2 can be configured with one, or a pair of, complementary mating latching elements 56, for example at a collar 58 which surrounds the inlet 4. The inverse configuration is also possible.

The function of the electrical plug connector 1 shall now also be explained using Figures 1 to 3. In the delivered condition, the electrical plug connector 1 may be made available with a housing 2 and cable clamping device 24 separate from one another. Alternatively, the cable clamping device 24 can be situated in a preliminary latching position 60 on the housing 2 as is shown in Fig. 2. In the preliminary latching position, a first pair of latching elements 54 and mating latching elements 56 are in engagement; the cable clamping device 24 is not yet fully introduced into the housing 2. In order for this state to be able to be recognised from outside, the cable clamping device 24 preferably protrudes out of the housing 2 in the preliminary latching position 60.

In the preliminary latching position 60, the push-through openings 44 of the cable clamping device 24 align, in the insertion direction 10, with corresponding receptacles (not shown) of the housing 2 for the contacts 12. In the preliminary latching position 60, the housing 2 can therefore be fitted with the cable arrangements 6. Then the clip 34 is fully pushed into the housing 2 so that the completed latching position 62 depicted in Fig. 3 is reached. In the completed latching position 62, the cable clamping device 24 is preferably arranged fully within the cubature of the housing 2. The clip 34 is likewise latched with the housing 2 in the completed latching position 62. For this purpose, the further latching elements 54 and mating latching elements 56 respectively are in engagement with one another. In the completed latching position 62 or rather when the clip 34 is fully introduced, the inlet 4 is preferably closed by the clip 34.

Through the pressing of the clip 34 into the housing 2, the clamping regions 46 now align with the (non-depicted) receptacles of the housing 2 for the contacts 12. Due to the smaller inner width, the clamping regions 46 squeeze the cable arrangements 6 or rather hose section 22 of the seal 16, and the cable 14. In Fig. 4, the preliminary latching position 60 is depicted in a section transverse to a longitudinal side of the inlet 4 through a cable arrangement 6. It should be recognised that the cable- squeezing rib 48 is not, or virtually not, present in the region of the push-through opening 44 in which the sectioned cable arrangement 6 of Fig. 4 is situated. No clamping or squeezing of the cable arrangement 6 takes place.

In contrast, in the completed latching position 62 from Fig. 5, the cable-squeezing rib 48 which forms the clamping receptacle 42 pushes into the hose section 22. The friction lock between the clip 34 and seal 16 is strengthened by a form-fit.

The structure and function of a second exemplary embodiment of the electrical plug connector 1 will be explained below, with, for the sake of conciseness, only the differences relative to the preceding exemplary embodiment being explored.

The second exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment firstly through a differently configured cable clamping device 24, which however here also has the shape of a clip 34. In the second exemplary embodiment, the two legs 36 are connected to one another at their base by a thin material bridge 64. The material bridge 64 is curved and has the function of a leaf spring and/or a hinge. The material bridge 64 resiliency connects the two legs 36 to one another.

In the first exemplary embodiment, only one single pair of latching elements 54 and mating counter elements 56 are depicted solely for example purposes, which means that there is no preliminary latching position 60. A further pair of latching elements 54 and/or mating latching elements 56 obviously can be provided here too in order to make a preliminary latching position 60 possible.

A further difference from the preceding exemplary embodiment consists in the shape of the clamping receptacles 42 which, in the configuration from Figures 6 to 8, have a serrated or drop-shaped course: Each clamping receptacle 42 has a flatter section 66 and a steeper section 68. In the region between the flatter section 66 and the steeper section 68, a cable-squeezing rib 48 can project toward the opposing leg 36. The cable-squeezing rib 48 is situated in a clamping receptacle 42 in the region of the otherwise largest inner width and preferably does not protrude over the smallest inner width. The cable-squeezing rib 48 can be situated centrally in the legs 36. It serves to clamp various cable diameters with a single clip 34, for example cables with a wire cross-section of 0.35 mm² and cables with a wire cross-section of 0.5 mm². The function of the cable clamping device 24 is otherwise the same as in the preceding exemplary embodiment, in which the clip 34 for fixing the cable arrangements 6 is simply pushed into the housing 2 or its receptacle 30 until the cable clamping device 24 and the housing 2 are latched onto one another. However, the manner in which the clamping is generated is different in the second exemplary embodiment. This is described hereafter with reference to Figures 10 to 12 which show a section transverse to the insertion direction 10 through the inlet 4 in various positions of the clip 34.

According to Figures 10 to 12, the two legs 36 are pushed towards one another as the insertion depth into the housing 2 increases or rather as the introduction of the clip 34 into the housing 2 increases. This is achieved in that the receptacle 30 tapers preferably symmetrically in the introduction direction 26 and/or the clip 34 widens preferably symmetrically counter to the introduction direction 26. The tapering and/or widening can take place in several steps. In this case, both legs 36 are preferably deflected simultaneously relative to the housing 2. It is further advantageous if the legs 36 are moved parallel to one another during the introduction movement of the clip 34. In order to prevent that, during the introduction of the clip 34, the cable arrangements 6 are displaced from their fitting position through premature clamping, the movement of the legs towards one another only occurs in the last section of the introduction movement of the clip 34.

During introduction of the clip 34, the outer sides 50 of the legs 36 slide along corresponding inner surfaces 72 of the housing. The legs 36 are pushed apart by the material bridge 64 and against the inner surfaces 72. They are spaced apart from one another to such an extent that the clamping receptacles 42 can be pushed past the cable arrangements 6. This state is depicted in Fig. 10.

At the end of this introduction movement, when the free end of the leg 36 has passed the last cable arrangement 6, the deflection elements 74 of the clip 34 and of the housing 2 come into engagement with one another. The deflection elements 74 which come into engagement with one another each have at least one rising incline 76 which runs transverse to the introduction direction 26 in an inclined manner. The receptacle 30 for the clip 34 has, at at least one location 78, a reduction of the inner width of the receptacle 30 transverse to the introduction direction 26 in the plane spanned by the two legs. The rising incline 76 can be arranged at the location 78, as Fig. 10 shows. Alternatively there can also be a shoulder at the location 78 and the rising incline 76 can be situated on the clip 34. Furthermore, rising inclines 76 can also be situated on the clip 34 and on the housing 2. In order for the two legs 36 to be deflected parallel to one another, two locations 78 are provided spaced apart from one another in the introduction direction 26 which are assigned to corresponding ledges 80 of the clip 34 which are offset from one another by the same amount as the locations 78 along the direction of the legs 36.

If the deflection elements 74, 76, 78, 80 come into engagement with one another, the legs 36 are pushed towards one another and the clamping receptacles 42 come into engagement with the cable arrangements 6. This is depicted in Fig. 1 1 .

The length of the deflection elements 74 in the introduction direction 26 is preferably at most as great as half the diameter of a cable 14 or a seal 16, if a clamping takes place in the region of the seal. As a result, it is avoided that the clip 34 also moves the cable arrangements 6 when being inserted.

In Fig. 12, the clip 34 is fully slid into the receptacle 30 or housing 2. The sectional plane from Fig. 12 is situated somewhat beneath the sectional plane from Fig. 1 1 . It should be recognised that the clip 34 rests both on the free ends of the legs 36 and, at the other end of the legs 36, on the housing 2 and is spaced apart from the housing 2 in-between. The clip 34 therefore has a width 82 which increases in at least one step. The smaller width defines the inner width of the clamping receptacles 42 when sliding in; the difference to the larger width the degree of clamping, wherein it should be taken into account that at least in the depicted embodiment both legs 36 are deflected at the same time.

When the clip 34 is fully slid in, the cable arrangements 6 are situated in the regions of the clamping receptacles 42 in which the opposing sides 40 of the legs 36 have the largest spacing from one another. Therefore while the legs are moved towards one another, the sides 40 simultaneously bounce back somewhat, in order to delay the clamping process.

In the second exemplary embodiment too, the cable-squeezing ribs 48 push into the cable arrangement 6 and strengthen the fixing thereof.

In Figs. 13 and 14, a further exemplary embodiment of an electrical plug connector 1 with a cable clamping device 24 is shown. This electrical plug connector 1 is independent from the preceding configurations. Once again, only the differences from the preceding exemplary embodiments will be explored.

In the embodiment from Figs. 13 and 14, the cable clamping device 24 is integrated into the housing 2. The housing 2 has at least one, preferably two clamping jaws 84 opposite one another with regard to the cable arrangements 6 which are arranged on the longitudinal sides 86 of the inlet 4. The clamping jaws 84 are provided with clamping receptacles 42 situated beside one another. The clamping receptacles 42 have a material strip 88 behind which there is situated a cavity 90 so that the material strip 88 can elastically deform when pressed onto the cable arrangement 6 either directly against the cable 14 or against the seal 16. Both clamping jaws 84 together form a clip 34.

If the at least one clamping jaw 84 is swung open, as is shown in Fig. 13, the cable arrangements 6 can be inserted into the housing 2. If the cable arrangements 6 are inserted fully, the clamping jaw 84 is pivoted into the inlet 4 and latched to the rest of the housing.

Figs. 15 to 18 depict a variant of the embodiment of Figs. 13 and 14 in which the clamping jaws 84 are part of an insert 92 which is able to be inserted into the housing 2 and which is configured so as to be latchable there. The insert 92 is in particular inserted into the housing 2 in the insertion direction 10 and there forms a part of the inlet 4 which it can fully surround.

As Fig. 15 shows, the insert 92 can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle 94 of the housing before the cable arrangements 6 are fitted in the housing 2. In the swung-open state, the clamping jaws 84 and in particular the clamping receptacles 42 are spaced apart sufficiently far from one another to also enable the insertion of the contacts 12 of the cable arrangements 6. If the cable arrangements 6 are inserted fully, the clamping jaws 84 are swung in, as a result of which they automatically latch in the insert 92.

The insert 92 is shown in detail in Figs. 17 and 18.

The insert 92 has a base 96 which extends fully around inlet 4. The base 96 has an approximately rectangular to square surface area.

At two opposing sides, there are the hinges 98 to which the clamping jaws 84 are hinged. The clamping jaws 84 are hinged by the hinges 98 spaced apart from the base 96. Two projections 100 of the base 96 extend up to the height of the clamping jaws 84 and are arranged at the two opposing sides transverse to the hinges 98. The projections 100 can be provided with latching elements 102 in order to latch the insert 92 in the housing 2. At the inner sides 104 which point towards one another, the projections 100 are equipped with further latching elements 106 for latching the clamping jaws 84. These latching elements 106 hold the clamping jaws 84 in the latched state. The latching elements 106 can in particular be configured in the form of a recess into which clamping receptacles 42 of the clamping jaws 84 latch. For this purpose, the clamping receptacles 42 can be flared somewhat at their outer ends. The clamping effect is increased by the sides of the clamping jaws 84 being additionally pushed outwards when the cable arrangement 6 is being clamped. This effect can be strengthened in that the side walls of the clamping jaws 84, at least in the region in which they overlap with projections 100 in the latched state, like the clamping receptacles 42 themselves, consist of strips of material 88 which are deformed in the course of the clamping process.

At least one of the clamping jaws 84 can be provided with a protruding grip rail 108 which projects over the hinge 98 on the side facing away from the inlet 4.

Reference Numerals electrical plug connector

housing

inlet

cable arrangement

interior of the housing

insertion direction

contact

cable

seal

bellows-shaped section of the seal

seal ring

hose section of the seal

cable clamping device

introduction direction

narrow side of the housing

receptacle of the housing for the cable clamping device side walls of the housing at the narrow sides clip

legs

opposing sides of the inlet

opposing sides of the legs

clamping receptacle

push-through opening

clamping region

cable-squeezing rib

outer sides of the legs

thickening of material

latching elements

mating latching elements

collar

preliminary latching position

completed latching position

material bridge flatter section of the clamping receptacle steeper section of the clamping receptacle insertion depth of the clip

inner surface of the housing

deflection element

rising incline

narrowed location of the receptacle for the clip ledges of the clip

width of the clamp

clamping jaw

longitudinal side of the housing

material strip

cavity

insert

receptacle in the housing for the insert base

hinge

projection

latching element for latching the insert inner side of the projection

latching element for latching the clamping jaws grip rail

Claims

An electrical plug connector (1 ) with a housing (2) which comprises an inlet (4) for insertion of at least one cable arrangement (6) in an insertion direction (10), and with a cable clamping device (24), which is latchable to the housing (2) and which is moveable into the inlet (4), for directly clamping the at least one cable arrangement (6).

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to Claim 1 , wherein the cable clamping device (24) has a clip (34) with two legs (36) and clamping receptacles (42) arranged beside one another for a plurality of cable arrangements (6) are situated at opposite sides (40) of the two legs (36).

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to Claim 2, wherein the clamping receptacles (42) each have, for a cable arrangement (6), a push-through opening (44) and a clamping region (46) arranged beside the push-through opening (44).

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to Claim 3, wherein a cable arrangement (6) can be inserted into the housing (2) through the push-through opening (44).

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the clamping receptacle (42) for in each case one cable arrangement (6) has a serrated wall course with a section (66) which runs flatter and a section (68) which runs more steeply.

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the cable clamping device (24) is latchable in a preliminary latching position (60) and a completed latching position (62) to the housing (2) and wherein, in the preliminary latching position (60), push-through openings (44) of the cable clamping device (24) and, in the completed latching position (62), clamping region (46) of the cable clamping device (24) are/is aligned with contact receptacles of the housing (2) in the insertion direction (10).

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one cable arrangement (6) has a cable (14) and a seal (16) surrounding the cable (14), and wherein the cable clamping device (24) clamps the cable (14) in the region of the seal (16).

The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the two legs (36) are connected to one another in a manner which allows them to be moved relative to one another.

9. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to Claim 8, wherein the two legs (36) are connected to one another via a resilient material bridge (64).

10. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing (2) has a receptacle (30) which extends in an introduction direction (26) into the housing (2) and which narrows in the introduction direction (26), and/or the clip (34) widens counter to the introduction direction (26).

1 1 . The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to Claim 10, wherein at least two pairs of deflection elements (74), which are spaced apart from one another in the introduction direction (26) of the cable clamping device (24) and which are able to be brought into engagement with one another, are provided on the housing (2) and/or the cable clamping device (24), by means of which the legs (36) are moved toward one another upon engagement.

12. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to Claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the legs are displaced parallel to one another by the deflection elements (74).

13. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein the deflection elements (74) bring about a movement of the legs (64) towards one another only at the end of the movement path of the cable clamping device (24) into the housing (2).

14. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein the cable clamping device (24) has at least one cable-squeezing rib (48).

15. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the cable clamping device (24) have a hinged-on clamping jaw (84).

16. The electrical plug connector (1 ) according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one cable arrangement (6) can be fitted in the housing (2) when the cable clamping device (24) is latched in the housing (2).