Self-closing collar

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock clamp (1) for reversibly locking a mounting housing (6) with a plug connector housing (7), wherein the lock clamp (1) has a rear wall (2), a side part (3) formed thereon and a U-shaped cross section, wherein the side part (3) has a bearing receptacle (4) each, by means of which the lock clamp (1) can be pivotably supported on the mounting housing (6), and wherein the side part (3, 3') has a locking receptacle (5) each, which grips a locking pin (9) of the plug connector housing (7) each, wherein the locking receptacle (5) has a V-shaped groove (14) each.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking clamp as described in the preamble of independent claim 1. The invention also relates to a system as described in claim 7, comprising a mounting housing having such a locking clamp and a mating plug connector therewith.

[0002] This type of clamp is used to reversibly lock two interlocking connectors or connector housings. One of these connector housings can also be a so-called mounting housing. A mounting housing with contacts is also called a mounting flange. Background Technology

[0003] DE 29 15 574 A1 illustrates a locking clamp for reversibly locking a first mating connector housing to a second mating connector housing. The locking clamp is made of spring-loaded elastic wire.

[0004] DE 10 2004 061 046 B4 shows a locking clamp made of stamped sheet metal that creates an elastic lock between two plug-in connector housings.

[0005] Both locking clamps are pivotally supported on the housing of the connector. Each clamp has a locking receptacle that engages with a locking pin on the second connector housing, thereby elastically pressing the first and second connector housings against each other. The two connector housings are then locked together. During the locking process, the connector housings and locking pins experience significant wear due to friction from the clamps against the connector housings, particularly their support pins, during pivoting. Consequently, locking reliability decreases after a certain number of locking cycles.

[0006] In many cases, plug-in connectors are mated together without the locking clamps designed for reversible locking. As a result, the plug-in connection can be easily and unintentionally disconnected. This can pose a high risk, especially when drawing energy from a battery.

[0007] The German Patent and Trademark Office searched the prior art in the priority application of this application for the following prior art: DE 20 2010 002396 U1, JP 2004-111115A, US 8,403,697B2, DE 11 2012 002 791 T5 and US 2009 / 0 311893 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The objective of this invention is to provide a locking clamp that is easy to operate and reliable at the same time.

[0009] The task is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous designs of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0011] The locking clamp according to the invention is used to lock two interlocking connector housings or to lock a mounting housing and a connector housing. The locking clamp mainly consists of a rear wall and sides formed thereon, wherein the locking clamp has a U-shaped cross-section. Each side has a support receiving portion (Lageraufnahme). Typically, the support receiving portion is designed with a circular opening. The support receiving portion engages with a mating support pin on the connector housing or mounting housing. The locking clamp can be pivotally supported on the connector housing via the support receiving portion. Each side of the locking clamp has a locking receiving portion (Arretieraufnahme) that engages with a locking pin on the mating connector housing, thereby (in this state) reversibly locking the mounting housing and the mating connector to each other.

[0012] According to the invention, each locking receptacle has a V-groove. When the locking pin is inserted into the locking receptacle, the locking clamp is automatically guided to its locking endpoint position via the V-groove, i.e., without human manipulation. This occurs mechanically, utilizing the kinetic energy of the insertion process.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking pin of the connector housing has a cylindrical basic shape with a contour formed thereon. The contour is shaped to precisely engage with the V-groove of the clamp, carry the clamp during insertion, and thereby fully guide the locking receptacle onto the locking pin, reaching the end position or locking position of the clamp and ensuring that the plug connection is locked. There is no need to actively actuate the clamp. This automatic locking by the clamp prevents accidental forgetting to lock the plug connection.

[0014] The locking clamp consists of a rear wall and sides formed thereon. The locking clamp has a U-shaped cross-section. The sides have support receptacles via which the locking clamp is pivotally supported on the mounting housing. The sides also have locking receptacles that can latch onto a locking pin on the connector housing.

[0015] The locking clamp is preferably designed as a one-piece component. It is advantageously made of a resilient material and can be manufactured, for example, by a stamping and bending method. The locking clamp is preferably made of plastic. If it is made of plastic, it can be manufactured using injection molding. This method is particularly inexpensive.

[0016] Locking clamps are typically used in systems consisting of a mounting housing and a mating connector or plug-in connector. The locking clamp is pivotally secured to the mounting housing via a support pin. During pivoting, the locking clamp can pivot on or be secured to a locking pin formed on the plug-in connector housing. Thus, the mounting housing and the plug-in connector housing can be reversibly locked together.

[0017] The core of this invention is that when the connector housing is assembled with the mounting housing or when the connector is inserted into the mounting flange, the locking clamp automatically moves to the locking position.

[0018] The mounting housing and connector housing are advantageously made of plastic. Such housings can be manufactured very inexpensively.

[0019] The aforementioned support pins and / or locking pins preferably have a cylindrical basic shape. A profile is formed on the connector housing that engages with a V-groove in the locking receptacle of the locking clamp. This profile can be readily provided during the manufacturing process of the locking clamp, preferably during injection molding, meaning that no additional costs or expenses are incurred during manufacturing.

[0020] Preferably, the support pin and locking pin, and the contours formed thereon if necessary, protrude perpendicularly to the corresponding plug connector housing along their axis of symmetry. Here, both the support pin and locking pin are longer than the corresponding contours. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of a mounting flange with a locking clamp according to the invention pivotally fastened thereto is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A portion of the plug connector in the area of ​​its locking housing is shown, and

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the mounting housing and the plug connector that plugs into it is shown.

[0025] These accompanying drawings contain partially simplified schematic diagrams. In some cases, the same reference numerals are used for the same, but may be different, elements. Different views of the same element may be scaled differently.

[0026] Directional descriptions such as "left," "right," "up," and "down" should be understood with reference to the corresponding accompanying drawings, and may vary in different views relative to the object being represented. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of the mounting housing 6 is shown, on which the locking clamp 1 according to the invention is pivotally supported. The mounting housing 6 has an external thread 15 on the mounting side, through which the mounting housing can be secured to the equipment (not shown) or its equipment wall 16.

[0028] The locking clamp 1 consists of a rear wall 2 and two side portions 3, 3' formed thereon. The locking clamp 1 has a generally U-shaped cross-section. In each side portion 3, 3', there is an opening in the lower region, each opening serving as a support receiving portion 4, 4'. In the upper region, each side portion 3, 3' has a recess serving as a locking receiving portion 5, 5'. An operating device 11, curving rearward from the rear wall 2, is formed on the rear wall 2 in the upper region. The user can use the operating device 11 to apply force during pivoting, particularly to release the lock.

[0029] exist Figure 2 The image shows a magnified view of the locking area of ​​the connector housing 7. The boundary contour 12 of the locking area 12 of the locking clamp 1 is shown in... Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the final position of the locked state. The support receiving portions 4 and 4' of the locking clamp 1 latch onto the support pin 8 of the mounting housing 6. Thus, the locking clamp 1 is pivotally supported on the mounting housing 6. A locking pin 9 is formed on the narrow side of the connector housing 7. In the locked state, the locking receiving portion 5 of the locking clamp 1 latches onto the locking pin 9 of the connector housing 7. Thus, the mounting housing 6 and the connector housing 7 are reversibly locked to each other.

[0030] Profile 10 is formed on locking pin 9 of connector housing 7. Profile 10 has a substantially triangular cross-section, wherein the area of ​​profile 10 formed on locking pin 9 has a corresponding circular recess. Locking pin 9 is designed to be longer than profile 10. This means that locking pin 9 protrudes further perpendicularly to connector housing 7 than the corresponding profile 10.

[0031] Figure 3 The mounting housing 6, screwed into the device wall 16, and the plug-in connector housing 7 to which it is plugged are schematically shown. The locking clamp 1 is not shown for illustrative purposes.

[0032] The basic position of the locking clamp 1 in the unconnected state is approximately as follows: Figure 1 As shown. The connector housing 7 is guided to the mounting housing 6 in the direction of arrow 13. Here, the contour 10 formed on the locking pin 9 engages with the V-groove 14 of the corresponding locking receptacle 5 of the locking clamp 1. During this insertion process, the locking receptacle 5 is automatically guided onto the locking pin 9 of the connector 1, thereby securing the connector housing 7 to the mounting housing 6. The locking pin 9 can be removed again from the entry area of ​​the locking receptacle 5 via the operating device 11, thereby allowing the connector housing 7 to be released from the mounting housing 6 again. The operating device 11 is therefore only used when releasing the plug connection.

[0033] In the locking clamp 1 according to the invention, the sides 3, 3' may have a gap in the area between the locking receiving parts 5, 5' and the associated locking pin 9, such that the locking receiving parts 5, 5' do not rub against the surface of the locking pin 9 in the locked state.

[0034] Even though different aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless otherwise stated, that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding combinations of units or features from different embodiments can be interchanged with each other.

[0035] List of reference numerals

[0036] 1 Locking hoop

[0037] 2. Rear wall

[0038] 3 sides

[0039] 4 Support Receiving Section

[0040] 5 Locking Reception

[0041] 6. Install housing

[0042] 7. Connector housing

[0043] 8 support pins

[0044] 9 locking pins

[0045] 10 outlines

[0046] 11 Actuation devices

[0047] 12. Boundary contour of the locking area of ​​the locking ring

[0048] 13 arrows

[0049] 14V groove

[0050] 15 External Thread

[0051] 16 Equipment Wall

Claims

1. A system comprising a mounting housing (6) having a locking clamp (1) and a plug connector housing (7), wherein, The locking clamp (1) is intended for reversibly locking the mounting housing (6) to the plug connector housing (7), wherein the locking clamp (1) has a rear wall (2), two sides formed on the rear wall, and a U-shaped cross-section, wherein each of the two sides has a support receiving portion (4), the locking clamp (1) being pivotally supported on the mounting housing (6) via the support receiving portion, and wherein each side has a locking receiving portion (5), the locking receiving portion respectively holding a locking pin (9) of the plug connector housing (7), wherein each locking pin... Each receiving portion (5) has a V-groove (14), wherein the plug connector housing (7) includes a locking pin (9) having a profile (10) formed thereon, wherein during locking, the profile (10) precisely engages in the V-groove (14) of the locking clamp (1), thereby guiding the locking receiving portion (5) completely onto the locking pin (9) during plugging, thereby reaching the end position or locking position of the locking clamp (1) and ensuring that the plugging connection is locked, wherein the profile (10) has a triangular cross-section with at least a partially circular recess.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking pin (9) has a basic cylindrical shape with a profile (10) formed thereon.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking pin (9) and the contour (10) formed thereon protrude vertically from the plug connector housing (7) along their axis of symmetry, and the locking pin (9) protrudes beyond the associated contour (10).

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking clamp (1) is made of plastic.

5. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking clamp (1) is implemented as a one-piece unit.

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