Connection assembly and connector with rotatable position assurance

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection assembly (2) of a connector, in particular a high-voltage connector, wherein the connection assembly comprises a connection housing (4), which can be connected to a counter-connection housing (7) along a connection axis (8), a locking element (5), which is movable from a locking position for fixing the counter-connection housing (7) to the connection housing (4) into a release position for releasing the counter-connection housing (7) from the connection housing (4), and a position lock (6), which is transferable from a disconnection position (T), in which the position lock (6) allows the locking element (5) to be moved from the locking position into the release position, into a blocking position (S), in which the position lock (6) blocks the locking element (5) in the locking position. According to the invention, the position lock (6) is arranged on the connection housing (4) so as to be rotatable about the connection axis (8) for the transfer from the disconnection position (T) into the blocking position (S).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection assembly for a connector, particularly a high-voltage connector, wherein the connection assembly includes: a connection housing that can be connected to a mating connection housing along a connection axis; a locking element that can be moved from a locked position for securing the mating connection housing to the connection housing to a released position for releasing the mating connection housing from the connection housing; and a position safety that can be moved from a disconnected position to a blocking position, wherein in the disconnected position the position safety allows the locking element to move from the locked position to the released position, and in the blocking position the position safety blocks the locking element in the locked position.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a connector assembly comprising a connector assembly having a connector housing and a locking element, and a mating connector assembly having a mating connector housing and a connecting element capable of engaging with the locking element of the connector assembly. Background Technology

[0003] Connection assemblies and connection groups with connecting housings and position safety mechanisms are known in the prior art. The position safety mechanism, also known as a contact position safety mechanism (CPA), is configured to secure the interlock between the connecting housing and the mating connecting housing in the final connected position and prevent the connection from loosening. For this purpose, the position safety mechanism is axially displaced to prevent the interlocking of the locking element and the connecting element.

[0004] Especially in the automotive, transportation, and high-voltage connector applications, the actuation of position-safety mechanisms can unintentionally alter the placement of sealing elements, and, for example, cause sealing problems in gasket seals that are penetrated by cables. Furthermore, connection assemblies with position-safety mechanisms require numerous components, are complex, and occupy a significant amount of space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a connection assembly and connection group that improves upon existing sealing solutions and also has a simple and compact design.

[0006] This invention solves the aforementioned problems of the connecting assembly because a position safety device for transferring from the disconnected position to the locked position is arranged on the connecting housing so that it can rotate about the connecting axis. In other words, the position safety device is rotatably arranged about the connecting axis on the connecting housing.

[0007] The present invention solves the aforementioned problems of the connecting assembly by providing a connecting assembly according to the invention and a mating connecting housing having a connecting element, wherein the connecting element can engage with a locking element of the connecting assembly.

[0008] The advantages of the connecting assembly and the connecting group according to the invention are that axial movement is not required to activate, shift, or actuate the position safety, during which the seals may be damaged due to relative movement along the cable, and leakage may occur as a result. Furthermore, the connecting assembly can be constructed very compactly because a rotational movement is performed to activate the position safety. The position safety does not need to protrude before it can be activated by axial movement (i.e., from the disconnected position to the blocked position).

[0009] The connecting components and connecting groups can be further improved through configurations described in more detail below. Additional technical features of these configurations can be arbitrarily combined with or omitted from each other, as long as the technical effects achieved by the omitted features are irrelevant.

[0010] The position safety can be attached to the connecting housing via a fastening device. In this configuration, the connecting components can be integrally formed, with the position safety constrainedly arranged on the connecting housing. The fastening device can be a form-fitting element, such as a latching device, which can be repeatedly and releasably engaged with each other, thus allowing for frequent connection and release as needed.

[0011] The latching device may have a latching socket (e.g., a recess) and a latching protrusion (e.g., a latching lug) that can engage with each other in a form-fitting manner. For example, the latching socket may be formed on the connecting housing, and the position safety may be provided with a latching protrusion. Of course, it is also possible to provide a latching socket on the position safety and configure a latching protrusion for the connecting housing.

[0012] In one configuration, the fastening device may form a pivot bearing for guiding rotational movement of the position safety about the connecting axis. The latch socket may be a recess extending at least partially or entirely radially about the connecting axis. In this way, a configuration can be provided in which the latching device forms a guide for rotational movement of the position safety about the connecting axis. A latch protrusion received in the latch recess may be movably retained therein, such that alignment of the latch socket defines the rotational movement.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the connecting assembly is characterized by an actuating element for moving the locking element from a locked position to a released position. This facilitates the movement of the locking element from its locked position to the released position, and back if necessary. Damage to the locking element, which secures the connecting housing to the mating connecting housing at its end connection position, can be avoided because the locking element can be moved by the actuating element, and it is not necessary to apply it directly to the locking element itself to move it from the locked position to the released position.

[0014] In a compact configuration, the actuating element can be configured to be radially operable relative to the connecting axis, for example, radially movable in a direction within the connecting housing. The actuating element can be coupled to a locking element to transmit motion. For example, a bearing, such as a rocker bearing, can be provided, with the locking element positioned on one side of the bearing in a rocker manner, and the actuating element positioned on the other side of the bearing. When the actuating element is operated, its motion can be transferred to the locking element via a coupling.

[0015] The locking element can be a locking arm, such as a deflectable locking arm. When the locking arm deflects, for example due to the operation of an actuating element, the locking element can move from a locked position to a released position. The locking element can be a deflectable resilient locking arm. This can be deflected when the connecting housing of the connecting assembly according to the invention is connected to the mating connecting housing, and automatically returns to its locked position when the end connection position is reached.

[0016] To improve operability, the actuating element may have a finger key, a finger protrusion, or another tactile element that can be felt by touch and protrudes from the rest of the connecting assembly, allowing the operator to position it without visual contact. This facilitates operation of the actuating element in hard-to-see and hard-to-access locations.

[0017] In the most compact possible configuration, the locking element head is where the locking element and its operating elements can be integrated into the volume of the connecting housing. The term "volume" refers to the size of the connecting housing and can be understood as the shape of the connecting housing. In this configuration, the position safety is therefore arranged "in" the connecting housing and does not protrude from it.

[0018] In another embodiment, the position safety may include a blocking region that secures the locking element in a blocked position. The blocking region may include a blocking mechanism, such as a blocking latch, which can engage with the locking element. Specifically, the blocking mechanism can block an actuating element, thereby preventing operation or movement of the actuating element and release of the locking element coupled thereto. Due to the form-fit between the blocking mechanism and the locking element, the position safety can secure the locking element in its blocked position, preventing it from moving from its locked position to its released position.

[0019] For example, a blocking area or blocking mechanism can engage with an actuating element. In the blocking position, the blocking mechanism prevents the actuating element from moving the locking element from the locked position to the released position.

[0020] The blocking mechanism may have a curved portion, such as a curved blocking arm or collar. In this way, the blocking mechanism is optimally adapted to the rotary motion to be performed by the position safety, wherein the curvature of the blocking mechanism substantially corresponds to the rotary motion to be performed. The free end or front end of the blocking area may be provided with a chamfer or insert chamfer. This facilitates the engagement of the blocking area with the locking member to secure the locking element in the locked position.

[0021] According to another embodiment, a position safety device may be placed on the connector housing at the cable side. The cable side of the connector housing is the side where the cable (e.g., a sheathed single-core or multi-core cable) inserts into the connector housing. The cable side may be the end opposite the connector face of the connector housing. The connector face defines the area where the connector housing connects to the mating connector housing.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the position safety device can be configured in the form of a cap. The position safety device can be configured, for example, as a sliding cap. The sliding cap can be placed at the cable end of the connecting housing in a simple and space-saving manner. Furthermore, the sliding cap seals the connecting housing and protects it from external contamination.

[0023] The positioning safety device, configured as a sliding cap, also facilitates its installation on the connector housing. Furthermore, the sliding cap positioned on the cable-side end aids in the operation of the positioning safety device, especially if it is located on the cable-side end opposite the connector face and is therefore easily accessible. To allow cable insertion into the connector housing, the positioning safety device, such as a cap-shaped positioning safety device, may include a cable channel through which access to the interior of the connector housing is possible. This cable channel may also be referred to as a cable inlet or cable receiving opening.

[0024] To protect the interior of the connection housing containing the electrical contacts from water and / or dust, the connection assembly may include a sealing element. In one embodiment, the sealing element may be arranged on a positioning safety device. Thus, the positioning safety device forms a sealing seat or sealing support. No additional parts are required to hold the seal in place or cover the seal, and the total number of parts required for the connection assembly is reduced.

[0025] The sealing element can be held on the position safety, for example, by form-fit or material-fit arrangement. For form-fit arrangements, the position safety may include a sealing seat or a sealing bracket. In the case of material-fit fixing, the sealing element can be directly attached to the position safety via two-component casting. To protect the sealing element from external influences, the position safety may cover the sealing element. For example, a position safety in the form of a sliding cap can accommodate and retain the sealing element within the cap.

[0026] The sealing element may include a cable channel. It can be a radial seal with a channel opening, such as a gasket seal for cables. The channel opening or channel of the gasket seal can be aligned on the connecting axis with the cable channel for positioning. In this way, the cable can be guided in a straight line through the cable channel and the channel of the seal into the interior of the connecting housing, which facilitates assembly.

[0027] In another embodiment, the rotating block can prevent the position safety from shifting from the disconnected position to the locked position. The rotating block can form a releasable form-fit between the connecting housing and the position safety, such that the rotating block must first be released before the position safety can shift from the disconnected position to the locked position.

[0028] For example, the rotating block may include a movable blocking element and a rigid blocking body. In this case, the position safety device may include the movable blocking element. The rigid blocking body may be formed on the connecting housing. Of course, it is also possible to form the position safety device with a rigid blocking body and the connecting housing with a movable blocking element.

[0029] In the rest position of the blocking element, the rigid stop restricts and blocks the rotational movement of the position safety, holding it in its open position. If the blocking element moves from its rest position, the rotating block is released, and the movable blocking element can move past the rigid stop as the position safety moves from the open position to the blocking position. The movable blocking element can, for example, be configured to deflect radially from its rest position relative to the connection direction. The movable blocking element can be configured as a deflectable form-fitting element, such as a deflectable protrusion, a deflectable locking lug, or a projection.

[0030] As long as the movable blocking element is in a stationary position, the rigid blocking body prevents the position safety from shifting from the open position to the blocked position. The blocking body may have a stop shoulder that prevents the blocking element of the position safety from shifting from the open position to the blocked position when it is in a stationary position. For this purpose, the blocking body may have a stop shoulder that blocks the path of the movable blocking element in its stationary position. Only when the movable blocking element moves out of its stationary position can the blocking element move past the blocking body, specifically its stop shoulder, in order to shift the position safety from the open position to the blocked position by rotational motion.

[0031] In order for the position safety to return from the blocked position to the open position at any time, the blocking body may have a ramp that allows the blocking element to slide over the blocking body even in its resting position.

[0032] Therefore, the rotating block prevents the position safety from shifting from the open position to the locked position. The position safety can only be shifted to the blocking position when the rotating block is released, for example, when the movable blocking element moves out of its rest position. Conversely, when the position safety moves from the blocking position to the open position, the rotating block can be permanently open, meaning the shift from the blocking position to the open position is not blocked by the ramp on the blocking body. Of course, the rotating block can also function in the blocking position, and if necessary, the position safety can only be shifted from the blocking position to the open position if the rotating block is pre-released.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the connecting housing may include at least one connecting guide. The connecting guide may be a guiding element and thus form part of a guiding means for connecting the connecting housing to the mating connecting portion along the connecting axis. The connecting guide facilitates the interconnection of the connecting housing and the mating connecting housing by defining the relative movement of the two housing portions relative to each other. The connecting guide may extend, for example, parallel to the connecting axis and facilitates connection along the connecting axis in the connecting direction.

[0034] In one embodiment, the connecting guide may be aligned with the rotating block. For example, the connecting guide may be directed toward the rotating block along the connection direction. When the connecting housing and the mating connecting housing are interconnected, the mating connecting housing is guided to the rotating block, and a portion of the mating connecting assembly may release the rotating block at the end connection position where the connecting housing is fully connected to the mating connecting housing.

[0035] The connecting guide may, for example, have a guide channel open in the area of ​​the rotating block. For example, ribs or protrusions of the mating connecting components may be inserted into the guide channel and guided therein and directed toward the rotating block during connection. The rotating block may be automatically released at the end connection position.

[0036] To ensure proper insertion of the mating connecting housings within the connecting housing, a connecting guide may represent a polarization element. This polarization element (also called an encoding element) ensures that the mating connecting elements can only be connected to the connecting housing according to the invention in a predetermined alignment. In this way, proper interconnection between the connecting housings and mating connecting housings of the connecting assembly according to the invention is ensured. Incorrect handling is eliminated.

[0037] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate specific configurations of the invention, which are mentioned by way of example only. According to the invention, the technical features in the drawings can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Redundant descriptions of the technical features in the drawings are omitted. Identical technical features and features having the same function have the same reference numerals. Attached Figure Description

[0038] In the diagram:

[0039] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the connecting component or connecting group according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of the connection assembly at the end connection position before activation with the position safety in its disconnected position;

[0041] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic top view of the connecting components;

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A sectional view along the intersection line AA;

[0043] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 1 A perspective view of the connection assembly at the end connection position, after activation with the position safety in its blocking position; and

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The sectional view, whose intersection line corresponds to Figure 3 Line AA. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A connection group 1 according to a first embodiment is shown. The connection group 1 includes a connection component 2 and a mating connection component 3 according to the invention.

[0046] The connecting assembly 2 includes a connecting housing 4, a locking element 5, and a position safety device 6.

[0047] The connecting housing 4 is configured to interconnect with the mating connecting assembly 3 along the connecting axis 8, or more precisely, with the mating connecting housing 7.

[0048] The locking element 5 can be moved from a locking position for securing the mating connecting housing 7 to a release position for releasing the mating connecting housing 7 from the connecting housing 4.

[0049] Position safety 6 is configured to be able to disconnect from position T (see Figures 2 to 4 ) Move to the blocking position S (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the open position T, the position safety 6 allows the locking element 5 to move from the locked position to the released position, and in the blocking position S, the position safety 6 blocks the locking element 5 in the locked position. For this purpose, the position safety 6 is arranged on the connecting housing 4 so that it can rotate about the connecting axis 8 for moving from the open position T to the blocking position S, for example in… Figures 2 to 6 As you can see, and will be explained in detail below.

[0050] The position safety 6 is connected to the connecting housing 4 via a fastening device 9. This allows the connecting assembly to be integrally processed. The position safety 6 is constrainedly connected to the connecting housing 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the position safety is latched onto the connecting housing 4. For this purpose, the position safety 6 includes a blocking device 10 as the fastening device 9. The connecting housing 4 is provided with a corresponding mating blocking device 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting housing 4 includes a latching socket 12, which is formed as a circumferential groove 13. The latching socket 12 is formed on the outward-facing outer surface 15 of the connecting housing 4 at the cable-side end 14 of the connecting housing 4 or the connecting assembly 2. The latching socket 12 extends substantially in a plane perpendicular to the connecting axis 8.

[0051] The position safety 6 includes a blocking protrusion 16 as a blocking device 10. The blocking protrusion 16 can engage with the blocking socket 12. This creates a form fit that connects the position safety 6 to the connecting housing 4 and allows it to be integrally formed. The blocking protrusion 16 is formed at the distal end of the deflectable latch arm 17. Thus, the position safety 6 can be pushed along the connecting axis 8 onto the cable-side end 14 of the connecting housing 4. When pushed onto the connecting housing 4, the blocking protrusion 16 contacts the connecting housing 4, deflects radially outward, and thereby elastically deforms. Once the latch protrusion 16 reaches the area of ​​the latch socket 12, the restoring force of the deflected latch arm 17 ensures that the latch arm 17 moves back to its rest position, and in the process, the latch protrusion 16 is inserted into the latch socket 12, forming a form fit, and the position safety 6 is form-fittedly connected to the connecting housing 4.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening device 9 forms a pivot bearing 18 for guiding the rotational movement of the position safety 6 about the connecting axis 8. The latching device 10 and the mating latching device 11, i.e., the latch protrusion 16 placed in the latch socket, form the pivot bearing 18, which guides the rotational movement of the position safety 6 relative to the connecting housing 4 about the connecting axis. The pivot bearing 18 thus substantially enables the position safety 6 to rotate relative to the connecting housing 4 about the connecting axis 8. In all other directions, particularly against axial displacement along the connecting axis 8, the position safety 6 is secured to the connecting housing 4. For example, if replacement is required, if the fastening device 9 is released first, i.e., the latch between the latching device 10 and the mating latching device 11 is unlocked, the position safety 6 can only be removed from the connecting housing 4. For this purpose, the latch arm 17 resiliently deflects, and the latch protrusion 16 moves out of the latch socket 12.

[0053] Position safety 6 is used to connect position E at the end (see Figures 2 to 6An interlock 19 is secured between the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7, wherein the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7 are fully interconnected. On one hand, the interlock 19 includes a locking element 5 of the connecting assembly 2. In the end connection position, the locking element 5 forms a form-fit with the connecting element 20 of the mating connecting housing 3. This form-fit connection, i.e., the interlock 19, secures the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7 in their end connection positions. The two components can only be disconnected again when the interlock 19 is released. To release the interlock, the locking element 5 must move from its locked position to the released position.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting housing 4 is provided with a locking lug 21. The locking lug 21 can be radially deflected relative to the connecting axis 8 from the center of the connecting housing 4 to the end of the connector face 22. The connector face 22 is located at the end of the connecting housing 4 opposite to the cable-side end 14 and represents the area where the mating connecting housing 7 is inserted into the connecting housing 4 during interconnection.

[0055] The locking lug 21 is provided with a locking groove 24 that extends substantially parallel to the connection direction ER and has a locking stop 25 on its side facing the connector face 22. At the locking stop 25, the locking element 5 engages with the connecting element 20.

[0056] The connecting element 22 is formed as a connecting rib 26. The connecting rib 26 is arranged on the outside of the mating connecting housing 7 and extends substantially parallel to the connecting axis 8. When the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7 are interconnected, the connecting rib 26 is guided below the locking lug 21 at the height of the locking groove 24. Once the locking lug 21 contacts the connecting rib 26, its free-moving portion pointing in the direction of the connector face 22 deflects radially outward until the connecting rib 26, in particular its connecting rib 27, is guided past the stop 25. After the connecting shoulder 27, the connecting rib 26 terminates, and the locking lug 21 can thus retract to its rest position, in which the locking lug 21 is substantially arranged in the volume 23 of the connecting housing 4. In the end connection position E, the connecting shoulder 27 engages with the locking stop 25, engaging behind it along the connection direction ER. In the end connection position, the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7 are latched together and secured to each other. Only when the shape of the locking lug 19 is released by the free-moving end of the locking lug 21 pointing radially outward toward the connector face 22, can the mating connecting housing 7 be pulled out of the connecting housing 4 along the connecting axis E in the opposite direction of the connecting direction ER, because the connecting shoulder 27 then no longer engages with the locking stop 25.

[0057] To generate the release position when the locking lug 21 is radially lifted outward, an actuating element 28 is operated in the exemplary embodiment. The actuating element 28 is radially operable relative to the connecting axis 8 and is coupled to the locking element 5. In the exemplary embodiment, a rocker arm bearing 29 is configured as a connector. On one side of the rocker arm bearing 29, the locking lug 21 is attached to its region facing the cable-side end 14, wherein the locking lug 21 is integrally located on one side of the rocker arm bearing 29 in the direction pointing towards the connector face 22. The actuating element 28 is arranged on the opposite side of the rocker arm bearing 29 in the direction pointing towards the cable-side end 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating element 28 is configured as a finger key 30. The finger key 30 forms a tactilely identifiable pressure field on which the actuating element 28 is mounted, such that the actuating element 28 is radially operable relative to the connecting axis 8, specifically, such that the actuating element 28 can move downward toward the connecting axis 8 in the direction inward of the connecting housing 4. During operation, the actuating element 28 moves inward toward the interior of the connecting housing 4, while the free end of the locking lug 21 with the locking stop 25 is lifted in the opposite direction, i.e., radially outward, and the interlock 19 is released.

[0058] To prevent the locking element 5 from accidentally moving to the release position and thus preventing the operation of the actuating element 28, a position safety 6 is provided, which blocks the locking element 6 in its locked position in its blocking position.

[0059] The position safety device 6 includes a blocking region 31 that secures the locking element 5 in a blocked position. A blocking mechanism 32 is disposed in the blocking region 31, and in the illustrated embodiment, the blocking mechanism 32 is configured as a blocking latch 33. When the position safety device 6 is moved by rotation relative to the connecting housing 4 about the connecting axis 8, the blocking mechanism 32, specifically the blocking latch 33, is moved to a position where the blocking latch 33 blocks the locking element 5 in its latched locked position (see...). Figure 5 and 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking latch 33 engages with the actuating element 28, preventing the actuating element 28 from being operated. During the initiation rotation of the position safety 6, the blocking latch 33 moves below the actuating element 28. The actuating element 28 can then not be pressed radially downwards into the interior of the connecting housing 4. It is blocked by the blocking latch 33 and cannot move the locking element 5, with which it is coupled, to the raised release position to release the mating connecting housing 7. The blocking element 32 thus blocks the actuating element 28.

[0060] The blocking latch 33 is formed in a curved shape, wherein its curvature substantially corresponds to the curvature of the outer side of the connecting housing 4. This results in a very compact shape. The curved blocking latch 33 can rotate along the outer side of the connecting housing 4. When the position safety 6 is activated, the free front end of the blocking latch 33, which initially interacts with the locking element 5 (actuating element 28 in a particular embodiment), is provided with an insertion chamfer 34. This chamfer facilitates moving the blocking latch 33 below the actuating element 28 into a radial space between the actuating element 28 and the outer side of the outer surface 15 of the connecting housing 4, into which the actuating element 28 is immersed during its operation.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the position safety 6 is attached to the connecting housing 4 at the cable end 14. The position safety 6 is cap-shaped, in the form of a sliding cap. Due to its configuration as a sliding cap, the position safety 6 preferably performs two functions in one component. First, the position safety 6 ensures that the locking element 5 can be blocked in the blocking position. In addition, the cap-shaped position safety 6 ensures that the cable-side end 14 of the connecting housing 4 is covered and protected from dust and moisture.

[0062] To allow a cable (not shown) to enter the interior of the connecting housing 4, the cap-shaped position safety 6 includes a cable channel 35. The cable channel 35 is centrally formed in the end face 36 of the cap-shaped position safety 6, and in the assembled state, it is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the connecting axis 8, covering the cable-side end 14 of the connecting housing 4. Through this cable channel 35, which may also be referred to as a cable inlet or cable receptacle opening, the cable can be fed into the interior of the connecting housing, where it connects to a contact device (not shown).

[0063] To seal the cable channel 35, the connecting assembly 2 shown in the figure is provided with a sealing element 37. The sealing element 37 is arranged on the position safety 6. The sealing element 37 shown includes a cable hole 38. The cable hole 38 of the sealing element 37 is aligned on the connecting axis 8 with the cable channel 35 in the end face 36 of the cap-shaped position safety 6. Therefore, the cable channel 35 and the cable hole 38 form a cable conduit in the connecting direction E for inserting the cable into the interior of the connecting housing 4. The sealing element 37 is configured as a radial seal for surrounding and sealing the cable in the radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 37 is formed as a gasket seal for the cable.

[0064] Therefore, the position safety 6 in the embodiment shown in the figure also functions as a sealing seat or sealing bracket 39. As a sealing bracket 39, the edge of the cable hole 38 is designed to point to the protruding collar 40 in the cap, which, in the assembled state, prevents the sealing element 37 from being removed from the opening of the connecting housing 4 at the cable-side end 14. In the opposite direction, the sealing element 37 is secured by a sealing protrusion 41 that extends into the interior of the connecting housing 4 at the inner wall of the connecting housing. In the radial direction, the sealing element 37 abuts against the inner wall of the connecting housing 4.

[0065] To prevent the position safety 6 from moving relative to the connecting housing 4 about the connecting axis 8 before the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7 are fully assembled at the end connection position E, a rotating block 42 is provided.

[0066] The rotating block 42 prevents the position safety 6 from shifting from the open position T to the blocked position S. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating block 42 is configured for a releasable form-fit between the connecting housing 4 and the position safety 6. The rotating block 42 includes a movable blocking element 43 and a rigid blocking body 44. The rigid blocking body 44 is formed on the connecting housing 4, and the movable blocking element 43 is formed on the position safety 6.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable blocking element 43 is a form-fitting element that can be radially deflected relative to the connecting axis 8 from its rest position. Specifically, the deflectable form-fitting element is a blocking tongue 45 that, when the position safety 6 is connected to the connecting housing 4, protrudes from the cap-shaped base of the position safety 6 in the direction of the connector face 22 and extends substantially parallel to the connecting axis 8.

[0068] A first receiving bag 46 is disposed on the outside of the connecting housing 4. When the positioning device 6 is connected to the connecting housing 4 by placing the positioning device 6 on the cable-side end 14 of the connecting housing 4, the distal end of the blocking tongue 45 moves into the first receiving bag 46, which may also be referred to as the release bag. A second receiving bag 47, which may also be referred to as the blocking bag, is disposed on the outside of the connecting housing 4. The blocking bag 47 is located at the same height as the release bag 46 along the connecting axis 8. In the circumferential direction, the receiving bags 46 and 47 are adjacent to each other. The two receiving bags 46 and 47 are separated from each other by a rigid blocking body 44. The blocking body 44 thus separates the two receiving bags 46 and 47 from each other. On the side of the blocking body 44 facing the release groove 46, the blocking body 44 has a stop shoulder 48. This stop shoulder 48 restricts the blocking tongue 45 in the first receiving bag 46 and thus blocks the rotational movement of the blocking element 43, which is required to move the position safety 6 from the open position T to the blocking position S.

[0069] The area of ​​the blocking body 44 pointing towards the second receiving bag 47 (blocking bag) is provided with a ramp 49. In contrast to the stop shoulder 48 forming a wall, the blocking tongue 45, in its rest position, cannot move over this wall. The ramp 49 forms a ramp, allowing the position safety 6 to move from its blocking position S back to the open position T without first releasing the rotating block 42. If the blocking tongue 45 is in the blocking bag 47, the position safety 6 is in the blocking position S. If the position safety 6 is rotated to move it from the blocking position S back to the open position T, the blocking tongue 45 slides up the ramp 49 of the blocking body 44, thus deflecting from its rest position, and once the blocking tongue 45 has passed the stop shoulder 48, it falls back to its rest position in the first receiving bag 46.

[0070] Therefore, the rotating block 42 in the exemplary embodiment shown is a unidirectional directional block, which allows the position safety 6 to move from the disconnected position T to the blocking position S only after the rotating block 42 has been released, but allows it to move in the opposite direction from the blocking position S to the disconnected position T at any time.

[0071] In order to release the rotating block 42 in the disconnected position T of the position safety 6, the movable blocking element 43 must be lifted from its rest position, that is, the blocking tongue 45 must be moved radially outward, away from the interior of the connecting housing 4, and away from the release bag 46, which will be described in detail below.

[0072] An exemplary embodiment of the connecting assembly 2 shown in the figure includes at least one connecting guide 50. The connecting guide 50 extends parallel to the connecting axis 8 and is aligned with the rotating block 42, specifically with the first receiving pouch 46. A guide channel 51 for receiving the polarization rib 52 of the mating connecting assembly 3 is configured within the connecting guide 50 in the connecting housing 4. Thus, the connecting guide 50 not only forms a guide for the interconnection of the connecting housing 4 and the mating connecting housing 7, but also ensures that the connecting assembly 2 and the mating connecting assembly 3 are correctly connected to each other with respect to their rotation about the connecting axis.

[0073] Because the connecting guide 50 leads to the first receiving pouch 46, a portion of the polarization rib 52 can be inserted into the release pouch 46 during interconnection. Therefore, at the end connection position E, the front portion of the polarization rib 52, initially inserted into the connector face 22, extends into the release pouch 46 and engages below the blocking tongue 45, which is thus radially lifted outward and removed from the release pouch 46. In this position (see...) Figures 2 to 4 Rotating block 42 is released.

[0074] The following is a brief overview of how connecting component 2 or connecting group 1 is assembled and how it functions.

[0075] First, the connecting assembly 2 is installed by placing the cap-shaped position safety 6 on the cable-side end 14 of the connecting housing 4. During this placement, the latch arm 17 of the position safety 6 is inserted into the annular groove 13 on the outside of the connecting housing 4, and the position safety 6 is shaped to fit the connecting housing 4. Furthermore, the distal end of the blocking element 43 moves into the release pocket 46, and the sealing element 37 is secured along the connecting axis 8 by the sealing protrusion 41 of the connecting housing 4 and the collar 40 of the position safety 6.

[0076] Now, connecting assembly 2 can be interconnected with mating connecting assembly 3. For this purpose, mating connecting housing 7 is inserted into connector face 22 along connecting axis 8, specifically in the connecting direction ER, wherein polarizing rib 52 is screwed into guide channel 51 of connecting guide 50. When connecting assembly 1 is in its end-connected position E, connecting assembly 2 and mating connecting assembly 3 are fully engaged, locking element 5 latches with connecting element 20, and this lock 19 prevents connecting assembly 2 and mating connecting assembly 3 from disengaging from each other in the opposite connecting direction ER. Disengagement is only possible when the locking element 5 is moved to the release position by operating actuating element 28 and the interlock 19 between connecting assembly 2 and mating connecting assembly 3 is released.

[0077] To prevent the locking element 5 from unintentionally shifting to the release position, the position safety 6 is rotated, thereby shifting from the open position T to the blocking position S. At the end connection position E, the front portion of the polarization rib 52 protrudes into the release pocket 46 and lifts the blocking tongue 45 from the release pocket 46. Therefore, the rotating block 42 is released at the end connection position E, allowing the position safety 6 to rotate relative to the connecting housing 4 about the connecting axis 8 from the open position T to the blocking position S. During this rotation, the blocking tongue 45 is guided past the blocking body 44 and finally stops in its resting position in the blocking pocket 47. Simultaneously, the blocking region 31, i.e., the blocking latch 33, slides below the actuating element 28, thus blocking the actuating element 28 and rendering it no longer operable to move the locking element to the release position.

[0078] The actuating element 28 can only be operated again, i.e., pushed radially downward, when the position safety 6 moves from the blocking position S back to the disconnected position T, in which the locking element 5 moves to the release position, which cancels the interlock 19 with the coupling element 20 and allows the disconnection of the coupling assembly 2 and the mating coupling assembly 3.

[0079] List of reference numerals

[0080] 1 connection group

[0081] 2 connection components

[0082] 3 Pairing Connection Components

[0083] 4 Connecting Housing

[0084] 5 locking elements

[0085] 6-position insurance

[0086] 7. Paired connection housing

[0087] 8 connecting axes

[0088] 9 Fastening devices

[0089] 10 latching devices

[0090] 11 Paired latching device

[0091] 12-latch socket

[0092] 13 grooves

[0093] 14 Cable side end

[0094] 15. Surface of the outer casing

[0095] 16 latching protrusions

[0096] 17 latch arms

[0097] 18 pivot bearings

[0098] 19 Interlocks

[0099] 20 connecting elements

[0100] 21 Locking Lug

[0101] 22 connector face

[0102] 23 volumes

[0103] 24 locking slots

[0104] 25 Locking Stop

[0105] 26 connecting ribs

[0106] 27 Connecting shoulder

[0107] 28 actuators

[0108] 29 rocker arm bearing

[0109] 30 finger keys

[0110] 31 Blocking Zone

[0111] 32 blocking mechanism

[0112] 33 Blocking latch

[0113] 34 Insert chamfer

[0114] 35 cable channel

[0115] 36 end face

[0116] 37 Sealing elements

[0117] 38 cable holes

[0118] 39 Sealing seat / sealing bracket

[0119] 40 rings

[0120] 41 Sealing protrusion

[0121] 42 rotating blocks

[0122] 43 blocking elements

[0123] 44 blocking bodies

[0124] 45 Blocking the tongue

[0125] 46 First receiving bag, release bag

[0126] 47 Second receiving bag, blocking bag

[0127] 48 Stop shoulder

[0128] 49 Slope

[0129] 50 Connector Guide

[0130] 51 Guiding Channel

[0131] 52 polarized ribs

[0132] E-end connection position

[0133] ER connection direction

[0134] T disconnection position

[0135] S blocking position

Claims

1. A connector connection assembly (2), wherein, The connection component includes: - Connecting housing (4), which can be interconnected with mating connecting housing (7) along connecting axis (8); - A locking element (5) that is movable from a locking position for securing the mating connecting housing (7) to the connecting housing (4) to a release position for releasing the mating connecting housing (7) from the connecting housing (4); and - Position safety (6), which can be moved from the open position (T) to the blocking position (S), in the open position (T), the position safety (6) allows the locking element (5) to move from the locked position to the released position, and in the blocking position (S), the position safety (6) blocks the locking element (5) in the locked position; The feature is that the position safety (6) for transferring from the disconnected position (T) to the blocking position (S) is rotatably arranged on the connecting housing (4) about the connecting axis (8); A releasable rotating block (42) prevents the position safety (6) from moving from the disconnected position (T) to the blocked position (S); A connecting guide (50) is aligned with the releasable rotating block (42); A polarizing rib (52) is housed in the connecting guide (50) and configured to release the releasable rotating block (42).

2. The connecting component (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The position safety (6) is connected to the connecting housing (4) via a fastening device (9).

3. The connecting component (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fastening device (9) forms a pivot bearing (18) for guiding rotational movement about the connecting axis (8) from the position safety (6).

4. The connecting component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that An actuating element (28) for moving the locking element (5) from the locked position to the released position.

5. The connecting component (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The position safety (6) includes a blocking area (31) that secures the locking element (5) at the blocking position (S).

6. The connecting component (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blocking region (31) blocks the actuating element (28) at the blocking position (S).

7. The connecting component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The position safety (6) is placed on the connecting housing (4) at the cable side end (14).

8. The connecting component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The location insurance (6) is cap-shaped.

9. The connecting component (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The sealing element (37) is arranged on the position safety (6).

10. The connecting component (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sealing element (37) includes a cable hole (38).

11. The connecting component (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating block (42) includes a movable blocking element (43) and a rigid blocking body (44).

12. The connecting component (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The rigid blocking body (44) is formed on the connecting housing (4), and the movable blocking element (43) is formed on the position safety (6).

13. The connecting component (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The connector is a high-voltage connector.

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