Electrical plug connection device with self-locking function

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical plug-in connection device with a self-locking function, in particular to an electrical plug-in connector. The electrical plug-in connector comprises a plug-in connector housing, which can be connected with a mating plug-in connector housing by displacing the plug-in connector housing relative to the mating plug-in connector housing to form a plug-in connection, a main locking element which is movably supported at the plug-in connector housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, which is designed to prevent the plug-in connection from being released in the locked position and to enable it to be released in the unlocked position, a latching element which is movably supported at the plug-in connector housing between a latched position and a released position, which is designed to prevent the main locking element from being moved into the unlocked position in the latched position and to enable it to be moved into the unlocked position in the released position, the latching element being able to be moved from the released position into the latched position by means of a stop of the mating plug-in connector housing when the plug-in connector housing is displaced relative to the mating plug-in connector housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical plug connector. Furthermore, this invention relates to a mating electrical plug connector, which can be connected to the plug connector to form a plug connection, and to a corresponding plug connection system. Background Technology

[0002] Electrically connected systems, such as those used to establish conductive connections between components of a motor vehicle, can include plug connectors or mating plug connectors that can be locked together by means of a master locking device to prevent unintentional disengagement of the connection. As an additional safety measure, the master locking device can be stopped in a specific position by means of an additional component, also known as connector position safety (CPA), in which the additional component is typically manually positioned.

[0003] Furthermore, the mating connection system can include a secondary locking device that ensures the mating connector and the mating connector are only fully mated together when they can be locked together by means of the primary locking device: that is, when one or more conductive contact elements, for example in the form of an outer conductor, are correctly positioned in the mating connector or mating connector. This secondary locking device can also be used to protect the contact elements from slipping out of the mating connector or mating connector. Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a need for an electrically plug-in connection that does not require additional, such as manual, installation steps to lock the main locking device. Advantageous embodiments are described in the following description and figures.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to an electrical plug connector. The plug connector includes a plug connector housing for accommodating at least one conductive contact element, wherein the plug connector housing is capable of forming a plug connection with a mating plug connector housing by displacing the plug connector housing relative to a mating plug connector housing. Furthermore, the plug connector includes a main locking element supported at the plug connector housing in a manner movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the main locking element being designed to: prevent the plug connection from being released in the locked position and to release it in the unlocked position; and a locking element supported at the plug connector housing in a manner movable between a locked position and a released position, the locking element being designed to: prevent the main locking element from moving to the unlocked position in the locked position and to allow it to move to the unlocked position in the released position. Here, the locking element is designed to: be able to move from the released position to the locked position by means of a stop member of the mating plug connector housing when the plug connector housing is displaced relative to the mating plug connector housing.

[0006] A second aspect of the invention relates to a mating electrical plug connector. The mating plug connector includes a mating plug connector housing for accommodating at least one conductive mating contact element, wherein the mating plug connector housing is capable of forming a plug connection with a plug connector housing as described above and below by displacement of the mating plug connector housing relative to the plug connector housing, and includes a stop designed to move a locking element of the plug connector from a released position to a locked position when the mating plug connector housing is displaced relative to the plug connector housing.

[0007] A third aspect of the invention relates to an electrical plug-in connection system. The plug-in connection system includes a plug-in connector as described above and below, and a mating plug-in connector as described above and below, wherein the plug-in connector housing of the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector housing of the mating plug-in connector are connected to form a plug-in connection. Furthermore, the plug-in connection system includes at least one conductive contact element received by the plug-in connector housing; and at least one conductive mating contact element received by the mating plug-in connector housing; wherein the contact element and the mating contact element are electrically connected to each other. Here, the main locking element of the plug-in connector is in a locked position to prevent the plug-in connection from disengaging, and a stop member of the mating plug-in connector housing holds the locking element of the plug-in connector in a locked position to prevent the main locking element from moving to an unlocked position.

[0008] Without limiting the scope of the invention in any way, the ideas of the embodiments of the invention can also be regarded as being based on the ideas and knowledge described below.

[0009] As mentioned at the beginning, a specific housing locking device, also known as a CPA, can be used in other common plug-in connector devices such as those found in automobiles. The housing locking device ensures that the housing of the plug-in connector or mating plug-in connector is correctly connected to the corresponding electrical contacts. The position of the housing locking device can be secured by a locking element, which usually must be manually engaged in the locking position after the plugging process. This represents an additional step in installation and requires some practice, as housing locking devices are typically very delicately constructed.

[0010] The installation of the plug-in connection can be significantly simplified by means of the housing locking device being introduced into the desired position through the plugging process itself. Therefore, additional installation steps after the plugging process can be eliminated, especially the time-consuming and error-prone manual installation steps.

[0011] This can be achieved, for example, by having the locking geometry of the hinged support deflect during the insertion process, thereby locking the main locking hook of the insertion connection. To unlock, the locking geometry can be introduced into a position opposite to the insertion direction, where it no longer obstructs the main locking hook, allowing operation of the main locking hook. Alternatively, the locking geometry can also be easily removed completely from the corresponding housing to access the lock. The locking geometry can be put into place or removed using tools such as a screwdriver and / or manually.

[0012] A "contact element" or "mating contact element" can be understood, for example, as a pin-shaped and / or socket-shaped metal conductor capable of conductively connecting with a cable. For example, a contact element or mating contact element can include an outer conductor and an inner conductor arranged coaxially therewith. For example, contact elements and mating contact elements can be interlocked.

[0013] The main locking element can be designed to engage with a correspondingly shaped locking section of the mating connector housing in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner in the locked position, thereby preventing the mating connection from being pulled apart. For example, in the unlocked position, the main locking element can be completely removed from the locking section.

[0014] The movement of the main locking element and the locking element can be appropriately coordinated in time to ensure that the locking element of the main locking element is locked only when the locking element is locked in the mating connector housing.

[0015] It is not mandatory that any movement of the main locking element be prohibited by the locking element in the locked position. For example, in the locked position, the main locking element can still move slightly in the direction of the unlocked position, as long as it is ensured that the main locking element will not move to the unlocked position.

[0016] The locking principle of the main locking element is achieved in the following manner: In the locked position, the locking element abuts against the main locking element located in the locked position, or locks at least a portion, especially most, of its possible movement space, and is supported on the stop and the mating connector housing, respectively. For example, the locking element can be designed to fold outward, i.e., stand upright away from the mating connector housing, by means of a stop that moves with the mating connector housing, thereby limiting the possible movement space of the main locking element. For this purpose, the stop and the locking element can be constructed with corresponding contact surfaces at which they contact each other. For example, one or two contact surfaces can be aligned at an angle to the displacement axis, allowing the mating connector housing to shift relative to the mating connector housing on the displacement axis to establish a mating connection.

[0017] For example, the locking element can be rotatably supported about a rotation axis that is laterally or obliquely aligned with the aforementioned displacement axis.

[0018] Additionally, the locking element can be designed to apply a supporting force to the main locking element when the locking element moves from the release position to the locking position by means of a stop, for example, to bring the main locking element from the unlock position into the locking position and / or keep it in the locking position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be supported on the connector housing in a manner rotatable between a locked position and a released position. Here, the locking element can be supported indirectly, for example by means of hinges and / or fixing elements as described below, or directly in a rotatable manner on the connector housing, for example, supported outside of it. For example, the locking element can be rotatably supported on the connector housing at its first end, wherein its other free end can be a certain distance from the connector housing in the locked position. For example, the distance can be reduced accordingly by moving the locking element back to the released position. The locking element can be designed to move from the released position to the locked position by means of a stop, and additionally remain in the locked position. Thus, for example, when the main locking element attempts to move to the unlocked position after the connector housing has been locked with the mating connector housing, the locking element can be prevented from moving back to the released position. It is feasible that the locking element is pressed against the main locking element by the stop of the mating connector housing in the locked position. However, as mentioned above, the locking element can also be separated from the main locking element through a small gap in the locked position, meaning that the locking element does not necessarily have to be in contact with the main locking element in the locked position.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the locking element can include a locking section for locking a main locking element and an operating section connected to the locking section for operating the locking element. Here, the locking section can be arranged in the gap between the main locking element and the connector housing. Conversely, the operating section can be arranged outside the gap and can rotate from a released position to a locked position by means of a stop member of the connector housing when the connector housing moves relative to the mating connector housing. The locking section and the operating section can be connected to each other, such that, on the one hand, rotational movement of the operating section is transmitted to the locking section, and on the other hand, a certain elastic torsion of the locking section relative to the operating section is achieved. Thus, the locking section and the operating section can deflect simultaneously with different intensities without causing damage. For example, the gap can decrease when the main locking element moves to the unlocked position and increase when the main locking element moves to the unlocked position. In other words, the locking element, more specifically the locking section, can be used to at least partially lock the gap in the locked position as long as the main locking element is in the locked position. The locking element can be operated from outside the gap by means of the operating section.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be constructed in a fork shape with two external teeth as the operating section and a middle tooth located between the two external teeth as the locking section. In other words, the locking element can be operated from both sides by means of stops to move from the released position to the locked position. This prevents the locking element from tilting or twisting, which might occur when operating from only one side by means of the stops. It is feasible for the stops to be constructed as a two-piece unit according to the fork shape of the locking element. For example, the stops can include two separate stop elements, such as in the form of two ribs or protrusions, each stop element operating one of the external teeth.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the plug connector may further include a fixing element and a hinge element. Here, the operating element can be fixed to the plug connector housing, and the locking element can be supported on the fixing element via the hinge element in a manner that allows it to rotate between a locked position and a released position.

[0023] Locking elements, fixing elements, and hinge elements can be separately manufactured components or different functional sections of the same one-piece manufactured part (such as an injection-molded part or an additively manufactured part).

[0024] For example, the fixing element can include a receiving portion for a tool and / or a retaining section for gripping or holding the fixing element by means of one or more fingers. Advantageously, the operating element can only be accessed externally when the plug connector housing is connected to the mating plug connector housing to form a plug connection. The locking element can be removed, for example, together with the fixing element or together with the fixing element and the hinge element. It is also possible that, by correspondingly displacing the operating element at the plug connector housing, the locking element can move away from the main locking element, allowing the main locking element to move back to the unlocked position. In this way, the locking of the main locking element can be eliminated with low cost when needed.

[0025] In its simplest form, the hinge element can be a connecting section that can be bent with relatively little force, and the locking element is connected to the fixed element via the connecting section. However, it is also possible for the hinge element to be in the form of a mechanical hinge. The hinge element can be additionally designed to apply a spring force to the locking element. Here, when the locking element is in the released position, the spring force can act, for example, in the direction of the locked position, or when the locking element is in the locked position, in the direction of the released position. In this way, the force required to move the locking element to the locked or released position can be reduced.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the hinge element can be a membrane hinge. A "membrane hinge" can be understood, for example, as a flexible band connecting a locking element to an operating element. Membrane hinges can be made of plastic and / or metal materials. Such hinge elements can be manufactured particularly inexpensively.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the retaining element can be releasably secured to the connector housing via a locking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element can be secured to the connector housing in different positions via the locking mechanism. This enables quick and easy (removal) installation and / or adjustment of the retaining element and the locking element connected to the retaining element via a hinge element.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the mating connector may include a secondary locking device designed to cause the mating connector housing to be connected to the mating connector housing to form a mating connection only when the contact element housed in the mating connector housing is arranged in a predetermined position and / or at the mating connector housing. In this way, installation errors can be avoided.

[0029] The secondary locking device, for example, can include at least one secondary locking element supported at the connector housing in a manner movable between a secondary locked position and a secondary unlocked position. In the secondary locked position, the secondary locking element is partially inserted into the connector housing to secure the contact element housed there, and in the secondary unlocked position, it positions the contact element within the connector housing. For example, the secondary locking element can only move to the secondary locked position when the contact element is fully introduced into the connector housing, for example, up to a stop. Furthermore, in the secondary unlocked position, the secondary locking element can partially extend beyond the outer contour of the connector housing to prevent the connector housing from fully engaging with the mating connector housing, wherein in the secondary locked position, the secondary locking element can extend beyond the outer contour, allowing the connector housing to fully engage with the mating connector housing. For example, the secondary locking device includes such a secondary locking element for each contact element to be housed by the connector housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the fixing element can be additionally fixed to the secondary locking device. In this way, the (disassembly) and installation of the plug connector can be further simplified. For example, the locking element and the secondary locking device can be different (functional) sections of the same one-piece manufactured component (e.g., an injection-molded component or an additively manufactured component).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the main locking element can be configured as a resiliently bendable arm, which can be fixed at one end to the connector housing and can move between a locked position and an unlocked position by the resilient bending of its other free end. For example, the main locking element and the connector housing can be manufactured in one piece and / or from one or more of the same materials by injection molding or additive manufacturing methods. Therefore, the connector can be manufactured particularly inexpensively. However, the main locking element can also be provided as a separate component and additionally connected to the connector housing in a suitable manner.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the main locking element is capable of elastic bending in the unlocked position, such that an elastic force oriented toward the locked position acts on the main locking element. In other words, the main locking element is capable of pre-tensioning in the unlocked position, so that upon release, the main locking element returns to the locked position independently, unless otherwise prevented. Alternatively or additionally, the main locking element is not capable of elastic bending in the locked position. In other words, the locked position can correspond to the rest position of the main locking element, in which the main locking element does not bear significant load, especially not significant bending load.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the free end of the main locking element can be farther from the connector housing in the locked position than in the unlocked position. For example, the main locking element can be moved to the unlocked position by pressing down, i.e., by moving its free end toward the connector housing, and can be moved back to the locked position by releasing the main locking element. This simplifies the installation of the plug-in connection. Alternatively or additionally, the free end of the locking element can be farther from the connector housing in the locked position than in the released position. In this way, the main locking element can be maintained at a certain distance from the connector housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the mating connector housing can include a housing opening for receiving at least one section of the mating connector housing, and a stop can be at least partially disposed in the housing opening. In this way, when the mating connector housing is introduced into the mating connector housing, the locking element can be moved from a released position to a locked position. Additionally or alternatively, the stop can be configured as a rib. For example, the stop can include two or more ribs, each extending along a parallel axis in the longitudinal direction of the mating connector housing. Here, the ribs can be at least partially opposite each other and separated from each other by an intermediate space, which can be used to receive at least one section of the main locking element and / or locking element and / or other elements of the mating connector. The ribs can, for example, each have an operating surface at its end side specifically constructed for operating the locking element. Here, the operating surface can be aligned with the longitudinal direction of the respective rib. For example, the operating surface can be formed by an edge at the respective end side. Such a stop is robust and can be easily manufactured. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0036] Figure 1 A side view of an electrical plug connector system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in an unlocked state.

[0037] Figure 2Indicates the state of being locked. Figure 1 Side view of the plug-in connection system.

[0038] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 A top view of the plug-in connection system.

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of an electrical plug connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a locked state is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 Show Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the plug-in connection system in the diagram.

[0041] Figure 6 Show Figure 4 and Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the locking device in the diagram.

[0042] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A bottom view of the locking device in the middle.

[0043] Figure 8 A perspective view of an electrical plug connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a locked state is shown.

[0044] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the secondary locking device.

[0045] The figures are schematic only and not to scale. In the various figures, the same reference numerals denote the same features or features that serve the same function. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1 An electrical plug-in connection system 1 is shown, comprising an electrical plug-in connector 2 having a plug-in connector housing 3 and a mating electrical plug-in connector 4 having a mating plug-in connector housing 5. The mating plug-in connector housing 5 is in Figure 1 and Figure 2 China corresponds to Figure 3 The cross-section of section line II is shown in the diagram. A conductive contact element 6 is arranged in the plug connector housing 3, and this contact element should be conductively connected to a conductive mating contact element 7 housed in the mating plug connector housing 5. For this purpose, the plug connector housing 3 and the mating plug connector housing 5 are connected to form a plug connection 8 by being displaced relative to each other in opposite directions, as shown in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in (in Figure 1 In this configuration, the plug-in connection system 1 is slightly plugged together, i.e., not yet fully plugged together. Here, the contact element 6 and the mating contact element 7 can partially insert into each other.

[0047] The plug-in connection system 1 may also include two or more contact elements 6 or mating contact elements 7.

[0048] The plug connector 2 also includes a main locking element 9 supported on the plug connector housing 3 in a manner that allows it to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The main locking element 9... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The views drawn with solid lines show the locking positions; the main locking element 9 Figure 1 The view drawn with dashed lines in the middle illustrates the unlock position.

[0049] As from Figure 2 As can be seen, the plug connector housing 3 and the mating plug connector housing 5 are locked together in the locked position by the main locking element 9, so that the plug connection 8 can no longer be easily released.

[0050] In this example, the main locking element 9 is constructed as an arm extending from the connector housing 3, the arm being elastically bendable at its first end and separated from the connector housing 3 by a gap 10. This is achieved by applying a bending force (in...) Figure 1 The method of applying the locking element 9 (indicated by a downward-pointing arrow) to the second end allows the main locking element 9 to be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, wherein the gap 10 is correspondingly reduced. In the unlocked position, it is possible for the plug connector housing 3 and the mating plug connector housing 5 to be fully inserted into each other, for example until they collide, or to be pulled apart again.

[0051] Therefore, in the unlocked position, a spring force opposite to the bending force, i.e., oriented towards the locked position, acts on the main locking element 9, causing the main locking element 9 to return to the locked position upon release, provided it is not otherwise obstructed. Here, the locked position can correspond to the neutral or stationary position of the main locking element 9.

[0052] Alternatively, the main locking element 9 can also be supported on the connector housing 3 by means of a mechanical hinge in a manner that allows it to rotatably move between the unlocked and locked positions. In this case, the aforementioned elastic force can be applied, for example, by means of an additional spring.

[0053] For example, as in Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, the main locking element 9 is capable of having a locking wedge 11 between its first end and its second end, which slides on the front edge of the mating connector housing 5 when the connector housing 3 and the mating connector housing 5 are brought together. This has the effect that the more the connector housing 3 and the mating connector housing 5 are brought together, the more strongly the main locking element 9 bends laterally toward the connector housing 3 along the displacement axis.

[0054] For example, the plug connector housing 3 and the mating plug connector housing 5 can come together until the locking wedge 11 locks itself in the corresponding shaped section of the mating plug connector housing 5 due to the preload of the elastically bent main locking element 9 (see [link]). Figure 2 The resulting plug connection 8 can then only be released by the main locking element 9 being brought back to the unlocked position with considerable force, for example by pressing down its free end.

[0055] To prevent this, for example, for safety reasons, the plug-in connection system 1 includes a locking device with a locking element 12, which is capable of locking in such a way as... Figure 1 The release position shown and as Figure 2 The locking element 12 is supported at the connector housing 3 in a manner that allows it to move and rotate between the locked and unlocked positions. Here, the locking element 12 can move between the released and locked positions by means of a stop 13 that mates with the connector housing 5, i.e., the stop 13 and the connector housing 5 are displaced relative to the connector housing 3. Here, the locking element 12 is driven by the stop 13 to rotate from the released position to the locked position. Furthermore, the stop 13 prevents the locking element 12 from rotating back to the released position once it has entered the locked position. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different context.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be seen that the locking element 12 can be farther from the connector housing 3 in the locked position than in the unlocked position.

[0056] In the locked position, the locking element 12 locks most of the gap 10, preventing the main locking element 9 from being pushed down from the locked position to the unlocked position. Conversely, in the released position, most of the gap 10 is exposed, allowing the main locking element 9 to be pushed down to the unlocked position.

[0057] In this example, the locking device additionally includes a fixing element 14 and a hinge element 15. The fixing element is fixed to the outside of the connector housing 3, and the locking element 12 is supported at the fixing element 14 via the hinge element in a manner that allows it to rotate between a released position and a locked position. For example, the hinge element 15 can be a membrane hinge. However, a mechanical hinge is also feasible.

[0058] The retaining element 14 can optionally be re-secured to the connector housing 3 by means of a locking mechanism. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the locking mechanism includes a plurality of protrusions 16 located on the underside of the connector housing 3, and a suitable resilient geometry 17, wherein the protrusions are lockable into corresponding recesses (not shown) in the connector housing 3, and wherein the resilient geometry is designed to press the protrusions 16 into the recesses and thereby cause locking with the connector housing 3. Locking can be released by pressing the resilient geometry 17 down toward the connector housing 3, allowing the retaining element 14, together with the hinge element 15 and the locking element 12, to be pulled out of the connector housing 3 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0059] The retaining element 14 can be locked to the connector housing 3 in one or more positions. For example, the retaining element 14 can be locked to the connector housing 3 in different positions in the longitudinal direction of the connector housing 3.

[0060] The insertion process is initiated independently: the main locking element 9 first moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, and then moves back from the unlocked position to the locked position, and the main locking element is blocked in the locked position at the end of the insertion process. This self-locking function simplifies the installation of the insertion connection system 1 because the main locking element 9 does not need to be locked by itself, for example by pressing it into the unlocked position with a thumb, or by any additional manual steps.

[0061] In this example, the connector housing 3 is partially introduced into the housing opening 18 of the mating connector housing 5 to establish a mating connection 8. Here, the stop 13 can be arranged at least partially in the housing opening 18.

[0062] For example, the stop member 13 may include two parallel ribs 19, which extend along the longitudinal direction of the mating connector housing 5 and terminate at the front edge of the mating connector housing 5 (see [reference]). Figure 3 The two ribs 19 can be arranged at a specific distance from each other, so that the main locking element 9 can be at least partially introduced into the intermediate space between the two ribs 19 when they are inserted together.

[0063] According to this arrangement, the locking element 12 may include a locking section 20 arranged in the gap 10 for locking the main locking element 9 and an operating section 21 arranged on both sides outside the gap 10 for operating the locking element 12 through the two ribs 19.

[0064] As in Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 9As can be clearly seen, the locking section 20 and the operating section 21 can, for example, resemble the tooth structure of a fork, wherein the operating section 21 consists of two external teeth of the fork, and the locking section 20 consists of the middle tooth of the fork located between the two external teeth.

[0065] As in Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the plug connector 2 may optionally include a secondary locking device 22, which is designed to secure one or more contact elements 6 in the plug connector housing 3 or to prevent the establishment of a plug connection 8 when one or more contact elements 6 are not properly installed in the plug connector housing 3.

[0066] The secondary locking device 22 can be configured as a component that can be installed (removed) independently of the locking device, such as in Figure 4 It can be implicitly identified.

[0067] Alternatively, the secondary locking device 22 and the locking device can be constructed as different (functional) sections of the same one-piece manufactured component (e.g., injection-molded or additively manufactured component), as in Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown.

[0068] For example, the secondary locking device 22 can be fixed to both sides of the fixing element 14 via the corresponding connecting piece 23, so that the secondary locking device 22 and the fixing element 14 (and the locking element 12 connected thereto) can only be installed (removed) together.

[0069] The fixing element 14 may optionally include a tool receiving portion 24, for example in the form of a slit, such as in Figure 9 As can be seen in the image. The tool receiving portion 24 can be used to move and / or deform the fixing element 14 by means of a tool (e.g., a flathead screwdriver), so that the locking element 12 is moved out of the locked position and the main locking element 9 can thus be pressed down to the unlocked position again.

[0070] For example, the fixing element 14 can be manually or by means of a tool along... Figure 4 and Figure 8 Remove the arrow marked in the middle from connector 2.

[0071] According to the implementation scheme, the complete locking device and / or the complete secondary locking device 22 can be removed from the plug connector 2 together with the fixing element 14.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "having" or "comprising" do not exclude any other elements or steps, and terms such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that the features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of the other embodiments described above.

[0073] List of reference numerals

[0074] 1. Plug-in connection system

[0075] 2. Plug-in connector

[0076] 3. Connector housing

[0077] 4. Use with plug-in connectors

[0078] 5. Matching connector housing

[0079] 6 Contact elements

[0080] 7. Matching contact elements

[0081] 8. Plug-in connection

[0082] 9. Main locking element

[0083] 10 gaps

[0084] 11 Locking wedge

[0085] 12 Locking elements

[0086] 13 Stop components

[0087] 14 Fixing elements

[0088] 15. Hinged elements

[0089] 16. Raised section

[0090] 17. Elastic Geometry

[0091] 18. Shell opening

[0092] 19 ribs

[0093] 20. Locking section

[0094] 21. Operating Section

[0095] 22 Secondary locking devices

[0096] 23 Connecting Piece

[0097] 24. Tool container.

Claims

1. An electrical plug-in connector (2), comprising: A plug connector housing (3) is used to accommodate at least one conductive contact element (6), wherein the plug connector housing (3) can be connected with the mating plug connector housing (5) to form a plug connection (8) by displacement of the plug connector housing (3) relative to the mating plug connector (4). A main locking element (9) is supported on the plug connector housing (3) in a manner that allows it to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The main locking element is designed to prevent the release of the plug connection (8) in the locked position and to release the plug connection in the unlocked position. A locking element (12) is supported on the plug connector housing (3) in a manner that allows it to move between a locked position and a released position. The locking element is designed to prevent the main locking element (9) from moving to the unlocked position in the locked position and to allow the main locking element to move to the unlocked position in the released position. The locking element (12) can move from the released position to the locked position by means of the stops (13, 19) of the mating plug connector housing (5) when the plug connector housing (3) is displaced relative to the mating plug connector housing (5).

2. Plug connector (2) according to claim 1, wherein The locking element (12) is supported on the plug connector housing (3) in a manner that allows it to rotate between the locked position and the released position.

3. Plug connector (2) according to claim 2, wherein The locking element (12) includes a locking section (20) for locking the main locking element (9) and an operating section (21) connected to the locking section (20) for operating the locking element (12). The locking section (20) is arranged in the gap (10) between the main locking element (9) and the plug connector housing (3); The operating section (21) is arranged outside the gap (10), and when the plug connector housing (3) is displaced relative to the mating plug connector housing (5), the operating section can rotate from the release position to the locking position by means of the stop (13, 19) of the mating plug connector housing (5).

4. Plug connector (2) according to claim 3, wherein The locking element (12) is configured as a fork-shaped member having two external teeth as the operating section (21) and a middle tooth located between the two external teeth as the locking section (20).

5. The plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the plug connector further comprises: Fixing element (14); Hinged element (15); The fixing element (14) is fixed to the plug connector housing (3), and the locking element (12) is supported on the fixing element (14) via the hinge element (15) in a manner that allows it to rotate between the locked position and the released position.

6. Plug connector (2) according to claim 5, wherein The hinge element (15) is a thin-film hinge.

7. Plug connector (2) according to claim 5, wherein The fixing element (14) is fixed to the plug connector housing (3) in a manner that can be released again via locking mechanisms (16, 17) and / or can be fixed to different positions on the plug connector housing (3).

8. The plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: Secondary locking device (22), the secondary locking device being designed to enable the plug connector housing (3) to connect with the mating plug connector housing (5) to form the plug connection (8) only when the contact element (6) received by the plug connector housing (3) is arranged in a predetermined position on and / or in the plug connector housing (3).

9. The plug connector (2) according to claim 5, further comprising: Secondary locking device (22), the secondary locking device being designed to enable the plug connector housing (3) to connect with the mating plug connector housing (5) to form the plug connection (8) only when the contact element (6) received by the plug connector housing (3) is arranged in a predetermined position on and / or in the plug connector housing (3).

10. Plug connector (2) according to claim 9, wherein The fixing element (14) is additionally fixed to the secondary locking device (22).

11. Plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The main locking element (9) is configured as an elastically bendable arm, which is fixed at one end of the arm to the plug connector housing (3) and is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position by elastic bending.

12. Plug connector (2) according to claim 11, wherein The main locking element (9) is elastically bent at the unlock position, so that the elastic force toward the locking position acts on the main locking element (9); and / or The main locking element (9) does not bend elastically in the locked position.

13. Plug connector (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Compared to the unlocked position, in the locked position the free end of the main locking element (9) is farther from the plug connector housing (3); and / or In the locked position, the free end of the locking element (12) is farther from the plug connector housing (3) than in the released position.

14. An electrical mating connector (4), comprising: A mating connector housing (5) for accommodating at least one conductive mating contact element (7), wherein the mating connector housing (5) is capable of connecting with the plug connector housing (3) of the plug connector (2) according to any one of the preceding claims to form a plug connection (8) by displacement of the mating connector housing (5) relative to the plug connector housing (3); and a stop (13, 19) designed to move the locking element (12) of the plug connector (2) from a released position to a locked position when the mating connector housing (5) is displaced relative to the plug connector housing (3).

15. The mating plug connector (4) of claim 14, wherein, The mating connector housing (5) includes a housing opening (18) for receiving at least one section of the connector housing (3), and the stops (13, 19) are at least partially arranged in the housing opening (18). and / or The stop members (13, 19) are configured as ribs.

16. An electrical plug-in connection system (1), comprising: The plug connector (2) is claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13. The mating connector (4) according to claim 14 or 15; wherein, The plug connector housing (3) of the plug connector (2) and the mating plug connector housing (5) of the mating plug connector (4) are connected to form the plug connection (8). At least one conductive contact element (6) is provided, and the plug connector housing (3) houses the contact element; At least one conductive mating contact element (7), the mating connector housing (5) accommodating the mating contact element; The contact element (6) and the mating contact element (7) are electrically connected to each other; The main locking element (9) of the plug connector (2) is located in the locked position to prevent the plug connection (8) from being released, and the stop (13, 19) of the mating plug connector housing (5) holds the locking element (12) of the plug connector (2) in the locked position to prevent the main locking element (9) from moving to the unlocked position.

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