Electrical connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking pawl for an electrical connector, which has a connector housing and plug-in contacts which are accommodated in the connector housing and which constitute electrical contact for plug-in contacts of a mating connector, wherein the locking pawl constitutes a mechanical locking of the mating connector on the connector housing. The invention also relates to an assembly which consists of at least one electrical connector and at least one such locking pawl.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a locking pawl for an electrical connector having a connector housing and mating contacts housed within the connector housing, the mating contacts forming electrical contacts for engaging with mating connectors, wherein the locking pawl serves to mechanically lock the mating connector onto the connector housing. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising at least one electrical connector and at least one such locking pawl. Background Technology

[0002] Such locking pawls for electrical connectors are known from DE 10 2007 056 252 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved locking pawl. Furthermore, an improved assembly comprising at least one electrical connector and at least one such locking pawl should be proposed.

[0004] The stated objective is achieved in the locking pawl of the type mentioned at the beginning by configuring the locking pawl as a plastic component reinforced by at least one metal plate insert member. This invention offers the advantage that the locking pawl can also be constructed more robustly and practically. Reinforcing the plastic component with the metal plate insert member allows the locking pawl to exert a greater holding force in the locked state. Overall, the advantageous functional characteristics and spring properties of the locking pawl are retained. The functionality of the locking pawl is maintained equally in both dry and wet conditions by the metal plate insert. Therefore, the locking pawl can be implemented in a humidity-independent manner while maintaining a compact structural form. It is also feasible that, compared to the prior art, the locking pawl is configured to be smaller and, in particular, flatter, allowing for a more compact overall construction of the electrical connector.

[0005] The objective is also achieved by an assembly comprising at least one electrical connector and at least one locking pawl of the type described above, wherein the electrical connector has a connector housing and a mating contact disposed within the connector housing, the mating contact constituting electrical contact for mating with a mating connector, and wherein the locking pawl constituting mechanically locking the mating connector onto the connector housing. The assembly may also include a mating connector.

[0006] Such connectors are used, for example, in building wiring to connect interconnected lines and junction boxes assembled with plug and socket components, or in combination with pluggable junction boxes and splitters. In addition to the connector, a mating connector is provided, which is positioned on the plug-in side of the connector and can be locked to the connector housing by means of a locking pawl with a longitudinal section, such as a T-shape. The locking pawl can be movably supported on the plug-in side of the connector or on a correspondingly constructed plug-in side of the mating connector.

[0007] Another advantage of the present invention is that the tendency of the locking pawl to break during the unlocking process can be reduced compared to a purely plastic component. The locking pawl may have one or more metal plate inserts. The metal plate inserts themselves can be configured as a one-piece or multi-piece component, for example, in a one-piece embodiment formed from a metal plate. The metal plate inserts can be formed from relatively thin metal sheets, for example, from metal sheets with a material thickness of less than 1 mm or a spring stiffness of less than 0.5 mm.

[0008] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the metal plate insert member can be covered with plastic from all sides, or at least from the side of the locking pawl facing away from the connector housing, particularly completely covered with plastic. In this way, the locking pawl can be constructed safely and ergonomically, minimizing the risk of injury, especially at the edges of the metal plate insert member. It also increases the potentially transferable locking force. The advantages of a resilient and lightweight plastic combined with a tear-resistant (high tensile strength) metal plate insert can be further combined to reduce the tendency of the locking pawl to bend under tension.

[0009] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the metal plate insert member at least partially or over its entire longitudinal extension follows the contour of the locking pawl. This has the advantage that the existing configuration of the locking pawl can be maintained and the metal plate insert member can be embedded in said configuration.

[0010] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the locking pawl has at least one first locking hook configured for locking onto a locking edge of the mating connector. This locking hook allows the mating connector to be reliably locked onto the connector. The first locking hook may, for example, have a barbed profile. The mating connector may have a housing with a locking recess on which the locking edge is formed. The first locking hook then sinks into the locking recess in the locked state. The first locking hook may, for example, be disposed on a resiliently deflectable locking connecting plate of the locking pawl.

[0011] The locking pawl may also have multiple, for example, first locking hooks arranged side by side, which constitute locking for the same locking edge as the mating connector or for locking different locking edges of the mating connector.

[0012] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the plate insert member has a central region and at least one first locking connecting plate angled relative to the central region, the first locking connecting plate being wholly or partially covered by plastic, wherein a first locking hook is formed by the plastic-covered angled first locking connecting plate. In this way, a locking pawl is also reinforced by the plate insert member in the region of the first locking hook. The angled first connecting plate can be manufactured at a specific predetermined angle relative to the central region. Depending on the configuration of the plate insert member and the material used, the angled first connecting plate can be configured to be adjustable in terms of angle.

[0013] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the locking pawl has at least one second locking hook configured for locking onto a locking edge of the connector housing. This has the advantage that the locking pawl can also be secured relative to the connector housing by locking. The second locking hook allows for a more secure locking of the locking pawl onto the connector housing. The second locking hook may, for example, have a barbed profile. In this way, the locking pawl does not necessarily have to be secured to the connector housing via another element. The connector housing may have a locking recess on which the locking edge is formed. The second locking hook then sinks into the locking recess of the connector housing in the locked state. The second locking hook may, for example, be provided on a locking connecting plate on which the locking pawl is resiliently deflectable.

[0014] The locking pawl may also have multiple, for example, second locking hooks arranged side by side, which constitute locking for the same locking edge as the connector housing or for different locking edges of the connector housing.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the plate insert member has at least one second locking connecting plate angled relative to the central region, the second locking connecting plate being wholly or partially covered with plastic, wherein a second locking hook is formed by the plastic-covered angled second locking connecting plate. In this way, a locking pawl is also reinforced by the plate insert member in the region of the second locking hook. The angled second connecting plate can be manufactured at a specific predetermined angle relative to the central region. Depending on the configuration of the plate insert member and the material used, the angled second connecting plate can be adjusted in terms of angle.

[0016] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the second locking hook is spaced apart from the first locking hook. The first and second locking hooks are configured in such a way as mating members relative to each other. The first and second locking hooks may, for example, be located on opposite end sides of a central region. The central region then extends from the first locking hook to the second locking hook.

[0017] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the metal plate insert member is configured as a substantially flat member, at least in the central region. This allows the locking pawl to maintain a compact and flat configuration.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the central region of the metal plate insertion member is substantially rectangular and may have one, two, or more gaps. This allows for weight savings in areas where high strength is not required for the locking pawl.

[0019] The release of the locking pawl or its lock on the connector housing or the housing of the mating connector can be, for example, by a movable release element provided on the connector housing or the mating connector housing, as known from DE 10 2007056 252 A1. It is also possible to release the lock using an external tool that is not part of the electrical connector or the mating connector, such as a screwdriver.

[0020] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the locking pawl has at least one manually operable section for releasing the lock between the connector and the mating connector. In this way, the locking pawl has an integrated release aid mechanism for manually releasing the lock. Accordingly, no external tools are required. Furthermore, the connector and the mating connector can also be implemented without a movable release element.

[0021] The manually operated section may, for example, extend beyond the first or second locking hook along the longitudinal direction of the metal plate insertion member. The locking pawl may also have manually operated sections on opposite sides, such that one manually operated section extends longitudinally beyond the first locking hook and the other manually operated section extends longitudinally beyond the second locking hook. Here, the direction parallel to the insertion direction is understood as the longitudinal direction of the operating member, in which the connector can be inserted with the mating connector.

[0022] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the manual operating section is formed by an operating connecting plate extending from the central region of the metal plate insert member, said operating connecting plate being wholly or partially covered by plastic. In this way, the manual operating section can be constructed ergonomically and reliably. Furthermore, the manual operating section is mechanically reinforced by the metal plate insert member, enabling the transmission of high release forces. The plastic covering minimizes the risk of injury. The operating connecting plate can, for example, extend from the central region in a straight line or at an angle about the central region.

[0023] One advantage of the connector is that the locking pawl can be unlocked to release the connector and mating connector from each other. This requires that the locking pawl be approached from above or below to raise the resilient locking plate upwards away from the connector housing and release the lock while the mating connector is being pulled out.

[0024] The locking pawl can be integrated with the connector as a single piece. In an advantageous embodiment, the locking pawl is configured as a separate element that can be movably supported on the mating front of the connector housing.

[0025] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the locking pawl is configured as a component separate from the connector housing, which can be secured to at least one receiving element of the connector housing. This has the advantage of simplifying the manufacture of the connector housing and the locking pawl, as the connector housing and the locking pawl can be manufactured separately. The locking pawl can, for example, be configured to be lockable or latchable onto the receiving element of the connector housing.

[0026] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the locking pawl can be removably supported on the mating face of the connector housing. This allows for a simple and reliable fixation of the locking pawl to the connector housing. When the mating connector is inserted into the connector, the mating face (also referred to as the mating surface) is covered by the mating connector. In this way, the locking pawl is additionally secured to the connector.

[0027] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the locking pawl has a guide pin. As a mating element to the guide pin, a guide rail and / or guide opening may be present on the mating front of the connector housing as a receiving element for accommodating the guide pin of the locking pawl.

[0028] The guide pin may be, for example, a beam that extends forward in a gradually tapering manner toward the connector and the mating connector, the beam being inserted into a mating guide opening on the front side of the connector.

[0029] The guide pin is connected, for example, to a longitudinal beam extending along the insertion direction. A locking element may be provided on the longitudinal beam, which engages with the connector housing or mating connector in the locked state. Achieved by the longitudinal beam, the locking pawl can lock not only with the connector but also with the opposite mating connector.

[0030] In the context of this invention, the indefinite article "a" is not understood as a quantifier. Therefore, when discussing, for example, a component, this is understood to mean "at least one component." Whenever an angle is described in degrees, the angle refers to a circle of 360 degrees (360°).

[0031] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The attached diagram shows:

[0033] Figure 1 A side view of the locking pawl is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Front view of the locking pawl;

[0035] Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 1 The locking pawl in Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of section plane AA shown in the figure;

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view of the metal plate insertion component is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 A side view of the metal plate insertion component is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 The basis for showing the metal plate insertion component is shown. Figure 2 Side view of section plane AA;

[0039] Figure 7 This illustrates an electrical plug-in device that is locked by means of a locking pawl;

[0040] Figure 8 This illustrates the basis for the release process aided by external tools. Figure 7 Plug-in device;

[0041] Figure 9 A side view and partial cross-sectional view of another electrical plug-in device with locking pawls are shown;

[0042] Figures 10 to 12 A perspective view showing different implementations of the locking pawl;

[0043] Figure 13A perspective view showing another embodiment of the metal plate insertion member. Detailed Implementation

[0044] exist Figure 1 The locking pawl 1 shown has one or more longitudinal beams 2 pointing in the longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L of the locking element 1 extends parallel to the insertion direction S of the connector. A first locking hook 3 and a second locking hook 4 extend downward from at least one longitudinal beam 2. One or more longitudinal beams 2 have manually operated sections 8 on one or both sides of their extensions in the longitudinal direction L, which are configured to release the lock between the connector and the mating connector by manual operation. From one or more longitudinal beams 2, one or more connecting sections 7 extend approximately centrally to a fixing region of the locking pawl 1, which constitutes a region for securing the locking pawl 1 to the housing of the connector and / or the mating connector. The connecting sections 7 transition into guide pins 5 pointing to the left in the longitudinal direction L and guide pins 6 pointing to the right in the longitudinal direction L. The guide pins 5, 6 constituting the fixing region can be accommodated in the guide rails and / or guide openings of the connector, as will be further explained below.

[0045] The locking pawl 1 is configured as a plastic component reinforced by at least one metal plate insert member. The locking pawl 1 in... Figure 1 The recognizable outer contour is formed by plastic components.

[0046] Figure 2 A front view of locking pawl 1 is shown, with section plane AA shown.

[0047] Figure 3 A cross-sectional plane AA of the locking pawl 1 is shown. From this, at least a portion or segment of the metal plate insert member 10, embedded in the plastic material, can be seen. Based on the selected cross-sectional plane, in Figure 3 The central region 20 of the metal plate insertion member 10 is visible, extending substantially along the length of the corresponding longitudinal beam 2. A first locking connecting plate 30, angled relative to the central region 20, extends into the first locking hook 3. In this way, the first locking hook 3 is reinforced by the metal sheet of the metal plate insertion member 10. A second locking connecting plate 40, angled relative to the central region 20, extends into the second locking hook 4. In this way, the second locking hook 4 is also reinforced by the metal sheet of the metal plate insertion member 10.

[0048] Figures 4 to 6The complete sheet metal insert member 10 of the first embodiment is shown. As can be seen, the central region 20 constitutes a substantially flat portion of the sheet metal insert member 10. The central region 20 is substantially rectangular in shape and has a recess 21. The sheet metal insert member 10 is formed in one piece in the illustrated embodiment. Correspondingly, on one side, a plurality of first locking connecting plates 30 are constructed from sheet metal by a bending process and are angled relative to the central region 20, thereby forming additional recesses 31 at that location. On the other side of the central region 20, a plurality of second locking connecting plates 40 are constructed from sheet metal by a bending process and are angled relative to the central region 20, thereby forming additional recesses 41 at that location.

[0049] The metal plate insertion member 10 also has an operating connecting plate 80 extending from the central region 20, the operating connecting plate extending into or being covered by the plastic material of the manual operation section 8. Based on... Figure 2 The selected section plane, the corresponding operation of the connecting plate 80 in Figure 3 and 6 It is not visible in the middle.

[0050] like Figure 7 As can be seen, the electrical connector 91 is plugged into the mating connector 90. The electrical connector 91 has a locking pawl 1, wherein a second locking hook 4 engages in a locking recess 94 of the connector housing 97 of the connector 1. The locking pawl 1 is locked to the connector housing 98 of the mating connector 90 via a first locking hook 3, for example, by means that the first locking hook 3 extends into a locking recess 95 on the connector housing 98 of the mating connector 90. The locking recesses 64 and 95 respectively form locking edges.

[0051] Figure 8 It shows how to release the object using tool 92. Figure 7 The locking mechanism is described as follows: the tool is pushed into the area between the manual operating section 8 and the housing of the mating connector 90. The manual operating section 80 is deflected upwards by the tool 92 due to the elastic deformation of the locking pawl 1, causing the first locking hook 3 to disengage from the locking recess 95. In this way, the lock between the first locking hook 3 and the locking recess 95 can be released.

[0052] Figure 9 Another embodiment of an electrical connection device with a connector 91 and a mating connector 90 is shown. In this case, a release element 93 is movably supported on the mating connector 90, the release element having a release finger 94 on the side facing the locking element 1. The release finger 94 can be configured, for example, in a wedge shape, such that when the release element 93 moves toward the locking pawl 1, the release finger 94 can engage from below with the manual operating member 8, and in this way, similar to... Figure 8As shown in the diagram, the housing of the mating connector can be moved forward. In this way, the lock between the first locking hook 3 and the locking recess 95 can be released.

[0053] The section view also shows the locking pawl 1 secured to the guide rail or guide opening 99 of the connector 91. The connector may also have a corresponding guide rail or guide opening 96.

[0054] exist Figures 10 to 12 In the figures, different possible implementations of the locking pawl 1 are compared in two different perspective views. The corresponding upper figure shows a top view of the locking pawl 1, i.e., on the side away from the connector housing 97, and the lower figure shows the locking pawl on the lower side, i.e., on the side facing the connector housing 97. Figure 10 Here it is shown again, based on Figures 1 to 3 The locking pawl 1, which has already been described, has a manually operated section 8 located on one side.

[0055] Figure 11 One embodiment of the locking pawl 1 is shown, wherein the locking pawl is configured without a manually operated section 8, the rest being as follows: Figure 10 It is configured as described in the implementation method.

[0056] Figure 12 An embodiment of a locking pawl that also lacks a manually operated section 8 is shown. For this purpose, an additional locking element 9 is provided on one side of the locking pawl 1, which may be in the form of a locking connecting plate or a locking arm, for example. The locking element 9 may be made of plastic, for example. Figure 12 The locking pawl 1 is suitable for locking to an insulating housing, such as a connector housing 97, by means of a locking element 9.

[0057] Figure 13 Another embodiment of the metal plate insertion member 10 is shown, wherein a similar embodiment is shown in the left figure. Figure 4 A perspective view is shown, and a perspective view from the opposite side (bottom side) is shown in the right figure. The metal plate insert member 10 first has various features according to... Figures 4 to 6 The same or at least similar elements as those in the implementation, especially the central region 20 together with the recess 21 disposed therein and the operating connecting plate 80 extending from the central region 20. A first locking connecting plate 30 and a second locking connecting plate 40 are also present. However, with... Figures 4 to 6Unlike other implementations, these locking connecting plates are not directly punched out of the material of the central region 20, meaning there are no gaps 31, 41. Instead, the first and second locking connecting plates 30, 40 are formed as connecting plates that initially extend flatly from the central region 20, and these connecting plates are bent into a desired angled shape by a bending process. Therefore, the first and second locking connecting plates 30, 40 are locking connecting plates bent from the outer edge of the central region 20.

[0058] List of reference numerals

[0059] 1. Lock the pawl

[0060] 2 Longitudinal beams

[0061] 3 First locking hook

[0062] 4 Second locking hook

[0063] 5 and 6 guide bolts

[0064] 7. Connecting Section

[0065] 8. Manual Operation Section

[0066] 9 Locking elements

[0067] 10 Metal plate insert components

[0068] 20 Central Region

[0069] 21. Empty space in the central area

[0070] 30 First locking connecting plate

[0071] 31 First blank space

[0072] 40 Second locking connecting plate

[0073] 41 Second blank space

[0074] 80 Operating Connection Plate

[0075] 90 Matching connector

[0076] 91 Connector

[0077] 93 Loosen the component

[0078] 94. Release your fingers

[0079] 95, 64 locking recess

[0080] 96. Guide opening for connector

[0081] 97 Connector Housing

[0082] 98. Connector housing for use with connectors

[0083] 99 Guide opening for mates with connectors

[0084] L (vertical direction)

[0085] S-type insertion direction

Claims

1. A locking pawl (1) for an electrical connector (91), the electrical connector having a connector housing (97) and plug contacts housed within the connector housing (97), the plug contacts constituting electrical contact for engaging with mating plug contacts of a mating connector (90), wherein the locking pawl (1) constitutes a means for mechanically locking the mating connector (90) onto the connector housing (97). Its features are, The locking pawl (1) is configured as a plastic member reinforced by at least one metal plate insert member (10), the locking pawl (1) having at least one first locking hook (3) configured for locking onto a locking edge of a mating connector (90), the metal plate insert member (10) having a central region (20) and at least one first locking connecting plate (30) angled relative to the central region (20), the first locking connecting plate being wholly or partially covered by plastic, wherein the first locking hook (3) is angled by the plastic-covered first locking... A connecting plate (30) is formed, the locking pawl (1) has at least one second locking hook (4) which is configured to lock onto a locking edge of the connector housing (97), the metal plate insert member (10) has at least one second locking connecting plate (40) angled relative to the central region (20), the second locking connecting plate being completely or partially covered by plastic, wherein the second locking hook (4) is formed by the plastic-covered angled second locking connecting plate (40), the second locking hook (4) being spaced apart from the first locking hook (3).

2. The locking pawl according to claim 1, Its features are, The metal plate insertion member (10) is covered with plastic from all sides or at least on the side of the locking pawl (1) away from the connector housing (97).

3. The locking pawl according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The metal plate insertion member (10) at least partially or over its entire longitudinal extension follows the outline of the locking pawl (1).

4. The locking pawl according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The metal plate insert member (10) is configured as a substantially flat member, at least in the central region (20).

5. The locking pawl according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The central region (20) of the metal plate insert member (10) is substantially rectangular in shape and can have one, two or more gaps (21).

6. The locking pawl according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The locking pawl (1) has at least one manually operated section (8) configured to release the lock between the connector (91) and the mating connector (90).

7. The locking pawl according to claim 6, Its features are, The manual operation section (8) is formed by an operation connecting plate (80) extending from the central region (20) of the metal plate insertion member (10), the operation connecting plate being completely or partially covered by plastic.

8. The locking pawl according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The locking pawl (1) is configured as a component separate from the connector housing (97), the component being able to be secured to at least one receiving element (99) of the connector housing (97).

9. The locking pawl according to claim 8, Its features are, The locking pawl (1) can be removably supported on the plugging front of the connector housing (97).

10. The locking pawl according to claim 9, Its features are, The locking pawl (1) has guide pins (5, 6) that can be inserted into guide rails and / or guide openings present in the plugging front of the connector housing (97), the guide rails and / or guide openings serving as receiving elements (99) for accommodating the guide pins of the locking pawl (1).

11. An assembly comprising at least one electrical connector (91) and at least one locking pawl (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the electrical connector having a connector housing (97) and a mating contact disposed in the connector housing (97), the mating contact constituting an electrical contact for mating with a mating connector (90), the locking pawl being used to mechanically lock the mating connector (90) onto the connector housing (97).

12. The component according to claim 11, Its features are, The component includes a mating connector (90).

13. The component according to claim 11 or 12, Its features are, The connector housing (97) has a guide rail and / or guide opening on the plugging front as a receiving element (99) for receiving the guide bolt of the locking pawl (1), and the guide rail and / or guide opening is connected to at least one longitudinal beam (2) extending along the plugging direction (S).

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