Positionally variable latching tabs and plug connectors

Abstract

The invention relates to a latch blade (1) for locking an electrical plug connection between a plug connector (10), preferably a row of plug connectors (10), and a counter plug connector (20), preferably a row of counter plug connectors (20), in a plug-in direction (X), wherein the latch blade (1) has at least one latch clip (2a, 2b, 2c) which is configured to be spring-elastic in order to form a releasable latching connection with a latching section (21) of the counter plug connector (20) and extends at least sectionally in a first direction (X1), preferably in the plug-in direction (X), wherein the latch blade (1) has at least one plug-in section (3a, 3b, 3c) for forming a plug connection with a holding section (12a,..., 12e) of the plug connector (10), and the at least one plug-in section (3a, 3b, 3c) extends at least sectionally in a second direction (X2), preferably perpendicular to the first direction (X1), wherein the latch blade (1) has at least one actuating section (4a) for actuating the at least one latch clip (2a, 2b, 2c), and the latch blade (1) is configured to transfer the at least one latch clip (2a, 2b, 2c) from a latching position (RP) to a release position (FP) by actuating (P) the actuating section (4a) in at least one of the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2). The invention also relates to a plug connector (10) and to an arrangement with a latch blade (1), a plug connector (10) and a counter plug connector (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a latch for locking a mating connector, preferably a row of mating connectors and a pair of mating connectors, in the mating direction, for an electrical connection between the two connectors. The invention also relates to a mating connector and an apparatus comprising the mating connector, the latch, and the mating connector. Background Technology

[0002] Different designs and configurations of plug connectors with locking mechanisms employing latching elements in the form of latching bars or latching plates are known in the prior art.

[0003] A row-type mating connector with multiple mating contacts is known from German public document DE 10 2020 110 979 A1. Regarding each mating contact, the housing of the row-type mating connector includes a receiving groove with an undercut for form-fitting reception of functional elements to ensure mating connection with mating mating connectors.

[0004] A connector for a base housing is known in German patent document DE 10 2010 017 262 B4. A balance bar type locking bar, i.e., a locking hook with a locking protrusion, is used to detachably lock the connector to the base housing.

[0005] For more information on existing technologies, please refer to CN 110994265 A, US2019 / 0280403A1, DE 10 2017124 670 A1, EP 3 462 546 B1, EP 3 389 149 A1, DE 10 2014 115 252 A1, DE 20 2009002 159 U1, and DE 20 2007 005.

[0006] 300U1 describes an integrated locking hook for a corresponding design used to fix or lock plug connections.

[0007] Existing plug connectors and their latching elements are designed for specific applications. However, these standard locking mechanisms may not meet the needs of special cases, such as when a more robust plug connection is desired or required. Therefore, complex design modifications or extensions are often necessary, which also necessitate changes to manufacturing tools, such as injection molds. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved latching tab and an improved plug connector for locking electrical plug connections, characterized by simple assembly and easy operation. Furthermore, the plug connector should be able to accommodate latching tabs with different configurations or designs for different applications. Additionally, the purpose of this invention is to provide a device comprising a plug connector, mating plug connectors, and a latching tab.

[0009] The features of claims 1, 11, and 20 address this objective. Further embodiments and applications of the invention are given in the dependent claims and explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] According to a first general perspective, the present invention relates to a latching tab for locking an electrical connection between a mating connector, preferably a row of mating connectors and a pair of mating connectors, in a mating direction, wherein the latching tab has at least one latch clip configured to be spring-resilient to form a releasable latching connection with a latching section of the mating connector and extending at least segmentally in a first direction, preferably substantially in the mating direction, wherein the latching tab has at least one mating section for forming a mating connection with a retaining section of the mating connector, and at least one mating section extends at least segmentally in a second direction, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the latching tab has at least one actuation section for actuating at least one latch clip, and the latching tab is configured to move at least one latch clip from a latching position to a released position by actuating the actuation section in at least one of the first and second directions, preferably to release the electrical connection between the mating connector and the mating connector.

[0011] The present invention provides a latching plate that can be modularly expanded in a relatively simple manner and method. The components or elements of the latching plate can, as in the case of a spring element, change their position relative to each other by manipulating the actuating sections.

[0012] A latching plate with multiple latch clips and multiple insertion sections may have only a single actuation section. Therefore, when the single actuation section is actuated, all latch clips of the latching plate can be actuated simultaneously.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, the latch piece can be configured to be at least segmentally substantially L-shaped in one view, preferably a side view. Therefore, the latch piece can be produced relatively easily, for example, as a resilient element.

[0014] At least one latch may be substantially U-shaped or forked in a view, preferably in a side view, and have a first clamping leg and a second clamping leg, wherein the first clamping leg and the second clamping leg are spaced apart and / or arranged opposite each other, wherein the first clamping leg is preferably connected to the second clamping leg by a tab, preferably a common tab.

[0015] According to another perspective of the invention, at least one latching clip transitions to at least one operating section and / or at least one plugging section.

[0016] For example, this method ensures that the design of the latch plate is relatively compact.

[0017] At least one of the plug sections may be substantially plate-shaped, and / or, in a view, preferably in a cross-sectional view, have a substantially trapezoidal or substantially wedge-shaped profile.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one of the operating sections in a view, preferably in a side view, may at least segmentally have a substantially L-shaped profile, and / or at least one of the operating sections may at least segmentally be substantially plate-shaped.

[0019] At least one stop element may be arranged between at least one operating section and at least one plug-in section.

[0020] At least one stop element is at least sectionally topographically formed as a plate or bolt, and / or extends substantially along a first direction.

[0021] According to another perspective of the invention, at least one latch clip may include a latching element, preferably only one single latching element, to form a releasable latching connection, wherein the latching element is preferably designed as a latching protrusion, such as a wedge.

[0022] At least one latch clip, at least one insertion section, and at least one operating section can be integrally molded, preferably by at least one casting process and / or at least one injection molding process, or formed as a stamped / bent part.

[0023] According to a second general perspective, the present invention relates to a plug connector, preferably a row plug connector, having at least one plug contact for forming an electrical plug connection in the plug direction with at least one mating plug contact of a mating plug connector, preferably a row mating plug connector, wherein the at least one plug contact extends from an end wall of the plug connector housing in the plug direction, wherein the end wall has at least one retaining section for forming a form-fit connection with at least one latching tab, preferably with at least one latching tab disclosed herein, preferably a plug connection, wherein the retaining section of the at least one is configured to clamp the at least one latching tab with a clamping element of the retaining section at least when forming a form-fit connection with the at least one latching tab.

[0024] In this way, at least one latching tab can be securely arranged on the plug connector. Furthermore, multiple latching tabs of different designs or configurations can be arranged on the plug connector, preferably two latching tabs.

[0025] According to another perspective of the invention, at least one retaining segment is formed at least segmentally in the end wall and / or extends at least segmentally substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0026] The clamping element may be arranged in at least one retaining section, preferably extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction at least in sections.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one retaining section may have at least one stop for at least one latching piece.

[0028] According to another perspective of the invention, at least one retaining segment in a view preferably has at least a generally trapezoidal or generally wedge-shaped profile along its extension direction to form a shape-fit connection, wherein the clamping element in the view preferably has a generally semicircular or generally semi-elliptical profile.

[0029] The end wall may have at least one guide channel for guiding the stop element of at least one latching piece, wherein the guide channel of at least one extends substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction along the end wall away from at least one retaining section.

[0030] According to another perspective of the invention, at least one guide channel has a depth in the insertion direction greater than the depth of at least one retaining section in the insertion direction, and / or at least one retaining section transitions into at least one guide channel.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the housing may have a first housing component and a second housing component for forming a housing plug-in connection in the plugging direction.

[0032] The first housing component may include at least an end wall with at least one guide channel, wherein, when a housing plug-in connection is formed, at least one guide channel is at least segmentally defined by a wall segment of the second housing component that extends substantially in the plug-in direction.

[0033] At least one of the insertion contacts may have a generally square (square) or generally rectangular profile in one view, preferably in the insertion direction, and / or the end wall may have a generally rectangular profile in one view, preferably in the insertion direction.

[0034] According to a third general perspective, the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising at least one latching tab disclosed herein, a plug connector disclosed herein, preferably a row of plug connectors, and a mating plug connector disclosed herein, preferably a row of mating plug connectors, wherein the mating plug connectors are configured to form an electrical plug connection with the plug connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above-described embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with each other in any way. Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the picture:

[0037] Figure 1a A perspective view of one embodiment of the latching piece according to the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a Side view of the latch piece shown;

[0039] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1a and Figure 1b The diagram shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a latching tab and a first housing component of a plug connector housing according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a The latch plate shown and Figure 2a The diagram shows a perspective view of the first housing component of the plug connector housing in its assembled state.

[0041] Figure 3a Shown in exploded view Figure 2b The diagram shows a perspective view of the first housing component and the second housing component of the plug connector housing with the latch plate installed.

[0042] Figure 3b The assembly state is shown. Figure 3a The diagram shows a perspective view of the first housing component and the second housing component of the plug connector with the latch plate installed.

[0043] Figure 4a It shows Figure 3a The front view of the latch tab and the first and second housing components of the plug connector housing shown;

[0044] Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first and second housing components of the plug connector housing with a latching tab. Figure 4a (AA section in the middle);

[0045] Figure 5a It shows Figure 3b The front view of the latch tab and the first and second housing components of the plug connector housing shown;

[0046] Figure 5b It shows Figure 5a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the first and second housing components of the plug connector housing with a latching tab. Figure 5a (BB section in the middle);

[0047] Figure 6a It shows the use of with Figure 5a and Figure 5b A perspective view of an embodiment of a mating plug connector with a latching tab for electrical plug-in connection;

[0048] Figure 6b It shows having Figure 6a The mating connector shown is with Figure 3b A perspective view of the device with a latching connector shown;

[0049] Figure 7a It shows Figure 6b A front view of the device shown;

[0050] Figure 7b It shows Figure 7a Cross-sectional view of the device shown ( Figure 7a (CC section in the middle);

[0051] Figure 8 It shows Figure 3b The diagram shows a perspective view of a plug connector, in which there are two further embodiments of the latching tabs according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Components or elements that are identical or functionally equivalent in the figures are labeled with the same reference numerals. To avoid repetition of description, their description is also given in part with reference to the description of other embodiments and / or figures.

[0053] The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the figures is intended to illustrate or clarify the invention in more detail, but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

[0054] In the figure, double arrows represent a first direction X1, a second direction X2, and a mating direction X. The first direction X1 and the second direction X2 particularly relate to the latching tab in the figure. The mating direction X is preferably the direction in which an electrical mating connection is formed between the mating connector and the mating connector. The first direction X1 is preferably parallel to the mating direction X. The second direction X2 is preferably perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0055] Figure 1a A perspective view of an embodiment of the latch piece 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0056] Latch 1 is used to lock the electrical connection between the mating connector 10 and the mating connector 20 in the mating direction X (see also) Figures 6b to 7b The latching piece 1 has three latching clips 2a, 2b, and 2c. These three latching clips 2a, 2b, and 2c are configured and / or designed to be spring-resilient, each for forming a releasable latching connection with a latching section 21 of the mating plug connector 20 (see also...). Figures 6a to 7b This will be discussed in detail below.

[0057] The three latches 2a, 2b, and 2c each have a first clamping leg and a second clamping leg, wherein the first clamping leg 2aS1 and the second clamping leg 2aS2 of latch 2a are in... Figure 1a As shown and labeled, the first leg 2aS1 of the latching clip 2a is connected to the second leg 2aS2 of the latching clip 2a via a common tab 2aSt. Both the first leg 2aS1 and the second leg 2aS2 are substantially plate-shaped and / or flat, extending along a first direction X1. The first leg 2aS1 includes a latching element 6a in the form of a wedge-shaped protrusion. The latching element 6a is disposed on the first leg 2aS1 on the side of the first leg 2aS1 opposite to the second leg 2aS2. The latching element 6a is preferably integrally formed at least integrally with the first leg 2aS1. When an electrical plug-in connection is formed, the latching element 6a engages with a latching section 21 of the mating plug-in connector 20, which is preferably formed as a notch, thereby releasably locking the electrical plug-in connection at least in the plug-in direction X. Due to the spring-elastic design, the two clamping legs 2aS1 and 2aS2 can be reversibly and / or elastically pressed together, preferably in the second direction X2. Therefore, the latching clip 2a, as well as the other latching clips 2b and 2c, are configured and / or designed as spring elements. The reversible deformability of the two clamping legs 2aS1 and 2aS2 relative to each other enables a change in the position of the latching element 6a on the first clamping leg 2aS1 when the latching plate 1 is manipulated accordingly. This will be described in detail below. Similar to latching clip 2a, this and other characteristics described for latching clip 2a also apply to the other latching clips 2b and 2c of the latching plate 1. The same applies preferably to other parts or elements of the latching plate 1.

[0058] The latch clip 2a and other latch clips 2b and 2c each have at least one mating section 3a, 3b and 3c for forming respective mating connections with the respective retaining sections 12a to 12e of the mating connector 10 (see other figures). The mating connection between the latch clip 1 and the mating connector 10 is preferably a detachable and / or form-fitting mating connection.

[0059] The insertion sections 3a, 3b, and 3c are substantially plate-shaped and / or flat, extending in a second direction X2, which is preferably perpendicular to the first direction X1 and / or to the insertion direction X. Regarding the latch clip 2a, from... Figure 1a As can be seen, the corresponding insertion section 3a is adjacent to the second clamping leg 2aS2 and is arranged more or less perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the second clamping leg 2aS2. In other words, the second clamping leg 2aS2 transitions into the insertion section 3a. The second clamping leg 2aS2 can be integrated with the insertion section 3a in a single molding process.

[0060] In one view, preferably in the second direction X2, the mating section 3a has a generally trapezoidal or generally wedge-shaped profile 3aK, which serves to form a mating connection with the respective retaining sections 12a to 12e of the mating connector 10, thereby arranging the latch piece 1 on the mating connector 10, preferably detachably securing it. The retaining sections 12a to 12e of the mating connector 10 have a profile substantially the same as or at least similar to the profile 3aK of the mating section 3a, in order to form a mating connection. Therefore, the mating connection can be a dovetail connection, etc.

[0061] Latch clips 2a, 2b, and 2c are interconnected via a common wall section (not shown in detail in the figure) of latch piece 1. The common wall section is substantially plate-shaped and / or flat, and extends substantially along the second direction X2, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first direction X1 or substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X. In the initial state, i.e., when latch piece 1 is unloaded, the common wall section is arranged and / or oriented more or less parallel to the plate-shaped insertion sections 3a, 3b, and 3c (see also...). Figure 1b ).

[0062] The latch plate 1 is manipulated by applying force to the actuating section 4a, thereby pressing the first and second clamping legs 2aS1 and 2aS2 of the latch clamp 2a, as well as the first and second clamping legs of the other latch clamps 2b and 2c, together. The force is preferably pressure P. The actuating section 4a is preferably at least segmentally formed as substantially plate-like and / or flat, and in one view, preferably in a top view, has a generally rectangular outline, so that it can be easily operated by hand.

[0063] The manipulating section 4a can be manipulated by applying a pressure P in the second direction X2. Additionally or alternatively, a pressure can also be applied at least partially to the common wall section in the first direction X1. Figure 1a (Not shown in the image) to achieve compression of one or more first operating legs 2aS1 relative to one or more second operating legs 2aS2. In other words, the latch piece 1 is configured as a pushable spring element formed of a flat material.

[0064] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a The side view of the latch piece 1 shown. From Figure 1b As can be seen, the latch piece 1 is at least partially substantially L-shaped, or at least partially has a substantially L-shaped configuration. For example, this applies to the arrangement of the first and second legs 2aS1 and 2aS2 of the latch clip 2a relative to the insertion section 3a, and therefore the arrangement of the corresponding additional legs of the other latch clips 2b and 2c relative to the other insertion sections 3b and 3c. Figure 1b The side view also shows that the latch clip 2a is at least sectionally substantially U-shaped or substantially forked, according to which the first clamping leg 2aS1 and the second clamping leg 2aS2 are spaced apart and / or arranged opposite each other. This also applies to the construction of the other latch clips 2b and 2c. As mentioned above, the first clamping leg 2aS1 is connected to the second clamping leg 2aS2 via a (common) tab 2aSt. The first clamping leg 2aS1 of the latch clip 2a transitions to the operating section 4a, and the second clamping leg 2aS2 of the latch clip 2a transitions to the insertion section 3a.

[0065] Viewed from this perspective, i.e., from the side view, the operating section 4a has at least a segmental, basic L-shaped profile. Plate-shaped stop elements 5a, 5b, and 5c are respectively arranged between the operating section 4a and the insertion section 3a, as well as the additional insertion sections 3b and 3c. Each stop element extends at least segmentally in a first direction X1, preferably in the insertion direction X. If the latching piece 1 forms an insertion connection with the insertion connector 10, the stop element 5a or the plurality of stop elements 5a, 5b, and 5c collectively can guide the operating section 4a during operation.

[0066] Preferably, the latch piece 1 can be integrally molded, for example, by using a plastic material with corresponding elastic and / or reversible deformation properties through at least one injection molding process and / or through at least one casting process.

[0067] Figure 2a It shows Figure 1a and 1b The diagram shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the latch piece 1 and the first housing component 11a of the housing 11 of the plug connector 10 according to the present invention.

[0068] The plug connector 10 is preferably designed as a row plug connector and includes five plug contacts 10K arranged in a row, one of which is in Figure 2a The corresponding markings are made. The plug connector 10 has at least a section that is substantially cuboid in design. The plug contact 10K and other plug contacts extend from the end wall 11W of the first housing member 11a along the plugging direction X. For example, there are corresponding contact elements inside the plug contact 10K for establishing a conductive connection with an electrical conductor (not shown). The plug contact 10K and other plug contacts will not be described in detail here.

[0069] The end wall 11W of the first housing component 11a has five retaining sections 12a to 12e, which extend, for example, along the second direction X2, away from the insertion contact head 10K. The retaining sections 12a to 12e are designed to form at least one form-fitting connection with the insertion sections 3a, 3b, 3c of the latching piece 1, i.e., a separable insertion connection. For this purpose, the retaining sections 12a to 12e, in a view extending substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X, have at least a segmental trapezoidal or at least a segmental wedge-shaped profile that is correspondingly the same or at least similar to the insertion sections 3a, 3b, 3c of the latching piece 1. This allows for the formation of the so-called dovetail joint connection mentioned above.

[0070] Sections 12a to 12e are configured and / or designed to clamp the latching piece 1 by clamping elements 12aK to 12eK, at least when forming a form-fit connection with the latching piece 1. This ensures, for example, optimal, removable yet permanent fixation of the latching piece 1 to the mating connector 10. Thus, the latching piece 1 can be securely positioned on the mating connector 10, preventing accidental detachment of the latching piece 1 from the mating connector 10 before forming an electrical connection with the mating connector 20.

[0071] Clamping elements 12aK to 12eK are preferably arranged within retaining sections 12a to 12e and extend at least sectionally substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X. Viewed from the second direction X2, clamping elements 12aK to 12eK have a substantially semi-circular profile. Viewed from the second direction X2, clamping elements 12aK to 12eK may also have a substantially semi-elliptical profile. In other words, clamping elements 12aK to 12eK can be arranged as cylindrical pins in the retaining sections 12a to 12e in their respective extending directions. When a plug-in connection is formed with the plug-in sections 3a, 3b, 3c of the latch piece 1, the clamping elements 12aK to 12eK apply a corresponding clamping force to the latch piece 1. Therefore, the latch piece 1 is not only form-fitted to the plug connector 10 but also force-fitted and detachably fixed to the plug connector 10.

[0072] Furthermore, each retaining section 12a to 12e includes a first stop and a second stop, wherein the first stop 12aA1 and the second stop 12aA2 of retaining section 12a are in Figure 2a The first stop 12aA1 or the second stop 12aA2 can be used for the final positioning of the latch piece 1 on the plug connector 10 by corresponding contact with the wall and / or wall section of the latch piece 1.

[0073] The end wall 11W also has guide channels 13a to 13e, which respectively form stop elements 5a, 5b, and 5c for receiving and / or guiding the latch piece 1. The guide channels 13a to 13e extend at least substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X along the end wall 11W away from the retaining sections 12a to 12e.

[0074] In the insertion direction X, the depth of the guide channels 13a to 13e is greater than that of the holding sections 12a to 12e. The holding sections 12a to 12e transition into the guide channels 13a to 13e.

[0075] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a The latch piece 1 and shown Figure 2a The diagram shows a perspective view of the first housing component 11a of the plug connector 10 in its installed, i.e., assembled state. In other words, the latching piece 1 is secured to the retaining sections 12b, 12c, and 12d via the plug sections 3a, 3b, and 3c in a corresponding form-fit and force-fit manner (see...). Figure 2a The latch plate 1 is now supported or rested on the plug connector 10, i.e., on the first housing component 11a, and can be manipulated by applying pressure P in the second direction X2, thereby causing reversible deformation in the spring-elastic latch clips 2a, 2b, 2c regions.

[0076] Figure 3a Shown in exploded view Figure 2b The diagram shows a perspective view of a first housing component 11a of a plug connector 10 with a latching tab 1 installed, and a second housing component 11b of the housing 11 of the plug connector 10. The second housing component 11b is configured to form a plug-in connection with the first housing component 11a in the plugging direction X to form the housing 11 of the plug connector 10. Furthermore, the second housing component 11b is preferably capable of forming at least one latching connection with the first housing component 11a (not shown in detail in the diagram). For example, the second housing component 11b can at least accommodate a connecting element, preferably a push-in ejector element with a corresponding spring terminal, and an actuating element for releasing the spring terminal.

[0077] Figure 3b This shows the installation state, i.e., the assembly state. Figure 3aThe diagram shows a perspective view of the first housing component 11a of the plug connector 10 with the latch piece 1 installed and the second housing component 11b of the plug connector 10 housing 11.

[0078] Figure 4a It shows Figure 3a The image shows a front view of the latching tab 1 and the first and second housing components 11a and 11b of the housing 11 of the plug connector 10. In this view, the housing 11 of the plug connector 10 has a generally rectangular outline. Similarly, in this view, the plug contacts 10K have a generally rectangular outline. The plug contacts 10K are arranged in a direction transverse to the plugging direction X, thus forming a plug connector 10 in the form of a row of plug connectors.

[0079] Figure 4b The housing 11 of the plug connector 10 with latching piece 1 is shown. Figure 4a Cross-sectional views of the first and second housing components 11a and 11b shown in the figure. Figure 4a (AA section in the diagram). The visible insertion section 3a of the latch piece 1 is shaped-fitted into the visible retaining section 12b of the first housing component 11a of the plug connector 10 along a direction extending transversely to the insertion direction X, i.e., along the second direction X2.

[0080] The visible stop element 5a of the latching piece 1 is at least sectionally housed in the visible guide channel 13b of the end wall 11W. The latching piece 1 is supported on the first housing member 11a and can be operated via the actuation section 4a. The stop element 5b and other invisible stop elements 5a and 5c are guided along the guide channels 13b, 13c and 13d such that, when actuated, the latching piece 1 can perform a defined spring-elastic deformation, i.e., reversible deformation, particularly for changing the position of the latching element 6a or the plurality of latching elements 6a, 6b, 6c.

[0081] Figure 5a It shows Figure 3b The front view of the latch plate 1 and the first and second housing components 11a, 11b of the housing 11 of the plug connector 10 in the installed, i.e. assembled state.

[0082] Figure 5b A latch plate 1 is shown. Figure 5a Cross-sectional views of the first and second housing components 11a and 11b of the housing 11 of the plug connector 10 shown. Figure 5a (BB section in the middle).

[0083] and Figure 4a and Figure 4b Compared to the illustrations in the middle, Figure 5a and Figure 5bThe illustration shows that the second housing component 11b is fully inserted into the first housing component 11a, forming a housing insertion connection and further forming a latching connection. The outer wall section 14 of the second housing component 11b, extending along the insertion direction X, restricts the extension of the guide channels 13a to 13e along the second direction X2. Figure 5b This is shown in the description of boot channel 13b.

[0084] Figure 6a A perspective view of one embodiment of the mating connector 20 is shown, which is used for... Figure 5a and Figure 5b The plug connector 10 with latch plate 1 shown establishes an electrical plug connection.

[0085] In the five mating contacts 20K of the mating connector 20, the mating contacts 20K are... Figure 6a The corresponding markings are made. The design of the five mating contacts 20K corresponds to the contacts 10K of the plug connector 10, so as to form an electrical plug connection in the plugging direction X. The housing of the mating plug connector 20 can be manufactured in a similar manner to the housing 11 of the plug connector 10.

[0086] On the corresponding outer wall, the mating plug connector 20 includes a latching section 21 in the form of a notch or hole, preferably rectangular in cross-section. The latching section 21 is used to form a releasable latching connection with the latching elements 6a, 6b, 6c of the latching clips 2a, 2b, 2c of the latching piece 1, respectively, when the mating plug connector 20 forms an electrical plug connection with the plug connector 10.

[0087] Figure 6b It shows having Figure 6a The mating connectors 20 and shown Figure 3b A perspective view of the device with a latching piece 1 and a plug connector 10 shown.

[0088] The plug connector 10, together with the mating plug connector 20, forms an electrical plug connection. The latching elements 6a, 6b, 6c of the latch clips 2a, 2b, 2c of the latching plates 1 now engage with the latching sections 21 of the mating plug connector 20, thereby locking the electrical plug connection. Therefore, Figure 6b The electrical connection of RP in the latched position is shown.

[0089] Figure 7a It shows Figure 6b The front view of the device shown. Figure 7b yes Figure 7a Cross-sectional view of the device shown ( Figure 7a (CC section in the middle). Figure 7bThe locking of the electrical plug connection by means of the visible latching element 6a engaged in the visible latching section 21 is clearly shown.

[0090] By applying pressure P in the second direction X2, i.e. to the housing 11 of the plug connector 10, the locked electrical plug connection can be unlocked again by the latch piece 1.

[0091] By applying pressure P to the operating section 4a, at least a portion of the latch piece 1 undergoes reversible deformation, after which the visible first clamping leg 2aS1 with the latching element 6a of the latching clamp 2a moves toward the second clamping leg 2aS2.

[0092] The latching element 6a disengages from the latching section 21 of the mating connector 20, thereby releasing the mating connector 20 again. In this way, the mating connector 20 can be easily removed from the connector 10 along the mating direction X. After the pressure P is released, the reversibly deformed latching piece 1 will return to its initial shape until the stop element 5a contacts, where possible, the inner surface of the outer wall section 14 of the second housing component 11b in the guide channel 13b.

[0093] Figure 8 It shows Figure 3b The diagram shows a perspective view of the plug connector 10 on the housing 11, specifically in the corresponding retaining sections 12a, 12b and 12d, 12e. Figure 8 (Not visible in the image) There are two latching pieces 1. The latching pieces 1 are formed according to another embodiment of the invention. The two latching pieces 1 each include two latching clips 2a and 2b, each having a latching element 6a and 6b. In terms of their arrangement, the latching pieces 1 are located on two of the five retaining sections 12a to 12e of the first housing part 11a of the housing 11 of the plug connector 10, namely the outer retaining sections 12a, 12b and 12d, 12e.

[0094] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Instead, numerous variations and modifications are possible, all of which utilize the inventive concept and are therefore within the scope of protection of this invention. Preferably, this invention also claims protection over the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, independent of the cited claims.

[0095] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0096] 1 latch plate

[0097] 2a, 2b, 2c latches

[0098] 2aS1 First Leg Clamp

[0099] 2aS2 Second Leg Clamp

[0100] 2aSt splice

[0101] 3a, 3b, 3c plug-in sections

[0102] 4a control section

[0103] 5a, 5b, 5c stop elements

[0104] 6a, 6b, 6c latching elements

[0105] 10 Plug-in connectors

[0106] 11. Shell

[0107] 11a, 11b housing components

[0108] 11W end wall

[0109] 12a, ..., 12e retaining sections

[0110] 12aK, ..., 12eK clamping elements

[0111] 13a, ..., 13e boot channels

[0112] 14. External wall section

[0113] 20 mating connectors

[0114] 20K mating connector contacts

[0115] 21. Latch section

[0116] P pressure

[0117] RP latch position

[0118] X Vertical

[0119] X1 First Direction

[0120] X2 Second Direction

Claims

1. A latching piece (1) for locking the electrical connection between the mating connector (10) and the mating connector (20) in the mating direction (X). The latching piece (1) has at least one latching clip (2a, 2b, 2c) configured to be spring-resilient to form a releasable latching connection with a latching section (21) of a mating plug connector (20), and extending at least segmentally in a first direction (X1). The latching piece (1) has at least one insertion section (3a, 3b, 3c) for forming an insertion connection with a retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) of the insertion connector (10), and the at least one insertion section (3a, 3b, 3c) extends at least segmentally in the second direction (X2). The latching piece (1) has at least one actuating section (4a) for actuating at least one latching clip (2a, 2b, 2c), and The latch plate (1) is configured to move at least one latch clip (2a, 2b, 2c) from a latched position (RP) to a released position (FP) by manipulating (P) an actuation segment (4a) in at least one of the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2). In a side view, at least one of the latches (2a, 2b, 2c) is at least segmentally U-shaped or fork-shaped and has a first clamping leg (2aS1) and a second clamping leg (2aS2), wherein the first clamping leg (2aS1) and the second clamping leg (2aS2) are spaced apart and / or arranged opposite to each other, wherein the first clamping leg (2aS1) is connected to the second clamping leg (2aS2) by a tab (2aSt, 2bSt, 2cSt).

2. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. The plug connector (10) is a row plug connector (10), and the mating plug connector (20) is a row mating plug connector (20).

3. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. in, The first direction (X1) is the insertion direction (X).

4. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. in, The second direction (X2) is perpendicular to the first direction (X1).

5. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. in, In one view, the latch piece (1) is at least segmentally L-shaped.

6. The latching piece (1) according to claim 5. in, The view is a side view.

7. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. The latch clips (2a, 2b, 2c) of the at least one of them transition into the operating section (4a) of the at least one of them and / or the insertion section (3a, 3b, 3c) of the at least one of them.

8. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. The insertion section (3a, 3b, 3c) of at least one of them is formed as a plate and / or has a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped profile (3aK) in a view.

9. The latching piece (1) according to claim 8. in, The view is a cross-sectional view.

10. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. The at least one of the maneuvering sections (4a) in a view has at least a segmentally L-shaped profile, and / or the at least one maneuvering section (4a) is at least segmentally plate-shaped.

11. The latching piece (1) according to claim 10. The view mentioned is a side view.

12. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. At least one stop element (5a, 5b, 5c) is arranged between the at least one operating section (4a) and the at least one plug-in section (3a, 3b, 3c).

13. The latching piece (1) according to claim 12. The stop element (5a, 5b, 5c) of at least one of the stops is at least segmentally formed as a plate or bolt, and / or extends in a first direction (X1).

14. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. The latch clips (2a, 2b, 2c) of at least one of them include latching elements (6a, 6b, 6c) to form a releasable latch connection (RV).

15. The latch piece (1) according to claim 14. The latch clips (2a, 2b, 2c) of the at least one of them each include only a single latch element (6a, 6b, 6c).

16. The latching piece (1) according to claim 14. The latching elements (6a, 6b, 6c) are formed as latching protrusions.

17. The latching piece (1) according to claim 1. in, The at least one latch clip (2a, 2b, 2c), the at least one insertion section (3a, 3b, 3c), and the at least one operating section (4a) are integrally formed or formed as a stamped / bent part.

18. The latching piece (1) according to claim 17. in, The at least one latch clip (2a, 2b, 2c), the at least one insertion section (3a, 3b, 3c), and the at least one operating section (4a) are formed by at least one casting process and / or at least one injection molding process.

19. A plug connector (10) having at least one plug contact (10K) for forming an electrical plug connection with at least one mating plug contact (20K) of a mating plug connector (20) in the plugging direction (X). The insertion contact (10K) of at least one of the insertion contacts extends from the end wall (11W) of the housing (11; 11a, 11b) of the insertion connector (10) along the insertion direction (X). The end wall (11W) has at least one retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) for forming a shape-fitting connection with at least one latching piece (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) of the at least one thereof is configured to clamp the at least one latching piece (1) using the clamping elements (12aK, ..., 12eK) of the retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) when it is in a form-fitting connection with the at least one latching piece (1).

20. The plug connector (10) according to claim 19. The plug connector (10) is a row plug connector (10), and the mating plug connector (20) is a row mating plug connector (20).

21. The plug connector (10) according to claim 19. The shape-fit connection mentioned above is a plug-in connection.

22. The plug connector (10) according to claim 19. The retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) of the at least one of them is formed at least segmentally within the end wall (11W) and / or extends at least segmentally perpendicular to the insertion direction (X).

23. The plug connector (10) according to claim 19 or 22. The clamping elements (12aK, ..., 12eK) are arranged within at least one retaining section (12a, ..., 12e).

24. The plug connector (10) according to claim 23. The clamping elements (12aK, ..., 12eK) extend at least segmentally perpendicular to the insertion direction (X).

25. The plug connector (10) according to claim 17. The holding section (12a, ..., 12e) of the at least one of them has at least one stop (12aA1, 12aA2) for the latch piece (1) of the at least one.

26. The plug connector (10) according to claim 17. At least one of the retaining segments (12a, ..., 12e) has at least a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped profile in a view for forming a shape-fitting connection.

27. The plug connector (10) according to claim 26. At least one of the retaining segments (12a, ..., 12e) extends along it and at least has a trapezoidal or wedge-shaped profile for forming a shape-fitting connection.

28. The plug connector (10) according to claim 26. The clamping elements (12aK, ..., 12eK) have a semi-circular or semi-elliptical profile in this view.

29. The plug connector (10) according to claim 19. The end wall (11W) has at least one guide channel (13a, ..., 13e) for guiding the stop elements (5a, 5b, 5c) of the latch piece (1) of the at least one, wherein the guide channel (13a, ..., 13e) of the at least one extends perpendicularly to the insertion direction (X) along the end wall (11W) away from the retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) of the at least one.

30. The plug connector (10) according to claim 29. The depth of the guide channel (13a, ..., 13e) of the at least one in the insertion direction (X) is greater than the depth of the retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) of the at least one in the insertion direction (X) and / or the retaining section (12a, ..., 12e) of the at least one transitions into the guide channel (13a, ..., 13e) of the at least one.

31. The plug connector (10) according to claim 29 or 30. The housing (11; 11a, 11b) has a first housing component (11a) and a second housing component (11b) for forming a housing plug-in connection in the plugging direction (X), wherein the first housing component (11a) includes at least an end wall (11W) having at least one guide channel (13a, ..., 13e), wherein the at least one guide channel (13a, ..., 13e) is at least segmentally defined by a wall segment (14) of the second housing component (11b) extending in the plugging direction (X) when forming the housing plug-in connection.

32. The plug connector (10) according to claim 17. The insertion contact (10K) of at least one of the said contacts has a square or rectangular profile in one view, and / or the end wall (11W) has a rectangular profile in one view.

33. The plug connector (10) according to claim 32. The insertion contact (10K) of at least one of the said contacts has a square or rectangular profile in the insertion direction (X), and / or the end wall (11W) has a rectangular profile in the insertion direction (X).

34. An apparatus comprising at least one latching piece (1), a plug connector (10) and a mating plug connector (20), wherein the at least one latching piece (1) is constructed according to any one of claims 1 to 18, the plug connector (10) is constructed according to any one of claims 19 to 33, and wherein the mating plug connector (20) is configured to form an electrical plug connection with the plug connector (10).

35. The apparatus according to claim 34, The plug connector (10) is a row plug connector, and the mating plug connector (20) is a row mating plug connector.

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