Locking element, device comprising a plug connector and a locking element, and kit comprising a plug connector and a locking element

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking element. The invention further relates to a device having a plug connector and a locking element. The invention also relates to a kit consisting of a plug connector and a locking element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a locking element. In addition, the invention relates to a device having a plug connector and a locking element. The invention also relates to a kit consisting of a plug connector and a locking element. Background Art

[0002] From practice, for example, known locking devices for electrical junction boxes are intended to prevent inadvertent or undesirable manipulation of terminals. Such locking devices can, for example, have comb-shaped locking fingers that block the displacement of actuation levers arranged side by side.

[0003] Furthermore, there are plug-in connectors, for example round plug-in connectors, which have a bayonet closure which, in the connected state with a mating plug-in connector, is secured by means of a locking slide against unintentional release of the closure.

[0004] Also known are plug connector systems in which a plug connector can be connected to a mating plug connector via a locking connection, wherein a securing pawl can be displaced between a locking position and a release position in order to selectively lock or enable releasability of the locking connection. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object on which the invention is based is to provide an improved locking element for a plug connector and to provide a device and a kit having a locking element and a plug connector. In particular, a locking element with high locking effectiveness that is easy to manufacture and easy to operate is to be provided.

[0006] This object is achieved by means of a locking element according to claim 1, a device having a plug connector and a locking element according to claim 9, and a set of plug connector and locking element according to claim 16. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and in the description.

[0007] According to the features of independent claim 1, a locking element is provided, which has at least one locking body for insertion into a free space. In this case, the free space is formed between an elastically deflectable locking tab of the plug connector and a housing part, in particular on the housing part on which the locking tab is arranged. The locking body can be inserted into the free space.

[0008] The locking element has the advantage of effective locking protection of the elastically deflectable locking tab of the plug connector, which can be simply and intuitively established by means of the locking element. The locking body that can be inserted into the free space between the locking tab and the housing part of the locking element can reliably prevent the undesired displacement of the locking tab, especially prevent the displacement of the locking tab towards the housing part. Thus, the locking tab can be reliably prevented from being accidentally loosened or released from the locking, for example, by tension, pressure or torsion. The locking element is particularly advantageous for example for the plug connector that is subjected to mechanical environmental influences exceeding the average height, for example, strong vibrations during operation. In other conceivable applications, the locking element can also form an operation protection to prevent the plug connector from being released without permission. The locking element can be particularly advantageous for the following electrical plug connector: the electrical plug connector not only meets the mechanical connection function, but also meets the electrical connection function, and is of great significance for safe electromechanical coupling. Locking can be a mechanical connection or connection protection for fixing two components to each other. The locking tab can be an elastically deflectable locking tab. The locking element can be particularly advantageous for embedded electrical plug connectors, which can be snapped into a predetermined mating locking contour, such as a mating locking contour of a recess in a housing wall, for example, by means of a locking tab, for fastening to the housing wall of the electrical device. The locking element can form an accessory element, in particular a universal accessory element, which can be used in different types of plug connectors as required.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the locking body can have at least one locking element, by means of which the locking body can be locked at the plug connector in the state inserted in the free space. As a result, an intuitive and safe fixation of the locking element at the plug connector is possible. With the help of the locking element, a material-saving and cost-effective fastening feasibility of the locking element can be achieved. For example, the locking body can be locked at the locking tab of the plug connector by means of the locking element. For example, the locking body can be locked at the housing part of the plug connector by means of the locking element. The locking element can be configured, for example, as a locking tongue, a locking hook, a locking nose or other locking contours, which are configured to engage the locking edge at the rear at the locking tab of the plug connector or the housing part. The locking element can have a plurality of locking elements of the same type or configured differently in order to achieve a particularly safe locking of the locking element.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the locking element can have a plurality of locking bodies connected to each other via a connecting section. Thus, the functional density of the locking element can be increased. For example, a plurality of locking tabs of a plug connector can be locked by means of a locking element. The locking body of the locking element can be inserted into different free spaces spaced apart from each other of the plug connector. For example, the locking element can have two locking bodies, which can be configured to mechanically fix two locking tabs opposite to each other, which are, for example, arranged at two housing sides opposite to each other of the plug connector. The locking body can be arranged at the locking element spaced apart from each other via the connecting section. Through the connecting section, a plurality of locking bodies can be inserted into the free space at the same time, so that a simple and time-efficient operation of the locking element is realized. In addition, the connecting section can increase the stability of the locking element and improve the support of the locking body. The connecting section can, for example, be configured as a connecting plate or a connecting bridge, which can have a length several times larger than the height and width and can span the plug connector, for example, with the spacing between the first locking tab and the second locking tab of the plug connector. For example, the locking bodies can extend from the connecting section at an angle, such as substantially perpendicularly. The locking bodies can be designed substantially identically in terms of their design or their geometry and / or arranged symmetrically to one another, wherein, for example, a mirror-inverted or left-right arrangement of the locking bodies at the connecting section is not excluded. According to a material-saving embodiment of the locking element, the connecting section can taper in sections, for example in the middle region between the two locking bodies.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the connecting section can be adjustable in length. This allows for a flexible use of the locking element. For example, the locking element can be adapted to the width of the plug connector related to the number of poles by means of length adjustability. According to a simple embodiment, the connecting section can be implemented, for example, expandable or compressible, for example, in particular elastic expandability or elastic compressibility. The expandability or compressibility, in particular elastic expandability or elastic compressibility, can be achieved by a suitable flexible material or a suitable geometry of the connecting section. The connecting section can have at least one fold or bend, which geometrically supports the expandability or compressibility of the connecting section. For example, the connecting section can have an S-shaped extension at least in sections between the locking bodies. In principle, other mechanisms for achieving length adjustability are also conceivable, such as a telescopic connecting section.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be configured as a spring knee. Thus, a material-saving and simultaneously safe and effective locking element can be formed. The spring knee can be, for example, an elastic spring hinge, which is formed by two elastic material legs that converge in the spring bend and can move together. The spring knee can be configured in one piece with the locking body, for example, by stamping and bending the spring legs from the locking body. The spring knee can be arranged in a window-shaped cutout of the locking body and transition to the edge of the cutout, so that the high mobility of the spring knee is provided. In the state in which the locking body is inserted into the free space, the spring knee can be supported on the structure of the housing part of the plug connector that is opposite to the locking tab and limits the free space, and can, for example, apply a spring force toward the locking tab by opening the elastic material legs. The spring knee can be locked in the locking opening of the locking tab and / or the housing part, thereby establishing a locking connection with the locking tab. The spring knee can apply a preload force to the locking tab due to its elastic properties, thereby forming a preload element of the locking element. By the preload force that can be generated by means of a spring knee, the locking element can be universal and can lock free spaces of different sizes at the plug connector. This is advantageous, for example, for a plug connector with a locking tab, which is configured as a locking tab with a plurality of locking steps, so that the free space can be of different sizes due to the different available locking steps. The preload force that can be generated by means of a spring knee can generate an additional holding force of the locking body, so that the locking safety of the locking tab is increased. The elastic spring knee can make it easy for the locking body to be inserted into the free space. In addition, the tolerance of the locking element or the plug connector can be compensated by the elastic spring knee. Alternatively, the preload force can also be realized by other elastic elements, for example, by a pressure spring at the locking body. By suitable cooperation between the locking body and the free space of the plug connector, for example, an interference fit, the increased holding force and locking force of the locking body at the locking tab can also be realized.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the locking body can have a plate-like basic shape. As a result, uniform contact and force transmission between the locking body and the locking tab are possible. In addition, the locking body can be easily introduced into the free space of the plug connector. The locking body can, for example, be a planar, disk-shaped component with a width and length that is several times greater than the depth. The basic shape can, for example, be essentially rectangular. The term basic shape relates to the basic contour of the locking body in terms of geometry and does not exclude that the locking body has other detailed structures that deviate from the basic shape, such as locking elements or rounded corners.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking body can have a pin-shaped basic shape. Such a locking body can be easily manufactured and can be easily applied and universal. The locking body can, for example, have an elongated cylindrical basic shape with a length greater than the diameter. The locking body can have a conical introduction section to facilitate the insertion of the locking body into the free space of the plug connector. The pin-shaped locking body can, for example, have a step or shoulder forming a locking edge of the locking body in order to provide a locking element on the locking body.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the locking body can have a stop portion that limits the maximum insertion depth of the locking body. The maximum insertion depth can correspond to the length of the locking body, with which the locking body sinks into the free space of the plug connector at most. The stop portion can prevent the locking body from being introduced too deeply into the free space, so that, for example, the locking element preset when necessary of the locking body cannot be reliably locked, or it is difficult to loosen the locking body from the free space. The stop portion enables easier operation of the locking element. The stop portion can structurally preset the optimal insertion depth of the locking body, for example, according to the matching locking contour of the locking element of the plug connector for the locking element. The stop portion can form a release section of the locking element in addition to its stop function, for example, the locking body can be gripped at the release section and removed from the free space. The stop portion can form an identification section of the locking element in addition to its stop function, through which the inserted locking element can be visually quickly identified. The stop can be formed, for example, by a widening of the cross section of the locking body, for example by a projection, a transverse edge or a step.

[0016] The object is also achieved by means of an arrangement with a plug connector and at least one locking body of the aforementioned locking element, which is inserted into the free space between the elastically deflectable locking tab of the plug connector and the housing part. With such an arrangement, the aforementioned advantages of effective locking protection of the locking tab of the plug connector can also be achieved, which can be established simply and intuitively with the help of the locking element. The plug connector can in particular be an electrical plug connector. The locking tab can, for example, be a locking tab. The locking element can be designed according to one of the aforementioned features.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the plug connector can be configured to be locked in a recess of a housing wall of an electrical device by means of at least one locking tab. Thus, the plug connector can be safely mounted on the electrical device and fixed by a locking element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the locking tab can be configured to lock the plug connector in the recess at a position of its housing that is located at the plug surface of the plug connector or at least closer to the plug surface than to the housing side of the plug connector facing away from the plug surface. This makes it possible to securely fix the plug connector in the vicinity of the contact area so that reliable contact is ensured. The locking element advantageously supports secure fixing.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the plug connector can be an embedded plug connector. The embedded plug connector can be a plug connector that has a suitable locking mechanism for automatic locking during installation. In the case of automatic locking, for example, there is no need to manipulate a separate actuating element to activate the locking. For example, the plug connector can have an introduction area for introducing the plug connector into an opening, such as a recessed portion of a housing wall of an electrical device, and a connected locking area, which is locked behind a mating locking edge by means of a locking edge. As a result, the plug connector can be "snapped" into the housing wall during installation, for example. The locking element can fix and support the locking in an advantageous manner.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the plug connector can be a multi-pole plug connector. Such a plug connector can be securely fixed in the region of the locking tab by means of a locking element. For a multi-pole plug connector, it can be advantageous to provide a locking element with a plurality of locking bodies. A plurality of locking bodies can advantageously be connected to one another via a connecting section. The connecting section can be adapted in terms of its length to the number of poles of the plug connector and the resulting width of the plug connector. According to one embodiment, the connecting section is adjustable in length in order to be flexibly adapted to plug connectors with different numbers of poles.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the plug connector can have at least one locking tab at each of the opposite housing sides. As a result, uniform fixing and force introduction can be achieved during locking. The locking safety is thereby increased and the locking safety is additionally improved by the locking element. The locking tabs can be implemented substantially identically in terms of their construction or in terms of their geometry and / or arranged symmetrically to one another, wherein for example, mirror-inverted or left-right arrangements are not excluded. For example, the locking tabs can be elastically deflectable locking tabs. The opposite housing side can be, for example, a housing side extending between a plug face of the plug connector and a side of the plug connector facing away from the plug face.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the locking tab can have a multi-step locking area. Thus, for example, different locking positions can be achieved. The stepped or step-shaped locking area can achieve locking at different widths of the housing wall and / or at different wall thicknesses of the housing wall, achieve tolerance compensation or achieve readjustment under weakened locking forces. The stepped locking area can define different widths of the locking tab in each step height. The stepped locking area can form locking edges at the steps respectively. The free space between the locking tab and the housing part of the plug connector generated according to the selected locking step can be reliably fixed by the locking body of the locking element inserted into the free space.

[0023] The object is also achieved by means of a kit consisting of a plug connector with a housing part and a locking tab and a locking element according to one of the above features. With such a kit, the above-mentioned advantages of effective locking protection of the locking tab of the plug connector can also be achieved, which can be established simply and intuitively with the help of the locking element. The plug connector can in particular be an electrical plug connector. The locking tab can be, for example, a locking tab.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be designed as a component separate from the plug connector, which can be inserted by the user with its locking body into the free space between the elastically deflectable locking tab and the housing part when necessary. As a result, the plug connector can be configured by the user as required, i.e., it can be configured with or without the locking element as required. In particular, the plug connector can be provided to the user without the locking element already attached thereto.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the plug connector and / or the locking element are configured to insert at least one locking body into the free space in an insertion direction extending substantially perpendicularly to the plug-in direction of the plug connector. The plug-in direction of the plug connector is understood to be a direction in which the plug connector can be plugged together with its counterpart, i.e. the counterpart plug connector. In particular, the desired locking of the elastically deflectable locking tabs of the plug connector can be established by the locking element by an insertion movement in the insertion direction, so that the locking tabs cannot be released from the housing wall of the electrical device again as long as the locking body is inserted in the free space. In addition, the insertion direction can extend substantially perpendicularly to the maximum longitudinal extension direction of the plug connector, i.e. perpendicularly to the direction in which the plug connector has its maximum dimension, for example the arrangement direction of the plug contacts of the plug connector. For example, the insertion direction can extend parallel to the plug surface of the plug connector.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the plug connector can have a locking recess, in which the locking body can be locked by means of its locking element when the locking body is inserted into the free space. The locking recess can be provided, for example, in the region of the plug surface of the plug connector.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the locking element can have at least one elastically deflectable spring leg extending from the connecting section. The elastically deflectable spring leg can simultaneously form the entire locking body or form a part of the locking body. For example, at least one locking element of the locking body can be arranged on the spring leg, by means of which the locking body can be locked on the plug connector.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the locking element has at least two spring legs associated with each other as a pair, which are arranged in a back-to-back arrangement and constitute the locking element as a whole or constitute part of the locking element. For example, a locking element for locking with the plug connector can be arranged at each spring leg of the spring leg pair. The locking elements can then be arranged in directions pointing away from each other.

[0029] In general, within the scope of the present application, the word "a", unless expressly defined otherwise, is not to be understood as a numeral, but rather as an indefinite article having the meaning of "at least one". Whenever a plug connector is mentioned, it can be an electrical plug connector. Such an electrical plug connector is characterized by one or more electrical plug contacts, which can be connected to associated plug contacts of a mating plug connector designed as a counterpart. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present invention allows for various embodiments and is explained in detail below based on an exemplary embodiment with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show schematically:

[0031] Figures 1a to 1f Shown is a locking element and a device having a plug connector and a locking element according to a first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 A locking element according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0033] Figure 3a to Figure 3c Shown is a locking element and a device having a plug connector and a locking element according to a third embodiment;

[0034] Figures 4a to 4c Shown is a locking element and a device having a plug connector and a locking element according to a fourth embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 A locking element according to a fifth embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 A locking element according to a sixth embodiment is shown;

[0037] Figure 7 A device with a plug connector and a locking element in a fifth embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 8 A device with a plug connector and two locking elements of a sixth embodiment is shown;

[0039] Fig. 9 A side sectional view showing the locking element of the fifth or sixth embodiment arranged on the plug connector;

[0040] Fig.10 A locking element according to a seventh embodiment is shown;

[0041] Fig.11 A device is shown having a plug connector and a locking element in a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1a A locking element 1 according to a first embodiment is shown in a perspective side view. Figure 1b The device 15 is shown in a top view with a locking element 1 and an electrical plug connector 6, wherein the plug connector 6 is mounted on a housing wall 12 of an electrical device (not shown in detail), for example at Figure 1c 1. The plug connector 6 has two locking tabs 4 arranged on the housing sides 14b opposite to each other and designed as elastically deflectable locking tabs, which respectively extend from the housing part 5 and have a stepped locking area 16, via which a locking connection with the housing wall 12 can be established to mount the plug connector 6 on the electrical device. Here, the locking step of the locking area 16 engages the edge of the housing wall 12 at the rear at the recess 11 in a locking manner, so that the plug connector 6 can be locked in the recess 11 of the housing wall 12 of the electrical device by means of the locking tab. By means of the locking step of the locking area 16, the plug connector 6 can, for example, compensate for tolerances, or can be fixed on different recesses 11 or readjusted at recesses 11 of different sizes. A free space 3 is formed between the locking tab 4 and the housing part 5 in order to achieve the movability of the locking tab 4 relative to the housing part 5.

[0043] The locking element 1 has two locking bodies 2 which are designed in a plate-like manner in terms of their basic shape and are configured to be inserted into a free space 3 formed between an elastically deflectable locking tab 4 of a plug connector 6 and a housing part 5. The locking element 1 ensures the locking connection of the plug connector 6 formed by means of the locking tab 4 on the housing wall 12 of the electrical device by means of the locking bodies 2 and prevents an undesired displacement of the locking tab 4 toward the housing part 5. This can reliably prevent, for example, the locking tab 4 from being accidentally released or detached from the locked connection in an environment of use with above-average high mechanical environmental influences.

[0044] Figure 1a The locking bodies 2 of the locking elements 1 shown in the figures each have a locking element 7 designed as a locking tongue, which can engage the locking tab 4 at the rear at a lower edge extending transversely to the locking step of the locking tab 4 and thereby fix the locking body 2 on the locking tab 4, as for example in Figure 1f As shown in detail in .

[0045] In addition, the locking body 2 has a locking element that can be a spring knee 8, which is designed as an elastic spring hinge with elastic material legs that converge in a spring bend. The spring knee 8 is designed as a single piece with the locking body 2 and its root is located in the edge of a window-shaped cutout of the locking body 2, through which the spring knee 8 extends. The spring knee 8 can be locked in a locking opening (not shown in detail) of the locking tab 4, so that a locking connection with the locking tab 4 can be established. In addition, the spring knee 8 can exert a spring force on the locking tab 4 due to its elastic properties, so that a preload element of the locking element 1 can be formed.

[0046] Figure 1a The locking bodies 2 of the locking element 1 shown in the figure are connected to each other via a common connecting section 9, which is implemented as a connecting bridge that tapers in the middle section, so that the two locking bodies 2 can be operated synchronously and can be inserted into the corresponding free space 3 of the plug connector 6. The locking bodies 2 extend essentially perpendicularly from the connecting section 9 and extend essentially parallel to each other in a symmetrical arrangement.

[0047] Figure 1a The locking bodies 2 of the locking elements 1 shown in the drawings each have a stop 10 designed as an integral transverse step, which limits the maximum insertion depth T of the locking body 2. max As a result, the depth to which the locking body 2 can be inserted into the free space 3 is predetermined in terms of the structural design, so that an optimized locking function of the locking element 1 is achieved and removal of the locking element is facilitated.

[0048] exist Figure 1b1 shows an arrangement 15 with a plug connector 6 mounted on a housing wall 12 and a locking element 1. It can be seen here how the connecting section 9 spans the plug connector 6 over its width between the free spaces 3 and how the locking body 2 is inserted or can be inserted into the free space 3 between the locking tab 4 and the housing part 5. The connecting section 9 allows both locking bodies 2 to be inserted into the free space 3 and removed from it simultaneously. In addition, the connecting section 9 stabilizes the locking body 2 and thus increases the locking effect of the locking element 1.

[0049] The plug connector 6 has, for example, Figure 1d 1, which faces the housing wall 12 and the electrical device and is used to establish an electrical connection. In addition, the plug connector 6 has a housing side 14a facing away from the plug face 13. The other two opposite housing sides 14b extend between the plug face 13 and the housing side 14a. The locking tab 4 is arranged at the other housing side 14b and is configured to lock the plug connector 6 in the recess 11 at the following position of its housing: the position is located at the plug face 13 of the plug connector 6 or at least closer to the plug face 13 than to the housing side 14a of the plug connector 6 facing away from the plug face 13.

[0050] Figure 1c and Figure 1d The device 15 is shown in an intermediate state during the insertion of the locking body 2 into the free space 3, wherein Figure 1c Describe the stereographic top view, and Figure 1d Description along the lines of Figure 1b The sectional view along the section line AA is shown in FIG. It can be seen how the plate-shaped locking body 2 is pushed between the locking tab 4 and the housing part 5 and how the locking element 7 and the spring knee 8 have not yet reached their locking and / or prestressing position in the intermediate state. The stop 10 has not yet come into contact with the locking tab 4. Figure 1d 1 and 2. The plug-in surface 13 can also be seen, from which the multi-pole, here three-pole plug-in configuration of the plug-in connector 6 can be seen. The width of the locking element 1 in its connecting section 9 is adapted to the width of the three-pole plug-in connector 6 and can be correspondingly connected as in Figure 1b Advantageously, the locking element 1 can be configured such that at least one locking body 2 can be inserted into the free space 3 along an insertion direction E extending substantially perpendicularly to the plugging direction S of the plug connector 6 .

[0051] Figure 1e and Figure 1f The device 15 is shown in a state in which the locking body 2 is completely inserted into the free space 3, wherein Figure 1e Describe the stereographic top view, and Figure 1f Description along the lines of Figure 1bIt can be seen how the plate-shaped locking body 2 is completely inserted between the locking tab 4 and the housing part 5 to the maximum insertion depth T max , and the locking element 7 and the spring knee 8 reach their respective locking and / or prestressing position. The locking element 7 engages the lower edge of the locking tab 4 at the rear, and the spring knee 8 is stretched, whereby the spring knee exerts a spring force on the locking tab 4. The stop 10 rests on the respective locking tab 4.

[0052] Figure 2 A locking element 1 according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 1a Compared to the locking element 1 of the first embodiment shown in , the locking element 1 according to the second embodiment is designed with a relatively long connecting section 9 so that it can be used, for example, for a four-pole or five-pole plug connector 6 instead of a three-pole plug connector 6 .

[0053] Figure 3a A locking element 1 according to a third embodiment is shown. Figure 3b and Figure 3c A perspective front view of a device 15 with a plug connector 6 and a locking element 1 according to a third embodiment is shown. Figure 3b 1 shows the device 15 in a state in which the locking body 2 of the locking element 1 has not yet been inserted into the free space 3. Figure 3c 1 shows the device 15 in a state in which the locking body 2 of the locking element 1 is inserted into the free space 3 .

[0054] Compared with the locking element 1 according to the first and second embodiments, the locking element 1 according to the third embodiment has a length-adjustable connecting section 9. The connecting section 9 is formed by two narrow connecting plates, each of which has an S-shaped extension in sections. A narrow connecting plate is understood to be a transition portion with an elongated extension that is several times longer than the width and depth or several times longer than the diameter, such as a rod-shaped transition portion. In the embodiment shown, the S-shaped sections are arranged complementary to each other, so that the straight section of one connecting plate is opposite to the S-shaped section of another connecting plate. A spatially optimized design of the connecting section 9 is thus achieved. By means of a narrow connecting plate with an S-shaped section, the connecting section 9 can be selectively expanded or compressed, so that a length-adjustable connecting section 9 is provided. As a result, the locking element 1 can be used at different plug connectors 6 of different widths regardless of the number of poles. It is also shown that the locking element 7 can also be configured as a locking hook, which is shown here by way of example by two adjacent locking hooks of each locking body 2.

[0055] Figure 4a A locking element 1 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. Figure 4b and Figure 4cA perspective front view of a device 15 with a plug connector 6 and two locking elements 1 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. Figure 4b 1 shows the device 15 in a state in which the locking body 2 of the locking element 1 has not yet been inserted into the free space 3. Figure 4c 1 shows the device 15 in a state in which the locking body 2 of the locking element 1 is inserted into the free space 3 .

[0056] In a fourth embodiment, the locking element 1 is shown as individual elements which are not connected to one another and each have a locking body 2. As a result, the locking element 1 can be used in different plug connectors 6 regardless of the number of poles. The locking element 1 has a substantially cylindrical pin-shaped basic shape with a conical introduction section and a locking body 2 formed by a cylindrical shell. The shell step of the locking body 2 forms a locking element 7 which can engage the locking tab 4 at the rear at the lower edge of the locking tab by means of a locking edge formed by a step shoulder. The pin-shaped locking body 2 has a head region which has a cross-sectional widening relative to the cylindrical shell, wherein the head region forms a predefined maximum insertion depth T max The stop 10 of the locking element 1 and the release section of the locking element 1 , at which the locking element 1 can be grasped and removed from the free space 3 .

[0057] Figure 5 The locking element 1 is shown again with a connecting section 9, at the opposite ends of which a locking body 2 is respectively arranged. The connecting section 9 can in turn be designed with different lengths depending on the size and number of poles of the plug connector 6. It can be seen that in this case, the locking body 2 is formed by at least one spring leg 17 extending from the connecting section 9 or by two spring legs 17 arranged back to back to form a pair in the embodiment shown. In this case, a locking element 7 is arranged on the side of each spring leg 17 pointing away from each other for locking with the plug connector 6.

[0058] Figure 6 Show that according to Figure 5 The present invention is an embodiment of a locking element 1 with a locking body 2 similar to the embodiment of the present invention. However, the connecting section 9 is designed to be relatively short here, so that there is only a small distance between the two locking bodies 2. Such a locking element 1 can be used, for example, as a separate locking element on one side of the plug connector 6, that is, only for blocking an elastically deflectable locking tab 4.

[0059] Another embodiment of the locking element 1 is also conceivable, which Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , however, only one locking body 2 is present, namely with two spring legs 17 associated with one another as a pair.

[0060] Figure 7For example, it can be shown that Figure 3c A plug connector 6 similarly constructed in FIG. 1 is shown. Figure 5 The locking element 1 in the embodiment of FIG. The corresponding locking body 2 is inserted into the corresponding free space 3 between the locking tab 4 and the adjacent housing part 5. Here, a spring leg 17 is supported on the housing contour of the plug connector 6, and the opposite spring leg 17 facing the plug surface 13 is locked with its locking element 7 below the edge edge of the recess 11 of the housing wall 12.

[0061] Figure 8 As shown in Figure 7 In order to lock the locking tab 4, Figure 6 The locking element 1 in the embodiment of is respectively inserted into each free space 3. Here, a spring leg 17 can also be supported on the housing contour of the plug connector 6, and the opposite spring leg 17 facing the plug surface 13 is locked in the recess 11 of the housing wall 12 by means of its locking element 7.

[0062] Fig. 9 The side sectional view shows the plug connector 6 with the locking element 1 in the state inserted into the recess 11 of the housing wall 12. The plug connector 6 is now laterally locked with its locking tabs 4 in the recess 11 of the housing wall 12 or in the material surrounding the recess 11. A spring leg 17 is locked with its locking element 7 behind the edge of the housing wall 12 surrounding the recess 11.

[0063] Fig.10 An embodiment of a locking element 1 is shown in which only one locking body 2 protrudes from the connecting section 9. The locking body 2 has a bolt 18 connected to the connecting section 9. A corresponding elastic locking element 7 protrudes from the bolt 18 on the opposite side. The locking element 1 can be used in a manner similar to, for example, Figure 6 The locking element is used in a similar manner at the plug connector 6, as in Fig.11 In order to lock the locking tab 4, Fig.10 The locking element 1 in the embodiment of can be inserted into each free space 3 respectively. Fig. 9 Similarly to that shown in , the elastic locking element 7 facing the plug surface 13 can be locked behind the edge of the housing wall 12 surrounding the recess 11. The opposite locking element 7 can be supported on the housing contour of the plug connector 6.

[0064] List of reference numerals:

[0065] 1 Locking element

[0066] 2 Locking body

[0067] 3. Free Space

[0068] 4 Locking tabs

[0069] 5 Shell parts

[0070] 6 Plug connector

[0071] 7 Locking element

[0072] 8 Spring knee

[0073] 9 Connecting section

[0074] 10 stopper

[0075] 11 Blank space

[0076] 12 Shell wall

[0077] 13 plug-in surface

[0078] 14a Housing side facing away

[0079] 14b Shell side

[0080] 15 Installation

[0081] 16 locking area

[0082] 17 Spring Legs

[0083] 18 bolts

[0084] EInsert direction

[0085] S plug direction

[0086] T max Maximum insertion depth

Claims

1. A locking element (1), comprising at least one locking body (2) for being inserted into a free space (3), wherein the free space (3) is formed between an elastically deflectable locking tab (4) of a plug-in connector (6) and a housing part (5), in particular on the housing part (5), on which the locking tab (4) is arranged.

2. The locking element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking body (2) has at least one locking element (7) by means of which the locking body can be locked on the plug connector (6) in a state inserted into the free space (3).

3. The locking element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking element (1) has a plurality of locking bodies (2) which are connected to one another via connecting sections (9).

4. The locking element (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The connecting section (9) is adjustable in length.

5. The locking element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that The locking element (7) is designed as a spring knee (8).

6. The locking element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking body (2) has a plate-like basic shape.

7. The locking element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The locking body (2) has a pin-shaped basic shape.

8. The locking element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking body (2) has a stop portion (10), which limits the maximum insertion depth (T max ).

9. A device (15), comprising: a plug-in connector (6), the plug-in connector having at least one housing part (5) and at least one elastically deflectable locking tab (4); and at least one locking body (2) of a locking element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which is inserted into a free space (3) between the elastically deflectable locking tab (4) of the plug-in connector (6) and the housing part (5).

10. The device (15) according to claim 9, characterized in that The plug connector (6) is configured to be lockable in a recess (11) of a housing wall (12) of the electrical device by means of the at least one locking tab (4).

11. The device (15) according to claim 10, characterized in that The locking tab (4) is configured to lock the plug-in connector (6) in the recess (11) at a position of its housing that is located at a plug-in surface (13) of the plug-in connector (6) or at least closer to the plug-in surface (13) than to a housing side (14a) of the plug-in connector (6) that faces away from the plug-in surface (13).

12. The device (15) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The plug connector (6) is an embedded plug connector.

13. The device (15) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The plug connector (6) is a multi-pole plug connector (6).

14. The device (15) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that The plug connector (6) has at least one locking tab (4) on opposite housing sides (14b).

15. The device (15) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that The locking tab (4) has a multi-step locking area (16).

16. A kit consisting of a plug-in connector (6) having a housing part (5) and a locking tab (4) and a locking element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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