Single-pole electrical plug connector system

Abstract

The invention is based on a single-pole plug connector system, which consists of a plug connector and a mating plug connector, wherein the plug connector has a plug connector housing, a plug connector contact seal and a plug connector contact element, wherein the mating plug connector has a mating plug connector housing, a mating plug connector contact seal, a mating plug connector touch protection device and a mating plug connector contact element. In this case, the plug connector contact seal is functionally engaged with a plug connector sealing spring, so that the plug connector contact seal can be displaced in the plug connector housing in the insertion direction against the force of the plug connector sealing spring. In addition, the mating plug connector contact seal is functionally engaged with a mating plug connector sealing spring, so that the mating plug connector contact seal can be displaced in the mating plug connector housing in the mating insertion direction against the force of the mating plug connector sealing spring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a single-pole electrical plug connector system according to independent claim 1 .

[0002] This type of plug connector system is used to ensure safe electrical contact with working machinery in harsh environments, such as agricultural operations, forest areas, quarries, and industrial environments, such as trucks, tractors and machinery used in production halls and workshops. Heavy mobile working machinery with DC-powered working units requires this type of plug connector system. Background Art

[0003] The plug connector system for harsh environments is usually equipped with dust caps. These dust caps are usually equipped with anti-lost devices to avoid having to store them separately when using the plug connector system and avoid possible loss.

[0004] Alternatively, there are plug connector systems in which a spring-actuated cap is integrated into the housing of the plug connector and / or the mating plug connector, which automatically closes when the plug connector system is not in use. One example of such a plug connector system is US 4,061,407 A, which discloses an electrical plug connector assembly with a plug and a socket. The socket has a cover which is guided in the closing direction by a spring and which, in the connected state, holds the plug in the direction of the socket.

[0005] A disadvantage of the known plug connector system is the need to use external components, such as spring-operated external covering caps, or simple rubber sleeves and / or plastic caps. On the one hand, these caps are easy to lose. On the other hand, such caps are quickly damaged, which significantly reduces their ability to protect the components of the plug connector system from the intrusion of external media (such as dirt, dust, liquids, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector system that can automatically seal against external media and has a simple locking mechanism. Another object of the present invention is to provide a plug connector and a mating plug connector suitable for the plug connector system.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1 .

[0008] The present invention relates to a single-pole plug connector system, which consists of a plug connector and a mating plug connector, wherein the plug connector includes a plug connector housing, a plug connector contact seal and a plug connector contact element, and the mating plug connector includes a mating plug connector housing, a mating plug connector contact seal, a mating plug connector touch protection device and a mating plug connector contact element. The plug connector contact seal is functionally engaged with a plug connector sealing spring, so that the plug connector contact seal is arranged in the plug connector housing so as to be able to resist the force of the plug connector sealing spring and displace in the insertion direction. In addition, the mating plug connector contact seal is functionally engaged with the mating plug connector sealing spring, so that the mating plug connector contact seal is arranged in the mating plug connector housing so as to be able to resist the force of the mating plug connector sealing spring and displace in the mating insertion direction.

[0009] The terms "plug connector" and "mating plug connector" are used to clarify two different plug connectors in a plug connector system. As long as a meaningful correspondence between plug connector and mating plug connector can be ensured, all properties of the mating plug connector also apply to the plug connector and vice versa.

[0010] The "housing", including the plug connector housing and the mating plug connector housing, is intended to accommodate contact elements, ie the contact elements of the plug connector and the contact elements of the mating plug connector. According to the invention, the housing is designed to completely surround the contact elements in its longitudinal orientation.

[0011] The term "contact element" refers to a conductive element that can be engaged with each other and connected to an electrical conductor, preferably a conductive cable. In the following, terms such as "contact side" or "cable side" will be used to describe the contact element. The "contact side" refers to the side of the contact element that can form a conductive connection with a corresponding contact element. The "cable side" refers to the side opposite to the "contact side", that is, the side connected to the electrical conductor, such as a conductive cable.

[0012] "Contact seal" refers to a sealing element mainly used to seal contacts to prevent external media from entering. According to the present invention, the contact seal at least cooperates with the corresponding housing to achieve the required sealing effect.

[0013] The term "sealing spring" refers to an elastic element which is designed to restore the respective contact seal of a plug connector or a mating plug connector to a predetermined initial position. As soon as the corresponding sealing spring, i.e. the plug connector sealing spring or the mating plug connector sealing spring, is not loaded with a defined force against the insertion direction (in the case of the plug connector sealing spring) or the mating insertion direction (in the case of the mating plug connector sealing spring), the sealing spring forces the associated contact spring in the insertion direction until it reaches the end of the housing. More specifically, the plug connector sealing spring forces the plug connector contact seal in the insertion direction to the plug-side end of the plug connector housing. As a result, the plug connector contact seal pushed by the plug connector sealing spring seals the plug connector contact element against the ingress of external media. Preferably, an end face which is substantially flush with the plug connector sealing element is formed at the plug-side end of the plug connector housing. Similarly, the mating plug connector sealing spring forces the mating plug connector contact seal in the mating insertion direction to the plug-side end of the mating plug connector housing. The mating plug connector contact seal pushed by the mating plug connector sealing spring seals the mating plug connector contact element accordingly to prevent the entry of external media. Preferably, an end face roughly flush with the mating plug connector sealing element is formed at the plug-in side end of the mating plug connector housing. According to the present invention, in the unplugged state, the force applied by the plug connector sealing spring in the insertion direction is greater than or equal to 10 Newtons (N), better greater than or equal to 14.7N, preferably greater than or equal to 30N, or greater than or equal to 50N. In order to meet the standard for preventing accidental contact, a force of 20N is required to move the plug connector sealing element in the mating insertion direction. Therefore, the seal remains securely closed to prevent external media from accidentally entering the plug connector until the plugging with the corresponding mating plug connector is started. According to the present invention, in the unplugged state, the force applied by the mating plug connector sealing spring in the mating insertion direction is greater than or equal to 10 Newtons (N), better greater than or equal to 14.7N, preferably greater than or equal to 30N, or greater than or equal to 50N. In order to comply with the standard for protection against accidental contact, a force of 20 N is required to move the mating connector sealing element in the insertion direction. The seal thus remains securely closed, preventing foreign media from accidentally entering the mating connector, until mating with the corresponding mating connector begins.

[0014] The term "touch protection device for a mating plug connector" refers primarily to a device that is non-conductively connected to a conductive element so that an operator and / or other persons cannot be electrocuted when the mating plug connector is touched accidentally or intentionally. Preferably, such a touch protection device is made of non-conductive plastic. Alternatively, non-conductive metal can also be used to achieve the contact protection. Rubber-containing materials can be used in a clever way. Of course, a combination of these materials, such as plastic-coated metal elements or rubber-coated plastic elements, can be considered. The contact protection is usually preferably applied to the cylindrical part of the contact element of the mating plug connector.

[0015] It is proposed that the plug connector sealing element and the mating plug connector sealing element are equipped with a shaped part, which ensures that the sealing element is closed flush with the housing. That is to say, for example, the plug connector sealing element has a circumferential groove, into which the plug connector contact element engages when the plug connector sealing element moves along the plug connector housing and reaches the intended end position, more precisely, when it reaches the end face in the insertion direction. That is to say, for the mating plug connector, for example, the mating plug connector sealing element has a circumferential spring or a stop, which abuts against the inner side of the mating plug connector housing when the mating plug connector sealing element moves along the mating plug connector housing and reaches the intended end position, more precisely, when it reaches the end face in the mating insertion direction. According to the invention, the mating plug connector touch protection device is combined approximately flush with the component consisting of the mating plug connector sealing element and the end face of the mating plug connector.

[0016] In a hypothetical embodiment, the plug connector contact element has a hollow cylindrical plug contact crimping area, a substantially hollow cylindrical plug contact contact area, and a plug contact spring receiving portion in the plug contact contact area. The electrical conductor is introduced into the plug contact crimping area and electrically contacted, i.e. crimped, is performed there. The plug contact contact area is used to make contact with the corresponding mating plug contact contact area. The plug connector contact element proposed by the present invention is designed as a socket contact. The plug contact contact area is provided with slits along the longitudinal axis to allow elastic deformation. These slits can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, these slits can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal plane. It is particularly advantageous that these slits are rotationally offset when viewed from the longitudinal axis in the insertion direction. The plug contact spring receiving portion can be designed in the form of a pin facing the insertion direction. Among them, the outer diameter of the pin is substantially consistent with the inner diameter of the plug connector sealing spring. Alternatively, the plug contact spring receiving portion can be designed in the form of a concentric groove, and its groove width is substantially consistent with the thickness of the plug connector sealing spring. In addition, the plug contact spring receiving portion can be designed as a concentric groove, the groove radius of which is substantially consistent with the outer diameter of the plug connector sealing spring. The plug contact spring receiving portion ensures a stable placement of the plug connector sealing spring in the plug connector contact element, thereby ensuring a safe movement of the plug connector contact seal.

[0017] Another embodiment is that the mating plug connector contact element has a hollow cylindrical mating plug contact crimping area and a substantially hollow cylindrical mating plug contact contact area. In the mating insertion direction, a mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion is provided on the end side of the mating plug contact contact area for accommodating the touch protection device of the mating plug connector. This mating plug connector touch protection device is preferably pressed onto the mating plug connector contact element. Alternatively, the mating plug connector touch protection device can also be screwed into the mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion in the form of a thread. In addition, the connection between the mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion and the mating plug connector touch protection device can also be achieved by bonding or other methods.

[0018] In another embodiment, the mating plug connector contact element has a hollow cylindrical mating plug contact crimping area and a substantially hollow cylindrical mating plug contact contact area. A mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion is provided on the end side of the mating plug contact contact area in the mating insertion direction for accommodating the mating plug connector touch protection device. This mating plug connector touch protection device is preferably pressed onto the mating plug connector contact element. Alternatively, the mating plug connector touch protection device can also be screwed into the mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion in the form of a thread. In addition, the connection between the mating plug contact touch protection device and the mating plug connector touch protection device receiving portion can also be achieved by material bonding, for example, by bonding.

[0019] In an improved embodiment, the design is that the mating plug connector contact element has at least one mating plug contact pin element in the hollow cylindrical mating plug contact crimping area, wherein a corresponding plug connector contact element is electrically contacted between the mating plug contact contact area and the mating plug contact pin element. In order to reasonably and safely use this contact form in a harsh working environment, it is recommended to use a transmission spring element during the contact process between the mating plug connector contact element and the plug connector contact element. For this purpose, a circumferential helical spring is usually used in the prior art. Alternatively, an elastically designed annular contact belt can be used.

[0020] In an ingenious embodiment, the plug connector housing is designed to displace the mating plug connector contact seal during the plugging process. This ensures a safe plugging process between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, wherein the plug connector housing relieves the plug connector contact elements, so that the forces displacing the mating plug connector contact seal act on the plug connector housing, thereby preventing damage to the plug connector contact elements as much as possible.

[0021] In an ingenious embodiment, the touch protection device of the mating plug connector is designed to move the plug connector contact seal during the plugging process. This ensures a safe plugging process between the plug connector and the mating plug connector, wherein the touch protection device of the mating plug connector protects the mating plug connector contact elements, so that the force that moves the plug connector contact seal acts on the mating plug connector touch protection device, thereby preventing damage to the mating plug connector contact elements to the greatest extent possible.

[0022] A reasonable embodiment is that the plug connector contact element is mainly designed as a socket contact, and the mating plug connector contact element is mainly designed as a pin contact, or vice versa. In this case, the pin contact can also be designed as a pin contact with a concentric contact sleeve, which can achieve an optimal contact effect. In this way, the socket contact can be electrically connected to the pin contact element internally, while making external contact via the concentric contact sleeve.

[0023] An improved embodiment proposes that the plug connector contact element has a plug contact contact forming part at the end side of the plug contact contact area in the insertion direction to ensure reliable contact between the plug connector contact element and the mating plug connector contact element. The advantage of this design is that the plug contact forming part is a circumferential protrusion pointing inwards. Preferably, the plug connector contact element designed as a socket has a longitudinal groove, which can achieve elastic deformation of the plug contact contact area, which is particularly conducive to ensuring good electrical contact.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the plug connector is provided with a locking profile and the mating plug connector is provided with a locking mechanism that matches the locking profile, and vice versa, the locking is triggered by the first press in the insertion direction. Such a press-lock mechanism is very suitable for self-sealing solutions. Particularly preferred are those solutions that lock by pressing and unlock by pulling. When locking by pressing motion, the contact seals, i.e. the plug connector contact seals and the mating plug connector contact seals, can be removed from their corresponding mating parts, i.e. from the plug connector housing and the mating plug connector touch protection device according to the present invention, so that the electrical contact of the plug connector contact element and the mating plug connector contact element is achieved. At the same time, the locking mechanism locks the plug connector and the mating plug connector in the contact position. By a release mechanism, which is usually designed as an unlocking sleeve in known solutions, the locking can be released, so that the plug connector can be separated from the mating plug connector. In the process, the sealing springs, i.e. the plug connector sealing springs and the mating plug connector sealing springs, ensure that the contact seals return to their respective sealing positions. Such a locking mechanism is also referred to as a "push-pull lock" in the technical field.

[0025] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is proposed that the locking mechanism is released from the locking shaped portion by pressing a second time in the insertion direction. In other words, this embodiment, as described above, locks when pressed a first time and releases the lock when pressed a second time, so that the plug connector can be separated from the mating plug connector. In the technical field, such a locking mechanism is also called a "ballpoint pen lock" or a "push-push lock".

[0026] Another invention content is realized by a single-pole plug connector, which includes a plug connector housing and a plug connector contact element arranged in the plug connector housing. The plug connector contact element has a plug contact crimping area on one end side opposite to the insertion direction and a plug contact contact area on one end side along the insertion direction. The plug contact contact area is equipped with a plug connector contact seal, which is removed by the corresponding mating plug connector during the plugging process. Compared with a mating plug connector with a locking mechanism, such a plug connector has the advantages of being simple and sturdy. In harsh environments such as agriculture and construction, it is particularly important to have such advantages because working equipment that requires power supply can be powered by a simple electrical connection. The corresponding mating plug connector can usually be designed to be more complex because it can be designed as a detachable housing, and a more complex design can be introduced into a generator, a tractor, a truck, a loader, an excavator or other similar sturdy working machinery. Therefore, it is recommended that the plug connector should be provided with a locking forming part as described in the description of the plug connector system, while the mating plug connector can have a more complex structure, such as the aforementioned locking mechanism.

[0027] In a further developed embodiment, the plug connector contact element has a plug connector contact spring receptacle in the plug connector contact region for accommodating a plug connector sealing spring. The plug connector contact seal interacts with the plug connector contact sealing spring. In this way, the plug connector can be sealed simply and effectively against the ingress of external media, while the seal or the sealing cap (in this case the plug connector contact seal) is not easily lost, damaged or stolen. Due to the plug connector sealing spring, the plug connector contact seal is displaced in the insertion direction when the mating plug connector and the plug connector are separated. This ensures a particularly good, quasi-permanent sealing effect even when the plug connector is not in use.

[0028] Another task of the invention is achieved by a single-pole mating plug connector. The single-pole mating plug connector includes a mating plug connector housing and a mating plug connector contact element arranged therein. The mating plug connector contact element has a mating plug contact crimping area at one end side opposite to the mating insertion direction and a mating plug contact contact area at one end side along the mating insertion direction. The mating plug contact contact area is provided with a mating plug connector contact seal, which is removed by the corresponding plug connector during the plugging process. This mating plug connector can preferably be designed as a detachable housing, which can be more complex than a mating plug connector with a locking forming portion. This complex structure can be installed in a generator, a tractor, a truck, an excavator, a wheel loader or other similar sturdy working machinery. Therefore, it is particularly meaningful that the mating plug connector can be equipped with a locking mechanism as mentioned in the description of the plug connector system, while the plug connector itself still maintains a sturdy and simple structure.

[0029] In a further developed embodiment, the mating plug connector contact element is fixed by a mating plug connector contact receiving part in the mating plug connector housing. The mating plug connector contact receiving part has a mating plug connector contact spring receiving part, which is formed at or in the mating plug connector contact receiving part and is provided for accommodating a mating plug connector sealing spring, with which the mating plug connector contact seal interacts. The mating plug connector contact receiving part can be screwed into the mating plug connector housing in order to fix the mating plug connector contact element. The mating plug connector housing can be provided with a stop to fix the mating plug connector contact element in the desired position. The mating plug connector contact receiving part is preferably equipped with latching elements, which interact with corresponding latching devices on the mating plug connector housing and vice versa, so that the contact element can be held in the mating plug connector housing in a simple locked manner. Ideally, the mating plug connector contact receiving portion is provided with a circumferential flange, which is located between the interior of the mating plug connector housing and the outer periphery of the mating plug connector contact receiving portion, thereby serving as a mating plug contact spring receiving portion. Alternatively, the mating plug contact spring receiving portion can be designed as a concentric circumferential groove in the outer structure of the mating plug connector contact receiving portion, into which circumferential groove the mating plug connector sealing spring fits.

[0030] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a plug connector is described, wherein the plug connector system comprises a plug connector with a plug connector contact seal, and the mating plug connector also has a corresponding mating plug connector contact seal. During the plugging process, the plug connector removes the mating plug connector contact seal, wherein the mating plug connector removes the plug connector contact seal, wherein the removed plug connector contact seal exposes the plug connector contact element, wherein the removed mating plug connector contact seal exposes the mating plug connector contact element.

[0031] Another task of the invention is achieved by a single-pole plug connector system, which consists of a plug connector and a mating plug connector. The plug connector includes a plug connector housing, a plug connector contact seal and a plug connector contact element; and the mating plug connector includes a mating plug connector housing, a mating plug connector contact seal, a mating plug connector touch protection device and a mating plug connector contact element. In this system, the plug connector has a locking forming part, and the mating plug connector has a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism interacts with the locking forming part and is manipulated by a manipulation press in the insertion direction. The manipulation press engages the locking mechanism with the locking forming part, so that the plug connector and the mating plug connector are locked to achieve electrical connection. Releasing the press in the insertion direction can release the locking mechanism from the locking forming part. It is worth noting that the mating plug connector can also be equipped with a locking forming part, while the plug connector is equipped with a locking mechanism. In other words, the terms "plug connector" and "mating plug connector" can be used basically interchangeably, and the distinction is mainly for better understanding.

[0032] "Lock forming part" refers to a formed element on a plug connector, which is designed to engage with a locking mechanism to ensure that the connection between the plug connector and the mating plug connector will not be accidentally loosened. The lock forming part can include a groove, a spring, a latch, a hook, a bolt, a bayonet locking groove, a bayonet locking bolt, a cam, a bend, a protrusion or a combination of these options. Other structural forms are known and can be used by professionals familiar with this field. Preferably, the lock forming part is in the form of a circumferential groove.

[0033] The “locking mechanism” can in principle be any device that can engage with the above-mentioned locking shaped portion to ensure that the plug connector and the mating plug connector are fixed to each other in the plugged position to prevent accidental release of the electrical connection.

[0034] "Actuating pressing" refers to the plugging process preferably until a physical stop. This physical stop can be achieved by limiting the travel of the plug connector sealing spring or the mating plug connector sealing spring. Actuating pressing is a pressing movement during the plugging process until the stop, at which time the locking mechanism engages with the locking formation.

[0035] "Release pressing" refers to the separation process, preferably until a physical stop, i.e. a press applied again. By means of this release pressing, the mechanism in the locking mechanism switches from the locked position to the open position, so that the locking mechanism is no longer fixedly engaged in the locking formation. After this release pressing, the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be separated by a simple pulling action against the insertion direction. This locking mechanism, which locks at the first press in the insertion direction (i.e. actuating the press) and releases the lock at the second press in the insertion direction (i.e. release pressing), is called a "push-push locking".

[0036] In an improved embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking switch, a locking housing, a rotation stop and a locking spring.

[0037] "Lock switch" refers to a part of the locking mechanism, which is combined with the locking housing and realizes the switching between the locking and unlocking mechanisms. It is recommended to design the lock switch as a rigid, i.e. non-rotating movable element, such as a sleeve-shaped, essentially hollow cylindrical component, preferably arranged in an upper housing. The locking housing can abut, engage, pass through the lock switch, or both.

[0038] The “rotation stop” is designed as a hollow cylindrical, rigid, ie non-rotating, movable element similar to a locking converter and is usually arranged in a superordinate housing.

[0039] In a reasonable embodiment, the locking converter has a conversion gear, and the locking housing has a corresponding housing conversion gear, and the locking spring forces the locking housing to the locking converter. Preferably, the conversion gear and the housing conversion gear are arranged parallel to the central axis of the mating plug connector, that is, the gears are longitudinally directed to the end face.

[0040] In another embodiment, the rotation stop has a rotating gear and the locking housing has a corresponding housing rotating gear. The pressing movement against the locking spring causes the rotating gear to mesh with the housing rotating gear, thereby forcing the locking housing to partially rotate. The partial rotation is determined by the tooth width of the rotating gear or the housing rotating gear or both. The rotating gear and the housing rotating gear are preferably arranged parallel to the central axis of the mating plug connector, i.e. the gears are pointed longitudinally toward the end face.

[0041] In an improved embodiment, the locking housing has a spring stop, with which the locking spring engages, thereby forcing the locking housing in the direction of the locking converter. According to the invention, the locking housing is removed from the locking converter by the first plugging of the plug connector and the mating plug connector. At this time, the housing rotation gear and the rotation gear mesh with each other, thereby forcing the locking housing to partially rotate. Through this partial rotation, the conversion gear and the housing conversion gear form an arrangement staggered with each other. When the locking spring again combines the conversion gear and the housing conversion gear, the gears mesh with each other, thereby achieving a complete conversion rotation.

[0042] In one embodiment, it is further proposed to equip the locking converter with a locking cage. When the locking housing is rotated in a conversion manner, the locking converter forces the locking elements in the locking cage to alternately enter the locking shaped portions and release them again. The locking cage can be a single component or an assembly consisting of a plurality of substantially mutually independent components that cooperate to achieve this function.

[0043] Another approach proposes to equip the plug connector with a locking profile and the mating plug connector with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism engages with the locking profile by a first actuation press in the insertion direction or mating insertion direction, thereby ensuring the electrical contact of the plug connector in the mating plug connector. By a second actuation press in the insertion direction or mating insertion direction, the locking mechanism releases the locking profile, so that the plug connector can be removed from the mating plug connector.

[0044] An improved embodiment introduces a single-pole plug connector system, which comprises a plug connector and a mating plug connector. The system is equipped with a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism also has a tear-off protection device. In the event of a mechanical overload, in particular when pulling against the insertion direction, the tear-off protection device can release the locking mechanism.

[0045] In one embodiment, the tear-off protection device releases the locking mechanism of the plug connector system in the event of a mechanical overload, so that the plug connector and the mating plug connector can be separated in a functional manner for further use. Ideally, the triggered tear-off protection device adjusts the locking mechanism so that a new plugging process can be achieved without further preparation and / or resetting of the locking mechanism.

[0046] In an ingenious embodiment, it is proposed that the tear-off protection device comprises a protection device force accumulator, in particular in the form of a spring element. The tear-off protection device allows the locking cage to be disengaged from the locking housing and / or the locking switch in an escape direction, thereby releasing the locking formation of the locking element and enabling the plug connector and the mating plug connector to be separated.

[0047] One embodiment proposes that the tear-off protection device is provided with a release sleeve at the plug-side end of the locking mechanism. The release sleeve fixes the locking cage in a desired position on the locking mechanism and is held in this position by the protection device force accumulator.

[0048] In an improved embodiment, the protection device force accumulator can adjust its triggering force by a protection device calibration device. The protection device calibration device is mainly designed as a flange with an internal thread, which is located at the cable-side end of the locking mechanism and changes its position along the locking mechanism through the internal thread by means of the external thread located thereon.

[0049] In one embodiment, the protective device force accumulator is preferably located between the release sleeve and the locking housing and is designed as a circumferential spring. This design provides a safe, economical and stable way to achieve flexible application of the tear-off protective device in the present invention.

[0050] As an alternative, the guard force accumulator can be designed as a circumferential helical spring ring, placed in a first groove of the locking mechanism and embedded in a corresponding second groove in the release sleeve. In this case, an inclined helical spring, also known as a BalSeal spring, can be used in a clever way. The guard force accumulator designed as a helical spring ring deforms in the direction opposite to the avoidance direction under a defined tensile load, thereby releasing the release sleeve in the insertion direction.

[0051] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plug connector;

[0054] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a mating plug connector;

[0055] Figure 3 shows a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the plug connector system;

[0056] Figure 4 shows a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of an inserted plug connector system;

[0057] Figure 5 shows a side view of a plug connector system with a locking mechanism in an initial position;

[0058] Figure 6 shows a side view of a plug connector system with a locking mechanism in an inserted position;

[0059] Figure 7 shows a perspective sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the plug connector system with the tear-off protection device in the locked state;

[0060] Figure 8 shows a perspective sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a plug connector system with a tear-off protection device in the process of tearing off;

[0061] The figures contain schematic, partially simplified diagrams. In some cases, the same reference signs are used for identical but possibly different elements. Different views of the same element may have different scales. Designations such as "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" are to be understood with reference to the corresponding figures and may vary in the individual figures depending on the object shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 A particularly simple embodiment of a plug connector 2 according to the invention is shown. The figure shows a plug connector housing 20 and a plug connector contact seal 21 arranged on the plug-side end face.

[0063] Figure 2 A mating plug connector 3 according to the invention is shown, which has a particularly simple design corresponding to the plug connector 2. The figure shows a mating plug connector housing 30, a mating plug connector contact seal 31 arranged on the mating plug-side end face, and a mating plug connector touch protection device 32 arranged in this concentric, circumferential mating plug connector contact seal 31.

[0064] Figure 3A longitudinal section through a plug connector system 1 according to the invention is shown, in which the structure of a plug connector 2 and a mating plug connector 3 is shown. First, the unplugged state of the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 is shown, in which the plug connector 2 is connected to the mating plug connector 3 for the purpose of a plugging process. The plug-side end face of the plug connector 2 is guided to the mating plug-side end face of the mating plug connector 3, so that the plug connector contact seal 21 and the mating plug connector touch protection device 32 are opposite each other. The end face of the plug connector housing 20 here rests against the mating plug connector contact seal 31. In addition, the mating plug connector contact element 34 is provided with a mating plug connector touch protection device 32, which is essentially flush with the mating plug connector housing 30 on the mating plug side. It is clear here that the mating plug connector touch protection device 32 corresponds to the plug connector contact seal 21, so that the mating plug connector touch protection device 32 is designed to move the plug connector contact seal 21 in the mating plugging direction G against the elastic force of the plug connector sealing spring 23 during the plugging process. Likewise, the plug connector housing 20 is designed to move the concentric mating plug connector contact seal 31 in the insertion direction S against the force applied by the mating plug connector sealing spring 33. In addition, the figure also shows a simple structure of the plug connector 2 according to the invention. In the plug connector housing 20, a spring-loaded plug connector contact seal 21, a plug connector contact element 22 and a plug connector sealing spring 23 are arranged, which is arranged in the plug connector contact element 22 and interacts with the plug connector contact seal 21. The plug connector sealing spring 23 can force the plug connector sealing element 21 in the insertion direction S so that it is approximately flush with the plug connector housing 20 at the end face. It is proposed to provide a sealing element 6 in a shaped part and / or a recess provided for this purpose in the plug-in-side end of the plug connector housing 20. In the unplugged state shown in the figure, the sealing element 6 seals the interior of the plug connector housing 20 and thus the plug connector contact element 22 against the ingress of foreign media. The sealing element 6 can be designed as a simple O-ring. The sealing element is preferably designed as a foil seal or a foil sealing ring, with the foil pointing in the direction of the plug connector contact seal 21. In addition, a simple design of the mating plug connector 3 is disclosed. The mating plug connector housing 30 accommodates at least one mating plug connector contact seal 31, which is approximately flush with the mating plug connector housing 30 on the mating plug side and is also approximately flush with the mating plug connector touch protection device 32. The mating plug connector contact seal 31 is pushed by the mating plug connector sealing spring 33 along the mating insertion direction G. At least one sealing element 6 in the formed part provided for this purpose in the mating plug connector housing 30 points inward to seal the mating plug connector contact seal 31 in the unplugged state to protect it from the influence of external media.It is also proposed that the mating plug connector contact seal 31 is equipped with a sealing element 6, which faces inwardly in the direction of the mating plug connector touch protection device 32. Alternatively, it is proposed that the mating plug connector touch protection device 32 has an outwardly facing sealing element 6. The mating plug connector sealing spring 33 and the mating plug connector contact element 34 are held in the mating plug connector housing 30 by means of a mating plug connector contact receiving portion 35.

[0065] Figure 4A longitudinal section of a plug connector system 1 according to the invention is shown, wherein the structure of a plug connector 2 and a mating plug connector 3 in a mutually plugged state is shown. This clearly shows how the plug connector 2 is engaged in the mating plug connector 3. In addition, it also becomes clear how, according to the invention, the plug connector contact element 22 is electrically conductively connected to the mating plug connector contact element 34. A conductor (usually a cable) is inserted into the plug contact crimping area 220 and pressed or crimped there. The plug connector contact element 22 has a plug contact contact area 21 at the end side in the insertion direction S, which can be connected to the mating plug connector contact element 34. The embodiment shown shows the plug connector contact element 22 as a socket contact, so that the plug contact contact area 221 is basically hollow cylindrical. The plug contact contact area 221 is provided with a plug contact contact forming portion 223 at the end side in the insertion direction S. The embodiment shown provides a protrusion pointing in the longitudinal direction, which contacts the mating plug connector contact element 34 in an improved manner. A plug contact spring receiving portion 222 is provided in the plug contact contact area 221 in the form of a hollow cylinder. The plug contact spring receiving portion 222 is used to accommodate the plug connector sealing spring 23. In a simple manner, the plug contact spring receiving portion 222 can be designed as a bolt-shaped extension. The outer diameter of the extension corresponds ingeniously to the inner diameter of the plug connector sealing spring 23. Alternatively, the plug contact spring receiving portion 222 can be designed as a concentric groove, into which the plug connector sealing spring 23 is assembled or can be inserted. In the mating plug connector 3, the mating plug connector contact element 34 is retained in the mating plug connector housing 30 by a recess or a retaining forming portion. The mating plug connector contact receiving portion 35 also has a mating plug contact spring receiving portion 350. Contrary to the mating insertion direction G, the mating plug connector contact element 34 is designed with a mating plug contact crimping area 340, into which an electrical conductor, in particular a cable, is inserted and pressed or crimped. Furthermore, the mating plug connector contact element 34 has a mating plug contact contact area 341. The mating plug contact contact area 341 is designed essentially as a pin contact, which can be inserted into the plug connector contact element 22 designed as a socket contact. The mating plug connector contact element 34 points in the mating insertion direction G and ends with a touch protection device 32, which is held on the mating plug connector contact element 34 by a mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion 342. In one embodiment, the mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion 342 is designed in the form of a thread, which interacts with a corresponding thread of the touch protection device 32. Preferably, the mating plug contact touch protection device receiving portion 342 is designed as a latching element and / or a latching protrusion, into which the mating plug connector touch protection device 32 can be latched and / or pressed, or pressed into.

[0066] Figure 5 The plug connector system 1 is shown, comprising a plug connector 2 and a mating plug connector 3, wherein the mating plug connector 3 further comprises a locking mechanism 4 which can be lockingly engaged in a locking formation 200 on the plug connector 2. The figure shows the plug connector system in an unlocked, unplugged state.

[0067] Figure 6 The function of the locking mechanism 4 is explained in more detail. The plug connector 2 is inserted into the mating plug connector 3, so that the locking housing 41 is moved away from the locking converter 40 in the insertion direction S. The locking housing 41 is guided in the direction of the rotation stop 43, so that the housing switching gear 410 is moved out of the switching gear 400. At the same time, the housing rotation gear 412 meshes with the rotation gear 420. By the relative staggered arrangement and design between the switching gear 400, the housing switching gear 410, the housing rotation gear 412 and the rotation gear 420, the locking housing 41 is rotated so that the locking element 43 arranged in the locking converter 40 engages with the locking cage 401. In this way, the plug connector 2 cannot be accidentally separated from the mating plug connector 3. When the plug connector 2 is pressed again in the insertion direction S, this rotational movement is performed again, so that the locking element 43 no longer engages with the locking cage 401, so that the plug connector 2 can be separated from the mating plug connector 3. In the insertion direction S, in order to enable the locking housing 41 to move backward toward the locking converter 40 after the pressing movement, the locking housing 41 is provided with a spring stop 411. The locking spring 44 can act on the spring stop 411 to force the locking housing 41 toward the locking converter 40 in the mating insertion direction G. The present invention cleverly designs the housing rotation gear 412 and the rotation gear 420 so that a semi-locking rotation is performed when fully engaged, while the housing conversion gear 410 and the conversion gear 400 complete the semi-locking rotation. The locking rotation here refers to the rotation of the locking housing 41, which is necessary to engage the locking element 43 with the locking cage 401 and / or release such engagement.

[0068] Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, a clever embodiment is clearly shown. In this embodiment, the plug connector system 1 is equipped with a tear-off protection device 5. The tear-off protection device 5 is intended to enable the locking mechanism 4 to release the locking of the plug connector 2 and the mating plug connector 3 before the plug connector 2, the mating plug connector 3 or the cable or wiring harness can be (permanently) damaged in the event of a mechanical overload, in particular by pulling on the connected cable or wiring harness. It is recommended to design the tear-off protection device 5 to have a protection device calibration device 50, a protection device accumulator 51 and a release sleeve 52. The release sleeve 52 is preferably inserted into the housing wall of the working machine. Figure 5 and Figure 6, the release sleeve 52 has an external thread that can be engaged with the housing wall of the working machine. The release sleeve 52 and the guard calibration device 50 each have a flange or a shaped portion that can be engaged with the guard force accumulator 51. In a clever embodiment, the guard calibration device 50 has an internal thread 53 that interacts with the external thread 402 of the locking mechanism 4, so that the stored force of the guard force accumulator 51 used can be adjusted. This means that the spring force of the force accumulator 51 designed as a spiral spring can be adjusted by the guard calibration device 50 so that the tear-off protection device 5 is triggered at the desired set force. Triggering means that under the action of a tensile force, the plug connector 2 that is locked and connected to the mating plug connector 3 disengages the mating plug connector 3 together with the locking mechanism 4 from the tear-off protection device 5 along the mating insertion direction G. By removing the locking cage 401 from the release sleeve 52 that fixes the locking cage, the locking cage can be moved away in the avoidance direction A. First, the avoidance is prevented by a molded protection device or elastic limitation to prevent the locking cage 401 from being lost. By avoiding, for example, by stretching of the elastic element, the locking element 43 can be released, so that the locking shaped part 200 of the plug connector 2 is released. In other words, the locking element 43 no longer engages with the locking shaped part 200. By a basic pulling operation in the mating insertion direction G, the plug connector 2 is separated from the mating plug connector 3. Subsequently, by applying pressure on a stop element, such as a flange on the guard calibration device 50, in the insertion direction S, the guard accumulator 51 forces the mating plug connector 3 back to the preset position, so that the release sleeve 52 returns the locking cage 401 and the locking element 43 below it to the original position. The invention cleverly proposes to place the locking element 43 in the unlatched position, so that the mating plug connector 3 and the locking mechanism 4 return to the initial position, thereby preparing for a new plugging process.

[0069] Unless otherwise specified, even if various aspects or features are shown in combination in the figures, it is clear to professionals that the combinations shown and discussed are not the only possibilities. In particular, corresponding units or feature combinations in different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0070] Reference numerals list

[0071] 1 Plug connector system

[0072] 2 Plug connector

[0073] 20 plug connector housing

[0074] 21 Plug connector contact seals

[0075] 22 plug connector contact elements

[0076] 23 plug connector sealing spring

[0077] 24 Plug connector contact receiving portion

[0078] 200 Locking forming part

[0079] 220 plug contact crimping area

[0080] 221 plug contact contact area

[0081] 222 plug-in contact spring receiving portion

[0082] 223 plug-in contact forming part

[0083] 3 mating connectors

[0084] 30-pair plug connector housing

[0085] 31 Mating Connector Contact Seals

[0086] 32 Paired Plug Connector Touch Protection Device

[0087] 33 mating connector sealing spring

[0088] 34 mating connector contact elements

[0089] 35 Mating plug connector contact receiving portion

[0090] 340 mating contact crimping area

[0091] 341 mating contact contact area

[0092] 342 matching plug-in contact touch protection device receiving part

[0093] 350 mating plug-in contact spring receiving part

[0094] 4 Locking mechanism

[0095] 40 Locking converter

[0096] 400 conversion gear

[0097] 401 Lock Cage

[0098] 402 external thread

[0099] 41 Locking housing

[0100] 410 Housing conversion gear

[0101] 411 Spring stop

[0102] 412 Housing rotating gear

[0103] 42 Rotation stop

[0104] 420 Rotating Gear

[0105] 43 locking element

[0106] 44 Locking spring

[0107] 5. Tear-off protection device

[0108] 50 Protective device calibration device

[0109] 51 protection device accumulator

[0110] 52 Unlocking sleeve

[0111] 53 internal thread

[0112] 6 Sealing element

[0113] A Avoid direction

[0114] S Plug connector insertion direction

[0115] G Mating connector insertion direction

Claims

1. A single-pole plug connector system (1), comprising a plug connector (2) and a mating plug connector (3), The plug connector comprises a plug connector housing (20), a plug connector contact seal (21) and a plug connector contact element (22). in, The mating plug connector (3) comprises a mating plug connector housing (30), a mating plug connector contact seal (31), a mating plug connector touch protection device (32) and a mating plug connector contact element (34). It is characterized in that The plug connector contact seal (21) is functionally engaged with a plug connector sealing spring (23), so that the plug connector contact seal (21) is displaceably arranged in the plug connector housing (20) in the insertion direction (S) against the force of the plug connector sealing spring (23), The mating plug connector contact seal (31) is functionally engaged with the mating plug connector sealing spring (33), so that the mating plug connector contact seal (31) is displaceably arranged in the mating plug connector housing (30) in the mating insertion direction (G) against the force of the mating plug connector sealing spring (33).

2. The plug connector system (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The plug connector contact element (22) has a hollow cylindrical plug contact crimping region (220), a substantially hollow cylindrical plug contact contact region (221) and a plug contact spring receptacle (222) within the plug contact contact region (221).

3. The plug connector system (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The plug connector contact element (22) has a hollow cylindrical plug contact crimping region (220), a substantially hollow cylindrical plug contact contact region and a plug contact spring receptacle (222) outside the plug contact contact region (221).

4. The plug connector system (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The mating plug-in connector contact element (34) has a hollow cylindrical mating plug-in contact crimping area (340) and a substantially cylindrical mating plug-in contact contact area (341), wherein a mating plug-in contact touch protection device receiving portion (342) is formed on the end side of the mating plug-in contact contact area (341) along the mating insertion direction (G), and is configured to accommodate the mating plug-in connector touch protection device (34).

5. The plug connector system (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The mating plug-in connector contact element has a hollow cylindrical mating plug-in contact crimping area and a basically hollow cylindrical mating plug-in contact contact area, wherein a mating plug-in contact touch protection device receiving portion is formed on the end side of the mating plug-in contact contact area along the mating insertion direction (G), which is configured to accommodate the mating plug-in connector touch protection device.

6. The plug connector system (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The mating plug connector contact element is further provided with at least one mating plug contact pin element in the hollow cylindrical mating plug contact contact region, wherein the corresponding plug connector contact element is assembled in an electrically contacting manner between the mating plug contact contact region and the mating plug contact pin element.

7. The plug connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector housing (20) is formed in such a way that it moves the mating plug connector contact seal (31) apart during the plugging process.

8. The plug connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The mating plug-in connector touch protection device (32) is designed in such a way that it moves away from the plug-in connector contact seal (21) during the plug-in process.

9. The plug connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector contact elements (22) are designed essentially as socket contacts and the mating plug connector contact elements (34) are designed essentially as pin contacts, or vice versa.

10. The plug connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector contact element (22) has a plug contact forming portion (223) on the end side of the plug contact contact area (221) in the insertion direction (S), which can ensure the contact between the plug connector contact element (22) and the mating plug connector contact element (34).

11. The plug connector system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug connector (2) has a locking mechanism (4), and the mating plug connector (3) has a locking formation (200) corresponding to the locking mechanism (4), and vice versa, wherein the locking mechanism (4) is triggered in a locking manner in the insertion direction (S) by a first press.

12. A single-pole plug connector (2) according to the plug connector system according to claim 1, comprising a plug connector housing (20) and a plug connector contact element (22) arranged in the plug connector housing (20), wherein: The plug connector contact element (22) has a plug contact crimping area (220) at one end side opposite to the insertion direction (S), and has a plug contact contact area (221) at one end side along the insertion direction (S). It is characterized in that A plug-in connector contact seal (221) is arranged in the plug-in contact contact area (21), which is moved away by the corresponding mating plug-in connector (3) during the plug-in process.

13. The single-pole plug connector (2) according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The plug connector contact element (22) has a plug connector contact spring receptacle (222) on or in the plug connector contact region (221), which is shaped for receiving a plug connector sealing spring (23) and wherein the plug connector contact seal (21) interacts with the plug connector contact sealing spring (23).

14. A single-pole mating plug connector (3) according to the plug connector system according to claim 1, comprising a mating plug connector housing (30) and a mating plug connector contact element (34) arranged in the mating plug connector housing (30), wherein: The mating plug connector contact element (34) has a mating plug contact crimping area (340) at one end side opposite to the mating insertion direction (G), and has a mating plug contact contact area (341) at one end side along the mating insertion direction (G), characterized in that: A mating plug-in connector contact seal (341) is arranged in the mating plug-in contact contact region (31), which is moved away by the corresponding plug-in connector (2) during the plug-in process.

15. The single-pole mating plug connector (3) according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The mating plug connector contact element (34) is held in the mating plug connector housing (30) by a mating plug connector contact receiving portion (35), and a mating plug connector contact spring receiving portion (222) is arranged on or in the mating plug connector contact receiving portion (35), which is shaped for receiving a mating plug connector sealing spring (33), and wherein the mating plug connector contact seal (31) interacts with the mating plug connector contact sealing spring (33).

16. Method for producing a plug connection by means of a plug connector system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the plug connector (2) has a plug connector contact seal (21) and wherein the mating plug connector (3) has a mating plug connector contact seal (31), wherein: The plug connector (2) removes a mating plug connector contact seal (31) during the plugging process, and wherein the mating plug connector (3) removes a plug connector contact seal (21) during the plugging process, wherein the removed plug connector contact seal (21) exposes a plug connector contact element (22), and wherein the removed mating plug connector contact seal (31) exposes a mating plug connector contact element (34).

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