Electrical plug connection device, plug connection, kit having a plug connection and a mater plug connection, and housing

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical plug connection (1), comprising a plug connection part (2), a mating plug connection part (3) which can be connected to the plug connection part (2), and a locking element (4) which is arranged on the plug connection part (2), the invention relates to an electrical plug connection (1) comprising a mating plug connection (3), a plug connection (2), and a locking element (4) for mechanically fixing the electrical plug connection (1) in a state in which the plug connection (2) and the mating plug connection (3) are connected to each other, the locking element (4) having a locking part (5) which can be moved between a locking position (5a) and an unlocking position (5b). The invention further relates to a plug connector (2) for such an electrical plug connector (1), to a kit comprising a plug connector (2) and a mating plug connector (3), and to a housing (9) having a housing opening (8) in which such an electrical plug connector is arranged.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical plug-in connection device having a plug-in connection, a counter plug-in connection connectable with the plug-in connection and a locking element arranged at the plug-in connection for mechanically fixing the electrical plug-in connection device in a connected state of the plug-in connection and the counter plug-in connection to one another, wherein the locking element has a locking part which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The invention further relates to a plug-in connection for such an electrical plug-in connection device, a kit having a plug-in connection and a counter plug-in connection and a housing having a housing opening in which such an electrical plug-in connection device is arranged. BACKGROUND

[0002] Lockable plug-in connection devices are known in electrical connection technology. Plug-in connections can be used, for example, as electromechanical connection members for connecting flexible and / or rigid electrical conductors to establish an electrical connection and can enable a simplified handling of the conductor connection ends by connection with a corresponding counter plug-in connection. By locking the plug-in connection device by means of a locking element, the connection of the plug-in connection and the counter plug-in connection can be mechanically fixed against unintentional disconnection. SUMMARY

[0003] In practice, installation conditions can occur in which the accessibility of the plug-in connection device is limited. Thereby, the handling of the locking element can become difficult. Against this background, the invention is based on the object of realizing an electrical plug-in connection device of the type mentioned at the outset, in which the handling of the plug-in connection device, in particular of the locking element, is improved.

[0004] The object is achieved by means of an electrical plug-in connection device according to an embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, a plug-in connection for such an electrical plug-in connection device according to an embodiment of the invention, a kit having a plug-in connection and a counter plug-in connection and a housing having an electrical plug-in connection device according to an embodiment of the invention are proposed for achieving the object. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention, a plug-in connection device is proposed, which has a plug-in connection, a counter plug-in connection connectable with the plug-in connection and a locking element arranged at the plug-in connection for mechanically fixing the electrical plug-in connection device in a connected state of the plug-in connection and the counter plug-in connection to one another, wherein the locking element has a locking part which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein at the counter plug-in connection a handling element having a handling mechanism is arranged, which is configured for, upon handling, enabling the unlocking of the locking element by moving the locking part into the unlocking position.

[0006] It is thereby possible to release the locking element even in the case of limited accessibility of the locking element, so that the mating plug-in connection can be uncoupled from the plug-in connection. Depending on the installation conditions, there can be an improved accessibility of the mating plug-in connection compared to the plug-in connection, so that the release of the locking element can be initiated more easily from the mating plug-in connection side, wherein the release can be achieved at the mating plug-in connection by means of the described actuating element. It is thus not necessary to forgo the locking of the plug-in connection arrangement in installation conditions in which the locking element is difficult to access. Furthermore, as is set forth below according to exemplary embodiments, the actuating element can be structurally matched to the locking element and its mechanical mode of operation, so that already available locking elements can be used in connection with the present application without structural modifications.

[0007] The plug-in connection and the mating plug-in connection can each have plug-in contact elements associated with one another, which can achieve an electrical contact between the plug-in connection and the mating plug-in connection in the connected state of the plug-in connection and the mating plug-in connection. In other words, the connection of the plug-in connection and the mating plug-in connection can be understood as an electromechanical connection, wherein the plug-in connection and the plug-in connection are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another. The plug-in connection can be connectable with the mating plug-in connection in the plug-in direction and detachable therefrom again in the same axial direction with opposite movement direction.

[0008] The locking element has a locking part, which can be moved between a locking position and a release position. It is thereby possible, by means of the locking part, to selectively achieve a locked state of the locking element in the sense of a mechanical fixing of the plug-in connection, in which the plug-in connection and the mating plug-in connection are fixed against detachment from one another, and a release state in the sense of a mechanical release of the plug-in connection, in which the plug-in connection and the mating plug-in connection can be detached from one another. In principle, the locking part can be configured, for example, to be movable into the locking position by manual action and to be moved into the release position assisted by an auxiliary mechanism, wherein the actuating element can provide such an auxiliary mechanism. It is not excluded in principle that the locking part is moved into the locking position assisted by an auxiliary mechanism.

[0009] The actuating element has an actuating mechanism which is configured to effect, upon actuation, the unlocking of the locking element by moving the locking component into the unlocked position. The actuating mechanism can be actuated manually, in particular, for example by exerting a pressure or tension force onto an actuating structure of the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured to convert such actuation into a mechanical action on the locking component. This conversion can take place directly or indirectly depending on the configuration of the actuating mechanism. It is not excluded, for example, that a separate mechanical actuator is provided between the actuating element and the locking component. The actuating element can be provided, for example, on the outside of the mating plug connector housing of the mating plug connector. In particular, the actuating element can be provided at a housing section of the mating plug connector housing which, in the state of connection of the mating plug connector to the plug connector, faces the locking element of the plug connector. In particular, the actuating element can be provided at a housing section of the mating plug connector housing which, in the state of connection of the plug connector and the mating plug connector to each other, adjoins the housing region of the plug connector housing in which the locking element is provided. In other words, the actuating element can be provided at the mating plug connector such that it is oriented to point towards the locking element in the state of connection of the plug connector and the mating plug connector to each other. The actuating element can be provided, for example, at a housing side wall of the mating plug connector which can extend, for example, orthogonally to a wiring side and / or to a connection actuation side of the mating plug connector. The wiring side can be provided, for example, with a wiring opening and the connection actuation side can be provided, for example, with a connection actuation element such as an actuation lever. The plug connector and / or the mating plug connector can each have at least one spring clamp connection end for spring force- assisted connection of at least one electrical line, wherein the connection actuation element can be used, for example, to open and close the clamping point of the spring clamp connection end. The actuating element can have, for example, an elongated basic shape with a main extension along a longitudinal axis parallel to the aforementioned plug-in direction of the mating plug connector, such that during plug-in the mating plug connector can be moved towards the plug connector and at the same time the actuating element can be moved towards the locking element. It is conceivable that the plug connector has two or more locking elements and / or the mating plug connector has two or more actuating elements which can be provided, for example, at mutually opposite housing sides of the plug connector or the mating plug connector. In this way, a flexible or particularly reliable mechanical securing and a flexible unlocking possibility can be achieved.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the electrical plug-in connection device can be provided for being arranged in a housing opening of a housing, wherein the plug-in connection together with the locking element arranged thereat is configured for being sunk into the housing opening of the housing, and wherein the counter plug-in connection together with the handling element arranged thereat is configured for being at least sectionally protruding from the housing opening. In this installed condition of the plug-in connection device, there is a limited accessibility of the plug-in connection sunk into the housing opening, while the counter plug-in connection is at least sectionally protruding from the housing opening, resulting in a good accessibility of the handling element. Thus, the aforementioned advantages of an improved handling of the locking element can be achieved, for example, in the installed condition according to the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the plug-in connection together with the locking element arranged thereat can be configured for being mostly sunk into the housing opening, such that the plug-in connection is mostly moved into the housing opening. In particular, the counter plug-in connection together with the handling element arranged thereat can be configured for being mostly protruding from the housing opening, such that the counter plug-in connection is mostly arranged outside the housing. In other words, the housing opening can lead from a housing surrounding of the housing into a housing interior of the housing and the plug-in connection can be mostly arranged in the housing interior of the housing and the counter plug-in connection can be mostly arranged in the housing surrounding outside the housing. The housing can be, for example, a device housing of an electrical device. The housing opening can be, for example, a recess in the housing which is intentionally provided for the plug-in connection device. The plug-in connection device can have, for example, mounting features according to which it can be determined that the plug-in connection device is provided for being arranged in the housing opening of the housing. For example, the plug-in connection device can have a specific mounting shape or mounting dimensions or a defined mounting outer contour which can correspond to a usual or, for example, also standardized mounting condition for arranging the plug-in connection device in the housing opening. Furthermore, the plug-in connection and / or the counter plug-in connection can have at least one fixing element for fastening or supporting the plug-in connection device on the housing.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be designed as a locking pawl. The locking pawl can be a locking element which is arrangeable or arranged at the plug-in connection and which has a pawl-shaped cantilever for engaging into a counter plug-in connection arranged opposite, wherein the plug-in connection and the counter plug-in connection can be tensioned relative to each other by means of the pawl-shaped cantilever. The locking pawl is a structurally simply designed locking element by means of which a mechanical cooperation with the arranged handling element for unlocking the locking pawl can be produced in a simple manner. Thus, a structurally simple and cost-advantageous locking and unlocking solution can be provided by means of the described embodiment.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the locking component can be configured as a spring-elastic latching tab and is configured for engaging in a latching contour of the counter- plug-in connection in the locked position and can be disengaged from the latching contour in the unlocked position. Thus, for mechanically securing the connection between the plug-in connection and the counter-plug-in connection, a disengageable latching connection of the locking element at the counter-plug-in connection can be provided. The latching contour at the counter-plug-in connection can be, for example, a latching edge of a latching opening into which the spring-elastic latching tab is sunk and which can be supported at the latching edge delimiting the latching opening, such that an undercut of the latching tab with the latching edge can be configured. In the unlocked position, the latching tab can be spaced apart from the latching contour, for example, bent out of it, such that the engagement of the latching tab with the latching contour is cancelled and the counter-plug-in connection can be disengaged from the plug-in connection. By means of the spring-elastic latching tab, a reliably acting and easily movable locking component between the locked position and the unlocked position by a given spring elasticity can be used.

[0013] According to one refinement, the locking component can have a disengagement tab connected to the spring-elastic latching tab, by means of which the spring-elastic latching tab can be moved out of engagement with the latching contour. Thereby, the disengagement of the latching tab from the engagement with the latching contour can be simplified. The disengagement tab can be characterized, in particular, by a better accessibility compared to the latching tab, for example, sunk into the latching opening. The disengagement tab can be directed, for example, toward a handling contour of the handling element, in particular, the following further described handling contour of the counter-plug-in connection. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the disengagement tab or a further disengagement tab is directed toward the following further described unlocking mechanism, in particular, the unlocking contour, of the locking element. The disengagement tab can have a force application face for force transmission of a handling mechanism and / or an unlocking mechanism onto the disengagement tab for moving the latching tab out of engagement with the latching contour of the counter-plug-in connection. The disengagement tab can be formed, in particular, in one piece with the latching tab.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the handling mechanism can have a movable handling contour for moving the locking component from the locked position into the unlocked position. Thereby, a reliably acting handling mechanism can be realized. The movable handling contour can be understood as a defined handling section of the handling element, for example, a handling edge movable relative to the counter-plug-in connection. The movable handling contour can be movable toward the locking component upon handling of the handling mechanism. The handling contour can be, for example, a lever contour configured for prying the locking component out of engagement with the counter-plug-in connection. If the locking component is configured, for example, as a latching tab, the movable handling contour can be guided, upon handling, under the latching tab and / or a disengagement tab connected to the latching tab in order to pry the latching tab out of engagement with the latching contour of the counter-plug-in connection.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the handling element can have a basic section and a handling arm connected to the basic section for handling the handling mechanism, wherein a movable handling contour is provided at the handling arm. Thereby, a handling mechanism can be obtained which is simple to operate and reliable in action. By means of the basic section, a reliable coupling and support of the handling element at the counterpart plug connection can be ensured, wherein the handling mechanism can be realized via the handling arm connected to the basic section. The movable handling contour can be formed, for example, at a free end of the handling arm, whereas the other end of the handling arm can be coupled to the basic section. The handling arm can have, for example, a curved course over the basic section and can be moved by a pressure force towards the basic section, whereby the movable handling contour can evade the locking part of the locking element and move the locking part into the unlocked position. The basic section can form, for example, a main planar base plate of the handling element. The handling contour can be formed, for example, as a lever contour, so that the locking part formed as a latching tab can be levered out of the engagement with the latching contour of the counterpart plug connection, in particular opposite the direction of the pressure force applied to the handling arm. The handling arm and the movable handling contour can be movably formed with respect to the basic section of the handling element. The movable parts of the handling element, in particular the handling arm and the movable handling contour, can form a handling mechanism of the handling element. The handling arm and the basic section can be integrally formed with one another.

[0016] According to one refinement, the basic section of the handling element can have a basic opening and a guide web spanning the basic opening for guiding the movable handling contour. Thereby, a precise movement of the locking part by means of the movable handling contour can be realized. Furthermore, the guide web can act, for example, as a pressure device and facilitate a force deflection to assist the lever action, so that a downward movement of the handling arm towards the basic section until the guide web and an upward movement of the lever contour from the guide web to lever off the latching tab can be realized. The basic opening can be a material recess in the basic section, for example, through which the movable handling contour present at the handling arm projects. The basic opening can realize, for example, a guiding of the movable handling contour to the locking part, which can be arranged, for example, near a housing surface of the counterpart plug connection when engaged into the latching contour. The guide web can delimit the basic opening. The guide web can project at an angle from the basic section, for example, orthogonally thereto.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a support part for supporting the handling arm when handling said handling arm can be provided between the basic section and the handling arm. The support part can extend, for example, in a boss shape or a ball shape between the handling arm and the basic section, in particular projecting from the basic section or from the handling arm. By means of the support part, the handling arm is stabilized when handling said handling arm and a deflection movement thereof towards the basic section is limited.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the mating plug connection can have a housing recess for forming a latching contour and for accommodating a movable actuating contour. Optionally, a further described unlocking contour can be accommodated in the housing recess. Thereby, an improved guidance of the movable actuating contour to the locking part configured as a latching tab can be achieved. Furthermore, a protected arrangement of the locking part, the actuating contour and optionally the unlocking contour can be realized. The housing recess can be a housing recess in the mating plug connection housing, in particular. The housing recess can form a partial housing recess, which can optionally also be implemented at least sectionally as a through-opening. In the housing recess, the housing surface can be offset inwardly with respect to the adjoining housing surface. In the housing recess, the movable actuating contour and the locking part configured as a latching tab can extend into each other, for example, in a direction pointing towards each other. If an additional unlocking contour is provided, the unlocking contour and the actuating contour can extend towards the latching tab arranged therebetween. During the actuation or movement of the actuating contour towards the latching tab or the release tab, the actuating contour can be supported in an advantageous manner on the face of the housing recess.

[0019] According to one embodiment, an unlocking mechanism can be provided at the locking element, which is configured for unlocking the locking element by moving the locking part into an unlocking position upon actuation. Thus, in the described embodiment, the locking element can be selectively unlockable by means of the actuation mechanism on the mating plug connection side or the unlocking mechanism on the plug connection side, so that an increased flexibility in operating the plug connection device results. In other words, depending on the resulting accessibility and installation conditions, the locking element can be unlockable by means of the unlocking mechanism at the plug connection and / or by means of the actuation mechanism at the mating plug connection. This increases the use feasibility of the proposed electrical plug connection device. In principle, the unlocking mechanism can have a similar configuration and similar mode of operation as the actuation mechanism. The unlocking mechanism and the actuation mechanism can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the locking part of the locking element arranged therebetween. The unlocking mechanism and the actuation mechanism can surround the locking part of the locking element therebetween.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the locking element can have a base section and an unlocking arm connected to the base section, the unlocking arm having a movable unlocking contour for moving the locking part from the locked position into the unlocked position. Thereby, a simple operable and reliable acting unlocking mechanism can be achieved. By means of the base section, a reliable coupling and support of the locking element at the plug connection can be ensured, wherein the unlocking mechanism can be realized via the unlocking arm connected to the base section. The movable unlocking contour can be formed, for example, at a free end of the unlocking arm, whereas the other end of the unlocking arm can be coupled to the base section. The unlocking arm can have, for example, a curved course over the base section and be movable by a pressure force towards the base section, whereby the movable unlocking contour can evade the locking part of the locking element and move the locking part into the unlocked position. The base section can form, for example, a main planar base plate of the locking element. The unlocking contour can be formed, for example, as a lever contour, so that the locking part formed as a latching tab can be lifted out of engagement with the latching contour of the counter plug connection, in particular against the direction of the pressure force applied to the unlocking arm. The unlocking arm and the movable unlocking contour can be movably formed with respect to the base section of the locking element. The movable part of the locking element, in particular the unlocking arm and the movable unlocking contour, can form an unlocking mechanism of the locking element. The unlocking arm and the base section can be integrally formed with one another.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the locking part can have a first force action face for mechanically co-acting with the unlocking mechanism of the locking element and a second force action face for mechanically co-acting with the actuating mechanism of the actuating element. Thereby, a compact embodiment can be realized. The first force action face can be subjected to a force action from the unlocking mechanism and the second force action face can be subjected to a force action from the actuating mechanism, so that a movement of the locking part into its unlocked position can be realized. If the locking part is formed as a latching tab, the force action faces can be provided, for example, at the latching tab and / or at one or more break-off tabs connected to the latching tab.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the first force action face can be directed towards the movable unlocking contour of the locking element and the second force action face can be directed towards the movable actuating contour of the actuating element. By means of the movable unlocking contour and by means of the movable actuating contour, a targeted and defined force action for moving the locking part into its unlocked position can be realized here.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the actuating element can be formed in one piece with the counter plug connection. Thereby, the operation of the proposed plug connection device can be further simplified, since, for example, a previous mounting step for fastening the actuating element at the counter plug connection can be cancelled. For example, the actuating element can be injected at the counter plug connection housing of the counter plug connection.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the handling element can be detachably connectable or connected with the counter plug-in connection. Thereby a flexible use possibility of the handling element is obtained. Furthermore, the handling element can for example be arrangeable at different housing sides of the counter plug-in connection, in order to achieve an improved accessibility depending on the existing installation conditions. The handling element can for example be connectable with the counter plug-in connection via a form-fit connection, whereby a simple, in particular tool-free installation can be achieved. For example, the handling element can have a male form-fit profile, such as a dovetail profile or a mushroom profile, which can be engaged into a female form-fit counter profile of the counter plug-in connection, or vice versa.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the locking element can be formed in one piece with the plug-in connection. Thereby, the operation of the proposed plug-in connection device can be further simplified, since for example a previous installation step for fastening the locking element on the plug-in connection can be cancelled. For example, the locking element can be injected at the plug-in connection housing of the plug-in connection.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking element can be detachably connectable or connected with the plug-in connection. Thereby a flexible use possibility of the locking element is obtained. Furthermore, the locking element can for example be arrangeable at different housing sides of the plug-in connection. The locking element can for example be connectable with the plug-in connection via a form-fit connection, whereby a simple, in particular tool-free installation can be achieved. For example, the locking element can have a male form-fit profile, such as a dovetail profile or a mushroom profile, which can be engaged into a female form-fit counter profile of the plug-in connection, or vice versa.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the plug-in connection can be formed as a spring strip and the counter plug-in connection can be formed as a pin strip. The spring strip as plug-in connection can more frequently encounter problems of difficult accessibility in narrow installation conditions, since it is more likely to be arranged in the housing interior space depending on the application, in particular under the influence of the current direction, than in the housing surroundings, while the associated counter plug-in connection formed as a pin strip is correspondingly arranged at the plug-in connection with improved accessibility into the housing surroundings. Thus, a particularly realistic plug-in connection device is provided by means of the proposed embodiment. The spring strip can be a line element with spring-elastic contact pin receptacles. The pin strip can be a line element with one or more electrically conductive contact pins. The contact pins of the pin strip can be configured for electrically contacting the contact pin receptacles of the spring strip. According to one design possibility, the spring strip can have a solder pin for making a solder connection, thereby being formed as a so-called solder spring strip The solder spring strip can in particular be equipped with a locking element formed in one piece with the solder spring strip.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the handling element and / or the locking element can have a visual and / or haptic marking for distinguishing the handling element from the locking element. This can be particularly advantageous for embodiments of the locking element in which the locking element is equipped with an unlocking mechanism. Thereby, an improved, intuitive handling and a quick perceptibility of the locking situation and the existing unlocking possibility can be achieved. For example, the unlocking arm of the locking element can have a surface with a ridge, while the handling arm of the handling element has a smooth surface, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking arm and the handling arm can have a different geometric basic shape, size or color from each other.

[0029] The invention also relates to a counterpart plug-in connection for an electrical plug-in connection device according to one of the preceding features, wherein at the counterpart plug-in connection a handling element is provided which has a handling mechanism configured for, upon handling, effecting the unlocking of a locking element provided at a plug-in connection connectable with the counterpart plug-in connection by moving a locking component of the locking element movable between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0030] The aforementioned advantages, i.e. the improved handling of the plug-in connection device and the locking element in the case of limited accessibility, can also be achieved with the proposed counterpart plug-in connection. With the counterpart plug-in connection and the handling element provided thereat, it is possible to reliably and conveniently unlock the locking element of the plug-in connection which is limitedly accessible.

[0031] The invention also relates to a set having a plug-in connection and a counterpart plug-in connection configured for, in a plugged-together state, constituting an electrical plug-in connection device according to one of the preceding features. The aforementioned advantages, i.e. the improved handling of the plug-in connection device and the locking element in the case of limited accessibility, can also be achieved with the proposed set having a plug-in connection and a counterpart plug-in connection.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the set can have a separate, detachably connectable locking element with the plug-in connection. Thereby, a flexible use possibility of the locking element is achieved. Furthermore, the locking element can be provided, for example, at different housing sides of the plug-in connection. The locking element can be connectable with the plug-in connection, for example, via a form-fit connection, whereby a simple, in particular tool-free, mounting can be achieved. For example, the locking element can have a male form-fit profile, such as a dovetail profile or a mushroom profile, which can be engaged into a female form-fit counter-profile of the plug-in connection, or vice versa. In principle, however, according to one alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the locking element is implemented in one piece with the plug-in connection.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the kit can have a separate, detachably connectable handling element to the counterpart plug connection. Thereby, a flexible use possibility of the handling element is obtained. Furthermore, the handling element can be, for example, arrangeable at a different housing side of the counterpart plug connection, in order to achieve an improved accessibility depending on the existing installation conditions. The handling element can be connectable to the counterpart plug connection, for example, via a form-fit connection, whereby a simple, in particular tool-free, installation can be achieved. For example, the handling element can have a male form-fit profile, such as a dovetail profile or a mushroom profile, which can engage into a female form-fit counterpart profile of the counterpart plug connection, or vice versa. In principle, however, according to one alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the handling element is implemented in one piece with the counterpart plug connection.

[0034] The application also relates to a housing having a housing opening, in which an electrical plug connection device according to one of the preceding features is arranged, wherein the plug connection of the electrical plug connection device is sunk into the housing opening with a locking element arranged at the plug connection and wherein the counterpart plug connection of the electrical plug connection device is protruding from the housing opening with a handling element arranged at the counterpart plug connection. In this installation condition, there is a limited accessibility of the plug connection sunk into the housing opening, while the counterpart plug connection protrudes at least sectionally from the housing opening, so that a good accessibility of the handling element results. Thus, the aforementioned advantages of an improved operation of the locking element can be achieved, in particular in the case of the described housing. In particular, the plug connection together with the locking element arranged thereat can be configured for a mostly sinking into the housing opening, so that the plug connection is mostly moved into the housing opening. In particular, the counterpart plug connection together with the handling element arranged thereat can be configured for a mostly protruding from the housing opening, so that the counterpart plug connection is mostly arranged outside the housing. In other words, the housing opening can lead from a housing surrounding of the housing into a housing interior of the housing and the plug connection can be mostly arranged in the housing interior of the housing and the counterpart plug connection can be mostly arranged in the housing surrounding outside the housing. The housing can be, for example, a device housing of an electrical device. The housing opening can be, for example, a recess in the housing which is intentionally provided for the plug connection device. The plug connection device can have, for example, installation features according to which it can be determined that the plug connection device is arranged for being arranged in the housing opening of the housing. For example, the plug connection device can have a specific installation shape or installation dimensions or a defined installation outer contour which can correspond to a usual or, for example, also standardized installation condition for arranging the plug connection device in the housing opening. Furthermore, the plug connection and / or the counterpart plug connection can have at least one securing element for fastening or supporting the plug connection device on the housing.

[0035] Very generally, in the scope of the present application, the word "a", unless otherwise specifically defined, is not to be interpreted as the numerical quantifier, but as the indefinite article having the word meaning of "at least one". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The application allows different embodiments and is explained in detail below in connection with the drawings according to an embodiment. The drawings show in schematic manner:

[0037] Figure 1a a sectional plan view of an electrical plug-in connection device according to a first embodiment arranged at a housing opening of a housing is shown;

[0038] Figure 1b a detailed view of an enlarged detail of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a ;

[0039] Figure 2 a first perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a ;

[0040] Figure 3 a side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a ;

[0041] Figure 4 a second perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a ;

[0042] Figure 5 a third perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a , with the handling element of the plug-in connection device being hidden;

[0043] Figure 6 a backside perspective view of a counterpart plug-in connection of a plug-in connection device according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is shown;

[0044] Figure 7 a frontside perspective view of a counterpart plug-in connection according to Figure 6 ;

[0045] Figure 8 a frontside perspective view of a plug-in connection for an electrical plug-in connection device according to a second embodiment is shown;

[0046] Figure 9 a frontside perspective view of a plug-in connection for an electrical plug-in connection device according to a third embodiment is shown; and

[0047] Figure 10 a frontside perspective view of a plug-in connection for an electrical plug-in connection device according to a fourth embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of the four-pole electrical plug connection device 1 shown in Figure 3 the housing opening 8 of the housing 9 along the Figure 1b cutting plane A-A shown in Figure 1a the enlarged detail view of the image section framed in dashed lines in

[0049] The electrical plug connection device 1 has a plug connection 2 and a counter plug connection 3 connectable with the plug connection 2. The plug connection 2 can be connected with the counter plug connection 3 in a plug-in direction S shown in Figure 1a and can be disconnected again from the counter plug connection in the same axial direction with an opposite movement direction. At the plug connection 2, a locking element 4 is provided at each of two opposite housing side walls of the plug connection 2 for mechanically fixing the electrical plug connection device 1 in the connected state of the plug connection 2 and the counter plug connection 3 with each other. It is also conceivable in principle to provide only one locking element 4 or also more than two locking elements 4 at the plug connection 2. The locking elements 4, which are embodied as locking detents 4' in the shown figures, have a locking part 5 which can be moved between a locking position 5a shown in Figure 1b and an unlocking position 5b shown in dashed lines in Figure 1b By locking the electrical plug connection device 1 the connection of the plug connection 2 and the counter plug connection 3 can be mechanically fixed against unintentional disconnection.

[0050] Opposite the locking elements 4, a handling element 6 with a handling mechanism 7 is provided at the counter plug connection 3, respectively, which handling mechanism is configured for, upon handling, achieving the unlocking of the locking elements 4 by moving the locking parts 5 into the unlocking position 5b. Thereby it is achieved that the locking elements 4 can be unlocked even in the case of limited accessibility of the locking elements 4 so that the counter plug connection 3 can be disconnected from the plug connection 2. Thus, in installation conditions in which the locking elements 4 are difficult to access, it is not necessary to forgo the locking of the plug connection device 1. It is also conceivable in principle to provide only one handling element 6 or also more than two handling elements 6 at the counter plug connection 3, wherein advantageously one handling element 6 can be associated with each locking element 4. The handling elements 6 are provided at a counter plug connection housing 30 of the counter plug connection 3.

[0051] As in Figure 1aAs can be seen, the plug-in connector 2 of the electrical plug-in connector 1 is recessed into the housing opening 8 by means of a locking element 4 provided at the plug-in connector 2, while the mating plug-in connector 3 of the electrical plug-in connector 1 extends out of the housing opening 8 by means of an operating element 6 provided at the mating plug-in connector 3. Correspondingly, the mating plug-in connector 3 is mostly located in the housing surrounding environment 28 outside the housing 9, thus being well accessible, while the plug-in connector 2 is mostly located in the housing internal space 29, thus being positioned with limited accessibility or inaccessibility depending on the installation conditions. By means of the operating element 6, it is feasible to unlock the locking element 4 at the plug-in connector 2, thereby establishing the detachability of the mating plug-in connector 3 from the plug-in connector 2.

[0052] As from Figure 1a and Figure 1b As is known, the locking member 5 is configured as a spring-resilient locking tab 5' and is arranged to engage with the locking profile 10 of the mating plug connector 3 in the locked position 5a and to be disengaged from the engagement with the locking profile 10 in the unlocked position 5b. Therefore, a disengageable locking connection can be established between the locking element 4 and the mating plug connector 3, wherein the spring-resilient locking tab 5' forms a easily movable locking member 5. In the unlocked position 5b, the movable locking member 5 moves away from the plug connector 2 or from its surface. The locking profile 10, according to the illustrated embodiment, is configured as a locking edge of a locking opening in the mating plug connector housing 30, the spring-resilient locking tab 5' being recessed into the unlocking opening and supported at the locking edge that limits the locking opening. Figure 1b As indicated, the locking tab 5' can be spaced apart from the locking profile 10 in the unlocked position 5b, so that the engagement between the locking tab 5' and the locking profile 10 is released and the mating plug connector 3 can be disengaged from the plug connector 2.

[0053] In addition, Figure 1b As can be seen, the locking component 5 has a disengagement tab 11 connected to a spring-loaded locking tab 5', by means of which the spring-loaded locking tab 5' can be moved to disengage from the locking profile 10. This makes it easier to disengage the locking tab 5' from the locking profile 10. Figure 1bIt can be seen that the actuating mechanism 7 of the actuating element 6 has a movable actuating contour 12 for moving the locking part 5, which is designed as a latching tab 5', from the locking position 5a into the unlocking position 5b. The movable actuating contour 12 can be directed towards the release tab 11. The movable actuating contour 12 forms an actuating edge, which can lever the latching tab 5' out of engagement with the latching contour 10 via the release tab 11. To this end, the movable actuating contour 12 can be guided under the release tab 11 and can lift the release tab by levering.

[0054] The actuating contour 12 can slide on a ramp of the plug connection housing towards the locking part 5 when moving towards the plug connection 2, thereby supporting the levering movement.

[0055] From Figure 1a and Figure 1b It further becomes apparent that the actuating element 6 has a base section 13 and an actuating arm 14 connected to the base section 13 for actuating the respective actuating mechanism 7, wherein the movable actuating contour 12 is arranged at the respective actuating arm 14. The movable actuating contour 12 is designed at a free end of the actuating arm 14, whereas the other end of the actuating arm 14 is coupled to the base section 13. The actuating arm 14 has a curved course over the base section 13 and can be moved by pressure towards the base section 13, whereby the movable actuating contour 12 can be evaded towards the latching tab 5' and move the latching tab into the unlocking position 5b. The actuating arm 14 and the base section 13 are integrally designed with each other according to the illustrated embodiment.

[0056] According to the illustration in Figure 1a between the base section 13 and the actuating arm 14, a ball-shaped support part 17 is arranged, which is integrally designed with the base section 13, for supporting the actuating arm 14 when actuating the actuating arm. Thereby, the actuating arm 14 is stabilized when actuating it and a deviation movement thereof towards the base section 13 is limited. Figure 1a and Figure 1b It is further apparent that the counter plug connection 3 has a housing recess 18 in the counter plug connection housing 30 for designing the latching contour 10 and for accommodating the movable actuating contour 12. Thereby, an improved guidance of the movable actuating contour 12 to the latching tab 5' can be achieved.

[0057] According to the illustration in Figure 1a and Figure 1bIn the embodiment shown in Figure 1a , the locking elements 4 are each provided with an unlocking mechanism 19, which is configured for unlocking the locking elements 4 by moving the locking part 5 into the unlocked position 5b upon actuation. Correspondingly, the locking elements 4 can be selectively unlocked by means of the actuation mechanism 7 or by means of the unlocking mechanism 19, so that an increased flexibility in operating the plug connection 1 is obtained. As is apparent from Figure 1a , the actuation mechanism 7 and the unlocking mechanism 19 can have a similar construction and a similar mode of operation. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism 7 and the unlocking mechanism 19 can be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the locking part 5 and encompassed therebetween. The locking element 4 has a base section 20 and an unlocking arm 21 connected to the base section 20, which has a movable unlocking contour 22 for moving the locking part 5 from the locked position 5a into the unlocked position 5b, so that the unlocking mechanism 19 can be reliably acted upon and simply operated. The unlocking arm 21 can have a curved course over the base section 20 as shown and can be moved by pressure towards the base section 20, whereby the movable unlocking contour 22 can be moved away from the latching contour 10 and into the unlocked position 5b. According to the shown embodiment, the unlocking arm 21 and the base section 20 are integrally formed with one another.

[0058] In Figure 1b , it is apparent that the locking part 5, which is configured as a latching tab 5', has a first force action face 23 for mechanical interaction with the unlocking mechanism 19. The first force action face 23 is for this purpose directed towards the movable unlocking contour 22 of the locking element 4. Furthermore, the locking part 5 has a second force action face 24 for mechanical interaction with the actuation mechanism 7 of the actuation element 6, which is for this purpose directed towards the movable actuation contour 12 of the actuation element 6. Thus, a targeted and defined force action at the locking part 5 can be used for moving it into the unlocked position 5b.

[0059] As is apparent, for example, from Figure 1a , the actuation element 6 is detachably connected with the counter plug connection 3. For this purpose, the actuation element 6 has a form-fit contour 37 at its base section 13, which can be engaged into a corresponding form-fit counter contour 38 of the counter plug connection 3 or of the counter plug connection housing 30, as is apparent in Figure 5 . Thereby, the actuation element 6 can be fastened on the counter plug connection 3 in a simple manner, in particular tool-free. It is also conceivable in principle to configure at least one actuation element 6 in one piece with the counter plug connection 3, for example injection-molded at the counter plug connection housing 30.

[0060] From Figure 1aIt is further known that the locking element 4 is detachably connected with the plug-in connection 2. To this end, the locking element 4 has a form-fit contour 37 at its base section 20, which can be engaged into a corresponding form-fit counter-contour of the plug-in connection 2 or of the housing of the plug-in connection 2. Thereby, the locking element 4 can be fastened on the plug-in connection 2 in a simple manner, in particular tool-free. It is also conceivable in principle to form the at least one locking element 4 in one piece with the plug-in connection 2.

[0061] As can be seen, for example, in Figure 1a , the plug-in connection 2 is configured as a spring strip 25 and the counter plug-in connection 3 is configured as a latch strip 26. Thereby, a particularly realistic plug-in connection device 1 is realized, since the spring strip 25 as plug-in connection 2 is subjected to the current direction arranged in an inaccessible housing interior space 29, instead of in the housing surroundings 28. The spring strip 25 and the latch strip 26 have associated with each other, at the latch strip 26, plug-in contact elements in the form of contact latches (not shown in detail in the figure) and, at the spring strip 25, contact latch receptacles 31.

[0062] Furthermore, as can be seen, in particular in Figure 1a , the handling element 6 and the locking element 4 can be distinguished from each other by visually and haptically perceptible markings 27, here in the form of a comparatively smooth surface of the handling arm 14 and a ribbed surface of the unlocking arm 21. Thereby, a quick perceptibility of the locked condition and the existing unlocking possibility is realized.

[0063] Figure 2 A perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a is shown from the housing surroundings 28 towards the counter plug-in connection 3. It is apparent in Figure 2 that the base section 13 of the handling element 6 has a basic opening 15 and a guide web 16 spanning the basic opening 15 for guiding the movable handling contour 12 of the handling mechanism 7. Thereby, an exact movement of the locking part 5 can be obtained and a lever action of the movable handling contour 12 is supported. The guide web 16 essentially projects orthogonally from the base section 13 according to the shown embodiment. Furthermore, it can be seen that between the base section 13 and the handling arm 14 a web-shaped support part 17 is arranged for supporting the handling arm 14 when handling it. Thereby, the handling arm 14 is stabilized in its handling and a deviation movement thereof towards the base section 13 is limited.

[0064] From Figure 2It is further known that the handling element 6 can be arranged at a housing side wall 32 of the counter plug-in connection housing 30. The housing side wall 32 can be, as shown, a housing wall which extends substantially orthogonally to a wiring side 33 having a wiring opening 34 and substantially orthogonally to a connection handling side 35 having a connection handling element 36.

[0065] Figure 3 A side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a is shown, in which the arrangement of the handling element 6 and the locking element 4 opposite to each other, pointing towards each other, becomes clear. Furthermore, it can be seen that the handling element 6 has an elongated basic shape. It can further be seen that the locking element 4 is embodied as a locking pawl 4'.

[0066] Figure 4 A perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a is shown, viewed from the housing interior space 29 towards the plug-in connection 2. Here, it can be seen that the locking element 4 is arranged at the plug-in connection 2 together with the basic section 20, the unlocking mechanism 19 and the unlocking contour 22.

[0067] Figure 5 A further perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a is shown, viewed from the housing surrounding 28 towards the counter plug-in connection 3, wherein the handling element 6 is hidden in the shown view. Thereby, it can be seen that in the counter plug-in connection housing 30 a form-fit counter contour 38 is present, which can form-fitly cooperate with the form-fit contour 37 of the detachably connectable handling element 6. Furthermore, it can be seen that the locking part 5 is positionable with respect to the counter plug-in connection 3.

[0068] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are shown, a back side and a front side perspective view of the counter plug-in connection 3 for the electrical plug-in connection device 1 according to the previous figures. From Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is known, for example, that the basic section 13 of the handling element 6 has a basic opening 15 and a guide web 16 spanning the basic opening 15 for guiding the movable handling contour 12. Furthermore, it can be seen that the plug-in connection housing 30 has a housing recess 18 for constituting the latching contour 10 and for accommodating and guiding the movable handling contour 12, wherein the housing recess 18 is at least sectionally embodied as a through opening.

[0069] Figures 8 to 10 are shown, a front side perspective view of the plug-in connection 2 for the electrical plug-in connection device 1 according to the second, third and fourth embodiment, respectively, in order to clarify that different types and shapes of plug-in connections 2 and locking elements 4 can be used in connection with the present application. For example, in Figure 8In Fig. 4 a four-pole plug connector 2 is shown with a locking element 4 of a different design, which according to the shown illustration has a frame structure 39 for simplified handling and improved mechanical protection. In Figure 9 In Fig. 5 a six-pole plug connector 2 is shown with a locking element 4 of a different design, which according to the shown illustration has an additional latching element 40 for improved securing. In Figure 10 In Fig. 6 a six-pole plug connector 2 is shown with a locking element 4, which has a similar configuration as the plug connector 2 shown in Fig. 4. The locking part 5 of the locking element 4 of the described plug connector 2 can be moved into the unlocked position 5b by means of the described handling element 6, respectively, analogously to the above embodiments. Figure 4

[0070] By means of the plug connector 2 and the counter plug connector 3 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively, a kit for an electrical plug connection device 1 can advantageously be formed. Optionally, the kit can in addition have at least one locking element 4 detachably connectable with the plug connector 2 and optionally at least one handling element 6 detachably connectable with the counter plug connector 3. Figures 1a to 10

[0071] Legend of the figures

[0072] 1 electrical plug connection device

[0073] 2 plug connector

[0074] 3 counter plug connector

[0075] 4 locking element

[0076] 4' locking pawl

[0077] 5 locking part

[0078] 5' latching tab

[0079] 5a locked position

[0080] 5b unlocked position

[0081] 6 handling element

[0082] 7 handling mechanism

[0083] 8 housing opening

[0084] 9 housing

[0085] 10 latching contour

[0086] 11 release tab

[0087] 12 handling contour

[0088] ​​13 basic section

[0089] 14 handling arm

[0090] 15 basic opening

[0091] 16 guide web

[0092] 17 support part

[0093] 18 housing recess

[0094] 19 unlocking mechanism

[0095] 20 basic section

[0096] 21 unlocking arm

[0097] 22 unlocking contour

[0098] 23 first force action face

[0099] 24 second force action face

[0100] 25 spring strip

[0101] 26 latch strip

[0102] 27 marking

[0103] 28 housing environment

[0104] 29 housing interior

[0105] 30 counter plug-in connection housing

[0106] 31 contact latch receptacle

[0107] 32 housing side wall

[0108] 33 wiring side

[0109] 34 wiring opening

[0110] 35 connection handling side

[0111] 36 connection handling element

[0112] 37 form-fit contour

[0113] 38 form-fit counter contour

[0114] 39 frame structure

[0115] 40 latching element

[0116] S plug-in direction

Claims

1. An electrical plug-in connection device (1), the electrical plug-in connection device having a plug-in connector (2), a mating plug-in connector (3) connectable to the plug-in connector (2), and a locking element (4) disposed at the plug-in connector (2), the locking element being used to mechanically fix the electrical plug-in connection device (1) in a state in which the plug-in connector (2) and the mating plug-in connector (3) are connected to each other, wherein the locking element (4) has a locking member (5) movable between a locked position (5a) and an unlocked position (5b), characterized in that, An operating element (6) with an operating mechanism (7) is provided at the mating plug connector (3), the operating mechanism being configured to unlock the locking element (4) by moving the locking part (5) to the unlock position (5b) during operation.

2. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical plug-in connection device (1) can be disposed in the housing opening of the housing, wherein the plug-in connector (2) together with the locking element (4) disposed thereon is configured to be recessed into the housing opening, and wherein the mating plug-in connector (3) together with the operating element (6) disposed thereon is configured to extend at least partially from the housing opening.

3. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking element (4) is configured as a locking pawl (4').

4. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking member (5) is configured as a spring-elastic locking tab (5') and is configured to engage with the locking profile (10) of the mating plug connector (3) in the locked position (5a) and be disengaged from engagement with the locking profile (10) in the unlocked position (5b).

5. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking component (5) has a release tab (11) connected to a resilient locking tab (5'), by means of which the locking tab (5') can move away from engagement with the locking profile (10).

6. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating mechanism (7) has a movable operating profile (12) for moving the locking member (5) from the locked position (5a) to the unlocked position (5b).

7. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control element (6) has a basic section (13) and a control arm (14) connected to the basic section (13) for controlling the control mechanism (7), wherein the movable control profile (12) is provided at the control arm (14).

8. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The basic section (13) has a basic opening (15) and a guide web (16) that extends across the basic opening (15) for guiding the movable maneuver profile (12).

9. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, A support member (17) is provided between the basic section (13) and the control arm (14) for supporting the control arm (14) when the control arm is operated.

10. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The mating plug connector (3) has a housing recess (18) for forming the locking profile (10) and for receiving the movable operating profile (12).

11. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An unlocking mechanism (19) is provided at the locking element (4), the unlocking mechanism being configured to unlock the locking element (4) by moving the locking part (5) to the unlocking position (5b) during operation.

12. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The locking element (4) has a base section (20) and an unlocking arm (21) connected to the base section (20), the unlocking arm having a movable unlocking profile (22) for moving the locking member (5) from the locked position (5a) to the unlocked position (5b).

13. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The locking component (5) has a first force-acting surface (23) for mechanically cooperating with the unlocking mechanism (19) and a second force-acting surface (24) for mechanically cooperating with the operating mechanism (7).

14. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first force-applying surface (23) faces the movable unlocking profile (22) of the locking element (4) and the second force-applying surface (24) faces the movable operating profile (12) of the operating element (6).

15. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating element (6) and the mating plug-in connector (3) are formed as a single piece.

16. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The operating element (6) can be detachably connected to or can be connected to the mating plug-in connector (3).

17. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The locking element (4) and the plug-in connector (2) are formed as one piece.

18. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, The locking element (4) can be detachably connected to or can be connected to the plug-in connector (2).

19. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The plug-in connector (2) is configured as a spring bar (25) and the mating plug-in connector (3) is configured as a pin bar (26).

20. The electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The manipulation element (6) and / or the locking element (4) have visual and / or tactile markings (27) for distinguishing the manipulation element (6) from the locking element (4).

21. A mating plug-in connector (3) for an electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, An operating element (6) with an operating mechanism (7) is provided at the mating plug connector (3). The operating mechanism is configured to unlock the locking element (4) provided at the plug connector (2) that can be connected to the mating plug connector (3) by moving the locking member (5) during operation. The locking member (5) can move between the locked position (5a) and the unlocked position (5b).

22. A kit having a plug-in connector (2) and a mating plug-in connector (3), the plug-in connector and the mating plug-in connector being configured to form part of an electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 when plugged together.

23. The kit according to claim 22, characterized in that, The kit also has a separate locking element (4) that can be detachably connected to the plug connector (2).

24. The kit according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The kit also has a separate operating element (6) that can be detachably connected to the mating plug-in connector (3).

25. A housing (9) having a housing opening (8), wherein the electrical plug-in connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is capable of being disposed in the housing opening, characterized in that, The plug connector (2) of the electrical plug connector (1) can be recessed into the housing opening (8) with a locking element (4) provided at the plug connector (2), and the mating plug connector (3) of the electrical plug connector (1) can extend out from the housing opening (8) with an operating element (6) provided at the mating plug connector (3).

Images