Securable locking catch for a plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a socket (1) for a plug connector, wherein the socket (1) has a pivotably mounted cover (3) and a pivotably mounted locking catch (4), wherein the locking catch (4) can be pivoted into a locking position in which the cover (3) covers an insertion opening (5) of the socket (1) or in which a plug connector (2) inserted into the socket (1) is secured, wherein the locking catch (4) has a locking element (7) and the socket (1) has a corresponding locking receptacle (8), wherein the locking catch (4) can be secured in its locking position by the locking element (7) engaging into the locking receptacle (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a socket for a mating connector of the type according to independent claim 1.

[0002] These types of sockets are used to reinforce the mating connection between the socket and the mating connector. In particular, it is important to prevent the mating connection from being accidentally pulled out or separated. Background Technology

[0003] DE 10 2016 123 817 A1 discloses a plug connector having at least one first recess introduced into a plug connector housing and a pin movably disposed therein, and a locking buckle pivotally mounted on the plug connector housing having at least one second recess, wherein, in a locked state with a mating plug connector, at least the first recess and at least the second recess are aligned and oriented relative to each other, and the pin disposed in at least the first recess engages here with at least the second recess of the locking buckle, thereby securing the locking buckle in its pivoting movement, and thus locking the plug connection.

[0004] This lockable plug connection has proven to be mechanically stable. However, due to the required clearance in the plug connector housing, the plug connection does not have sufficient media sealing.

[0005] DE 10 2017 102 226 A1 illustrates a locking element for a locking latch in a plug-in connection. The plug-in connection consists of a plug connector and a mating plug connector. The locking element is used to mechanically secure the locking latch in its locked position.

[0006] The locking element is designed as a separate component, meaning it must either be kept on-site or carried by personnel. If the locking element is lost, safety regulations may not be followed, and the equipment may operate with an unsecured plug-in connection.

[0007] The German Patent and Trademark Office found the following prior art in the priority application of this application: DE 10 2014 108782 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a socket that provides a safe and reliable locking mechanism for plug-in connections.

[0009] The objective is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous designs of the invention are given in the dependent claims and hereinafter.

[0011] The socket according to the invention is designed for inserting a connector or for inserting a connector, thereby forming a plug connection. Current and / or signals can be transmitted via the plug connection, but optical waveguide (LWL) and / or pneumatic signals can also be transmitted.

[0012] The socket according to the invention is designed for use in harsh environments, and especially for use in agricultural vehicles.

[0013] Agricultural vehicles and their trailers, such as hay balers and fertilizer applicators, are increasingly being electrified. Functions previously handled by the power take-off shaft of agricultural vehicles are now performed by electric motors. Therefore, appropriate sockets for electrical or plug-in connections must be installed in agricultural vehicles. These plug-in connections pose a high risk of contamination when working in the fields. Plug-in connections must be appropriately protected.

[0014] Preferably, the socket according to the invention has a substantially circular cross-section and is designed for insertion into a so-called circular plug connector, which also has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0015] The socket according to the invention has a pivotally supported cover and a pivotally supported locking buckle. The cover is used to seal the insertion opening of the socket in a medium-sealed manner. For this purpose, preferably, the socket and / or the cover have corresponding seals.

[0016] The locking latch according to the invention can occupy a locked position. In the locked position, the cover covers the insertion opening of the socket 1, or the plug connector is inserted into the insertion opening of the socket. In the first case, the cover will not accidentally, for example due to strong vibration, open a gap through which dirt and / or moisture may enter the socket. In the second case, it prevents the plug connection from accidentally disengaging during operation, for example due to the aforementioned strong vibration.

[0017] Preferably, the cover of the socket can pivot to an open and closed position. In its closed position, the cover covers the insertion opening of the socket. In its open position, the cover exposes the insertion opening of the socket.

[0018] The locking buckle has a locking element, and the socket has a corresponding locking receptacle. In the locked position described above, the locking element engages with the locking receptacle. This engagement must be manually disengaged before the plug connection can be re-separated or the insertion opening of the socket can be exposed.

[0019] Preferably, the locking buckle has a spring. The spring force is oriented such that the locking element can only be moved out of the locking receiver by overcoming the spring force. Even under strong vibration, the spring will hold the locking element within the locking receiver, preventing the plug connection from accidentally disengaging.

[0020] Advantageously, the receptacle cover has a coil spring or torsion spring. The spring force of the coil spring is advantageously oriented such that the cover automatically pivots from its closed position to its open position. In this respect, the receptacle distinguishes itself from known solutions. Typically, the coil spring presses the cover against the insertion opening to protect it. In the case of the invention, the coil spring opens the cover so that the operator can easily, preferably with one hand, insert the receptacle. The cover only resumes its protective function when the locking latch is in the locked position. An additional advantage is that the user can directly see that the receptacle is still in the open state and must be closed before starting the vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, the locking element and the locking buckle are respectively configured in a substantially U-shape.

[0022] Preferably, the locking buckle has at least one locking receptacle. Advantageously, the cover and the plug connector each have at least one mating locking pin. In the locked position, the locking pin of the cover or the plug connector is located in the locking receptacle of the locking buckle.

[0023] Preferably, the locking buckle is located on both sides, with locking receiving portions at the U-shaped arm, and the cover or plug connector correspondingly has locking bolts on both sides.

[0024] Preferably, the locking buckle's spring is a coil spring, clamped between the corresponding U-shaped base of the locking element and the locking buckle. This allows the user to remove the locking element from the engagement of the locking receiver with one hand, while simultaneously pivoting the locking buckle, for example, to the open position. The coil spring can be easily replaced when the spring force decreases.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the spring is configured as a folding clamping spring, a leaf spring, or a disc spring. Particularly preferred is that the locking element and the spring are integrally formed. This reduces the overall number of components required for the socket.

[0026] Preferably, the socket has friction elements on two opposite sides. The friction elements are in contact with corresponding receiving portions of the locking buckle. During pivoting, the friction elements and the receiving areas of the locking buckle rub against each other. Thus, the socket housing coating is not worn away by the locking buckle. In particular, in cases where the material selection between the socket housing and the locking buckle is unfavorable, so-called galvanic corrosion can be avoided.

[0027] Preferably, the socket is made of die-cast aluminum. Such socket housings have particularly advantageous electrical and mechanical properties.

[0028] Preferably, the friction elements are made of stainless steel. This material choice has proven to be particularly suitable and has a long service life.

[0029] Preferably, the friction elements each have a locking receiving portion for the locking element mentioned above for the locking buckle. Therefore, the socket housing does not need to directly have these locking receiving portions, which offers manufacturing advantages.

[0030] Preferably, the locking buckle has a stop edge that, in the plugged state, presses the cover against the mounting surface of the plug connector. Thus, during operation, no dirt will form on the underside of the cover, which could later enter the insertion opening of the socket when the cover is closed. Attached Figure Description

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention is shown in the accompanying drawings and is described in detail below. The drawings show:

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of the socket according to the invention in the closed state is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A perspective view of the friction element of the socket in the locked state is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A perspective view of the socket according to the invention in the open state is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A perspective view of the friction element of the socket in the unlocked state is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A perspective view of the socket according to the invention is shown, wherein a plug connector is inserted and wherein the plug connection is locked.

[0037] Figure 6 Another perspective view of the socket according to the invention in the open state is shown, and

[0038] Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of the locking latch of the socket according to the invention is shown, in which a portion is transparent and see-through.

[0039] The accompanying drawings contain simplified, schematic illustrations. Partially, the same reference numerals are used for the same, but not necessarily identical, elements. Different views of the same element may be at different scales. Directional indications, such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom," should be understood with reference to the corresponding drawings and may vary relative to the object shown in each illustration. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 A socket 1 for mating connector 2 according to the present invention is shown. The socket 1 has a pivotally supported cover 3 and a similarly pivotally supported locking latch 4. The socket 1 in... Figure 1The middle is in the closed state. This means that cover 3 covers the insertion opening 5 of socket 1 (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0041] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the locking position, the locking buckle 4 occupies the locking position. In the locking position, the cover 3 is secured by covering the insertion opening, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Alternatively, in the locked position, the plug connector 2, inserted into the insertion opening 5, is fixed at the socket 1, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0042] A multi-core cable 14 is connected to the plug connector 2. Each wire of the cable 14 is connected to a contact element (not shown) provided for this purpose within the plug connector 2.

[0043] The socket 1 is basically composed of a roughly cylindrical housing made of die-cast aluminum. Friction elements 6 are mounted on the sides of the housing.

[0044] The locking buckle 4 has a locking element 7. The socket 1 or friction element 6 has a corresponding locking receiving portion 8. If the locking element 7 is located within the locking receiving portion 8 on the end side, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the locking buckle 4 is fixed in its locked position.

[0045] The locking element 7 and the base of the locking buckle are both substantially U-shaped. Here, the locking element 7 is located within the base of the locking buckle 4. In this embodiment, a coil spring 9 is disposed or clamped between the locking element 7 and the locking buckle 4, which is disposed around it but spaced apart on the handle side. The coil spring 9... Figure 6 Only schematically visible in the text.

[0046] A helical spring 9 is supported at the handle of the locking buckle 4 and applies force to the locking element 7, which is directed towards the housing surface of the socket 1. Once the locking element 7 coincides with the locking receiver 8 during pivoting, the locking element 7 is pressed into the locking receiver 8 at its end by the spring force.

[0047] exist Figure 7 An alternative embodiment of the locking buckle 4' for socket 1 is shown. Here, the coil spring is replaced by a folding spring 10 (also called a leaf spring), which is integrally formed with the locking element 7'.

[0048] If the locking element 7 is pulled upwards, i.e. towards the handle of the locking latch 4, the locking element 7 will be pulled out from the locking receiving portion 8 on its end side. In this state, the locking latch 4 can be pivoted again.

[0049] A stop edge 15 is provided at the friction element 6, the stop edge restricting the pivoting movement of the locking buckle 4 or the locking element 7, such as... Figure 4 As can be seen in the text.

[0050] On the mating side, the friction element 6 has a receiving portion 16 for the locking bolt 12 of the cover 3 or the mating connector 2. The receiving portion 16 can also be used as a push-in limiting portion of the mating connector 2.

[0051] The locking buckle 4 has two opposing locking receptacles 11. The cover 3 and the plug connector 2 each have a mating locking bolt 12. If the locking bolt 12 is located within the locking receptacles 11, the corresponding component, i.e., the cover 3 or the plug connector 2, is secured by the locking buckle 4.

[0052] The locking buckle 4 has a stop edge 13, which, in the plugged-in state, presses the cover 3 against the mounting surface of the plug connector 2. This is in Figure 5 This is visible in the image. This prevents contamination of the inside of the cover 3.

[0053] Cover 3 has a helical spring (not visible for illustration purposes) at its fixing point on the socket housing. The spring force of this helical spring is oriented such that cover 3 automatically pivots from its closed position to its open position. This is, for example, in... Figure 3 As can be seen in the text.

[0054] Although different aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the accompanying drawings, it will be clear to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the shown and discussed combinations are not the only feasible ones. In particular, corresponding combinations of units or features in different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 1 socket

[0057] 2-pin connector

[0058] 3 caps

[0059] 4 locking buckles

[0060] 5 Insertion opening

[0061] 6 friction elements

[0062] 7 Locking elements

[0063] 8 Locking Reception Section

[0064] 9-coil spring

[0065] 10-fold spring

[0066] 11 Locking Reception

[0067] 12 locking bolts

[0068] 13 Locking buckle 4 stop edge

[0069] 14 cable

[0070] 15. Stop edge of friction element 6

[0071] 16 Receiving portion for locking bolt 12

Claims

1. A socket (1) for inserting a connector, wherein the socket (1) has a pivotally supported cover (3) and a pivotally supported locking latch (4). The locking latch (4) is pivotable to a locked position in which the cover (3) covers the insertion opening (5) of the socket (1), or the plug connector (2) inserted into the socket (1) is secured. The locking buckle (4) has a locking element (7), and the socket (1) has a corresponding locking receiving portion (8). The locking element (7) is engaged with the locking receiving portion (8), and the locking buckle (4) can be fixed in its locked position.

2. The socket (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The locking buckle (4) has a spring (9, 10) whose spring force presses the locking element (7) into the locking receiving portion (8) and can overcome the spring force to pull the locking element (7) out of the locking receiving portion (8).

3. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The cover (3) has a helical spring, the spring force of which is oriented such that the cover (3) pivots from the closed position to the open position under spring loading.

4. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The locking buckle (4) has at least one locking receiving part (11).

5. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The cover (3) and the plug connector (2) each have at least one locking bolt (12).

6. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, When the locking buckle (4) is in the locked position, the locking bolt (12) of the cover (3) or the plug connector (2) is located in the locking receiving part (11) of the locking buckle (4).

7. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The locking element (7) and the locking buckle (4) are respectively configured in a substantially U-shape.

8. The socket (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, The spring (9) is configured as a helical spring or a torsion spring and is clamped between the locking element (7) and the locking buckle (4).

9. The socket (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, The spring (10) is configured as a folding clamping spring, a leaf spring, or a disc spring.

10. The socket (1) according to the preceding claim. Its features are, The locking element (7) and the spring (10) are integrally formed.

11. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The socket (1) has friction elements (6) on opposite sides, and the locking buckle (4) is pivotally supported on the friction elements.

12. The socket (1) according to the preceding claim. Its features are, The friction elements (6) are made of stainless steel.

13. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding two claims. Its features are, The friction element (6) has a locking receiving portion (8) for the locking element (7) of the locking buckle (4).

14. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The socket (1) is made of die-cast aluminum.

15. The socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The locking buckle (4) has a stop edge (13) that presses the cover (3) against the mounting surface of the plug connector (2) in the plugged state.

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