Locking device and plug connector having locking device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a clamping and locking device (100), which is used for clamping and locking a plug connector part (210) of a plug connector (200) on a matched plug connector part (211), and is provided with a fixing leg (110) for fixing the clamping and locking device (100) on a shell (212) of the plug connector part (210); and an actuating leg (111), on which a catch device (118) for latching on a housing (213) of a mating plug connector part is formed, the fastening leg (110) and the actuating leg (111) being arranged relative to one another in such a way that both form a V-shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a locking device for locking a pluggable connector component onto a mating pluggable connector component. This utility model also relates to a pluggable connector having at least one such locking device. Background Technology

[0002] In order to detachably connect the plug-in connector component of the plug-in connector to the mating plug-in connector component of the plug-in connector, at least one locking device is typically provided to create a latchable and therefore detachable connection between the plug-in connector component and the mating plug-in connector component.

[0003] For example, a device is known from DE 10 2005 058 969 A1 for locking a plug-in connector's plug-in component and a mating plug-in component configured as a pin header to each other. This device has at least one closing member movably arranged on the outside of the plug-in component and a locking member fixed to the pin header, the locking member being engaged from the rear by the closing member in the closed position. The closing member consists of a latching hook arranged on at least one swing arm held on the plug-in component, wherein the swing arm is overlapped by a slider guided along its longitudinal direction on the plug-in component and is loaded such that in a first end position of the slider, the latching hook is fixed in a latching position corresponding to the closed position, and in a second end position of the slider, the latching hook is disengaged from the locking member. This device is very bulky and complex in design. Utility Model Content

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a locking device and a plug-in connector, characterized in particular by a reduced structural height.

[0005] According to this invention, the objective is achieved using the features of the independent claim. Suitable designs and advantageous improvements of this invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0006] The locking device according to the present invention has a fixed leg for fixing the locking device to the housing of the plug-in connector component, and an operating leg on which a locking device is constructed for locking to the housing of the mating plug-in connector component, wherein the fixed leg and the operating leg are arranged relative to each other such that they form a V-shape.

[0007] Therefore, the locking device according to this invention essentially has a fixed leg and an operating leg. The fixed leg is used to secure the locking device to the housing of the plug-in connector component. The locking device can be configured such that it can be subsequently fixed to an existing housing of the plug-in connector component, or it can be directly injection molded onto the housing during construction (e.g., during injection molding). In both types, the fixing and support of the locking device to the housing are achieved by the fixed leg. The locking device is preferably constructed of a plastic material, thereby making it easier to fix the locking device to the housing of the plug-in connector component, which is also constructed of a plastic material. The locking device is preferably manually operated by the user via the operating leg to establish or disengage the locking between the plug-in connector component and the mating plug-in connector component. This can be achieved by applying a pushing force to the operating leg in the direction of the fixed leg. Therefore, the pushing force can be applied to the operating leg perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug-in connector component. The operating leg can thus pivot relative to the fixed leg. A locking device is constructed on the operating leg, which engages with the housing of the mating plug-in connector component, particularly the mating plug-in connector component, in the locked state. For example, an undercut can be constructed on the mating plug-in connector component, onto which the locking device can hook from the rear in the locked state. Both the operating leg and the fixed leg extend in their longitudinal direction, preferably along the insertion direction of the plug-in connector component. The operating leg and the fixed leg preferably overlap at least partially. According to the present invention, the fixed leg and the operating leg are arranged relative to each other in a V-shape. Thus, the operating leg does not extend parallel to the fixed leg, but rather at an angle relative to it. In particular, the operating leg can be angled relative to the fixed leg by 5° ≤ α ≤ 30°. Through the V-shaped construction of the operating leg relative to the fixed leg, the structural height of the locking device can be significantly reduced while maintaining the same function, because the length of the elastic portion of the locking device extends along the insertion direction of the plug-in connector component. Furthermore, due to its V-shaped design, the locking device can cover a relatively large distance while the operating leg deflects slightly toward the housing of the plug-in connector component.

[0008] The operating leg is preferably attached integrally to the fixed leg. The locking device can therefore be constructed as a single piece. The operating leg may have a free end that can be attached to the free end of the fixed leg, such that the free end of the operating leg can be attached to the free end of the fixed leg at a V-shaped tip. The operating leg, the fixed leg, and therefore the locking device can be manufactured using injection molding.

[0009] The retaining leg may have a retaining tab for securing it to the housing of the plug-in connector component. The retaining tab creates a defined fixing point or surface for securing the locking device to the housing of the plug-in connector component. The retaining tab is preferably located on the free end of the retaining leg, opposite to the free end of the retaining leg disposed on the operating leg. The retaining tab can be secured to the housing of the plug-in connector component in various ways and methods. In particular, the retaining tab can be configured to be material-fitted to the housing of the plug-in connector component. For example, the retaining tab can be welded to the housing, especially by means of laser welding or ultrasonic welding. The retaining tab can also be bonded to the housing. Alternatively, the retaining tab can be injection molded onto the housing.

[0010] To ensure the retaining tab is securely attached to the housing of the plug-in connector component, the retaining tab may have at least one retaining wing. When the retaining tab is soldered or bonded to the housing of the plug-in connector component, the at least one retaining wing can be used to position and retain the locking device. The retaining wing may preferably extend laterally to the insertion direction, so that the retaining wing can extend from the retaining leg or from the side of the retaining tab. Preferably, two retaining wings are provided, which can be constructed on opposite sides of the retaining tab, allowing for retention and positioning from both sides. The two retaining wings can then extend from opposite longitudinal sides of the operating leg. This allows for particularly good stabilization of the retaining tab, and consequently the entire locking device, on the housing of the plug-in connector component.

[0011] The operating leg can have a window-like opening that can be aligned with the fixing tab of the fixed leg. A fixing tool can be guided through the window-like opening of the operating leg to the fixing tab for securing it. Specifically, when constructing a welded connection between the locking device and the housing of the plug-in connector component, a laser beam, for example, used for laser transmission welding, can be guided through the opening as a fixing tool. This laser beam can then directly strike the fixing tab to weld it to the housing of the plug-in connector component. When fixing the fixing tab to the housing using ultrasonic welding, an ultrasonic welding electrode can be guided through the opening as a fixing tool. Therefore, the corresponding fixing tool can directly reach the fixing tab through the opening without being obstructed by the operating leg.

[0012] The locking device can be constructed such that it has a locking tab with a locking hook disposed at its free end. This locking hook allows the locking device to engage with the undercut portion of the housing of the mating plug-in connector component in a locked state. The locking tab allows the locking device to be attached to the operating leg. The locking tab can be constructed to different lengths depending on the configuration of the plug-in connector. Preferably, the locking tab is constructed as an extension of the operating leg and extends along the insertion direction of the plug-in connector component, just like the operating leg.

[0013] Preferably, a lateral offset portion may be constructed on the attachment area of ​​the locking tab of the locking device attached to the operating leg. This offset portion allows the attachment area to be constructed, preferably not in a straight line, but in a curved or bent manner. The locking tab may extend laterally offset relative to the operating leg, wherein the locking tab is preferably laterally offset relative to the operating leg towards the housing of the plug-in connector component. Thus, the locking tab and therefore the entire locking device are positioned closer to the housing of the plug-in connector component than the operating leg. This results in a larger spring path for the operating leg, and consequently, a larger spring path for the locking tab constructed on the operating leg for locking and releasing the lock between the plug-in connector component and the mating plug-in connector component, while achieving a very small structural height.

[0014] The objective of this invention is also achieved by means of a plug-in connector having a plug-in connector component and a mating plug-in connector component, wherein at least one locking device constructed and improved as described above is arranged on the housing of the plug-in connector component for locking the plug-in connector component onto the mating plug-in connector component.

[0015] The locking device can be specifically fixed to the housing of the plug-in connector component using material matching.

[0016] To secure the locking device to the pluggable connector assembly, the locking device can be injection molded onto the housing of the pluggable connector assembly via its retaining tabs. The locking device can be integrally constructed with the housing of the pluggable connector assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, to secure the locking device to the pluggable connector assembly, the locking device can also be bonded or soldered to the housing of the pluggable connector assembly via its retaining tabs. Thus, the locking device can subsequently be mounted on the pluggable connector assembly, or rather, on the housing of the pluggable connector assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0019] in:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plug-in connector according to the present invention is shown, wherein the plug-in connector component and the mating plug-in connector component are in the process of being plugged together.

[0021] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the plug-in connector shown illustrates a plug-in connector component and a mating plug-in connector component, which are detachably connected to each other by two locking devices according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of the plug-in connector component shown.

[0023] Figure 4 It shows Figures 1 to 3 The schematic diagram of the locking device shown is as follows.

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another plug-in connector according to the present invention is shown, wherein the plug-in connector component and the mating plug-in connector component are in the process of being plugged together.

[0025] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The schematic diagram shown illustrates a pluggable connector, which includes a pluggable connector component and a mating pluggable connector component, which are detachably connected to each other by a locking device according to this invention.

[0026] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another schematic diagram of the pluggable connector shown, and

[0027] Figure 8 It shows Figures 5 to 7 The diagram shows a card lock device. Detailed Implementation

[0028] exist Figures 1 to 4 The diagram illustrates a design for a pluggable connector 200, wherein the pluggable connector component 210 of the pluggable connector 200 is locked onto the mating pluggable connector component 211 of the pluggable connector by means of two locking devices 100. For locking, the pluggable connector component 210 is inserted into the mating pluggable connector component 211 along the insertion direction S. During insertion, both locking devices 100 arranged on the pluggable connector component 210 are locked onto the mating pluggable connector component 211. The locking devices 100 establish a detachable connection between the pluggable connector component 210 and the mating pluggable connector component 211. The locking devices 100 may be constructed of plastic material.

[0029] exist Figure 4 The locking device 100, shown separately, has a fixing leg 110 and an operating leg 111. The locking device 100 is secured to the plug-in connector component 210 via the fixing leg 110, particularly to the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210. By means of the operating leg 111, the locking device 100 arranged on the plug-in connector component 210 can lock onto the mating plug-in connector component 211, thereby detachably connecting the plug-in connector component 210 and the mating plug-in connector component 211, as shown in… Figure 2 As shown in the diagram.

[0030] The fixed leg 110 and the operating leg 111 are arranged in such a way that they are configured in a V-shape, as particularly in Figure 3 As can be seen from the image. Through this V-shaped design, the fixed leg 110 and the operating leg 111 extend at an angle to each other, particularly in their attachment region 112. For example, an angle of 5° ≤ α ≤ 30° can be formed between the operating leg 111 and the fixed leg 110. In the attachment region 112, the first free end segment 113 of the fixed leg 110 merges with the first free end segment 114 of the operating leg 111. The first free end segment 113 of the fixed leg 110 and the first free end segment 114 of the operating leg 111 are integrally constructed in the attachment region 112.

[0031] To secure the retaining leg 110 to the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210, the retaining leg 110 has a retaining tab 115. The retaining tab 115 provides a defined fixing point or a defined fixing surface for the locking device 100 on the plug-in connector component 210. For this purpose, the retaining tab 115 is planarly abutted against the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210. The retaining tab 115 is secured to the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210 by a material-fit connection. This material-fit connection can be, for example, an adhesive connection or a soldered connection. The soldered connection can be constructed by laser transmission welding or ultrasonic welding.

[0032] The fixing piece 115 is constructed on the second free end section 116 of the fixing leg 110, which is opposite to the first free end section 114.

[0033] Two opposing retaining wings 117 are constructed on the fixing tab 115. The two retaining wings 117 extend laterally from the fixing tab 115 and the fixing leg 110 in the insertion direction S. The two retaining wings 117 are supported on the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210 to stabilize the fixing leg 110, especially during the process of fixing the locking device 100 to the plug-in connector component 210, thereby preventing lateral tilting of the locking device 100.

[0034] The operating leg 111 has a locking device 118 by which the operating leg 111 and thus the locking device 100 are locked onto the mating plug-in connector component 211, particularly hooked onto it from the rear, so as to connect the plug-in connector component 210 to the mating plug-in connector component 211. The locking device 118 is attached to a second free end section 119 of the operating leg 111, which is opposite to a first free end section 114. The locking device 118 is configured as an extension of the operating leg 111 along the insertion direction S.

[0035] The locking device 118 has a locking tab 120, on which a locking hook 122 is molded. In the locked state, the locking hook 122 can hook into the undercut portion 214 constructed on the housing 213 of the mating plug-in connector component 211.

[0036] The locking device 118 extends laterally offset from the operating leg 111. Therefore, a lateral offset is constructed on the attachment region 123 of the locking tab 120 of the locking device 118, which is attached to the operating leg 111. This offset allows the attachment region 123 to be constructed, preferably not in a straight line, but in a curved or bent manner. The locking tab 120 can extend laterally offset relative to the operating leg 111, wherein the locking tab 120 is arranged laterally offset relative to the operating leg 111 towards the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210. Thus, the locking tab 120 and therefore the entire locking device 118 can be positioned closer to the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210 than the operating leg 111.

[0037] The locking device 100 can be manually operated by the user by applying a pushing force D transverse to the insertion direction S on the operating leg 111. The operating leg 111 has a gripping surface 124 with a groove 125, which allows the user to reliably grip the locking device 100.

[0038] The operating leg 111 also has a window-shaped opening 126. The opening 126 is aligned with the fixing tab 115 of the fixing leg 110, such that the fixing tab 115 extends below the opening 126. A fixing tool for securing the fixing tab 115 to the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210 can be guided through the window-shaped opening 126. For example, a laser beam used in laser transmission welding can be guided through the opening 126 so that it can then directly strike the fixing tab 115, thereby selectively melting the fixing tab 115 to allow it to mate with the material of the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210. When securing the fixing tab 115 to the housing 212 of the plug-in connector component 210 by means of ultrasonic welding, the ultrasonic welding electrode can be guided through the opening 126 as a fixing tool. Therefore, the corresponding fixing tool can directly reach the fixing tab 115 through the opening 126 without being obstructed by the operating leg 111.

[0039] exist Figures 5 to 8 Another design of the pluggable connector 200 is shown, in which the pluggable connector component 210 is locked onto the mating pluggable connector component 211 by only one locking device 100. Figures 5 to 8 The card lock device 100 shown in the figure is basically corresponding to the one in Figures 1 to 4 The locking device 100 shown in the figure has the only difference that, when viewed along the insertion direction S, the locking tab 120 of the locking device 118 is larger than that in the figure. Figures 1 to 4 The locking tab in the design shown is significantly shorter.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 100-card lock device

[0042] 110 fixed leg

[0043] 111 Manipulating Legs

[0044] 112 Attachment Area

[0045] 113 Fixed leg first free end section

[0046] 114 The first free end section of the control leg

[0047] 115 fixed connector

[0048] 116 Fixed Leg Second Free End Section

[0049] 117 Keep Wing

[0050] 118 Locking Device

[0051] 119 The second free end section of the control leg

[0052] 120-locking connector

[0053] 121 Free end

[0054] 122-hook lock

[0055] 123 Attachment Area

[0056] 124 grip surfaces

[0057] 125 groove

[0058] 126 opening

[0059] 200 pluggable connector

[0060] 210 pluggable connector components

[0061] 211 mating plug-in connector components

[0062] 212 Plug-in Connector Component Housing

[0063] 213 Housing of mating plug-in connector component

[0064] 214 Undercut

[0065] D thrust

[0066] S-type insertion direction

Claims

1. A latching device (100) for latching a plug connector part (210) of a plug connector (200) on a counterpart plug connector part (211), the latching device having a securing leg (110) for securing the latching device (100) on a housing (212) of the plug connector part (210), and a handling leg (111) on which a catch device (118) is configured for latching on a housing (213) of the counterpart plug connector part, the securing leg (110) and the handling leg (111) being arranged in relation to one another such that they form a V-shaped shape. The handling leg (111) is integrally attached on the securing leg (110). The securing leg (110) has a securing tab (115) for securing the securing leg (110) on the housing (212) of the plug connector part (210). wherein The securing tab (115) has at least one retaining wing (117) for stabilizing the securing tab (115) on the housing (212) of the plug connector part (210).

2. The latching device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The handling leg (111) has a window-like opening which is arranged in alignment with the securing tab (115) of the securing leg (110), wherein a securing tool for securing the securing tab (115) can be guided through the window-like opening.

3. The latching device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The catch device (118) has a catch tab (120) on a free end (121) of which a catch hook (122) is arranged.

4. The latching device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that On the attachment area (123) of the catch tab (120) of the catch device (118) to the handling leg (111), a lateral offset is configured.

5. The latching device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that On the housing (212) of the plug connector part (210), at least one latching device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7 for latching the plug connector part (210) on the counterpart plug connector part (211) is arranged.

6. The latching device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The latching device (100) is injection molded on the housing (212) of the plug connector part (210) by means of its securing tab (115).

7. The latching device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The latching device (100) is adhesively bonded or welded on the housing (212) of the plug connector part (210) by means of its securing tab (115).

8. A plug connector (200) having a plug connector part (210) and a counterpart plug connector part (211), wherein ​ 9. The plug connector (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that ​ 10. The plug connector (200) of claim 8, characterized by ​

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