Auto-locking and auto-contacting of contacts of a plug-socket connection

Abstract

Plug-socket unit (10, 20) for establishing at least one electrical contact between at least one electrical conductor associated with the plug (10) and at least one of the sockets (20), • wherein the plug-socket unit (10, 20) in its assembled state has a mechanical coupling locking mechanism for the reversible mechanical locking of the plug (10) and the socket (20), wherein • the plug-socket unit (10, 20) in the assembled state also has an electrical auto-contact locking mechanism (K) independently of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism, wherein • a trigger mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) comprises at least one trigger element (K.3), wherein • the plug (10) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) has a plug housing with at least one plug contact element (10.1) and • the socket (20) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) has a socket housing (20.1) which is designed as a contact housing, and a socket contact element (20.11) which is part of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) which is arranged and held in the socket housing (20.1) via at least one mechanical suspension (K.1) and at least one mechanical sliding holder (K.2), • wherein the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) comprises at least one force accumulator, which is a spring element unit (F; ÜF) which has a spring element (F) designed as a force accumulator and an over-spring element (ÜF) influencing the force accumulator, wherein the spring element (F) is a buckling rod and the over-spring element (ÜF) has a cam (N).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plug-socket unit for establishing at least one electrical contact between at least one electrical conductor assigned to the plug and at least one electrical conductor assigned to the socket, wherein the plug-socket unit has a coupling locking mechanism for reversibly mechanically locking the plug and the socket in their assembled state, which is generated by a coupling actuation of the plug and the socket.

[0002] A variety of solutions for detachable electrical contacting are known from the prior art, which comprise a socket with a socket housing and a plug with a plug housing or, as a plug, a housingless contact pin or the like.

[0003] Reference is made to the documents EP 1 764 874 A2, DE 102 55 531 B3, DE 10 2011 082 355 B3 and CN 107 317 167 A and US 4 919 627 A, US 4 773 873 A, JP S63-182074 U, DE 20 2013 010 378 U1 and DE 10 2010 001 168 A1.

[0004] A simple electrical plug connection is disclosed in EP 1 764 874 A2. This document discloses an electrical connector for sliding onto a contact pin for the purpose of electrical connection, wherein the connector comprises a metal housing with a first wall and a second wall spaced opposite said first wall, which wall runs parallel to the sliding movement relative to the contact pin and with side walls connecting the two walls to one another, wherein an inwardly projecting stationary contact point is arranged on the inside of the first wall and adjacent to the second wall is arranged a pressure spring which is displaceable parallel to the sliding movement and which has a pressure surface intended for contact with the contact pin to be inserted through an insertion opening of the connector and is pre-bent in the region of the pressure surface towards the first wall in a de-energized state.wherein, in an initial state ready for smooth insertion of the contact pin, the pressure spring is elastically deformed opposite to the pre-bent state and is held in a detent such that a distance exists between the stationary contact point and the pressure surface transverse to the direction of displacement, which distance allows friction-free insertion of the contact pin to be contacted, and wherein the pressure spring, viewed from the insertion opening, has a projection behind the pressure surface projecting into the path of the contact pin, wherein the pressure spring can be released from the detent by the contact pin striking the projection, so that the pressure surface comes into contact with the contact pin.

[0005] The document DE 102 55 531 B3 teaches a plug for connecting to a socket, which has a socket housing and a receiving space enclosed by a wall and first contacts, wherein at least one locking lug is arranged protrudingly on an outer surface of the wall enclosing the receiving space, comprising a plug housing which has a first housing section insertable into the receiving space and which has a second housing section which, when connected to the socket housing, is opposite the locking lug. It further comprises a slider with a holding stop which is held on the plug housing so as to be adjustable to a limited extent between two positions along the second longitudinal axis and is acted upon by at least one spring. When the plug is not fully connected, the spring holds the slider with its holding stop under pretension against a first stop assigned to the locking arm.When the fully connected state is reached, the locking lug of the socket can be released and, under the action of the spring, can be moved into a second position representing the fully connected state.

[0006] The document DE 10 2011 082 355 B3 describes a socket for a vehicle, wherein the socket has an opening for receiving a plug and a power contact area for the plug, wherein the socket has a cover, wherein the cover in a closed position completely covers the contact area and in an open position releases the contact area for contact with the plug, wherein the socket further has at least two slats, each movable between a starting position and an end position, wherein the slats are arranged between the area defined by the closed position of the cover and the upper edge of the opening, wherein the slats and the cover are coupled to one another via a locking system, wherein the locking system is designed to only allow a movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position,when all slats have been moved to a predefined position between the starting position and the end position.

[0007] Finally, the document CN 107 317 167 A [ Fig. 4 to 8] discloses a method for assembling a connector and the connector itself for a vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: A multi-plug and a multi-socket each have at least one self-locking lug with chamfers that are initially arranged in an unlocked manner. The chamfers come into contact when the multi-plug is inserted into the multi-socket, whereby, upon further insertion, the respective outer frames of the multi-plug and the multi-socket elastically deform, after which the apexes of the lugs overlap. The elastic deformation of the outer frames reaches a maximum. At this moment, the multiple contact pairs of the multi-plug and the multi-socket come into contact with each other.If the insertion is continued, the multiple plug is mounted in the multiple socket after the deformation of the respective outer frames has returned to its original position, since the vertices of the lugs are exceeded and the contact pairs are contacted and the multiple plug is releasably locked in the multiple socket.

[0008] US 9 583 845 B1 describes an electrical connection device comprising a female conductor component configured to receive an engagement element of a male conductor component.

[0009] A disadvantage common to all known solutions is the wear and tear of the contact pairs during contacting in the contact areas caused by plugging and unplugging the connectors. This leads to undesirable fretting corrosion in the contact area. Furthermore, high insertion forces and high withdrawal forces are usually required, as the contact pressure in the contact area is high. Added to this are the forces that must be overcome by locking and unlocking the plug-socket connection when plugging and unplugging the connectors.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of optimising and thus improving a detachable plug-socket connection with regard to the mechanical locking and the electrical contacting of the contact pairs.

[0011] The starting point of the invention is a plug-socket unit for establishing at least one electrical contact between at least one electrical conductor assigned to the plug and at least one electrical conductor assigned to the socket, wherein the plug-socket unit has a coupling locking mechanism for the reversible mechanical locking of the plug and the socket in their assembled state, which is generated by a coupling actuation of the plug and the socket.

[0012] It is provided that the plug-socket unit, independent of the coupling locking mechanism, also has an auto-contact locking mechanism, which comprises a trigger mechanism with at least one trigger element, which in the assembled state advantageously effects a reversible mechanical coupling (auto-locking) by a mechanical trigger actuation and, as a result of the mechanical coupling of the auto-contact locking mechanism, an electrical contact (auto-contacting) of at least one plug contact element of the plug with at least one socket contact element of the socket, wherein the auto-contact locking mechanism is assigned at least one means which cancels the reversible mechanical coupling (auto-locking) and the electrical contact (auto-contacting) of the auto-contact locking mechanism,before the mechanical locking of the plug and socket of the coupling locking mechanism, which is present in the assembled state, is released. It is provided that the plug of the plug-socket unit has a plug housing with at least one plug contact element, and the socket of the plug-socket unit has a socket housing designed as a contact housing and a socket contact element, which is part of the automatic contact locking mechanism, which is arranged and held in the socket housing via at least one mechanical suspension and at least one mechanical sliding mount. The automatic contact locking mechanism comprises at least one force accumulator, which is a spring element unit comprising a spring element designed as a force accumulator and an over-spring element influencing the force accumulator, the spring element being a buckling rod and the over-spring element having a cam.

[0013] It is preferably provided that the triggering element of the auto-contact locking mechanism is a pressure point element belonging to the auto-contact locking mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that the means which cancels the reversible mechanical coupling and the electrical contacting of the auto-contact locking mechanism is a separate tool or an element which is assigned to the coupling locking mechanism.

[0015] If the separate tool or the element of the coupling locking mechanism is actuated, the effect of a second displacement (Push 2) is reversed. The second displacement (Push 2) was previously caused by the triggering of the trigger element by the trigger actuation, as explained in more detail below.

[0016] It is provided that the automatic contact locking mechanism comprises at least one energy storage device. The spring element unit has the spring element designed as an energy storage device and the over-spring element influencing the energy storage device. The over-spring element charges the energy storage device through a first displacement (Push 1) of the plug contact element. The energy storage device is activated and at least partially discharged by the second displacement of the plug contact element upon triggering the trigger element by the triggering actuation, so that the socket contact element of the automatic contact locking mechanism automatically locks and automatically contacts the plug contact element.

[0017] It is intended that the over-spring element with the cam is arranged so as to be displaceable on the longitudinal axis of the plug-socket unit relative to the spring element designed as a buckling rod and is arranged so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the plug-socket unit.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for producing at least one electrical contact between at least one electrical conductor of the plug-socket unit according to the invention assigned to the plug and at least one electrical conductor of the socket, which are coupled to one another in a coupling actuation by means of a coupling locking mechanism for the reversible mechanical locking of the plug and the socket in the assembled state as a plug-socket unit, which is generated by a coupling actuation of the plug and socket.It is provided that the plug-socket unit, independently of the coupling locking mechanism, also has an auto-contact locking mechanism which comprises a triggering mechanism with at least one triggering element, wherein in the assembled state, after the coupling actuation by a mechanical triggering actuation, a reversible mechanical coupling (auto-locking) and, as a result of the mechanical coupling of the auto-contact locking mechanism, an electrical contacting (auto-contacting) of the at least one plug contact element of the plug with the socket contact element of the socket is carried out, wherein the auto-contact locking mechanism is assigned at least one means by means of which the reversible mechanical coupling and the electrical contacting of the auto-contact locking mechanism is canceled before the mechanical locking of the plug and the socket of the coupling locking mechanism is uncoupled.

[0019] In addition, it is preferably provided that the triggering element, in particular the pressure point element of the auto-contact locking mechanism, is mechanically displaceable after the coupling actuation of the plug contact element with the socket contact element by the triggering actuation of the plug contact element, so that the plug contact element undergoes a first displacement for coupling the plug contact element with the socket contact element and the plug contact element of the plug undergoes a second displacement (Push 2) relative to the socket for triggering the triggering element.

[0020] The method is also preferably characterized in that the first and second displacement of the plug contact element along a longitudinal axis of the (X-axis) of the plug-socket unit lying in the longitudinal extension of the plug-socket unit takes place by a first insertion (Push 1) of the plug into the socket and a second insertion (Push 2) of the plug within the socket following the first insertion (Push 2), so that the reversible mechanical coupling and the electrical contacting of the auto-contact locking mechanism only takes place after the coupling of the coupling locking mechanism caused by the first insertion (Push 1) by the second insertion (Push 2).

[0021] In addition, it is preferably provided that the automatic locking (auto-locking) of the socket contact element on the plug contact element carried out by the second insertion (Push 2) and the automatic contacting (auto-contacting) of the socket contact element on the plug contact element carried out by the second insertion (Push 2) is canceled by actuation of the at least one means.

[0022] It is preferably provided that the auto-contact locking mechanism comprises at least one energy accumulator which is activated and at least partially discharged by the second displacement (Push 2) of the plug contact element for triggering the triggering element, whereby the auto-contact locking mechanism effects the electrical contacting of the at least one plug contact element of the plug with the socket contact element of the socket in an electrically closed and mechanical state of the plug-socket unit.

[0023] Furthermore, the method is characterized in that the at least one energy accumulator is a spring element unit which has a spring element designed as an energy accumulator and an over-spring element influencing the energy accumulator as an energy accumulator, wherein the over-spring element charges the energy accumulator by the first displacement (Push 1) of the plug contact element, which energy accumulator is activated and at least partially discharged by the second displacement of the plug contact element by the triggering of the triggering element.

[0024] In a special embodiment, the method is characterized in that the over-spring element has a cam which, due to the triggered triggering element and the second displacement (Push 2) of the plug contact element, runs onto the buckling rod, which is initially compressed outwards away from the plug contact element (convex) with respect to a contact surface of the plug contact element (before the cam runs up) and then compressed inwards towards the plug contact element (concave) with respect to the contact surface of the plug contact element, so that the contact surface of the socket contact element is automatically locked and automatically contacted with the contact surface of the plug contact element.

[0025] To carry out the process, the over-spring element with the cam can be moved (Push 2) relative to the spring element designed as a buckling rod on the longitudinal axis of the plug-socket unit in order to load the spring element designed as an energy storage device.

[0026] In addition, the spring element with the cam can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the plug-socket unit in order to automatically lock and automatically contact the contact surface of the socket contact element with the contact surface of the plug contact element onto the spring element designed as an energy storage device.

[0027] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a plug-socket connection in a first state; Fig. 2 a schematic diagram of a plug-socket connection in a second state; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a plug-socket connection in a third state; Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of a plug-socket connection in a fourth state; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an auto-contact locking mechanism with the contact surface of a socket contact element contacting a contact surface of a plug contact element, in a sectional view along the insertion direction x of the plug to explain the principle of the embodiment; Fig. 6 the auto-contact locking mechanism in a schematic representation with the contact surface of the socket contact element not contacting the contact surface of the plug contact element, according to the state in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 a release mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism in a schematic representation in a plane transverse to the plane in Fig. 6 with the contact surface of the socket contact element, which contacts the contact surface of the plug contact element, to establish the contact between plug and socket starting from state Z1 in Fig. 1 to the condition in Fig. 2; Fig. 8 the auto-contact locking mechanism with the contact surface of the socket contact element, which contacts the contact surface of the plug contact element, according to the states Z2 and Z3 in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0028] The Fig. 1 to 4 show, using uniform reference numerals, a plug 10 with a plug housing (not shown in detail), which has at least one plug contact element 10.1.

[0029] The Fig. 1 to 4 further show a socket 20 with a socket housing 20.1, which is designed as a contact housing and thus has at least one socket contact element 20.11.

[0030] The socket contact element 20.11 is part of an auto-contact locking mechanism K, which is arranged and held in the socket housing 20.1 via at least one mechanical suspension K.1 and at least one mechanical sliding holder K.2.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, the auto-contact locking mechanism K has two suspensions K.1 and several sliding holders K.2 in the socket housing 20.1, axially symmetrical to a longitudinal axis X of the plug-socket unit 10, 20 plugged in the assembled state.

[0032] If the plug 10 is outside the socket 20, it is in a non-assembled state in a state Z0 not shown.

[0033] The auto-contact locking mechanism K includes a pressure point element K.3, onto which pressure can be exerted in the direction of the longitudinal axis X in the +x direction, whereby the auto-contact locking mechanism K moves from a locked, contactless state Z1 into a locked and contacting state Z2, Z3, as explained below.

[0034] In Fig. 1 shows the first – locked and contactless – state Z1 of the auto-contact locking mechanism K.

[0035] This first state Z1 is reached when the plug 10 with its plug contact element 10.1 is inserted into the socket housing 20.1 and is finally plugged in. The plugging direction runs along the longitudinal axis X in the +x direction.

[0036] In this first state Z1, the plug housing (not shown in detail) is coupled, in particular locked, in the socket housing 20.1 by means of a mechanical coupling-locking mechanism (not shown), which is not the subject of this invention. Various mechanical solutions are known from the prior art and can be used accordingly.

[0037] By comparing the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 it becomes clear that the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing in the first state Z1 after a first pushing insertion (Push 1) in the direction of the longitudinal axis X into the socket housing 20.1 does not yet touch the pressure point element K.3, i.e. is arranged at a predeterminable distance Δx from the pressure point element K.3.

[0038] In the first state according to Fig. 1, the auto-contact locking mechanism K is therefore not yet actuated and the auto-contact locking mechanism K is locked in an “open state” and contactless with respect to the plug contact element 10.1, so that the socket contact elements 20.11 do not yet contact the plug contact element 10.1. Condition 2:

[0039] In Fig. 2 shows a second state Z2 of the auto-contact locking mechanism K.

[0040] This second locked contacting state Z1 is achieved when the plug 10 with its plug contact element 10.1 is moved further than in Fig. 1 is inserted into the socket housing 20.1. The insertion direction continues along the longitudinal axis X in the +x direction. In this second state Z2, the plug housing remains coupled, in particular locked, in the socket housing 20.1 by means of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism (not shown).

[0041] Out of Fig. 2 it becomes clear that the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing in state 2, after a second step, a second pushing insertion (Push 2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis X in the +x direction, moves further into the socket housing 20.1 and touches the pressure point element K.3, i.e. bridges the distance Δx and exerts a pushing effect on the pressure point element K.3, so that the pressure point element K.3 is mechanically displaced in the +x direction by a distance Δx.

[0042] In this second state Z2, the auto-contact locking mechanism K is actuated by the mechanical contact of the pressure point element K.3 and according to Fig. 2, the auto-contact locking mechanism K is now locked in a “closed” state, contacting the plug contact element 10.1, so that the socket contact elements 20.11 contact the plug contact element 10.1, as Fig. 2 shows.

[0043] In other words, by over-pressing (Push 2) the plug 10, in the schematic representation, the front side of the plug contact element 10.1 is pressed against the pressure point element K.3 of the auto-contact locking mechanism K, whereby a closed contact is effected between the contact surfaces of the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing and the socket contact element 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1.

[0044] Preferably, a small viewing opening or inspection opening is arranged on the outside of the socket housing 20.1 so that it can be checked whether the contact has been made mechanically.

[0045] The auto-contact locking mechanism K is designed in such a way that the force exerted on the pressure point element K.3 activates a triggering mechanism of a charged energy storage device, which releases its stored force when triggered, so that the auto-contact locking mechanism K mechanically causes a displacement of the elements of the auto-contact locking mechanism K via the two suspensions K.1 and the several sliding brackets K.2, as will be explained further.

[0046] It is clear that the coupling of plug 10 and socket 20 takes place in the first step without the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing making electrical contact with the socket contact elements 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1, whereby a contact-side frictional engagement between plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing and socket contact elements 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1 as a result of the plugging and unplugging of the plug 10 is advantageously avoided.

[0047] The release mechanism of the loaded energy storage device has activated the energy storage device, which releases its power in such a way that the auto-contact locking mechanism K is in the Fig. 2 remains in state Z2, even if the second pushing action (Push 2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis X is completed. After completion of the over-pushing action (Push 2), state 3 is reached. Condition 3:

[0048] In Fig. 3 shows the third state Z3 of the auto-contact locking mechanism K.

[0049] The overpressure (Push 2) of connector 10 is terminated. This means that the second step is terminated, or a third step follows, which consists in the termination of the second step.

[0050] The plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing reverses along the longitudinal axis X in the opposite direction to the position according to state Z1. However, the contact between the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing and the socket contact elements 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1 remains (unlike in Fig. 1) according to Fig. 3 closed. Condition 4:

[0051] In Fig. 4 shows the fourth state Z4 of the auto-contact locking mechanism K.

[0052] The pressure point element K.3 belongs to the auto-contact locking mechanism K, which is used to release the contact locking of the auto-contact locking mechanism K according to Fig. 3 in a fourth step in the direction of the longitudinal axis X, a pressure force is exerted on the pressure point element K.3, which is carried out in the opposite direction in the -x direction, whereby the auto-contact locking mechanism K comes from the locked contacting state Z3 into the locked "open" contactless state Z4, which corresponds to the first state Z1.

[0053] The locking is released by a means K.4, which belongs to the auto-contact locking mechanism K or is designed as a separate tool, as in Fig. 4 is indicated schematically.

[0054] By actuating the means K.4, the auto-contact locking mechanism K moves from the locked “closed” state Z3 to the locked “open” state Z4, which corresponds to the state Z1.

[0055] The connector 10 can be connected from Fig. 4 can be pulled out of the socket 20 without there being a contact-side frictional engagement between the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing and the socket contact elements 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1, since in this step only the mechanical coupling locking mechanism (not shown in detail) is advantageously opened.

[0056] When opening the mechanical coupling locking mechanism, the means K.4 can also be used effectively in one embodiment variant, since the decoupling direction of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism corresponds to the actuation direction of the auto-contact locking mechanism K for changing from the "closed" state Z3 to the "open" state Z4.

[0057] Advantageously, the forces of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism between plug 10 and socket 20 can thus be designed independently of the forces which occur when contacting the closed contact (state 2; Fig. 2 and state 3; Fig. 3) between the contact surfaces of the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing and the socket contact element 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1.

[0058] The Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the auto-contact locking mechanism K with the contact surface 11 of the socket contact element 20.11, which contacts a contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1, in a sectional view along the insertion direction x of the plug 10 to explain the principle of the energy storage in a possible embodiment.

[0059] In this embodiment, the socket contact element 20.11 is designed as a contact spring F in the manner of a buckling rod, which is compressed by an over-spring ÜF and bends in different directions depending on the desired state F-Z1 or F-Z2, FZ3, as explained below.

[0060] Fig. 5 shows the plug contact element 10.1 and the contact spring F in different spring element states F-Z1, F-Z0 and F-Z2 (F-Z3 analog).

[0061] In the spring element state F-Z0, the contact spring F is not compressed.

[0062] In the spring element state F-Z1, the contact spring F is convex with respect to the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 - compressed outwards away from the plug contact element 10.1 - and thus does not contact the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1.

[0063] The fact that the contact spring F in the spring element state F-Z1 is convex - outwards away from the plug contact element 10.1 - with respect to the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 ensures that the automatic contact locking mechanism K in the states Z1 and Z4 has a contact opening dimension that enables the plug 10 to be inserted and removed into the socket 20 without contact force, since the auto contact locking mechanism K with its socket contact elements 20.11 does not make contact with the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1.

[0064] In this spring element state F-Z1, the contact spring F represents a charged energy storage device which is either always charged or is charged by an insertion movement of the plug 10 into the socket 20, as will be explained.

[0065] However, this charged energy storage device, the contact spring in state F-Z1, is only activated by the previously mentioned release mechanism of the charged energy storage device.

[0066] In the activated spring element state F-Z2, the contact spring F is compressed concavely with respect to the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 - inwards towards the plug contact element 10.1 - and thus contacts the contact surface of the plug contact element 10.1.

[0067] In this spring element state F-Z2, the contact spring F represents an activated, at least partially discharged energy storage device, which is activated by the triggering mechanism, as will be explained further.

[0068] The charged energy storage device F-Z1 is only activated by the previously mentioned release mechanism of the charged energy storage device.

[0069] The Fig. 6 shows the auto-contact locking mechanism K in a schematic representation with the contact surface 11 of the socket contact element 20.11, which is not yet (cf. Fig. 8) is contacted with the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1.

[0070] The spring element F is in the spring element state F-Z1, in which the spring element F is charged as a force storage device and is not yet activated.

[0071] The “charging”, i.e. the compression of the spring element F, is carried out by a charging element, which in the exemplary embodiment is an over-spring element ÜF, which either always keeps the spring element F in the charged state F-Z1 or brings it from the spring element state F-Z0 into the charged state F-Z1 as soon as the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20.

[0072] In other words, the overspring element ÜF acts with a force F1 (cf. Fig. 6) at the latest on the spring element F and creates the spring element state F-Z1 when the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20 and is in state Z1 (cf. Fig. 1).

[0073] In the first step, in addition to inserting the plug 10, the spring element F is simultaneously charged into the spring element state F-Z1 by moving the over-spring element ÜF in the +x direction, which according to Fig. 6 assumes the overspring element state ÜF-Z1.

[0074] The displacement of the over-spring element ÜF in the +x direction is achieved by appropriately coupling the trigger mechanism (not shown in detail) with the auto-contact locking mechanism K.

[0075] For example, an element of the plug 10 can act on the over-spring element ÜF arranged on the socket side and thus on the spring element also arranged on the socket side when the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20 in the first step.

[0076] In this embodiment, the overspring element ÜF and the spring element F represent a spring element unit F, ÜF.

[0077] The Fig. 7 shows the trigger mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism K in a schematic representation in a plane transverse to the plane shown in Fig. 6 shown plane with the contact surface 11 of the socket contact element 20.11, which contacts the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 to establish the contact between plug 10 and socket 20, wherein from the state Z1 in Fig. 1 is assumed, which is in the state in Fig. 2 changes.

[0078] According to the invention, during or at the end of the second step (transition from state Z1 to state Z2) by triggering the auto-contact locking mechanism K (= triggering action), the stored force of the spring element F-Z1 is allowed to act on the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug 10, which has meanwhile been brought into state Z1.

[0079] The triggering preferably occurs when the plug 10 is overpressed (Push 2) according to the schematic representation in Fig. 2, wherein it is not the front side of the plug contact element 10.1 that presses against the pressure point element K.3 of the auto-contact locking mechanism K, but according to the embodiment a cam N with a force from the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X (cf. Fig. 8) acts on the upper side of the spring element F in the spring element state F-Z1.

[0080] This creates the closed contact between the contact surfaces 1 and 11 of the plug contact element 10.1 of the plug housing and the socket contact element 20.11 of the socket housing 20.1, as shown in Fig. 8 is shown.

[0081] The Fig. 8 shows the auto-contact locking mechanism K with the contact surface 11 of the socket contact element 20.11, which contacts the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1, whereby this contacting takes place in the states Z2 and Z3 according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is present.

[0082] Out of Fig. 7 it becomes clear that the triggering when overpressing (Push 2) the plug 10 according to the schematic representation in Fig. 2 is carried out by the cam N, which is arranged, for example, on the underside of the over-spring element ÜF.

[0083] As already explained, it is provided according to the invention that the contact spring F in the spring element state F-Z1 is compressed convexly with respect to the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 - outwards away from the plug contact element 10.1.

[0084] This compression is carried out by means of the overspring element ÜF in the axial direction +x-direction in the first step according to Fig. 1, while the over-spring element ÜF in the second step of over-pressing (Push 2) now rotates according to the arrow P in Fig. 7 rotates around the longitudinal axis X, so that the release at the pressure point element K.3 occurs by means of the cam N, which acts on the upper side of the spring element F in the spring element state F-Z1 and causes the spring element state F-Z2 of the spring element F.

[0085] The over-spring-resistant cam N is thus displaced transversely to the contact spring F in a rotating circular path around the longitudinal axis X, so that the contact spring leaves the state F-Z1 and assumes the state F-Z2.

[0086] Due to the cam N arranged on the underside of the over-spring element ÜF, the contact spring F designed as a buckling rod changes abruptly from convex to concave with respect to the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1 - inwards towards the plug contact element 10.1 - and makes contact (cf. Fig. 8) with its contact surface 11 with the contact surface 1 of the plug contact element 10.1.

[0087] In other words, the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 20.11, i.e. plugged in, and via the means described, in particular the spring element combination F, ÜF consisting of contact spring F and over-spring element ÜF, an external force, in particular the cam N (with the force F2) acts on the contact spring F, with which a reversal of the buckling direction from convex F-Z1 to concave F-F2 is achieved.

[0088] It is understood that the release force F2 is greater than the counteracting force of the spring element F in its convex spring element state F-Z1, so that the release force F2 brings the spring element F as a buckling rod from the convex spring element state F-Z1 into the concave spring element state F-Z2, F-Z3.

[0089] This is ensured by the appropriate structural design and positioning of contact spring F and over-spring element ÜF or the geometric design of the cam N.

[0090] In summary, the advantages are that in the first step a contact force-free (auto-contact locking mechanism K open = contactless) plugging process of the plug 10 into the socket 20 is possible.

[0091] Furthermore, the frictional wear of the contact surfaces of the contact surfaces 1, 11 of the plug contact element 10.1 and the socket contact element 20.11 is minimized, since the contacting of the contact surfaces 1, 11 is eliminated when the plug 10 is plugged in and unplugged.

[0092] Since the triggering mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism K in the second step only triggers the auto-contact locking mechanism K after the plug connection has been established in the first step, it is also advantageously ensured that contact is only made when the plug-socket connection 10, 20 has been properly, i.e. completely, established. List of reference symbols 10, 20 plug-socket unit 10 plugs 10.1 Plug contact element 1 Contact surface of the plug contact element 20 socket 20.1 Socket housing 20.11 Socket contact element 11 Contact surface of the socket contact element K Auto-contact locking mechanism K.1 Suspension K.2 Sliding bracket K.3 Trigger element; pressure point element K.4 Medium X Longitudinal axis Δx distance to the pressure point element K.3 Z1 plug-socket unit connected by coupling locking mechanism Z2 plug-socket unit by means of a trigger mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism after the triggering time in the contact Z3 plug-socket unit using the auto-contact locking mechanism in the contact Z4 plug-socket unit connected by coupling locking mechanism F; ÜF spring element unit F spring element F-Z0; F-Z4 spring element original condition not compressed (energy accumulator not charged) F-Z1 spring element convexly compressed (energy accumulator loaded - not activated) F-Z2 spring element concavely compressed (energy storage activated) F-Z3 spring element concavely compressed (energy storage activated) ÜF overspring element ÜF-Z1 overspring element in state Z1 N cams P arrow (rotational movement of cam)

Claims

[1] Plug-socket unit (10, 20) for establishing at least one electrical contact between at least one electrical conductor associated with the plug (10) and at least one of the socket (20), • wherein the plug-socket unit (10, 20) in its assembled state has a mechanical coupling locking mechanism for the reversible mechanical locking of the plug (10) and the socket (20), wherein • the plug-socket unit (10, 20) in the assembled state also has an electrical auto-contact locking mechanism (K) independently of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism, wherein • a trigger mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) comprises at least one trigger element (K.3), wherein • the plug (10) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) has a plug housing with at least one plug contact element (10.1) and • the socket (20) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) has a socket housing (20.1) which is designed as a contact housing, and a socket contact element (20.11) which is part of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) which is arranged and held in the socket housing (20.1) via at least one mechanical suspension (K.1) and at least one mechanical sliding holder (K.2), • wherein the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) comprises at least one force accumulator, which is a spring element unit (F; ÜF) which has a spring element (F) designed as a force accumulator and an over-spring element (ÜF) influencing the force accumulator, wherein the spring element (F) is a buckling rod and the over-spring element (ÜF) has a cam (N). [2] Plug-socket unit (10, 20) according to claim 1, characterized by that the trigger element (K.3) of the trigger mechanism of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) is a pressure point element. [3] Plug-socket unit (10, 20) according to claim 1, characterized by that the means (K.4) is a separate tool. [4] Plug-socket unit (10, 20) according to claim 1, characterized by that the over-spring element (ÜF) with the cam (N) is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the spring element (F) designed as a buckling rod on the longitudinal axis (X) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) and rotatable about the longitudinal axis (X) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20). [5] Method for producing at least one electrical contact between at least one electrical conductor of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) assigned to the plug (10) and at least one electrical conductor of the socket (20) according to claim 1, • which are coupled to one another as a plug-socket unit (10, 20) by a coupling actuation - in which a plug contact element (10.1) of a plug housing after a first pushing insertion (Push 1) of the plug housing in the direction of a longitudinal axis (X) into a socket housing (20.1) of the socket (20) by means of a mechanical coupling locking mechanism for the reversible mechanical locking of the plug (10) and the socket (20) in the assembled state, • wherein the plug-socket unit (10, 20) also has, independently of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism, an electrical auto-contact locking mechanism (K) which comprises a triggering mechanism with at least one triggering element (K.3), • wherein after the coupling actuation by means of the mechanical coupling locking mechanism, a mechanical release actuation - after which the plug contact element (10.1) of the plug housing moves further into the socket housing (20.1) after a second pressing insertion (Push 2) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (X) - exerts a pressing effect on the release element (K.3), and by means of the release element (K.3) a reversible mechanical coupling and as a result of the mechanical coupling of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) an electrical contacting of the at least one plug contact element (10.1) of the plug (10) with the socket contact element (20.11) of the socket (20) is carried out, so that a closed contact is established between the contact surfaces of the plug contact element (10.1) of the plug housing and the socket contact element (20.11) of the socket housing designed as a contact housing (20.1) is produced. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by that a first and a second displacement of the plug contact element (10.1) along the longitudinal axis (X-axis) lying in the longitudinal extension of the plug-socket unit (10, 20) takes place by the first insertion (Push 1) and the second insertion (Push 2) following the first insertion (Push 1), so that the reversible mechanical coupling and the electrical contacting of the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) only takes place after the coupling of the coupling locking mechanism caused by the first insertion (Push 1) by the second insertion (Push 2). [7] Method according to claim 6, characterized bythat the automatic locking (auto-locking) of the socket contact element (20.11) on the plug contact element (10.1) carried out by the second insertion (Push 2) and the automatic contacting (auto-contacting) of the socket contact element (20.11) on the plug contact element (10.1) carried out by the second insertion (Push 2) is canceled by actuating at least one means (K.4) which cancels the reversible mechanical coupling (auto-locking) and the electrical contacting (auto-contacting) of the auto-contact locking mechanism before the mechanical locking of the plug (10) and the socket (20) of the coupling locking mechanism present in the assembled state is canceled. [8] Method according to claim 5, characterized byin that the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) comprises at least one energy accumulator which is activated and at least partially discharged by the second displacement (Push 2) of the plug contact element (10.1) to trigger the triggering element (K.3), whereby the auto-contact locking mechanism (K) effects the electrical contacting of the at least one plug contact element (10.1) of the plug (10) with the socket contact element (20.11) of the socket (20) in an electrically closed and mechanical state (Z2, Z3) of the plug-socket unit (10, 20). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized byin that the at least one energy accumulator is a spring element unit (F; ÜF) which has a spring element (F) designed as an energy accumulator and an over-spring element (ÜF) influencing the energy accumulator as an energy accumulator, wherein the over-spring element (ÜF) charges the energy accumulator by the first displacement (Push 1) of the plug contact element (10.1), which is activated and at least partially discharged by the second displacement (Push 2) of the plug contact element (10.1) by the triggering of the triggering element (K.3). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized bythat the over-spring element (ÜF) has a cam (N) which, as a result of the triggered trigger element (K.3), runs onto the buckling rod (F) as a result of the second displacement (Push 2) of the plug contact element (10.1), which is initially compressed outwards away from the plug contact element (10.1) with respect to a contact surface (1) of the plug contact element (10.1) and then compressed inwards towards the plug contact element (10.1) with respect to the contact surface (1) of the plug contact element (10.1), so that the contact surface (11) of the socket contact element (20.11) is automatically locked and automatically contacted with the contact surface (1) of the plug contact element (10.1). [11] Method according to claim 10, characterized bythat the over-spring element (ÜF) with the cam (N) is displaced (Push 2) on the longitudinal axis (X) relative to the spring element (F) designed as a buckling rod in order to load the spring element (F) designed as an energy accumulator and is rotated about the longitudinal axis (X) in order to run onto the spring element (F) designed as an energy accumulator for the purpose of automatic locking and automatic contacting of the contact surface (11) of the socket contact element (20.11) with the contact surface (1) of the plug contact element (10.1).

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