Connector part with a locking device

Abstract

Connector part (1) for connecting to a mating connector part (2), with a housing (10), a plug-in section (101) arranged on the housing (10) which can be plugged into the mating connector part (2) along a plug-in direction (E), and a locking device (11) having a locking element (12) arranged on a housing section (110), which is designed to fix the connector part (1) in a locking position to the mating connector part (2) when the connector part (1) is plugged into the mating connector part (2), and is adjustable from the locking position in an actuating direction (B) in order to release the connector part (1) from the mating connector part (2), characterized in that the locking device (11) has a locking element (13) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (D) between a locking position and an unlocking position relative to the housing section (110), said locking element having a locking section (133) which, in the locking position of the locking element (13), is in contact with a contact section (124) of the locking element (12), so that an adjustment of the locking element (12) in the actuating direction (B) is blocked by the locking section (133), and which, in the unlocking position of the locking element (13), is adjusted relative to the locking element (12) in such a way that the locking element (12) can be adjusted in the actuating direction (B) from its locking position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector part for connecting to a mating connector part according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a connector part comprises a housing and a plug-in section arranged on the housing, which can be plugged into the mating connector part along a plug-in direction. One or more electrical contact elements for contacting associated electrical mating contact elements of the mating connector part can be arranged on the plug-in section, for example, wherein the plug-in section can be designed, for example, as a plug or as a socket. A locking device serves to fix the connector part in a connected position to the mating connector part and for this purpose has a locking element that is locked to the mating connector part in a locked position. From the locked position, the locking element can be adjusted in an actuating direction in order to be able to release the connector part from the mating connector part.

[0003] For such a connector part, there is a fundamental need for a simple, cost-effective, and user-friendly locking mechanism with an associated mating connector part to secure the connector part to the mating connector part in a connected position to prevent accidental release. Such a locking mechanism should, in particular, be easy and intuitive for the user to manufacture, without requiring complex work steps.

[0004] In a locking device for an electrical connector housing known from DE 195 35 836 C2, a locking element in a connected position establishes a locking connection with an associated, further connector housing, wherein a locking member is provided which, in a locking position, projects into a movement space of the locking element and thus blocks the locking connection between the connector housings.

[0005] DE 20 2007 005 300 U1 describes a connector with a first connector part and a second connector part, wherein one of the connector parts is preferably a socket part and the other of the connector parts is preferably a pin part. Furthermore, the connector has at least one locking device which, in a locking position, secures the two coupled connector parts against unintentional release and which is movable, in particular displaceable, into a holding device of the second connector part. The connector parts each have a plurality of contacts to be connected to one another, preferably arranged in at least one row, in the region of their mating faces. The locking device and the holding device are each arranged between two of the contacts in the at least one row of contacts to be connected to one another.

[0006] A similar connector is known from DE 20 2009 002 159 U1, wherein the locking device is designed as a locking lever on one connector part and the holding device is designed as a locking edge on the corresponding connector part. Furthermore, a release arm is formed on the locking lever, which is designed to interact with an abutment surface on the corresponding connector part when the locking lever is actuated.

[0007] In an electrical connector pair known from DE 10 2014 115 252 A1, a connector part has a locking element which is connected to a housing in an articulated manner and which can be fixed in a locking position to the housing via a screw element by screwing it into an associated nut.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector part which has a locking device which is particularly simple, comfortable and intuitive for a user to operate and which is secured against unintentional release in a locking position.

[0009] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the locking device has a locking element which can be rotated about an axis of rotation relative to the housing section and which has a locking section which, in a locking position of the locking element, is in contact with a contact section of the locking element so that an adjustment of the locking element in the actuating direction is blocked by the locking section, and which, in an unlocking position of the locking element, is adjusted relative to the locking element such that the locking element can be adjusted in the actuating direction from its locking position.

[0011] The connector part has a locking device that serves to lock the connector part in a connected position with the associated mating connector part. Once locked, the connector part cannot be easily, or at least not unintentionally, detached from the mating connector part. The locking is achieved via a locking element that, in a locked position, engages, for example, with a locking projection, in an associated locking opening of the mating connector part, so that the connector part is secured to the mating connector part in the opposite direction of insertion and thus cannot be detached from the mating connector part in the opposite direction of insertion.

[0012] To lock the locking element in its locking position, a locking element is provided that can be adjusted between a locking position and an unlocking position. To adjust between the locking position and the unlocking position, the locking element can be rotated relative to the housing section of the housing, thereby adjusting the locking element between a blocking interaction with the locking element in the locking position and a release of the locking element in the unlocking position.

[0013] In the locked position, the locking element engages with a locking portion of the locking element. This engagement blocks movement of the locking element in the actuation direction, preventing the locking element from being moved out of its locked position. The locking connection between the connector part and the mating connector part is thus locked.

[0014] The locking connection between the connector part and the mating connector part can be released by rotating the locking element from the locked position to the unlocked position relative to the housing section, thereby removing the contact between the contact section of the locking element and the locking section of the locking element. This releases a space into which the locking element must be moved for adjustment from the locked position, allowing the locking element to be adjusted in the actuation direction, thus removing the locking connection between the connector part and the mating connector part.

[0015] In one embodiment, the locking element is rotatably received in a receiving opening of the housing section. The locking element is preferably operatively connected to the housing section in such a way that a rotational movement of the locking element about the axis of rotation causes an axial movement of the locking element along the axis of rotation. The rotation of the locking element relative to the housing section thus results in the locking element not only being adjusted in its rotational position about the axis of rotation, but also being moved axially relative to the housing section, whereby the locking section of the locking element is moved out of the region of the contact section of the locking element when the locking element is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position, or is brought into the region of the contact section when the locking element is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thus blocking the contact section and thus the locking element in the locked position.

[0016] The rotational movement of the locking element is thus accompanied by an axial movement of the locking element. For example, with a predetermined rotation of the locking element, for example, a quarter turn, the locking element can be adjusted by a predetermined axial distance, for example, an adjustment distance between 1 mm and 5 mm, so that a rotation of the locking element always also causes an axial adjustment of the locking element.

[0017] This can be achieved, for example, by the locking element being in threaded engagement with the housing section. For example, the locking element can have a bolt shank and a threaded section formed on the bolt shank, wherein the locking element is operatively connected to the housing section via the threaded section in such a way that a rotational movement of the locking element about the rotation axis is converted into an axial movement of the locking element along the rotation axis. A correspondingly associated threaded section is formed on the housing section, so that a threaded connection exists between the locking element and the housing section.The rotation of the locking element thus leads, in a forced manner, to an axial adjustment of the locking element along the rotation axis. The pitch of the thread can be selected such that the thread engagement is not self-locking and a rotation of the locking element by a comparatively small angle, for example, a quarter turn (90°), leads to a comparatively large axial adjustment of the locking element. This makes the actuation of the locking device, in particular the actuation of the locking element, simple and intuitive for a user, who only needs to rotate the locking element by a comparatively small angle of rotation to adjust the locking element between its different positions for locking or releasing the locking mechanism.

[0018] The housing section can have a bearing opening. In one embodiment, the locking element has a pin section that protrudes axially from the bolt shaft and is rotatably mounted in the bearing opening of the housing section. The pin section is arranged, for example, at an end of the bolt shaft that is remote from an externally accessible end of the bolt shaft. The pin section is reduced in diameter, for example, compared to the bolt shaft, and lies in the bearing opening, so that the pin section is rotatably mounted in the bearing opening and thus supported on the housing section.

[0019] For example, a tool engagement may be formed on the other end of the bolt shaft, which is accessible from the outside, via which a user can access the locking element using a tool, for example a screwdriver, in order to rotate the locking element about its axis of rotation and thereby adjust the locking element in the receiving opening of the housing section.

[0020] In one embodiment, the locking element is rotatable between the locking position and the unlocking position, wherein the locking element is locked to the housing section in the locking position and / or the unlocking position. Such locking can be provided, for example, via a form-fitting section formed on the pin section and projecting radially from the pin section, which engages with a respective associated formation of the bearing opening in the locking position or the unlocking position, so that the locking element is held in a locking manner relative to the housing section in the locking position or the unlocking position.The locking element can thus be moved intuitively and comfortably by a user between the locking position and the unlocking position, which are each defined by locking, for example by locking engagement of the form-fitting section in an associated formation on the bearing opening, wherein the locking element is held in the locking position or the unlocking position in a locking manner, so that the locking element cannot be easily, or at least not unintentionally, adjusted from the locking position or the unlocking position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the locking section forms a transverse surface that extends flat along a plane oriented transversely to the actuation direction, i.e., parallel to the rotational axis of the locking element. Because the transverse surface is oriented perpendicular to the actuation direction, the transverse surface can provide support for the contact section of the locking element in the locking position of the locking element, which reliably blocks the locking element in the locking position without forces acting on the transverse surface through the locking element leading to a displacement of the locking element and thus to a release of the blockage. Because the transverse surface is oriented perpendicular to the actuation direction, forces acting due to the contact section of the locking element bearing on the transverse surface are diverted, and displacement of the locking element in the actuation direction is blocked without any force redirection and thus any displacement of the locking element occurring.The transverse surface is parallel to the axis of rotation of the locking element, so that in the locking position no force component can arise that could displace the locking element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the locking portion of the locking element has a conical or convex-shaped surface inclined obliquely to the axis of rotation.

[0023] The conical or convex-shaped surface can in particular serve to interact with an inclined surface formed on the contact section of the locking element, inclined obliquely to the axis of rotation and obliquely to the direction of actuation, in such a way that when the locking element is adjusted from the unlocked position into the locked position, the locking section with the conical or convex-shaped surface runs onto the inclined surface of the locking element and thereby assists adjustment of the locking element from a release position towards the locked position.When the locking element is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position and the locking element is thereby axially adjusted along the rotation axis, the locking section arranged on the locking element acts with its conical or convex surface on the inclined surface on the contact section of the locking element, thereby assisting the locking element in its transition from the released position to the locked position. In the locked position, the contact section of the locking element then comes into contact with the transverse surface formed on the locking section, so that when the locking element is in the locked position and the locking element is in the locked position, the locking element is locked and thus reliably held in the locked position.

[0024] In one embodiment, the locking element has a fastening section that is firmly connected to the housing section. The locking element can be connected to the housing section via the fastening section, in particular in a torque-resistant manner, so that the fastening section cannot be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the housing section. The fastening section can be secured to the housing section, for example, via a form-fitting connection, for example, in the manner of a dovetail joint or the like.

[0025] In order to enable adjustment of the locking element between the locking position and the release position, the locking element is preferably inherently elastic and thus elastically deformable such that a locking projection arranged on the locking element can be brought into locking connection with a locking engagement formed on the mating connector part (for example, a locking opening) or disengaged from the locking engagement by elastic deformation of the locking element. Such a locking projection can, for example, be connected to the fastening section and, via a locking arm and a curved section connecting the locking arm to the fastening section, to the housing section. In particular, in the region of the curved section, the locking element can be elastically deformable so that the locking element can be moved between its locking position and the release position by elastic deformation.

[0026] The locking position of the locking element can, in particular, correspond to a relieved, non-deformed state of the locking element. The locking element is thus in the locking position when the locking element is not actuated. This allows, for example, the connector part to be placed in the plugging direction against an associated mating connector part, with the locking element automatically establishing a locking connection between the connector part and the mating connector part.

[0027] In order to facilitate locking, a run-up slope can be formed on the locking head of the locking element, for example, with which the locking head runs onto a housing section of the mating connector part when the connector part is plugged into the mating connector part and is thus deflected (slightly) from a locking position until the locking element snaps into engagement with its locking head with an associated locking engagement on the mating connector part and thus a locking connection is established between the connector part and the mating connector part.

[0028] In one embodiment, the contact section of the locking element is formed on a side of the locking arm facing the locking element in the actuation direction. The contact section can, for example, protrude from the locking arm and is directed toward the locking element in such a way that the contact section comes into contact with the locking element when the locking element is in its locked position, thus preventing the locking element from being moved from the locked position toward a release position.

[0029] In one embodiment, the locking element has a stop section with which the locking element rests against the housing section in the locking position opposite to the actuation direction. The stop section thus defines the locking position opposite to the actuation direction, so that the locking element cannot be deformed beyond the locking position opposite to the actuation direction. This ensures that the locking element is in a defined position relative to the housing section, namely in the locking position, before the plug-in connection of the connector part with an associated mating connector part, thus enabling the connector part to be easily attached to an associated mating connector part, establishing a locking connection via the locking element.

[0030] In one embodiment, the locking element has an actuating head that can be actuated by a user for adjusting the locking element in the actuating direction relative to the housing section. The actuating head protrudes outwardly relative to the housing section, for example, so that a user can act on the actuating head manually or using a suitable tool, such as a screwdriver, to, for example, press the locking element in the actuating direction and thus adjust the locking element from the locking position toward the release position.

[0031] In one embodiment, the connector part has a plurality of plug-in sections arranged in a row along a direction transverse to the plug-in direction for plugging into the mating connector part. Each plug-in section can be configured, for example, as a plug or a socket and can be plugged into an associated mating plug-in section of the mating connector part. One or more electrical contact elements can be arranged on each plug-in section for establishing electrical contact with the mating connector part.

[0032] On a side remote from the plug-in sections, the connector part can, for example, have a plurality of plug-in openings through which electrical conductors can be clamped to the connector part, for example via spring-loaded connections or the like. Each plug-in section can, for example, be assigned a plug-in opening for inserting an electrical conductor, so that an electrical conductor can be connected to an electrical contact element of the plug-in section via the plug-in opening.

[0033] The locking device can, for example, be arranged approximately centrally on the connector part—viewed along the alignment direction. Generally, the locking device can be arranged between two plug-in sections, so that one or more plug-in sections are formed adjacent to the locking device on both sides. This allows the connector part and the mating connector part to be securely and reliably locked together in their connected position via a single locking device.

[0034] However, it is also conceivable and possible to arrange a locking device at one end of the connector part - viewed along the alignment direction - in which case two locking devices - for example one locking device at each end of the connector part - are preferably provided.

[0035] In an arrangement of a connector part and a mating connector part, the mating connector part preferably has a corresponding number of mating plug sections for receiving the plug sections of the connector part. If the plug sections of the connector part are shaped as plugs, for example, the mating plug sections of the mating connector part are correspondingly designed as sockets into which the plug sections of the connector part can be inserted in the plugging direction in order to electrically contact electrical contacts of the connector part with associated mating contact elements of the mating connector part.

[0036] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a view of an embodiment of a connector part together with an associated mating connector part; Fig. 2 a view of the connector part and the mating connector part in a connected position; Fig. 3A a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 2; Fig. 3B is a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 3A; Fig. 4A a plan view of the arrangement according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4B is a sectional view along the line BB according to Fig. 4A; Fig. 5A is a front view of the locking device of the connector part; Fig. 5B is a sectional view along the line CC according to Fig. 5A; Fig. 5C a sectional view along the line DD according to Fig. 5B; Fig. 5D a sectional view along the line EE according to Fig. 5B; Fig. 6A is a front view of the locking device, in a release position of a locking element; Fig. 6B is a sectional view along the line CC according to Fig. 6A; Fig. 6C a sectional view along the line DD according to Fig. 6B; and Fig. 6D a sectional view along the line EE according to Fig. 6B.

[0037] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an embodiment of a connector part 1 which can be connected along a plugging direction E with an associated mating connector part 2.

[0038] The connector part 1 has a housing 10, on one side of which plug-in openings 100 are formed, into which electrical conductors can be inserted for contacting electrical contact elements enclosed in the housing 10 and can be electrically contacted and mechanically locked, for example via spring-loaded connections. On a side of the housing 10 opposite the plug-in openings 100, plug-in sections 101 are formed in the form of plugs protruding from the housing 10 along the plug-in direction E. The electrical contact elements are arranged on said plug-in sections such that, when the connector part 1 is plugged into the mating connector part 2, electrical contact can be established with associated mating contact elements of the mating connector part 2.

[0039] The mating connector part 2 has a housing 20 on which mating plug sections in the form of plug openings 201 are formed in the manner of sockets. The plug sections 101 of the connector part 1 can be inserted into the plug openings 201 in the plugging direction E in order to establish electrical contact between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2.

[0040] The mating connector part 2 has electrical contact elements 200 which protrude into the area of the plug-in openings 201 for electrical contact with the connector part 1 and protrude with connection legs on an underside from the housing 20 in such a way that the mating connector part 2 can be arranged, for example, as a connection strip on a printed circuit board of an electrical or electronic assembly.

[0041] The plug-in sections 101 of the connector part 1 are arranged in a row direction A which is directed transversely to the plug-in direction E and can each be connected to an associated plug-in opening 201 of the mating connector part 2 in the plug-in direction E. While Fig. 1 shows the arrangement of the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2 before plugging in, Fig. 2 the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2 in a connected position in which the plug sections 101 are inserted into the associated plug openings 201 and thus an electrical contact is established between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2.

[0042] The connector part 1 has a locking device 11 which is arranged approximately centrally - viewed along the alignment direction A - on the connector part 1 and serves for the central locking of the connector part 1 with the mating connector part 2.

[0043] As from Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. 5A to 5D and 6A to 6D, the locking device 11 has a locking element 12, which is received in a housing section 110 of the housing 10 and is firmly connected to an upper wall section 113 of the housing section 110 via a fastening section 126. The fastening section 126 is positively connected to the wall section 113 via a form-fitting connection 129 in the manner of a dovetail, so that the locking element 12 is fixed to the wall section 113 in a torque-resistant manner via the fastening section 126.

[0044] The locking element 12 has a curved section 125, a locking arm 122 and a locking projection 121 formed on the locking arm 122. In particular in the region of the curved section 125, the locking element 12 is elastically deformable such that the locking element 12 can be formed from a (in Fig. 5A to 5D) locking position into a (in Fig. 6A to 6D) is adjustable, with elastic deformation of the locking element 12, in particular in the region of the curved section 125.

[0045] The locking element 12 serves to establish a locking connection between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2 via the locking projection 121 when the connector part 1 is plugged into the mating connector part 2 in the plugging direction E. A run-up slope 127 is formed on the locking projection 121, with which the locking projection 121, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 4B and Fig. 3B, runs onto an associated run-up slope 202 on a front edge of the housing 20 of the mating connector part 2, so that the locking element 12 is automatically deflected from a locking position into an actuating direction B when the connector part 1 is plugged into the mating connector part 2, and the locking projection 121 can thus be moved past the front edge of the housing 20 until the locking projection 121 snaps into engagement with an associated locking engagement in the form of a locking opening 21 on an upper side of the housing 20 of the mating connector part 2, as can be seen from Fig. 3B can be seen.

[0046] The locking arm 122 with the locking projection 121 formed thereon projects through a front opening 111 of the housing section 110 and projects outwards from the housing 10 on a side facing the mating connector part 2, so that the locking element 12 can be brought into engagement with the locking opening 21 of the mating connector part 2 via the locking projection 121.

[0047] For example, from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a latching opening 21 is formed in the region of the upper side of each plug-in opening 201 of the mating connector part 2. The latching element 12 of the latching device 11 of the connector part 1 engages with the plug-in opening 201 arranged centrally on the mating connector part 2 (with which no plug-in section 101 of the connector part 1 is to be brought into engagement during the plug-in connection), so that a latching connection between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2 is established centrally via the latching device 11.

[0048] The locking element 12 has a stop section 123, with which the locking element 12 rests against an actuating direction B against an upper wall section 112 of the housing section 110 when the locking element 12 is in the locking position ( Fig. 5A to 5D). The stop section 123 thus defines the locking position such that the locking element 12 cannot be adjusted beyond the locking position towards the housing section 110, contrary to the actuation direction B. This ensures that before the connector part 1 is connected to the mating connector part 2, the locking element 12 is in a position such that the locking can be established automatically during the plug-in connection between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2.

[0049] On a side facing away from the stop portion 123, the locking element 12 has a contact portion 124 which projects from the locking arm 122 and serves to interact with a locking element 13.

[0050] The locking element 13 is rotatably received about a rotational axis D in a receiving opening 116 of the housing section 110 and can be rotated relative to the housing section 110 about the rotational axis D. The locking element 13 has a bolt shaft 130 on which a threaded section 132 is formed in the form of a thread (advantageously having a large pitch). Via the threaded section 132, the locking element 13 is in threaded engagement with associated threaded sections 115 on the inside of the receiving opening 116 of the housing section 110, so that a threaded connection exists between the locking element 13 and the housing section 110 such that a rotational movement of the locking element 13 about the rotational axis D simultaneously leads to an axial adjustment of the locking element 13 along the rotational axis D relative to the housing section 110.

[0051] A pin portion 131 (with a reduced diameter) protrudes axially from the bolt shaft 130. The pin portion 131 is located in a bearing opening 114 of the housing portion 110 and is mounted on the housing portion 110 via the bearing opening 114.

[0052] On the pin portion 131, a form-fitting portion 135 is formed in the form of a radially projecting nose (see for example Fig. 5C, Fig. 5D and Fig. 6C, Fig. 6B), which is designed for locking interaction with formations formed on the bearing opening 114 (see in particular Fig. 5A and Fig. 6A). The locking element 13 can be moved between a locking position ( Fig. 5A to 5D) and an unlocked position ( Fig. 6A to 6C) relative to the housing section 110 and is locked in the locking position as well as in the unlocking position with the housing section 110 in such a way that the locking element 13 cannot be easily, or at least not unintentionally, rotated out of the locking position or the unlocking position. The locking is achieved by the form-fitting section 135 being seated on the pin section 131 in a respective recess projecting radially outward from the essentially circular opening of the bearing opening 114, as can be seen from Fig. 5A and Fig. 6A, so that by means of this engagement the locking element 13 is locked in the rotational position associated with the locking position or the rotational position associated with the unlocking position relative to the housing section 110.

[0053] The threaded section 132 has two stops 138, 139, which serve to limit the rotational path of the locking element 13 about the rotation axis D. In the locking position, the stop 138 of the threaded section 132, as can be seen from Fig. 5C and Fig. 5D, against an associated stop section 118 of the housing section 110 of the locking device 11. In the unlocked position, however, the stop 139 of the threaded section 132, as can be seen from Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D, on an associated stop portion 119 on the side of the housing portion 110 of the locking device 11 opposite the stop portion 118. The rotational path of the locking element is thus limited between two defined positions.

[0054] A locking section 133 is formed on the bolt shaft 130 of the locking element 13, which serves to interact with the contact section 124 of the locking element 12. The locking section 133 serves in particular to, in the locking position ( Fig. 5A to 5D) to block the contact section 124 and above it the locking element 12 in such a way that the locking element 12 cannot be deflected in the actuating direction B and the locking projection 121 thus - when the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2 are connected - cannot be brought out of engagement with the associated locking opening 21 of the mating connector part 2.

[0055] For blocking, a transverse surface 134 is formed on the blocking section 133, which is directed perpendicular to the actuating direction B and in the blocking position is in contact with the contact section 124 of the locking element 12, as can be seen from Fig. 5B. This means that a force on the locking element 12 in the actuation direction B cannot lead to a force deflection on the locking element 13 and thus to an - unintentional - adjustment of the locking element 13.

[0056] The bolt shaft 130 of the locking element 13 is supported on a side remote from the contact section 124 of the locking element 12 via a guide section 117 on the inside of the housing section 110, so that the locking element 13 can absorb forces introduced via the contact section 124 and divert them via the guide section 117, so that the locking element 12 is reliably blocked in its locking position when the locking element 13 is in the locking position according to Fig. 5A to 5D.

[0057] The guide section 117 is designed as a support rib, which (viewed in the actuation direction B) is arranged below the transverse surface 134. The locking element 13 rests on the guide section 117. The guide section 117 introduces an actuation force into the housing section 110 and thus prevents deformation of the locking element 13. Deformation of the locking element 13 could otherwise cause the locking element 12 to move downward and thus unintentionally unlock.

[0058] If the locking element 13 is rotated from the locking position by approximately a quarter turn, the locking element 13 is simultaneously adjusted axially along the axis of rotation D, as is the case in the transition from Fig. 5B towards Fig. 6B. As a result, the locking section 133 is axially offset from the contact section 124 and, in particular, the transverse surface 134 is rotated out of the area of the contact section 124. The locking section 133 thus comes with a conical surface 137 opposite an inclined surface 128 of the contact section 124, as can be seen from Fig. 6B, wherein the blocking of the locking element 12 is released and the locking element 12 can be deflected in the actuating direction B to release the locking of the connector part 1 with the mating connector part 2 by a user acting on an actuating head 120 of the locking element 12 protruding outward from the housing section 110. The locking can thus be released, and the connector part 1 can be removed from the mating connector part 2 opposite to the plugging direction E.

[0059] A user can press on the locking element 12 via the actuating head 120 in order to adjust the locking element 12 and the locking projection 121 arranged on the locking arm 122 in the actuating direction B. After completion of an actuation, the locking element 12 automatically returns to the locking position due to the pretensioning force resulting from the deformation, whereby the resetting is also supported for reliable locking by the fact that when the locking element 13 is rotated from the unlocked position ( Fig. 6A to 6D) into the locked position ( Fig. 5A to 5D) the locking section 133 runs with its conical surface 137 onto the inclined surface 128 on the contact section 124 and thus exerts a force opposite to the actuating direction B on the locking element 12.

[0060] The rotational movement of the locking element 13 between the locking position and the unlocking position can additionally be limited by stops, so that the locking element 13 can only be rotated between the locking position and the unlocking position, but not beyond the locking position or the unlocking position to the housing section 110.

[0061] Due to the large pitch of the threaded portion 132 of the locking element 13 and the threaded portion 115 of the housing portion 110, a comparatively small rotation of the locking element 13, for example a quarter turn, is sufficient to adjust the locking element 13 sufficiently far in the axial direction along the rotation axis D and thereby move the locking element 12 from the locked position to the unlocked position or vice versa. The threaded engagement between the locking element 13 and the housing portion 110 can be designed to be non-self-locking, wherein automatic rotation of the locking element 13 relative to the housing portion 110 is prevented by the transverse surface 134 of the locking portion 133, which is directed perpendicular to the actuation direction B, and by the locking of the locking element 13 to the housing portion 110 via the pin portion 131.

[0062] Because the locking arm 122 and the locking projection 121 formed thereon can protrude by a comparatively small length from the connector part 1 for locking with the mating connector part 2, a comparatively short force flow results between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2 in the locked state. This enables reliable locking even when force is applied between the connector part 1 and the mating connector part 2, whereby manufacturing tolerances can be kept small due to the comparatively short extension length of the force flow.

[0063] The locking element 13 has a tool engagement 136 at an end remote from the pin portion 131, via which a user can access the locking element 13 from the outside in order to rotate the locking element 13 between the locked position and the unlocked position. The tool engagement 136 is accessible from the outside, allowing a user to easily act on the locking element 13 and adjust it between its locked position and the unlocked position.

[0064] The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can in principle also be implemented in a completely different way.

[0065] A locking device of the type described here can in principle be used on very different connector parts and is therefore not limited to connector parts of the type pin strips as shown in the figures.

[0066] A connector part can basically have one or more plug-in sections, whereby the plug-in section(s) can be shaped like plugs or like sockets.

[0067] Electrical contact elements or other contact elements, for example optical contact elements or the like, can be arranged on such plug-in sections. List of reference symbols 1 connector part 10 housings 100 plug opening 101 plug-in section 11 locking device 110 Housing section 111 Opening 112, 113 wall section 114 Warehouse opening 115 threaded section 116 Receiving opening 117 Guide Section 118, 119 stop section 12 locking element 120 Actuating head 121 locking projection 122 locking arm 123 stop section 124 Annex section 125 Curvature section 126 fastening section 127 ramp 128 Inclined surface 129 Form-lock connection 13 Locking element 130 bolt shaft 131 tenon section 132 threaded section 133 restricted section 134 transverse surface 135 Form-fitting section 136 Tool intervention 137 Conical surface 138, 139 stop 2 mating connector part 20 housings 200 Electrical contact element 201 plug-in opening 202 ramp slope 21 locking opening A Arranging direction B Actuating direction D axis of rotation E Plug-in direction

Claims

[1] Connector part (1) for connecting to a mating connector part (2), with a housing (10), a plug-in section (101) arranged on the housing (10) which can be plugged into the mating connector part (2) along a plug-in direction (E), and a locking device (11) having a locking element (12) arranged on a housing section (110), which is designed to fix the connector part (1) in a locking position to the mating connector part (2) when the connector part (1) is plugged into the mating connector part (2), and is adjustable from the locking position in an actuating direction (B) in order to release the connector part (1) from the mating connector part (2), characterized byin that the locking device (11) has a locking element (13) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (D) between a locking position and an unlocking position relative to the housing section (110) and which has a locking section (133) which, in the locking position of the locking element (13), is in contact with a contact section (124) of the locking element (12) such that an adjustment of the locking element (12) in the actuating direction (B) is blocked by the locking section (133), and which, in the unlocking position of the locking element (13), is adjusted relative to the locking element (12) such that the locking element (12) can be adjusted in the actuating direction (B) from its locking position. [2] Connector part (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking element (13) is rotatably received in a receiving opening (116) of the housing section (110). [3] Connector part (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the locking element (13) is operatively connected to the housing section (110) in such a way that a rotational movement of the locking element (13) about the axis of rotation (D) causes an axial movement of the locking element (13) along the axis of rotation (D). [4] Connector part (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the locking element (13) has a bolt shaft (130) and a threaded portion (132) formed on the bolt shaft (130) and is operatively connected to the housing portion (110) via the threaded portion (132) in such a way that a rotational movement of the locking element (13) about the axis of rotation (D) is converted into an axial movement of the locking element (13) along the axis of rotation (D). [5] Connector part (1) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the housing section (110) has a bearing opening (114) and that the locking element (13) has a pin section (131) which projects axially from the bolt shaft (130) and is rotatably mounted in the bearing opening (114) of the housing section (110). [6] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (13) is locked to the housing section (110) in the locking position and / or the unlocking position. [7] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking section (133) forms a transverse surface (134) which extends transversely to the actuating direction (B) and with which the contact section (124) of the locking element (12) is in contact in the locking position of the locking element (13). [8] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking section (133) has a conical surface (137) inclined obliquely to the axis of rotation (D). [9] Connector part (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the contact section (124) of the locking element (12) has an inclined surface (128) inclined obliquely to the axis of rotation (D) and obliquely to the direction of actuation (B), wherein when the locking element (13) is adjusted from the unlocked position into the locked position, the locking section (133) with the conical surface (137) runs onto the inclined surface (128) of the locking element (12). [10] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (12) has a fastening section (126) which is firmly connected to the housing section (110). [11] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (12) is elastically deformable for adjustment from the locking position. [12] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (12) has a locking arm (122) and a locking projection (121) formed on the locking arm (122) for locking connection to the mating connector part (2) in the locking position of the locking element (12). [13] Connector part (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that the contact section (124) of the locking element (12) is arranged on a side of the locking arm (122) facing the blocking element (13) in the actuating direction (B). [14] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (12) has a stop section (123) with which the locking element (12) rests against the housing section (110) in the locking position opposite to the actuating direction (B). [15] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking element (12) has an actuating head (120) which can be actuated by a user for adjusting the locking element (12) in the actuating direction (B) relative to the housing section (110). [16] Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of plug-in sections (101) arranged one after the other along a row direction (A) for plug-in connection with the mating connector part (2). [17] Connector part (1) according to claim 16, characterized by that the locking device (11), viewed along the alignment direction (A), is arranged between two plug-in sections (101). [18] Arrangement with a connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a mating connector part (2) with which the connector part (1) is to be connected in a plug-in manner along the plug-in direction (E).

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