Locking arrangement of an electrical connector assembly, electrical connector assembly and vehicle with an electrical connector assembly

Abstract

Locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit (A) for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit (1) to a trailing vehicle unit (2), wherein the electrical connector unit (A) comprises a cable arrangement (C) with a first cable connector (20) at a first end of the cable arrangement (C), wherein the first cable connector (20) is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50) arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2), characterized in that the locking arrangement comprises a retaining element (10) attached to the cable connector (20), wherein the retaining element (10) is configured such that, when the cable connector (20) is attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50), the retaining element (10) interacts in a locking manner with a locking element (46, 56) of the vehicle unit connector (40, 50), wherein the cable connector (20) has a cylindrical structure with recess sections (24, 25) has,wherein the recess sections (24, 25) extend in the connection direction of the cable connector (20), wherein the respective recess section (24, 25) provides a fastening section (24a, 25a) for the mounting element (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit with a trailing vehicle unit.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. The present invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit. background

[0003] Vehicles with a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit that can be connected to the leading vehicle unit are equipped with an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting the leading vehicle unit to the trailing vehicle unit. An example of such a vehicle is a semi-trailer truck with a tractor unit and a semi-trailer, which is electrically connected to the tractor unit by means of an electrical connector unit. Such a vehicle can have more than one semi-trailer, with an electrical connection between two trailing vehicles provided by means of an electrical connector unit.

[0004] An electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit comprises a cable arrangement with a first cable connector at one end and a second cable connector at the opposite end, and a cable in between.

[0005] The cable comprises a set of sheathed electrical conductors terminating at cable connectors. One of the cable connectors is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a leading vehicle unit, and the other cable connector is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a trailing vehicle unit.

[0006] When the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector, it is important to prevent accidental disconnection. There may be specific requirements regarding accidental trailer cable disconnection, such as the connector being able to withstand a certain tensile force without detaching from the vehicle unit connector. Therefore, some type of locking mechanism is needed to prevent the cable connector from detaching. Due to the additional requirement for accidental trailer cable disconnection, the locking mechanisms associated with certain standard cable connectors are insufficient to meet these requirements.

[0007] Certain standard cable connectors have a body made of rubber material, which can affect the holding force achieved with certain locking arrangements.

[0008] US 2007 / 0072461A1 describes an electrical connector assembly, for example, for use with a semi-trailer truck, comprising a receptacle and a plug. The plug may include a flexible seal configured to surround the matching electrical contacts on the receptacle and plug. A coupling may be configured to hold the plug in the receptacle and press the flexible seal against the receptacle. The plug may further include a knob with a bulbous section sized to fit in the palm of a user's hand for ease of gripping. The knob may have a drip edge.

[0009] US 5,302,141 A describes a connector capable of accepting either a first or a second connector, comprising a cylindrical cavity with a first plurality of receptacle contacts and a second plurality of receptacle contacts. The second plurality of receptacle contacts is shorter than the first plurality of receptacle contacts. The first connector has a number of contacts arranged to engage with both the first plurality of receptacle contacts and the second plurality of receptacle contacts. The second connector contains a number of contacts arranged to engage only with the first plurality of receptacle contacts.The socket connector is designed and arranged such that the first connector can fully penetrate the cylindrical cavity to engage with the plug contacts, the first plurality of socket contacts, and the second plurality of socket contacts, while the penetration of the second connector into the cylindrical cavity is limited to a point where the plug contacts engage with the first plurality of socket contacts, but the second plurality of socket contacts neither engage with nor are touched by the second connector.

[0010] US 4,072,381 A describes an electrical connector system for semi-trucks, comprising a first receptacle mounted in the cab of the tractor unit with multiple plug contacts wired to the tractor unit's fuse box. A second receptacle is provided, mounted in the trailer, with multiple plug contacts wired to the trailer's terminal box. A multi-core cable of a length extending between the first and second receptacles is provided. At the ends of the cable, a first and second plug are integrally molded, each plug having multiple sockets sized to accept the plugs of the first and second receptacles. Each socket and plug includes an inner core of elastomeric material that surrounds and insulates the terminals or sockets.A rigid housing made of synthetic polymer covers the inner core to form one-piece sockets and plugs.

[0011] US 2017 / 0069997A1 describes a plug for an electrical connection, comprising: a plug body with plug contacts embedded in that plug body, wherein the plug contacts can be connected to or are connected to wires leading to an electrical circuit of a vehicle, in particular a trailer, or to another plug; one or more insertion openings in an end face of the plug body surrounding the plug contacts, for inserting contacts of a socket into the one or more insertion openings, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the contacts of the socket and the plug contacts;a plug extension extending from the outer surface of the plug body and arranged such that a latch protruding from an inner surface of a socket cover engages behind the plug extension when the plug is inserted into a socket opening to secure the plug in the socket opening against axial pulling out of the socket opening.

[0012] There is therefore a need to provide an improved locking arrangement for the simple and efficient securing of the connection of an electrical connector unit. Objectives of the invention

[0013] One object of the present invention is to provide a locking arrangement for an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit, which makes it easier to secure a connection between cable connector and vehicle unit connector.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector unit with such a locking arrangement.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle with a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit, which includes such an electrical connector unit. Summary of the invention

[0016] These and other problems evident from the following description are solved by a locking arrangement, an electrical connector unit, and a vehicle according to the attached independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the locking arrangement are defined in the attached dependent claims.

[0017] In particular, one object of the invention is solved by a locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. The electrical connector unit comprises a cable assembly with a first cable connector at a first end of the cable assembly. The cable connector can be detachably attached to a vehicle unit connector, which is arranged on a vehicle unit. The locking arrangement comprises a retaining element attached to a cable connector. The retaining element is configured such that, when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector, it interacts in a locking manner with a locking element of the vehicle unit connector.

[0018] By providing a retaining element attached to a cable connector, a connection between the cable connector and the vehicle unit connector can be secured simply and efficiently, preventing the attached cable connector from detaching in the direction opposite to the connection direction of the cable connector with the vehicle unit connector. Such a retaining element can be easily added to an existing standard cable connector, such as cable connectors with a rubber body, to increase the holding force obtained by the locking mechanism. According to one embodiment, such a retaining element can be made of sheet metal.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the cable arrangement comprises a second cable connector at a second end of the cable arrangement opposite the first end, wherein the second cable connector is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector arranged on a vehicle unit.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the retaining element comprises an interaction section arranged to extend along a connection direction of the cable connector, wherein the interaction section has a stop area configured to face away from a connector opening of the cable connector, the stop area being configured to provide a stop for the locking element, thereby preventing the cable connector from detaching in the direction opposite to the connection direction. Thus, by arranging an interaction section to extend along a connection direction of the cable connector and having such a stop area that provides a stop for the locking element of the vehicle unit connector thus mounted, an increased retention force can be achieved by means of the retaining element mounted in this way.This makes it easy to obtain a cable connector designed to meet the conditions of ISO 4091:2003, section 5.6, which relate to requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection. By providing a locking arrangement with such a retaining element, a cable connector 20 with a retaining element 10, which has the strength to meet the conditions of ISO 4091:2003, section 5.6, related to requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection, is provided. Thus, by meeting the conditions of ISO 4091:2003, section 5.6, a vehicle can be obtained with an ADR certificate.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the stop area of ​​the interaction section is arranged such that it extends along a substantial part of the cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector. "Substantial part" here means a considerable or significant portion. Thus, by providing a stop area that extends along a substantial part of the cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector, the holding force provided by the stop area can be increased because the force can be distributed over a larger area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the cable connector. This effectively prevents the cable connector from detaching in the direction opposite to the connection direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the locking element of the vehicle unit connector is contained in a cover that is movable between a closed position, in which a connection opening of the vehicle unit connector is covered, and an open position to allow connection with a cable connector. The locking element comprises a hook section, and the retaining element is configured to engage the hook section in a locking manner when the cover is in the open position and the cable connector is attached to the vehicle unit connector. Thus, by using a locking element contained in a cover with such a hook section, a locking arrangement with increased retention force can be efficiently obtained by means of the retaining element attached to the cable connector.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the retaining element is configured such that, in the open position when the cable connector is attached to the vehicle unit connector, the cover extends outside the interaction section of the retaining element, and the hook section extends towards the cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension of the interaction section in order to interact with the stop area of ​​the interaction section. Thus, because the cover section of the vehicle unit connector extends outside the interaction section of the retaining element and the hook section interacts with the stop area of ​​the retaining element, efficient prevention of the cable connector detaching in the direction opposite to the connection direction is achieved, resulting in increased retention force.The cable connector has a cylindrical structure with recessed sections. These recessed sections run in the direction of the cable connector's connection, with each recessed section providing a mounting point for the mounting element. By using the mounting points of the cable connector's recessed sections to secure or attach the mounting element, effective fastening is achieved using fasteners such as screw connectors. This allows for a high degree of resistance to efficiently hold the mounting element to the cable connector.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the fastening section of the respective recess section faces away from the connection opening of the cable connector. This directs the resistance force for holding the retaining element to the cable connector primarily in the connection direction of the cable connector, thus enabling an efficient locking arrangement by means of the retaining element. The retaining element is efficiently positioned in a way that allows for efficient interaction between the stop area of ​​the interaction section and the hook section of the locking element when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the interaction section of the retaining element is configured to extend between the recess sections, the retaining element further comprising fastening sections that project from the interaction section in such a way as to interact with the fastening section of the respective recess section. By arranging and configuring the retaining element in this manner, the resisting force for holding the retaining element on the cable connector by means of the fastening is directed primarily in the connection direction of the cable connector, thereby enabling the provision of an efficient locking arrangement by means of the retaining element.The retaining element is efficiently attached to enable efficient interaction between the stop area of ​​the interaction section and the hook section of the locking element when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the interaction section of the retaining element has a ridge structure extending in the connection direction of the cable connector. This allows for an even more robust design of the retaining element, with the interaction section extending over the cable connector, which has a cylindrical structure, thereby forming cover sections that slope towards the cable connector.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the retaining element is detachably attached to the cable connector.

[0028] In particular, one object of the invention is solved by an electrical connector unit comprising a locking arrangement as shown here.

[0029] In particular, one problem of the invention is solved by a vehicle comprising a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit, wherein the vehicle includes an electrical connector unit as shown herein. Description of the drawings

[0030] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description while reading it in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals in the various views refer to similar parts in which Fig. 1 schematically represents a side view of a vehicle comprising a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 schematically represents a side view of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 schematically represents a perspective view of a cable arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4a schematically represents an exploded view of a cable connector and a vehicle unit connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4b a perspective view of the cable connector and the vehicle unit connector from Fig. 4a, attached and locked by means of a locking arrangement, schematically represented according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5a schematically represents a top view of a retaining element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5b a side view of the mounting element made of Fig. 5a schematically represents one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6a a front view of the mounting element made of Fig. 5a schematically represents one embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 6b a perspective view of the mounting element made of Fig. 5a schematically represents one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0031] The term "cable assembly" refers to any suitable cable assembly for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. A "cable assembly" may refer to a cable assembly comprising a first cable connector at one end and a second cable connector at the opposite end with a cable in between, wherein one of the cable connectors is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a leading vehicle unit and the other cable connector is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of the trailing vehicle unit. A "cable assembly" may also refer to a cable assembly in which one end is permanently attached to a vehicle unit, e.g., a trailer, and the opposite end of the cable assembly comprises a cable connector that is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a vehicle unit, e.g., a trailer.can be attached to a leading vehicle unit, such as a tractor, car or the like.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a side view of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The example vehicle V is a heavy vehicle in the form of a truck. The example vehicle can be operated in any suitable way. The example vehicle can be powered by an internal combustion engine. The example vehicle can be an electrically powered vehicle.

[0034] The example vehicle could be a hybrid vehicle. The example vehicle could be an autonomous vehicle.

[0035] According to this embodiment, the vehicle V comprises a leading vehicle unit 1 and a trailing vehicle unit 2. According to this embodiment, the leading vehicle unit 1 is a tractor unit and the trailing vehicle unit 2 is a semi-trailer connected to the tractor unit.

[0036] The vehicle V includes an electrical connector unit A for electrically connecting the leading vehicle unit 1 with the trailing vehicle unit 2.

[0037] The vehicle according to this disclosure can be any suitable vehicle comprising a leading vehicle unit and one or more trailing vehicle units, wherein an electrical connector is provided for electrically connecting vehicle units. If the vehicle comprises more than one trailing vehicle unit, an electrical connector unit is provided for electrically connecting a trailing vehicle to an additional trailing vehicle. In this context, a trailing vehicle unit, e.g., a semi-trailer, can serve as the leading vehicle unit for an additional trailing vehicle unit, e.g., an additional trailer. The vehicle according to this disclosure can be any suitable vehicle in which one or more vehicle units require an electrical connection by means of an electrical connector unit.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 schematically represents a side view of an electrical connector unit A for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit 1 with a trailing vehicle unit 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The electrical connector unit A comprises a cable assembly C. The cable assembly C comprises a cable C1. The cable assembly C includes a first cable connector 20 at one end of the cable C1 and a second cable connector 30 at the opposite end of the cable C1.

[0040] The electrical connector unit A comprises a vehicle unit connector 40 of a leading vehicle unit 1. The vehicle unit connector 40 of the leading vehicle unit 1 is designed according to one aspect of the present disclosure to be fixedly arranged on the leading vehicle unit 1.

[0041] The electrical connector unit A comprises a vehicle unit connector 50 of a trailing vehicle unit 2. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailing vehicle unit 2 is designed to be fixedly arranged on the trailing vehicle unit 2.

[0042] One of the cable connectors 20, 30 can be detachably attached to the vehicle unit connector 40 of the leading vehicle unit 1 and the other of the cable connectors 30, 20 can be detachably attached to the vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailing vehicle unit 2.

[0043] Here, the first cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40 of the leading vehicle unit 1, and the second cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailing vehicle unit 2.

[0044] The electrical connection of the electrical connector unit A is secured by means of a locking arrangement 10, 46, 46a, 10, 56, 56a.

[0045] Here, the locking arrangement according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a retaining element 10 which is attached to the first cable connector 20. The retaining element 10 attached to the first cable connector 20 is designed such that the retaining element 10 interacts in a locking manner with a locking element 46, 46a of the vehicle unit connector 40 when the first cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40 of the leading vehicle unit 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking arrangement comprises a retaining element 10 attached to the second cable connector 30. The retaining element 10 attached to the second cable connector 30 is designed such that the retaining element 10 interacts in a locking manner with a locking element 56, 56a of the vehicle unit connector 50 when the second cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 50 of the trailing vehicle unit 2.

[0046] The locking arrangement and the retaining element 10 are described below with reference to Fig. 3, Fig. 4a-b, Fig. 5a-b and Fig. 6a-b described in more detail.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 schematically represents a perspective view of a cable arrangement C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Cable assembly C comprises a cable C1. Cable assembly C includes a first cable connector 20 at one end of cable C1 and a second cable connector 30 at the opposite end of cable C1.

[0049] A mounting element 10 is attached to the first cable connector 20. A mounting element 10 is attached to the second cable connector 30. The cable arrangement C according to the in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 comprises a first cable connector 20 at a first end of the cable assembly C. The cable assembly C according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3 comprises a first cable connector 20 at a first end of the cable assembly C. Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 further comprises a second cable connector 30 at a second end of the cable assembly C opposite the first end of the cable assembly C. The first cable connector 20 is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector arranged on a vehicle unit. The second cable connector 30 is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector arranged on a vehicle unit.

[0050] Fig. Figure 4a schematically shows an exploded view of a cable connector 20 and a vehicle unit connector 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A retaining element 10 is also shown in Fig. 4a shown. Fig. Figure 4b shows a perspective view of the cable connector 20 and the vehicle unit connector 40. Fig. 4a, attached and locked by means of a locking arrangement, is shown schematically according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] For example, in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, the cable connector 20 has a cylindrical structure. The cable connector 20 has a connecting section 22 with a connecting opening 22a for providing an electrical connection to a vehicle unit connector 40. The cable connector 20 thus has a connection direction that corresponds to the opening of the connecting section 22. The cylindrical cable connector 20 has an imaginary axis X1 with an axial extent that corresponds to the connection direction of the cable connector 20. The connection direction is therefore directed from the cable connector 20 along an axis running parallel to the imaginary axis X1 in the direction of the vehicle unit connector 40.

[0052] The cable connector 20 can have an intermediate body 23. The intermediate body 23 is connected to the connecting section 22.

[0053] The cable connector 20 comprises a pair of recessed sections 24, 25. The recessed sections 24, 25 are configured to extend in the connection direction of the cable connector 20. The recessed sections 24, 25 have an extent that is substantially parallel to the axial extent of the imaginary axis X1 of the cable connector 20. The recessed sections 24, 25 have a first recessed section 24 that extends along one side of the cable connector 20 and a second recessed section 25 that extends along the opposite side of the cable connector 20. According to this example, the pair of recessed sections 24, 25 is arranged in the intermediate body 23 of the cable connector 20.

[0054] The respective recess section 24, 25 is designed to provide a mounting section 24a, 25a for the mounting element 10. Thus, the first recess section 24 provides a first mounting section 24a, and the second recess section 25 provides a second mounting section 25a. The mounting section 24a, 25a of the respective recess section 24, 25 faces away from the connecting opening 22a of the cable connector. The mounting section 24a, 25a of the respective recess section includes an opening for receiving a screw connector for attaching the mounting element 10. Fig. 4a shows the opening O25 for the fastening section 25a of the second recess section 25.

[0055] The cable connector 20 has a cover 26 that is movable between a closed position, in which the connection opening 22a of the cable connector 20 is covered, and an open position to allow connection with a vehicle unit connector 40. The cover 26 is located in the illustration from, for example, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4a-b in the open position.

[0056] The cable connector 20 has an end section 27 that connects the cable C1, see Fig. 3.

[0057] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second cable connector 30 has the same design as the first cable connector 20. Thus, the second cable connector has a cylindrical structure. The second cable connector 30 has a connecting section 32 with a connecting opening 32a for providing an electrical connection to a vehicle unit connector 50. The cable connector 30 comprises a pair of recessed sections 34, 35, which provide mounting sections 34a, 35a. The cable connector 30 has a cover 36 that is movable between a closed position, in which a connecting opening of the cable connector 30 is covered, and an open position to allow connection to a vehicle unit connector 50.

[0058] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, the vehicle unit connector 40 has a cylindrical structure. The vehicle unit connector 40 has a base body with a cylindrical structure. The vehicle unit connector 40 has a connecting section 42 with a connecting opening 42a for providing an electrical connection to a cable connector 20. The vehicle unit connector 40 thus has a connection direction that corresponds to the opening of the connecting section 42. The vehicle unit connector 40 with the cylindrical structure has an imaginary axis X2 with an axial extent that corresponds to the connection direction of the vehicle unit connector 40.

[0059] The vehicle unit connector 40 has an end section 44 for transferring the electrical connection to the vehicle unit.

[0060] The connecting section 42 and the end section 44 form the main body of the vehicle unit connector 40.

[0061] The vehicle unit connector 40 has a locking element 46 in the form of a cover 46, which is movable between a closed position, in which the connecting opening 42a of the vehicle unit connector 40 is covered, and an open position to allow connection with a cable connector 20. In the illustration from, for example, 4a-b, the cover 46 is in the open position. The cover 46 can include a connecting arrangement 46b for moving the cover between the open and closed positions about an axis Y. The cover 46 includes a support section 46c for supporting the connecting arrangement 46b. The support section 46c of the cover 46 is arranged around the main body of the vehicle unit connector 40.

[0062] The locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector is thus contained in the cover 46. The locking element 46 comprises a hook section 46a. The retaining element 10 is configured to engage in a locking manner with the hook section 46a when the cover 46 is in the open position and the cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40, see e.g. Fig. 4b.

[0063] The hook section 46a extends essentially perpendicular to the extent of the cover 46, so that in the closed position it points towards the vehicle unit connector 40. The hook section 46a has a transverse extent. The hook section 46a has an outer surface 46a-1, which provides an outer surface that, in the open position of the cover 46, faces away from the connecting opening 42a. The hook section 46a has an inner surface 46a-2, which is opposite the outer surface 46a-1, with the inner surface 46a-2 providing an outer surface that, in the open position of the cover 46, faces the connecting opening 42a.

[0064] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element 10, as shown in Fig. 4b is shown, such that the cover 46, in the open position when the cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40, extends outside the interaction section 12 of the retaining element 10. When the cover 46 extends outside the interaction section 12 of the retaining element 10, the hook section 46a is configured to extend towards the cable connector 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extent of the interaction section 12, in order to interact with the stop area 12d of the interaction section 12. The stop area 12d is described below with reference to, for example, Fig. 6b is described in more detail.

[0065] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the second vehicle unit connector 50 has the same design as the first vehicle unit connector 40. Thus, the second vehicle unit connector 50 has a cylindrical structure. The second vehicle unit connector 50 has a connecting section with a connecting opening for providing an electrical connection to a vehicle unit connector 50. The second vehicle unit connector 50 has a locking element 56 in the form of a cover 56, which is movable between a closed position, in which the connecting opening of the vehicle unit connector 50 is covered, and an open position to allow a connection to a cable connector 30. The locking element 56 comprises a hook section 56a.The retaining element is designed to lock together with the hook section 56a when the cover 56 is in the open position and the cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 50, see . Fig. 2. According to one aspect of the present revelation, as in Fig. 2 shown, the retaining element 10 is arranged such that the cover 56, in the open position when the cable connector 30 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 50, extends outside the retaining element 10.

[0066] Fig. Figure 5a schematically represents a top view of a retaining element 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5b shows a side view of the mounting element 10. Fig. 5a schematically represents, Fig. Figure 6a shows a front view of the mounting element 10. Fig. 5a schematically represents and Fig. Figure 6b shows a perspective view of the mounting element 10. Fig. 5a schematically represents.

[0067] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element 10 may have a sheet metal structure.

[0068] The mounting element 10 has an outer surface 10a, see e.g. Fig. 5b. The outer surface 10a of the mounting element 10 provides an outer surface. The outer surface 10a of the mounting element 10 is configured to face away from a cable connector. The outer surface 10a of the mounting element 10 is configured to face away from a cable connector when it is attached to a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0069] The retaining element 10 has an inner side 10b opposite the outer side 10a, see e.g. Fig. 5b. The inner surface 10b of the mounting element 10 provides an inner surface. The inner surface 10b of the mounting element 10 is designed to face a cable connector. The inner surface 10b of the mounting element 10 is designed to face a cable connector when it is attached to a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0070] The mounting element 10 has a front face 10c, see e.g. Fig. 5a-b. The front face 10c of the retaining element 10 is designed to point towards a connector opening of a cable connector when it is attached to a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0071] The mounting element 10 has a back side 10d which is opposite the front side 10c, see e.g. Fig. 5a-b. The rear side 10d of the retaining element 10 is designed to face away from the connector opening of a cable connector when it is attached to a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0072] The retaining element 10 has a first long side 10e which is designed to extend from the rear 10d towards the front 10c, see Fig. 5a.

[0073] The retaining element 10 has a second long side 10f opposite the first long side 10e, which is arranged to run from the rear 10d towards the front 10c, see Fig. 5a.

[0074] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element 10 comprises an interaction section 12. The interaction section 12 may have a longitudinal extension. The interaction section 12 may have a flat configuration. The interaction section 12 may have a sheet or plate structure configured to extend along the connection direction of a cable connector when attached to the cable connector. The interaction section 12 may comprise the rear side 10d of the retaining element 10. The interaction section 12 may comprise the opposite long sides 10e and 10f of the retaining element 10. The interaction section 12 may be arranged to extend along a connection direction of the cable connector, see, for example, Fig. 3. The interaction section 12 can be arranged such that it runs along the longitudinal extent of the cable connector. The interaction section 12 can be arranged such that it runs in a direction parallel to an axial extent of an imaginary axis X1 of the cable connector 20 with a cylindrical design, see Fig. 4a.

[0075] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the interaction section 12 of the retaining element 10 has a first structure R, see e.g. Fig. 6a-b. The ridge structure R of the interaction section 12 can extend along the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12f. The ridge structure R of the interaction section 12 can form a central section that runs between the longitudinal sides 10e and 10f. The ridge structure R can divide the interaction section 12 into a first cover section 12a and a second cover section 12b. The first cover section 12a and the second cover section 12b can have an outer surface 10a and an inner surface 10b. The first cover section 12a has an outer surface 12a-1 corresponding to the outer surface 10a and an opposite inner surface 12a-2 corresponding to the inner surface 10b. The second cover section 12b has an outer surface 12b-1 corresponding to the outer surface 10a and an opposite inner surface 12b-2 corresponding to the inner surface 10b. Fig. 6a.

[0076] The cover sections 12a and 12b of the ridge structure R can have a specific inclination relative to each other. Specifically, the inside surface 12a-2 of the first cover section 12a is inclined towards the inside surface 12b-2 of the second cover section 12b-2. The first cover section 12a can have an inclination at an angle α1 relative to a straight plane, and the second cover section 12b can have an inclination at an angle α2 relative to the straight plane. The angle α1 can be equal to the angle α2 (see figure). Fig. 6a.

[0077] The first long side 10e of the mounting element 10 provides the long side of the first cover section 12a. The second long side 10f of the mounting element 10 provides the long side of the second cover section 12b.

[0078] The first structure R with the inclined cover section 12a, 12b of the interaction section 12 provides a shape that is designed to run along the connection direction of a cable connector with an essentially cylindrical structure, see e.g. Fig. 3. The ridge structure R with the inclined cover section 12a, 12b of the interaction section 12 can form a roof that is set up to run along a cable connector.

[0079] The interaction section 12 has a stop area 12d which is configured to face away from a connector opening of a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3. The stop area 12d corresponds essentially to the rear side 10d of the mounting element 10 or at least to a section of the rear side 10d. The stop area 12d extends essentially transversely to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12.

[0080] If the interaction section has a first structure R, the stop area 12d can correspond to the back of the interaction section 12. The stop area 12d has a first stop 12d-1, which corresponds to the back side 12d-1 of the first cover section 12a. The stop area 12d has a second stop 12d-2, which corresponds to the back side 12d-2 of the second cover section 12b.

[0081] The stop area 12d is designed to provide a stop for a locking element of a vehicle unit connector in order to prevent the cable connector from detaching in the direction opposite to the connection direction, see e.g. Fig. 4b.

[0082] According to one aspect of the present revelation, as in Fig. As shown in 4b, the stop area 12d of the retaining element 10 is designed to engage in a locking manner with the hook section 46a of the locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector 40 when the cover 46 is in the open position and the cable connector 20 is attached to the vehicle unit connector 40.

[0083] The stop area 12d is designed to provide a stop for the hook section 46a of the locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector 40 in order to prevent the cable connector from detaching in the direction opposite to the connection direction, see e.g. Fig. 4b. The stop area 12d is designed to interact with the inside 46a-2 of the hook section 46a of the locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector to prevent accidental cable connector separation.

[0084] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the stop area 12d of the interaction section 12 is arranged such that it runs along a substantial part of a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0085] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the stop area 12d of the interaction section 12 is arranged such that it runs along a substantial part of a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting element 10 further comprises a wing element 14 arranged in the front section of the mounting element 10. The wing element 14 comprises fastening sections 14a, 14b projecting from the interaction section 12. The mounting element 10 thus has fastening sections 14a, 14b projecting from the interaction section 12. The wing element 14 can also be referred to as a fastening element 14.

[0087] The wing element 14 comprises a first fastening section 14a, which is configured to project from the first cover section 12a of the interaction section 12f. The first fastening section 14a is configured to project from the long side 10e in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12f. The first fastening section 14a has an extension section 14a-1, which extends in a direction corresponding to the direction of extension of the first cover section 12a of the interaction section. The first fastening section 14a has a connecting section 14a-2, which extends in a direction, e.g., from the underside, substantially perpendicular to the extent of the extension section 14a-1.The connecting section 14a-2 is designed such that it extends in a direction towards a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector when the retaining element 10 is attached to the cable connector, see e.g. . Fig. 3. The connecting section 14a-2 has an opening O1, i.e. a through hole, for receiving a bolt connector for attaching the retaining element 10 to a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3. The opening O1 is designed such that it extends in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12. The opening O1 is designed such that it extends along a connection direction of the cable connector when the retaining element 10 is attached to the cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0088] The wing element 14 comprises a second fastening section 14b, which is configured to project from the second cover section 12b of the interaction section 12f. The second fastening section 14b projects from the long side 10e in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12f. The second fastening section 14b has an extension section 14b-1, which extends in a direction corresponding to the direction of extension of the second cover section 12b of the interaction section. The second fastening section 14b has a connecting section 14b-2, which extends in a direction, e.g., from the underside, substantially perpendicular to the extent of extension section 14b-1.The connecting section 14b-2 is designed such that it extends in a direction towards a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector when the retaining element 10 is attached to the cable connector, see e.g. . Fig. 3. The connecting section 14b-2 has an opening O2, i.e. a through hole, for receiving a bolt connector for attaching the retaining element 10 to a cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3. The opening O2 is designed to extend in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12. The opening O2 is designed to extend along a connection direction of the cable connector when the retaining element 10 is attached to the cable connector, see e.g. Fig. 3.

[0089] The fastening sections 14a, 14b are designed to protrude from the interaction section 12 in order to connect with the fastening section 24a, 25a of the respective recess section 24, 25 as shown in Fig. 3 shown to interact. The first fastening section 14a of the mounting element 10 is designed to be attached to the fastening section 24a of the first recess section 24 of the cable connector 20, see Fig. 3. The second fastening section 14b of the mounting element 10 is designed to be attached to the fastening section 25a of the second recess section 25 of the cable connector 20, see Fig. 3.

[0090] The connecting section 14a-2 of the first fastening section 14a is designed to be attached to the fastening section 24a of the first recess section 24 via the opening of the fastening section 24a by means of a connecting element, e.g., a screw connector. The connecting section 14b-2 of the second fastening section 14b is designed to be attached to the fastening section 25a of the second recess section 25 via the opening O25 of the fastening section 25a by means of a connecting element J2, e.g., a screw connector, see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4a-b.

[0091] Thus, by attaching the retaining element 10 to the fastening section 24a, 25a of the respective recess section 24, 25 via connecting elements using the fastening sections 14a, 14b, the resistance force for holding the retaining element 10 on the cable connector 20 by means of the fastening is mainly directed in the connection direction of the cable connector 20, see e.g. Fig. 3. Thus, the retaining element 10 is effectively attached to enable effective interaction between the stop area 12d of the interaction section 12 and the hook section 46a of the locking element 46 when the cable connector 20 is attached to a vehicle unit connector 40, see Fig. 4b.

[0092] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in 4a, the interaction section 12 of the retaining element 10 is configured to run between the recess sections 24, 25, with the fastening sections 14a, 14b projecting from the interaction section 12 to interact with the fastening section 24a, 25a of the respective recess section 24, 25.

[0093] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the retaining element 10 is made of metal, e.g., sheet metal. For example, in Fig. 5a-b, Fig. The mounting element 10 shown in 6a-b has a design that is configured to be attached to cable connectors of certain VG standards, e.g. 12P trailer connectors for military vehicles, such as VG 96923.

[0094] By providing a locking arrangement with a retaining element 10 attached to a cable connector, such as in Fig. 5a-b, Fig. As set out in 6a-b, a cable connector 20 is provided which is configured to meet the conditions of ISO 4091:2003 section 5.6 relating to requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection. By providing a locking arrangement with a retaining element 10 such as in Fig. 5a-b, Fig. As described in 6a-b, a cable connector 20 with a retaining element 10 is provided, which has the strength to meet the conditions according to ISO 4091:2003 section 5.6 in connection with requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection. Thus, by meeting the conditions of ISO 4091:2003 section 5.6, a vehicle can be obtained with an ADR certificate. ADR 2017 supplements the ISO 4091:2003 section 5.6 requirement "locking device and cable retention force" for the trailer connection. Therefore, by providing a locking arrangement that meets ISO 4091:2003 section 5.6, an ADR-certified truck can be obtained.

[0095] Furthermore, with reference to, for example, Fig. 3, Fig. 4a-b, Fig. 5a-b and Fig.6a-b describes a retaining element 10 which has a specific shape and is designed to be attached to a cable connector 20, 30 according to a specific embodiment.

[0096] The retaining element according to this disclosure can have any suitable shape to provide the desired holding force in order to meet an additional requirement regarding accidental trailing cable disconnection. The retaining element according to this disclosure can have any suitable fastening arrangement for attachment to a cable connector to provide the desired holding force in order to meet the added requirement regarding accidental trailing cable disconnection. Alternatively, the fastening of the retaining element to a cable connector can be achieved by one or more connecting elements, such as screw connectors, which are attached in a direction different from the connection direction of the cable connector, e.g., perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0097] The above description of preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the forms explicitly disclosed. Many modifications and variations are obvious to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been selected and described to best explain the fundamentals of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling other persons skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments and with the various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

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