Detachable plug connection with angled cable exit

Abstract

The invention relates to a detachable plug connection with an angled cable exit, comprising a cable socket housing designed as a plug connector, with a contact socket received inside it, and a flange designed as a mating connector, with a plug contact pin received inside it, wherein the contact socket and the plug contact pin form a common plug direction center axis MM, and a CPA slider, lockable in a locking position for securing the position of the cable socket housing and the flange in the fully assembled plug connection, wherein the CPA slider is coupled to the cable socket housing as a separate component and is linearly displaceable on the outside adjacent to the angle area W, wherein the plane of linear movement of the CPA slider is orthogonal to the plug direction center axis MM of the contact socket and the plug contact pin.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a detachable plug connection with an angled cable outlet, comprising a cable socket housing designed as a plug connector, with a contact socket accommodated in the interior thereof and a flange designed as a plug connector mating plug, with a plug contact pin accommodated in the interior thereof, wherein the contact socket and the plug contact pin form a common plug direction center axis MM, and a CPA slider, which can be latched in a blocking position for securing the position of the cable socket housing and the flange in the fully plugged-together plug connection.

[0002] Plug connectors, contacting elements, pole connectors, receptacles, etc., in a wide variety of designs and variants are used to make contact or create detachable, electrically conductive connections. Contact systems based on prismatic geometries for accommodating one or more contact pins have been developed for this purpose.

[0003] Electrically conductive connectors are often implemented with one or more plug contact pins and, in addition to reliable, detachable and durable contact, must also be protected against unintentional disconnection or disconnection caused by axial tensile loads.

[0004] From the documents WO 2012 / 156486 A1, EP 2 790 273 A1, DE 10 2020 204 060 A1 and DE 10 2020 132 994 A1, connector arrangements with a locking mechanism for securing the plug connection are known.

[0005] In the prior art, screw locks are often used as primary locking devices for circular connectors. These locking devices are usually permanently attached to the respective connectors and are supplemented by secondary locking devices to prevent accidental disconnection. In the prior art, locking devices are typically used as spring-like arrangements that engage with corresponding openings or catches, thereby locking two parts of a circular connector.

[0006] Circular connectors are also known, in which the plug connection is established via so-called bayonet locks. An alternative type of lock is a twist lock, which, similar to a bayonet lock, is attached to the plug connections in such a way that the connector pair is secured to a locking thread by means of a locking screw. Integrated or separate primary locking devices can also be used, which can be supplemented by secondary locking devices.

[0007] Locks are particularly problematic when the lock must be prevented from being accidentally or improperly released and / or from being pulled out while live. In the latter case, arcs can ignite, especially in high-voltage areas, which pose safety risks and can be life-threatening.

[0008] In dynamic applications and when machines are subject to vibration, the problem can also arise that connector locks can become loose over time as a result of these mechanical vibrations and the connector is no longer reliably connected to the mating connector.

[0009] A known connector solution with primary and secondary locking is presented in DE 10 2013 112 103 A1. A plug of this connector comprises an inner assembly, an outer sleeve that is displaceably mounted relative to the inner assembly and at least partially encloses the inner assembly, and first locking means for locking the plug to an associated connector part when the plug is plugged onto the connector part. The locking can be released by displacing the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly.

[0010] Such connectors, consisting of a plug and a connector part, are known as push-pull connectors. This name is derived from their function. They can be closed by simply pushing the plug onto the connector part in one insertion direction ("push"). The connector part can be a socket or a second plug. When plugged in, the locking means of the plug and the connector part are locked together, ensuring that the connector cannot be released by pulling on a cable connected to the plug, for example. To release the connection, the outer sleeve of the plug is pulled in the opposite direction to the insertion direction ("pull"). This creates a relative movement between the outer sleeve and the inner assembly of the plug, which unlocks the locking means.If the outer sleeve is pulled further in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the plug is released from the connector. Push-pull connectors are particularly suitable for cable outlets with an angle of less than 180 degrees, meaning the cables exiting the connector elements extend axially aligned with each other.

[0011] With other types of connectors, an additional action must be performed to lock or unlock. Such an action could be, for example, lifting or pressing down a locking hook or an additional rotational movement of the outer sleeve, as is common with so-called bayonet connectors.

[0012] A disadvantage is that the connector can be accidentally released due to the simple unlocking process by pulling on the outer sleeve. Another disadvantage of the known push-pull connectors is that anyone with access to the connector can remove such a connector without any additional tools. Accidental, arbitrary, or unauthorized release cannot be prevented with the known convenient push-pull connectors.

[0013] In addition to the installation space, push-pull connectors also require handling and operating space for the actuation of the push-pull mechanism and its actuation travel, so that applications of the push-pull principle on connectors with an angled outlet (for example, a 90-degree cable outlet) are unfavorable or not possible at all.

[0014] DE 10 2019 132 391 B4 presents a secondary locking solution in the form of a CPA element (CPA = Connector Position Assurance) for connectors with angled outlets, comprising a secondary locking device in a push-button-like, mushroom-shaped configuration with a snap or ring snap connection that extends at least partially around the periphery. The snap connection in the push-head-like secondary locking device is designed such that two end positions can be assumed in the form of two clear switching positions: unlocked or locked.The snap-in geometry with a substantially force-locking connection exhibits self-guiding and / or self-centering properties in that the snap elements, at least in some areas, circumferentially form a partially arcuate or radially shaped rear engagement with their contact surfaces, allowing force-dependent displacements relative to one another. The movement kinematics of this secondary locking mechanism for locking or unlocking follow a linear path largely parallel to the axis of the electrically conductive connector contacts.

[0015] DE 10 2021 122 636 A1 introduces an integrated combination of primary and secondary locking for connectors with a 90-degree angled outlet. This connector with a 90-degree outlet features a one-piece connector housing with integrated primary locking and a seal retainer with an integrated secondary locking.

[0016] DE 10 2020 120 628 B4 shows a secondary locking mechanism designed as a separate component in the form of a CPA blade that interacts with a housing lock of plug connections with a 90-degree angled outlet. The movement kinematics of the CPA blade for secondary locking or unlocking follow a linear path largely parallel to the axis of the plugging direction of the electrically conductive connector contacts. To release the CPA blade and move it out of its secondary locking position, the locking mechanism must be deflected out of its locked position, which occurs through a movement path essentially radial to the plugging direction of the electrically conductive connector contacts. The locking mechanism is flanged to the outside of the plug contact housing, thereby increasing the installation space required.

[0017] Depending on the installation situation of the connectors with angled cable outlet, difficult access conditions may exist for handling, especially for mating and primary and secondary locking of such connectors or cable sockets. This may result in the implementation of the mating and / or locking kinematics only being possible to a limited extent or not at all. Common locking solutions are based on screw connections with rotary locking kinematics or locking levers with pivoting kinematics. Slide-based locking devices with linear locking kinematics are also used, which often have locking hooks or rear grips. With this design, the installation space requirements are often particularly high due to the locking and unlocking kinematics, as well as the accessibility for operating the locking mechanism.

[0018] The object of the invention is to provide a locking solution for securing the position of cable boxes with angled cable outlet, which at least partially reduces the existing disadvantages of known locking devices and reduces the space required for the locking and unlocking movement of the locking device while at the same time improving accessibility.

[0019] To achieve this object, the invention provides a detachable plug connection having the features of patent claim 1. The plug contact partners, consisting of a contact socket arrangement within the cable socket housing and a plug contact pin within a flange, form a plug direction, to whose center axis the plane of the linear displacement direction of the CPA slider runs orthogonally.

[0020] By positioning the linear guide of the cable socket housing for the CPA slider on the outside of the cable socket housing's offset to create the angled cable outlet, the locking mechanism according to the invention is arranged to the rear of the mating direction of the contact partners and is thus mounted "from above," i.e., on the outside adjacent to the angled area of ​​the cable socket housing. The linear guide and the CPA slider are designed such that, in addition to the locked position, a pre-locking position can also be assumed by the CPA slider.

[0021] The invention enables the position locking of the cable socket with angled cable outlet to be locked or released via a CPA slide with an actuating device. According to the invention, the actuating device is a push button whose movement kinematics for locking and releasing are linear and / or pivoting and are largely aligned axially parallel to the plug-in direction axis of the contact partners. This means that the largely linear movement kinematics of the CPA slide are orthogonal to the linear movement kinematics of the plug connection and the actuating movement. The CPA slide is linearly guided in a linear guide on the outside adjacent to the angled area of ​​the cable socket housing, allowing actuation for locking and unlocking "from above."

[0022] The CPA slider features a locking mechanism, which is also actuated from above. The CPA slider also provides additional locking in the counterpart. If the CPA slider is incorrectly actuated—i.e., if the CPA slider is in the locked position within the linear guide before the connectors or plug contact partners are mated—the complete mating of the connector is prevented.

[0023] The locking mechanism of the CPA slider is formed by at least one tab, which interacts with at least one assigned and corresponding recess in the cable socket housing and can be inserted into it. Additionally, a latching mechanism is provided, consisting of at least one locking pocket in the cable socket housing and at least one locking lug on the CPA slider. Functionally, the latching mechanism is intended to lock the CPA slider in the locked position; the tab-recess combination blocks the locking of the plug connection, preventing it from moving out of the mated position. Furthermore, the tab-recess combination implements a quasi-positional query of the position of the plug connection partners relative to each other in the correct plug connection end position, since the CPA slider can only be moved into the locked position when the plug connection is correctly mated.As a result, the screw connection usually used in detachable angle plug connections for securing the position can be replaced by the locking system proposed by the invention.

[0024] A TPA element (TPA = Terminal Position Assurance) is provided inside the cable receptacle housing to ensure contact position. The insertion direction of the sleeve-like TPA element is congruent with the mating direction of the plug connection. The guidance of the TPA element within the cable receptacle housing and the TPA element are designed such that, in addition to the contact position assurance position (end position of the TPA element in the cable receptacle housing), the TPA element can also assume a pre-locking position. Both the pre-locking position of the CPA slide and the pre-locking position of the TPA element serve to provide an assembly consisting of at least the cable receptacle housing, CPA slide, and TPA element before and for the final assembly of the plug connection with angled cable outlet.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the figures. In the figures: Fig. 1 a 3D exploded view of the connector with angled cable outlet and locking mechanism to secure the position of the cable socket; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the assembled and plugged-together plug connection with angled cable outlet and locking mechanism to secure the position of the cable socket; Fig. 3 a three-dimensional exploded view of the cable box housing with angled cable outlet and the CPA slide and TPA element; Fig. 4 a top view (upper view) and a sectional side view (lower view) of the cable socket housing with the TPA element pre-assembled in the pre-locking position; Fig. 5 a side view (upper view) and a top view (lower view) of the cable socket housing with CPA slider in the pre-locking position (pre-locking position); Fig. 6 a sectional side view (upper view) and a top view (lower view) of the cable socket housing with mounted contact socket arrangement, CPA slide and TPA element; Fig. 7 spatial representations of the cable socket housing with CPA slider in the pre-locking position (pre-locking position) and TPA element in the pre-locking position; Fig. 8 a side view of the cable socket housing with flange before mating the plug connection with angled cable outlet (upper illustration) and a side view of the mated and locked plug connection (lower illustration); Fig. 9 Two perspective views of the CPA slider.

[0026] Fig. 1 includes a 3D exploded view of the plug connection with angled cable outlet 1 and locking mechanism for securing the position of the cable socket. The plug connection with angled cable outlet 1 is designed as a plug connector and a mutually detachable plug connector mating connector. The plug connector of this exemplary embodiment is formed by a cable socket housing 30 with a contact socket arrangement 40 accommodated within it. The plug connector mating connector of this exemplary embodiment is realized by a flange 50 with a plug contact pin 51. The contact partners, consisting of the contact socket 41 of the contact socket arrangement 40 and the plug contact pin 51, have a common plug-direction center axis MM (not shown here), along which they are plugged together or pulled apart by a linear plugging movement.This embodiment of the plug connection with angled cable outlet 1 is realized by a 90-degree cable outlet angle, i.e. the cable center line and the plug direction center axis MM are at an angle of 90 degrees to each other.

[0027] The exemplary contact socket assembly 40 has a contact socket 41, which is inserted into a welding contact tab 42. The core of the cable 43 is electrically conductively secured to the welding contact tab 42. The assembly can be supplemented by a seal 44 and a two-part cable cover 45.

[0028] In addition to the contact socket arrangement 40, the cable socket housing 30 accommodates a TPA element 20 (not shown in the drawing here) in its interior.

[0029] As a locking device for securing the position, the invention provides a CPA slider 10 that is linearly movable and coupled externally to the cable socket housing 30. The CPA slider 10 is linearly movable at least between a pre-locking position and a locking position, wherein the plane of the linear movement of the CPA slider 10 lies orthogonal to the plug-in direction center axis MM of the plug contact partners, contact socket 41 and plug contact pin 51. The CPA slider 10 is positioned externally on the cable socket housing offset of the cable socket housing 30 and rearwardly of the plug-in direction of the plug contact partners 41, 51 and is thus attached "from above," i.e., externally adjacent to the angular range W (a 90-degree angle is realized in the illustrated embodiment) of the cable socket housing 30.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the assembled and mated connector with angled cable outlet 1 (here in a 90-degree angled outlet variant) and locking for position securing, formed by a CPA slider 10 for the cable socket housing 30. The CPA slider 10 is in its locked position. A push button 13 is integrated on the outside of the CPA slider 10, which has an actuation direction parallel to the plug-in direction center axis MM. If the push button 13 is actuated and held in the locked position of the CPA slide 10, then the locking of the linear movement of the CPA slide 10, consisting of at least one locking lug 14 of the CPA slide 10 and at least one locking pocket 33 of the cable socket housing 30, is released (unlocked) and the CPA slide 10 can be moved from the locked position into a pre-locking position.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the cable socket housing 30 with angled cable outlet and the CPA slide 10 and TPA element 20.

[0032] The TPA element 20 has a sleeve-like, profiled shape and is designed in such a way that its outer dimensions allow it to be inserted into the interior of the cable socket housing 30. It can be releasably secured there by a latching mechanism in a pre-latched position and a locked position. The TPA element 20 (TPA = Terminal Position Assurance) enables contact position assurance by additionally locking the contact socket 41 in the cable socket housing 30.

[0033] The cable socket housing 30 of this exemplary embodiment has a linear guide 31 consisting of two guide grooves, which interact with two linear runners 11 of the CPA slide 10 such that the CPA slide 10 is linearly displaceable in a plane orthogonal to the extension direction of the plug-in direction center axis MM. The linear guide 31 of the cable socket housing 30, and thus the relative positioning of the linearly displaceable CPA slide 10, is arranged on the outside of the cable socket housing 30 on a side facing away from the plug-in direction, so that the CPA slide 10 is accessible and displaceable from the direction of the plug-in direction center axis MM even when the plug connection is plugged together, and the push button 13 can be actuated.

[0034] For locking in a pre-locking position and / or in the locking position of the CPA slide 10, the contact socket housing 30 has at least one locking pocket 33 which interacts with at least one locking lug 14 of the CPA slide 10 in a releasably locking manner and can be unlocked by actuating the push button 13.

[0035] At least one tab 15 is provided on the front side of the CPA slide 10 in the direction of movement into the locked position of the CPA slide 10, which tab 15 moves into a recess 53 of the flange 50 when the plug connection is correctly mated. If the plug connection is not correctly mated with its plug contact partners 41, 51, i.e., outside of its mating end position, the at least one tab 15 cannot move into the assigned and corresponding recess 53. In this way, two additional functional effects are achieved: The CPA slide 10 locks the plug connection in the mating position independently of the locking mechanism 32 of the cable socket housing 30 with the flange 50 and ensures that the CPA slide 10 can only be linearly displaced into the locked position end position when the plug connection partners 30, 50 are correctly mated.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a top view (upper view) and a sectional side view (lower view) of the cable socket housing 30 with the TPA element 20 pre-assembled in the pre-locking position. In the pre-locking position, the TPA element 20 supports the assembly of the contact socket arrangement 40 and in particular the contact element designed as a contact socket 41. Combining the cable socket housing 30 and the TPA element 20 in the pre-locking position is also advantageous in that a pre-assembled unit can be created before the assembly of the other components, which enables simplified final assembly.

[0037] Fig. 5 includes a side view (upper view) and a top view (lower view) of the cable socket housing 30 with the CPA slide 10 in the pre-locking position (pre-locking position). The arrow sketched in the side view and the circled arrow applied to the CPA slide 10 (top view) indicate the linear displacement direction into the locked position. The arrow applied to the push button 13 points in the opposite direction and thus the linear displacement direction of the CPA slide 10 out of the locked position. To enable this direction of movement, the locking mechanism 14, 33 of the CPA slide 10 must first be unlocked by pressing the push button 13, whereby the push button 13 has an actuation direction parallel to the plug-in direction center axis MM. At least at the beginning of the linear displacement of the CPA slide 10 out of the locked position, the push button 13 must be actuated.

[0038] Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional side view (upper view) and a top view (lower view) of the cable socket housing 30 in the 90-degree cable outlet angle variant with mounted contact socket assembly 40, CPA slider 10, and TPA element 20. During assembly, the TPA element 20 is first inserted into the cable socket housing 30 and locked in the pre-locking position. Subsequently, the contact socket assembly 40, consisting essentially of contact socket 41, welding contact tab 42, cable 43, seal 44, and cable cover 45, is mounted. The TPA element 20 is then locked. The CPA slider 10 is mounted or positioned in the pre-locking position (pre-locking position) until the plug connection 30, 50 is fully mated.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7 shows three-dimensional representations of the cable socket housing 30 with the CPA slider 10 in the pre-locking position (pre-locking position) and the TPA element 20 in the pre-locking position. By combining the cable socket housing 30 with the CPA slider 10 and the TPA element 20 in the manner shown, an assembly is particularly advantageously formed that simplifies the subsequent assembly steps of inserting the contact socket assembly 40 and mating it with the flange, and reduces the number of individual parts in these last two assembly steps.

[0040] Fig. 8 outlines a side view of the cable socket housing 30 with flange 50 before plugging together the plug connection with angled cable outlet 1 (upper illustration) as well as a side view of the plugged together and locked plug connection (lower illustration).

[0041] In the upper illustration of Fig. 8, the plug connection is not yet mated, and the CPA slider 10 is in the pre-locking position (pre-locking position). At least one tab 15 of the CPA slider 10 is in a position in front of the engagement space. The TPA element 20 is inserted into the cable socket housing 30 and locked in the locking position by a latch. The contact socket assembly 40 is mounted inside the cable socket housing 30.

[0042] In the lower illustration of Fig. 8, the plug connection is fully mated and is in the mating end position. The CPA slider 10 is in the locked position, in which at least one tab 15 engages in the associated recess 53 of the flange 50 and thus locks the plug connection partners 30, 50 against being pulled apart in addition to the locking mechanism 32, 52. In addition, the projection 12 in the locked position of the CPA slider 10 blocks the deflection of the locking hook 32 of the cable socket housing 30, so that the CPA slider 10 prevents the locking mechanism 32, 52 between the cable socket housing 30 and the flange 50 from being released.

[0043] Fig.9 includes two perspective views of the CPA slider 10. The cross-sectional profile of the CPA slider 10 is similar to a U-shape, with the open ends of the U-shape being implemented as linear runners 11. The linear runners 11 interact with linear guides 31 of the cable socket housing 30 and enable linear displacement of the CPA slider 10 at least between a locked position and a pre-locked position. The linear displacement direction lies in a plane orthogonal to the plug-in direction center axis MM.

[0044] At least one locking lug 14 for locking the CPA slide 10 in the locked position interacts with the push button 13, so that when the push button 13 is actuated in an actuation direction parallel to the plug-in direction center axis MM, the locking position locking of the CPA slide 10 is released and the CPA slide 10 can be moved linearly out of the locked position in the direction of the arrow shown on the top of the push button 13. The push button 13 is pivotally mounted on the CPA slide 10, whereby the pivoting path is comparatively short and the actuation movement of the push button 13 is thus linear.

[0045] On the top side of the CPA slide 10 there is an arrow marking with a circle enclosing it, which is aligned opposite to the arrow marking on the push button 13 and shows the linear direction of movement into the locking position starting from a pre-locking position.

[0046] The at least one tab 15 is formed here by two tabs 15 as components of each linear runner 11, such that the tabs 15 project in the direction of the locking position at the ends of the linear runners 11. A projection 12 also extends in the locking position direction, which, in the locking position of the CPA slide 10, blocks the deflection of the locking hook 32 of the cable socket housing 30 and thus prevents the plug connection partners 30, 50 from being pulled apart. Reference symbol 1 plug connection with angled cable outlet 10 CPA sliders 11 Linear runner 12 lead 13 Push button (actuation direction) 14 locking lug 15 tab 20 TPA element 30 cable socket housings 31 Linear guide (of the CPA slide) 32 locking hooks 33 Rest pocket 40 contact socket arrangement 41 contact socket 42 Welding contact tab 43 cables 44 Seal 45 cable cover 50 flange 51 plug contact pin 52 locking hooks 53 Recess MM plug-in direction center axis W Angle range of the cable socket housing

Claims

[1] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1), comprising a cable socket housing (30) designed as a plug connector, with a contact socket (41) accommodated in the interior thereof and a flange (50) designed as a plug connector mating connector, with a plug contact pin (51) accommodated in the interior thereof, wherein the contact socket (41) and the plug contact pin (51) form a common plug direction center axis MM, and a CPA slider (10) which can be latched in a blocking position for securing the position of the cable socket housing (30) and the flange (50) in the fully plugged-together plug connection, wherein the CPA slider (10) is coupled as a separate component and linearly displaceable on the outside adjacent to the angular range W to the cable socket housing (30), wherein the plane of the linear movement of the CPA slider (10) is orthogonal to the plug direction center axis MM of the contact socket (41) and the plug contact pin (51) lies, characterized bythat the CPA slide (10) has at least one locking lug (14) for locking the CPA slide (10) in the locked position and the CPA slide (10) has a push button (13) which interacts with the at least one locking lug (14) so that when the push button (13) is actuated with an actuating direction axially parallel to the plug-in direction center axis MM, the locked position locking of the CPA slide (10) is unlocked and the CPA slide (10) can be pushed out of the locked position linearly in the direction of the pre-locking position. [2] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the CPA slide (10) has a cross-sectional profile similar to a U-shape and the open ends of the U-shape are designed as linear runners (11). [3] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the CPA slide (10) is linearly displaceable at least between a pre-locking position and a locking position. [4] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the CPA slide (10) has at least one tab (15). [5] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the CPA slide (10) has at least one projection (12). [6] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cable socket housing (30) has, on the outside adjacent to the angular region W, at least one linear guide (31) for a CPA slide (10), which enables a linear movement of the CPA slide (10) in a plane which is orthogonal to the plug-in direction center axis MM of the contact socket (41) and the plug-in contact pin (51). [7] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the cable socket housing (30) has at least one locking pocket (33) adjacent to the at least one linear guide (31), wherein the at least one locking pocket (33) cooperates with the at least one locking lug (14) of the CPA slide (10) such that the CPA slide (10) is releasably locked in the blocking position. [8] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cable socket housing (30) has a latching hook (32) which releasably latches the cable socket housing (30) and the flange (50) in the fully mated position of the plug connection. [9] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 8, characterized by that the locking of the locking hook (32) can be released in a position of the CPA slide (10) outside the locking position. [10] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the cable socket housing (30) and a TPA element (20) can be folded together, wherein the TPA element (20) is arranged in the interior of the cable socket housing (30) and can be fixed in a pre-locking position and / or a locking position by releasable locking. [11] Detachable plug connection with angled cable outlet (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the angle range W of the cable socket housing (30) has a 90-degree angle, so that the angled cable outlet is a 90-degree cable outlet.

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