Locking device for a connector, housing device and connector unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking device for a connector (12) comprising a holding unit (21) with at least two holding elements (210) adjustable transversely to a plug axis from a release position to a holding position, separated at least in the release position by means of separating joints (211), and a slide (22) enclosing the holding unit (21) at least partially, wherein the holding elements (210) have a holding structure (212) for positive locking connection with a counter structure (50) on a mating connector (5) in the holding position, wherein the holding unit (21) has first cam parts and the slide (22) has second cam parts, wherein the first cam parts and the second cam parts form a cam guide and the holding unit (21) and the slide (22) are coupled to each other by means of the cam guide in such a way thatthat by moving the slider (22) relative to the holding unit (21) along the plug axis (10) in the direction of the mating plug (5), the holding elements can be adjusted from the release position to the holding position. The invention further relates to a housing assembly with a locking device and a connector unit (1).

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to a locking device for a connector, wherein the connector can be mechanically and electrically connected to a mating connector by means of a plug-in movement along a plug-in axis. The invention further relates to a housing device with a locking device and a connector unit.

[0002] Connectors are known for numerous applications. Depending on the application, the connector is a plug comprising one or more pins, a coupling, or a socket. Depending on the application, the connector can be exposed or installed in a housing.

[0003] Locking devices are known for securing a plug connection, whereby the plug connection is usually secured against unintentional loosening by screwing, i.e. by rotating the plug connector and / or a housing part about a plug axis.

[0004] US 7,284,774 B2 shows a plug-in coupling for connecting a fluid line to a pipe, comprising a circumferentially extending retaining rib and a pipe section, one end portion of which can be connected to the fluid line and the other end portion of which can be plugged together with the pipe and connected to an expandable coupling ring part by elastic retaining arms. The coupling ring part has locking sections distributed over a circumferential angle range, which, upon coupling, slide over the retaining rib, expanding the coupling ring part, and lock behind the retaining rib.

[0005] FR 537236 A shows a plug-in coupling for a tool in which the shank of the tool is clamped between two articulated jaws.

[0006] US 2,425,992 shows a quick connector for quickly connecting and disconnecting a cable.

[0007] CN113178738A shows a quick-connect, self-adapting, force-transmitting underwater connector. TASK AND SOLUTION

[0008] The objects of the invention are to provide a locking device for a connector and a housing device with a locking device for a connector and a connector unit, which allow simple protection against unintentional release.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a locking device for a plug connector is provided, which can be mechanically and electrically connected to a mating connector by means of a plug-in movement along a plug-in axis, which locking device comprises a holding unit with at least two holding elements that can be adjusted transversely to a plug-in axis from a release position to a holding position and are separated by means of separating joints at least in the release position, and a slide that at least partially encloses the holding unit, wherein the holding elements have a holding structure for a positive connection to a counterstructure on the mating connector in the holding position, wherein the holding unit has first guide elements and the slide has second guide elements, wherein the first guide elements and the second guide elements form a guide element, and the holding unit and the slide are coupled to one another by means of the guide element in such a way thatthat by moving the slider relative to the holding unit along the plug-in axis in a direction of the counter element, the holding elements can be adjusted from the release position to the holding position.

[0010] The locking mechanism allows the connector to be secured by moving the slider in the direction of insertion. Plugging the connector, i.e., connecting the connector to the mating connector, and securing the connector using the locking mechanism is thus possible with a single movement.

[0011] In the context of this application, a positive connection is defined as a connection in which the counterstructure and the holding structure interact in such a way that at least one relative movement in the opposite direction along the plug-in axis is blocked. In one embodiment, the counterstructure is designed as an inwardly or outwardly projecting collar, with the holding structure comprising L-shaped holding arms that engage behind the collar in the holding position.

[0012] In one embodiment, each parting line is assigned at least one sliding block unit comprising two sliding blocks arranged on either side of the parting line and two guide grooves arranged on either side of the parting line. The sliding block unit causes the associated parting line to shrink or expand upon movement of the slide.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first link parts, i.e. the link parts provided on the slide, are designed as guide grooves, the second link parts are designed as link blocks on the holding unit and are guided in the guide grooves. In advantageous embodiments, the guide grooves of each link unit, arranged in pairs on the slide, have a distance that increases at least in sections towards a connection end. The connection end is referred to as an end of the locking device facing the mating connector. Due to the guide grooves diverging in the direction of the connection end, the distance between the link blocks guided therein, arranged on both sides of the parting line, is reduced when the slide moves towards the mating connector.

[0014] In one embodiment, each parting line is assigned two or more guide units arranged offset in the direction of the plug-in axis. This ensures secure guidance of the retaining elements during movement from the release position to the holding position, particularly when the retaining elements are designed as rigid components.

[0015] In one embodiment, the retaining elements are designed as two separate retaining shells. The retaining shells are preferably rigid components, i.e., components that are not elastically deformed or only slightly deformed when moving from the release position to the retaining position. In some embodiments, the retaining shells each have a basic shape with a semicircular cross-section. In some embodiments, the retaining shells are structurally identical, with assembly occurring with an offset of 180° around the plug-in axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the retaining shells and the slider are coupled to one another by means of the slotted guide such that a movement of the slider relative to the retaining unit along the plug-in axis in the direction of the mating connector causes an adjustment movement of the retaining shells perpendicular to the plug-in axis into the retaining position, preferably with the retaining shells moving closer together. In some embodiments, the retaining shells abut one another at least in sections in the retaining position, with the retaining shells forming a body that is closed at least in sections along the plug-in axis in the circumferential direction.

[0017] The slider is designed in several parts, comprising at least two slider parts that can be locked together. This multi-part design allows for easy production and assembly of the slider.

[0018] According to a second aspect, a housing device for a plug connector is provided, comprising a contact housing and a locking device enclosing the contact housing. The plug connector is accommodated in the contact housing. Depending on the design, the plug connector is accommodated in the contact housing both stationary and rotationally fixed in the direction of the plug-in axis, or stationary and rotatable in the direction of the plug-in axis.

[0019] In one embodiment, it is provided that the slider is mounted on the contact housing so that it can move in the direction of the plug-in axis. In one embodiment, the contact housing and the slider have a latching device comprising latching hooks and latching projections interacting therewith, wherein, for latching the slider to the contact housing, the latching hooks can be moved via the latching projections by a movement of the slider relative to the contact housing in a first direction along the plug-in axis in the direction of the mating connector, and by means of the latching device, in a latched state, a movement of the slider relative to the contact housing in a second direction along the plug-in axis, opposite to the first direction, is blocked.

[0020] In other words, after locking, the locking device prevents a movement of the slider in the second direction and thus a movement of the holding elements forced into the holding position by means of the slider into the release position.

[0021] The locking hooks are designed in such a way that movement of the locking hooks over the locking projections produces an audible noise. Upon movement over the projections, the slider and / or the locking hooks are elastically deformed. The noise is caused, for example, by the locking hooks and / or the slider springing back.

[0022] In one embodiment, it is provided that in an unlocked state the locking hooks and the locking projections interact such that a holding force is applied which opposes the movement of the slider relative to the contact housing in the first direction. The holding force thus prevents movement of the slider in the first direction and thus a movement of the holding element into the holding position caused by the slider. The holding force therefore prevents an undesired movement of the holding elements into the holding position and ensures that the holding elements do not impede a desired connection between the plug connector and the mating connector. For this purpose, the locking hooks are wedge-shaped in some embodiments, with a bevel of the locking hooks resting against the projections and counteracting movement of the slider.

[0023] In some configurations, the holding unit is mounted on the contact housing in a fixed position along the plug-in axis. The contact housing, which accommodates the connector, thus serves as a bearing element for the locking device.

[0024] The connector is designed as a socket, wherein the contact housing has a collar.

[0025] In some embodiments, the collar of the contact housing has a bead for tactile detection of the plug position when connected to the mating connector. The bead is a bulge protruding into the interior, over which the mating connector is guided during insertion. The bead exerts resistance on the plug connection, allowing the user to tactilely detect the plug position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the collar of the contact housing has a coding. Coding refers to non-conductive grooves and / or pins on the collar, which ensure that only certain mating connectors and / or a certain mating connector can only be inserted in a certain position.

[0027] According to a third aspect, a connector unit comprising a connector and a housing device is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures. In the figures: Fig. 1 shows, in a first perspective view, an embodiment of a connector unit comprising a connector and a housing device with a locking device in an unlocked state; Fig. 2 in a second perspective view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the unlocked state; Fig. 3 in a first sectional view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the unlocked state; Fig. 4 in a second sectional view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the unlocked state; Fig. 5 in the first perspective view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in a locked state; Fig. 6 in the second perspective view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the locked state; Fig. 7 in the first sectional view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the locked state; Fig. 8 in the second sectional view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the locked state; Fig. 9 in a perspective, partially sectioned view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 with the locking device in the unlocked state; Fig. 10 in the perspective, partially sectioned view according to Fig. 9 the connector unit with the locking device in the locked state; Fig. 11 in a perspective view a contact housing and a holding unit of the housing device according to Fig. 1, wherein holding elements of the holding unit are arranged in a release position, Fig. 12 in the perspective view according to Fig. 11 the contact housing and the holding unit, wherein the holding elements of the holding unit are arranged in a holding position, Fig. 13 in a sectional view the connector unit according to Fig. 1 and a mating connector in a mated, unlocked state; and Fig. 14 in a sectional view the connector unit and the mating connector according to Fig. 13 in a plugged and locked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Fig. 1 to 10 show, in various views, an embodiment of a connector unit 1 comprising a connector 12 designed as a socket and a housing device 14. The housing device 1 comprises a contact housing 3 in which the connector 12 is received, and a locking device 2 surrounding the contact housing 3.

[0030] The Fig. 1 to 4 and 9, the locking device 2 in an unlocked state. The Fig. 5 to 8 and 10 show the locking device 2 in a locked state.

[0031] In some embodiments, the elements of the housing device 14 are all made of plastic, in particular as injection-molded parts, whereby metal parts as spring elements and / or fixings can be dispensed with, so that there is no risk of electrical contact to the outside.

[0032] As explained below with reference to the Fig. 13 and Fig. As described in Figure 14, the connector 12 can be mechanically and electrically connected to a mating connector 5 by means of a plug-in movement along a plug-in axis 10. One end of the connector 12, which can be connected to the mating connector 5, is referred to as the connection end. The other end of the connector 12, to which a line or cable (not shown) is connected, is referred to as the cable end.

[0033] The locking device 2 serves to secure the mechanical and electrical connection between the plug connector 12 and the mating connector 5 against unintentional release.

[0034] The locking device 2 comprises a holding unit 21 and a slide 22 in which the holding unit 21 is housed. The holding unit 21 and the slide 22 are each in two parts. As best shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 and described in detail below, the holding unit 21 in the illustrated embodiment comprises two separate holding elements 210, i.e., not directly connected to one another, designed as holding shells. The holding elements 210 have holding structures 212 at their free end. The holding structures 212 are designed to be suitable depending on the application and serve - as described below - for the form-fitting connection to a counterstructure 50 on the mating connector 5 (cf. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14). In the illustrated embodiment, the holding structures 212 are L-shaped and have inwardly directed holding arms, by means of which an outwardly directed collar on the mating connector 5 can be engaged behind and thus secured against removal.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 22 is also two-part and comprises two slider parts 221, 222 that are firmly locked together. The two-part design allows for simple manufacture and assembly of the slider 22. However, other designs are conceivable.

[0036] The slider 22 is mounted on the contact housing 3 so that it can move in the direction of a plug-in axis 10. For this purpose, the illustrated slider 22 has longitudinal ribs 223 projecting into the interior of the slider 22, which are guided in guide grooves 30 formed by ribs on the contact housing 3. For easy handling during displacement, the illustrated slider 22 has ribs 226 on its outer surface.

[0037] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, in an initial state of the connector unit 1, a movement of the slide 22 in the direction of the cable end of the connector 12 (upwards in the plane of the drawing) is limited by means of a circumferential projection 32 on the contact housing 3, which projects at right angles and interacts with a stop 220 on the slide 22. Furthermore, wedge-shaped locking hooks 224 projecting into an interior of the slide 22 are provided on the illustrated slide 22, wherein a tip of the wedge-shaped locking hooks 224 points in the direction of the connection end (downwards in the plane of the drawing). Bevels of the locking hooks 224 interact with the projection 32 of the contact housing 3 in such a way that in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a holding force is applied, which prevents movement of the slider 22 relative to the contact housing 3 along the plug-in axis 10 in the direction of the connection end (downward in the plane of the drawing). In the illustrated embodiment, the slider has tabs 227 on two opposite sides, which are elastically deformable in the direction of the plug-in axis 10 when a user grasps the slider 22. The locking hooks 224 are arranged on tabs 227, so that a holding force can be increased by deforming the tabs 227.

[0038] By applying a force that exceeds the holding force, the slider 22 can be moved relative to the contact housing 3 in the direction of the connection end. The locking hooks 224 are moved over the projections 32, which also serve as locking projections, so that the slider 22 is held on the contact housing 3 as shown in Fig. 8, wherein in the locked state a movement of the slide 22 relative to the contact housing 4 along the plug-in axis 10 in the direction of the cable end (upwards in the plane of the drawing) is blocked.

[0039] As mentioned above, the holding unit 21 comprises a plurality of holding elements 210, in the illustrated embodiment two holding elements 210 designed as holding shells. The holding elements 210 designed as holding shells are identical in the illustrated embodiment. The holding elements 210 are arranged offset by 180° around the plug-in axis 10 and are each separated from one another by means of separating joints 211. The holding elements 210 are arranged in the direction of the plug-in axis 10 between a Fig. 1 to 4, 9 and 11 shown release position and one in the Fig. 5 to 8, 10 and 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding elements 210 are designed as rigid bodies and are movably mounted on the contact housing 3. As shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the contact housing 3 has a projection 34 extending in the circumferential direction of the contact housing 4, which projection is guided in grooves 213 on the holding elements 210. Due to the movement of the holding elements 210, the parting line 211 is reduced in size depending on the application or at least partially along the plug-in axis 10 as in Fig. 12 shown closed.

[0040] A slotted guide is provided for moving the holding elements 210 from the release position to the holding position. The holding unit 21 and the slider 22 are coupled to one another by means of the slotted guide such that a movement of the slider 22 relative to the holding unit 21 along the plug-in axis 10 in the direction of the connection end causes the holding elements 210 to move from the release position to the holding position.

[0041] The illustrated guide rail comprises four guide rail units, with each separating joint 211 being assigned two guide rail units arranged offset in the direction of the plug-in axis 10. The illustrated guide rail units each comprise two guide blocks 215 arranged on the holding elements 210 on either side of the separating joint 211 and two associated guide grooves 225 provided on the slide 22. The guide grooves 225 are designed to converge toward one another in sections in the direction of the cable end. When the slide 22 moves toward the connection end, the guide blocks 215 are therefore moved toward one another, so that the size of the separating joint 211 is reduced when the slide 22 moves toward the connection end.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the guide grooves 225 is less than the wall thickness of the slide 22, so that the slide 22 has a closed outer surface. In other embodiments, the guide grooves penetrate the outer surface.

[0043] The one in the Fig. The connector 12 shown in Figures 1 to 12 is designed as a socket, with the contact housing 3 having a collar 30. A bead 300 is provided on the collar 30, which projects radially inward. The bead 300 allows tactile detection of a plug position when connected to the mating connector 5 (see Figure 1). Fig. 13 and Fig. 14).

[0044] The use of the connector unit 1 comprising the housing device 14 and the connector 12 accommodated in the housing device 1 is described below with reference to the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 described.

[0045] In a Fig. 3 and Fig. In the initial state of the connector unit 1 shown in Figure 4, the mating connector 5, designed as a pin, and the connector 12 can be mechanically and electrically connected to one another, with the mating connector 5 being inserted into the connector 12 and the contact housing 3. The slider 22 is held in an initial position due to the holding force between the locking hooks 224 of the slider 22 and the projection 32 of the contact housing 3.

[0046] When plugging, as in Fig. 13 - a flange-like counter-structure 50 of the mating connector 5 is inserted into the collar 30 of the contact housing 3. The bead 300 allows the user, as described, a tactile detection of reaching a Fig. 13 shown plug position.

[0047] After reaching the Fig. 13, the slider 22 can be moved further in the direction of the mating connector 5 relative to the contact housing 3, overcoming the holding force between the locking hooks 224 and the projection 32 (cf. Fig. 4). The locking hooks 224 are moved over the projection 32 as shown in Fig. 8 shown.

[0048] When the slider 22 moves in the direction of the mating connector 5, the holding elements 210 are adjusted perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slider 22 in the direction of the plug-in axis 10 due to the slotted guide and the holding structures 212 provided on the holding elements 210 engage behind the counter structures 50 of the mating connector 5 introduced into the collar 30 as shown in Fig. 14, so that a detachment of the mating connector 5 from the connector 12 is prevented.

[0049] The locking hooks 224 moved over the projection 32 (cf. Fig. 8) prevent movement of the slider 22 in the direction of the cable end, ie away from the mating connector 5, so that the holding elements 210 in the Fig. 14 are held by means of the slider 22.

[0050] A plug-in movement for connecting the connector 12 with the mating connector 5 and securing the connection is thus possible by a single movement process.

[0051] The locking hooks 224 are designed in such a way that a movement of the locking hooks 224 over the projection 32 can be signaled to the user by a clear click for acoustic control.

[0052] To release the plug connection, the tabs 227 can be bent outwards with a suitable tool so that the locking hooks 224 are guided over the projections 32.

[0053] Depending on the application, the mating connector 5 is designed to be free-floating, e.g. connected to a cable end or a line, or designed as a screw-on part for a housing or integrated into a housing.

[0054] The connector 12 shown is a rotationally symmetrical body and is inserted into a rotationally symmetrical chamber of the contact housing 3. O-rings are attached to the connector 12, which provide a seal.

[0055] In some embodiments, the connector unit 1 is rotatable and can be connected to the mating connector 5 in a suitable orientation to prevent torque transmission. In other embodiments, a multi-pin connector is provided, which is to be connected to a corresponding mating connector in a defined orientation.

[0056] The embodiment shown is merely an example and numerous variations are conceivable.

Claims

[1] Locking device for a plug connector (12), wherein the plug connector (12) is mechanically and electrically connectable to a mating connector (5) by means of a plug-in movement along a plug-in axis (10), the locking device (2) comprising a holding unit (21) with at least two holding elements (210) which are adjustable transversely to the plug-in axis from a release position to a holding position and are separated at least in the release position by means of separating joints (211), and a slider (22) which at least partially encloses the holding unit (21), wherein the holding elements (210) have a holding structure (212) for a positive connection to a counterstructure (50) on the mating connector (5) in the holding position, wherein the holding unit (21) has first guide elements and the slider (22) has second guide elements,wherein the first link parts and the second link parts form a link guide and the holding unit (21) and the slide (22) are coupled to one another by means of the link guide in such a way that the holding elements can be adjusted from the release position into the holding position by a movement of the slide (22) relative to the holding unit (21) along the plug-in axis (10) in the direction of the mating connector (5). [2] Locking device according to claim 1, characterized by that each parting line (211) is assigned at least one link unit comprising two link blocks (215) arranged on both sides of the parting line (211) and two guide grooves (225) arranged on both sides of the parting line (211), wherein each parting line (211) is assigned two or more link units arranged offset in the direction of the plug-in axis (10). [3] Locking device according to claim 2, characterized bythat the first guide parts are designed as guide grooves (225), wherein preferably two guide grooves (225) of a guide unit have a distance which increases at least in sections in the direction of a connection end. [4] Locking device according to one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the holding elements (210) are designed as two separate holding shells. [5] Locking device according to claim 4, characterized by that the holding shells of the holding unit (21) and the slider (22) are coupled to one another by means of the slotted guide in such a way that a movement of the slider (22) relative to the holding unit (21) along the plug-in axis (10) in the direction of the mating plug (5) causes an adjustment movement of the holding shells perpendicular to the plug-in axis (10) into the holding position, preferably with the holding shells approaching each other. [6] Locking device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the slider (22) is designed in several parts, comprising at least two slider parts (221, 222) which can be locked together. [7] Housing device for a plug connector (12) comprising a contact housing (3) and a locking device (2) enclosing the contact housing (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Housing device according to claim 7, characterized by that the slider (22) is mounted on the contact housing (3) so that it can move in the direction of the plug-in axis (10). [9] Housing device according to claim 8, characterized byin that the contact housing (3) and the slide (22) have a locking device comprising locking hooks and locking projections interacting therewith, wherein for locking the slide (22) to the contact housing (3), the locking hooks can be moved via the locking projections by a movement of the slide (22) relative to the contact housing (3) in a first direction along the plug-in axis (10) in the direction of the mating plug (5), and by means of the locking device, in a locked state, a movement of the slide (22) relative to the contact housing (3) in a second direction along the plug-in axis (10) opposite to the first direction is blocked. [10] Housing device according to claim 9, characterized by that the locking hooks (224) are designed to cause an acoustically perceptible noise when the locking hooks (224) move over the locking projections. [11] Housing device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized bythat in an unlocked state, the locking hooks (224) and the locking projections interact in such a way that a holding force is applied which opposes the movement of the slider (22) relative to the contact housing (3) in the first direction. [12] Housing device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by that the holding unit (21) is mounted stationary on the contact housing (3) in the direction of the plug-in axis (10). [13] Housing device according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized by that the connector (12) is designed as a socket, wherein the contact housing (3) has a collar (30). [14] Housing device according to 13, characterized by that the collar (30) of the contact housing (3) has a bead (300) for tactile detection of a plug position when connected to the mating connector (5). [15] Housing device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized bythat the collar (30) of the contact housing has a coding. [16] Connector unit comprising a connector and a housing device according to one of claims 7 to 15.

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