Protective device for connectors

Abstract

Protective device for a connector (1) comprising a holding means (4) and an actuating means (3), wherein the retaining means (4) can be received in a housing (2) of the connector (1), wherein the actuating means (3) is movably arranged on the holding means (4), characterized by the fact that The protective device has at least one locking mechanism.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective device for connectors according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Such protective devices are needed to ensure safe contact protection of the contacts. State of the art

[0003] German patent DE 10 2009 059 089 B3 discloses an electrical connector with touch protection caps soldered into the contact pins. This is a charging connector for an electric vehicle in which the touch protection cap is attached to or within the contact by means of solder. The solder secures the touch protection cap firmly to the connector.

[0004] German patent application DE 44 00 555 A1 discloses a short-circuit-free connector. In this connector, protection is provided by a two-part design of the contact pin, partly conductive and partly insulating.

[0005] However, a disadvantage of the known solutions is that the touch protection is permanently mounted on the connector in its respective design, making contact with a mating connector more difficult. Task

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose a protective device which ensures safe and at the same time flexible protection against contact.

[0007] The problem is solved by the characterizing features of independent claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a protective device for a connector. The protective device comprises a holding element and an actuating element, wherein the holding element is receptacleable in a housing of the connector. At least one contact element is receptacleable in the housing. The actuating element is movably arranged on the holding element, and the protective device has at least one detent.

[0010] The protective device includes a retaining element. This retaining element has a T-shaped cross-section. It consists of a plate with an integrally formed rod. The plate can be round or square. The rod can also be round or square. The plate and the rod are arranged perpendicular to each other. Preferably, the rod and the plate are formed from a single piece, i.e., they are formed in one piece. The rod is positioned centrally on the plate.

[0011] The retaining element is accommodated in the connector housing and, in the aforementioned configuration, ensures, for example, IP rating 69. The retaining element also features two recesses. These two recesses run parallel to the rod. Each of the two recesses accommodates an actuating element.

[0012] The actuating element is movably mounted on the holding element. The actuating element can be actuated using a mating connector or an auxiliary tool. This auxiliary tool could, for example, be a screwdriver. In combination with the holding element, the actuating element ensures touch protection within the connector. Ideally, touch protection is enhanced by the fact that it can only be released when both actuating elements are actuated simultaneously. This applies both to the use of a mating connector and to the use of one, or more precisely, two auxiliary tools.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous to have at least one locking mechanism arranged on the protective device. Ideally, at least one locking mechanism is arranged on the rod of the holding element. Alternatively, another locking mechanism can be molded onto the plate of the holding element.

[0014] The locking mechanism on the plate works in conjunction with the connector housing, thus restricting the removal of the protective device from the housing. This prevents unauthorized removal of the protective device.

[0015] The locking mechanism on the rod also works in conjunction with the housing and prevents contact with the contact elements when pressure is applied to the plate without actuating both actuators, or when the two actuators are not actuated simultaneously. This ensures the user's protection against unintentional contact with the contact elements.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the actuating means acts on the detent. This action is effected by the movement of the actuating means.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the detent is movably arranged between a locked position and an unlocked position. The movement between the two positions is effected by the action of the actuating means.

[0018] In the locked position, the latch secures the retaining element in place, thus ensuring reliable protection against accidental contact. If the latch is moved to the unlocked position by correctly actuating the actuator (or rather, both actuators), a mating connector can then be connected to the connector.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a rocker or a locking lug. If a locking lug is used, it is arranged on the rod. Ideally, the rod has a resilient end on which the locking lug is integrally formed. Preferably, the rod and locking lug are formed from a single piece.

[0020] If a rocker arm is used, it is located behind the rod in the connector housing. Ideally, the rocker arm has a kidney shape to allow for a smooth, oscillating movement.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the rocker or locking lug is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0022] In the locked position, the end of the rocker that is furthest from the retaining element points upwards. "Upwards" in this context means towards the connector housing. In the locked position, the rocker prevents the retaining element from being inserted further until the locked position is unlocked.

[0023] In the unlocked position, the seesaw rests at its center of gravity. This is located at the extreme point of a curve which, mathematically speaking, represents the shape of the seesaw as a kidney.

[0024] The rocker is unlocked using the actuating device. When correctly activated, this device first slides over the end of the rocker closest to the retaining element and then acts on the rocker, causing it to move into its unlocked position as the actuating device is further inserted. To relock, the actuating device is moved out of its inserted position.

[0025] The principle works analogously if a locking tab is used instead of a rocker switch. The locking tab is actuated by means of the actuating device.

[0026] In the locked position, the locking tab points upwards. "Upwards" here means towards the connector housing. In the locked position, the locking tab prevents the retaining element from being inserted further until the locked position is unlocked.

[0027] In the unlocked position, the locking lug rests against the rod of the retaining device. The locking lug is unlocked by means of the actuating device. When actuated correctly, this device slides over the spring-loaded end of the locking lug on the rod, so that, with further insertion of the actuating device, the lug moves into its unlocked position. To relock, the actuating device is moved out of its inserted position.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the protective device includes a spring. In the embodiment with a locking lug, the spring is arranged around the rod so that the spring force acts in accordance with the axial direction of movement of the rod.

[0029] In the rocker-type design, the spring is positioned behind the rocker, away from the holding element. The spring force acts in the direction of the rocker and thus in the direction of the rod.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the spring is arranged inside the housing. This provides protection for the spring against external influences. In particular, the spring is contained within a cylindrical area in the housing.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment, the spring is movable between an unloaded position and a loaded position. When the spring is in the unloaded position, the locking lug or rocker is in the locked position. When the spring is loaded, the rocker or locking lug is in the unlocked position. These two spring positions facilitate re-locking by the locking lug or spring, since, according to physical laws, the spring tends to return to its initial state, the unloaded position. Example of implementation

[0032] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a sectional view of a connector according to the invention in a locked position Fig. 2 a sectional view of a connector according to the invention in the unlocked position Fig. 3 a sectional view of an alternative connector according to the invention in a locked position Fig. 4 a sectional view of an alternative connector according to the invention in the unlocked position

[0033] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently.

[0034] The Fig. 1 and the Fig. Figures 2 each show a sectional view of a connector 1 according to the invention with a locking lug 5 as a locking mechanism. Fig. 3 and the Fig. Figures 4 each show a sectional view of an alternative connector 1 according to the invention with a rocker 5' as a locking mechanism.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the connector 1 with a housing 2 in a locked position VR. Inside the housing 2 are two or more contact elements 7, although only one contact element 7 is visible in the sectional view.

[0036] The contact elements 7 are held in a retaining element 4. In cross-section, the retaining element 4 resembles a "T". The retaining element 4 consists of a rod and a plate. The rod and the plate are manufactured as a single piece and arranged in a T-shape.

[0037] A spring-loaded area is formed on the rod at the end furthest from the plate. This spring-loaded area is created by a cut in the rod. This area forms the locking lug 5, which is shaped such that it engages in a recess of the housing 2 in the locked position VR.

[0038] For secure locking, the locking lug 5 has a molded recess. In this embodiment, the recess is rectangular. Alternatively, a recess in the shape of a hemisphere or a truncated sphere would be conceivable. Depending on the design of the recess, the corresponding recess in the housing must be shaped accordingly.

[0039] The material of the rod, and therefore also of the locking lug 5, must be so flexible that the preferred state of the locking lug 5 is in the locked position VR.

[0040] Behind the rod, towards the housing 2, a spring 6 is arranged. The spring force acts in the direction of the rod. In the locked position VR, the spring 6 is in a relaxed position EL. The relaxed position EL means that the spring 6 is in its original shape. The spring 6 thus secures the locked position VR of the locking lug 5 and therefore of the entire connector 1.

[0041] At least two actuating elements 3 are movably arranged on the holding element 4. The sectional view shows only one actuating element 3. This element is guided through a recess in the plate of the holding element 4 and can act on the locking lug 5. Fig. 1. The actuating element 3 protrudes partially from the plate of the retaining element 4. In this position, the actuating element 3 can be operated by a user. Actuation is achieved either with a corresponding mating connector or with an auxiliary tool, whereby both actuating elements 3 must always be actuated simultaneously to release the locking mechanism. This is necessary for safety reasons. After actuation, the actuating element 3 engages the locking lug 5.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the same connector 1 as the Fig. 1. However, connector 1 is located in the Fig. 2 in an unlocked position ER. In the unlocked position ER, the actuating means 3 acts on the locking lug 5 by pushing the spring-loaded area and the molded part of the locking lug 5 out of the recess in the housing 2 in the direction of the rod.

[0043] When the locking lug 5 is in contact with the rod by the actuating element 3, the retaining element 4 can be further inserted into the connector 1, so that the contact elements 7 are made contact. Under the influence of the actuating element 3, the locking lug 5 is in the unlocked position ER.

[0044] After actuation of the actuating means 3 and further insertion of the holding means 4, the spring 6 has moved from the unloaded position EL to the loaded position BL. In the loaded position BL, the spring 6 is compressed.

[0045] To move from the unlocked position ER back to the locked position VR, the actuating element 3 must be relieved of tension. The force of the spring 6 is sufficient to move the retaining element 4 back into the locked position VR and to allow the locking lug 5 to engage again in the recess on the housing 2.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the connector 1 with a rocker 5' in a housing 2 in a locked position VR. Inside the housing 2, two or more contact elements 7 are accommodated, although only one contact element 7 is visible in the sectional view.

[0047] The contact elements 7 are held in a retaining element 4. In cross-section, the retaining element 4 resembles a "T". The retaining element 4 consists of a rod and a plate. The rod and the plate are manufactured as a single piece and arranged in a T-shape.

[0048] Behind the rod, at the end furthest from the plate, is the rocker 5'. In the locked position VR, the rocker 5' engages in a recess in the housing 2. For this to occur, the end of the rocker 5' furthest from the rod points towards the housing 2 and engages there, as does the locking lug 5. Fig. 1, into a corresponding recess.

[0049] For secure locking, rocker 5' has a kidney shape. The material of rocker 5' must be so stable that it does not bend in the locked position VR.

[0050] The spring 6 and the actuating means 3 are analogous to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 arranged. The actuating means 3 acts on the rocker 5' in the same way as in Fig. 1 for the locking lug 5 described.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the same connector 1 as the Fig. 3. However, connector 1 is located in the Fig. 4 in an unlocked position ER.

[0052] In the unlocked position ER, the actuating means 3 acts on the rocker 5' by pushing the end received in the recess out of the recess in the housing 2 towards the rod.

[0053] When the rocker 5' is in the neutral position, the actuating element 3 acts on both ends of the rocker 5'. The neutral position means that both ends of the rocker 5' are at the same height and both ends are pressed towards the rod by the actuating element 3. This allows the retaining element 4 to be inserted further into the connector 1, so that the contact elements 7 are made contact. Under the influence of the actuating element 3, the rocker 5' is in the unlocked position ER.

[0054] The movement from the unlocked position ER back to the locked position VR is analogous to the version with a locking lug 5. Reference symbol list 1 connector 2 cases 3 Actuating devices 4 Holding devices 5 Rastnase 5' rocker 6 springs 7 Contact element VR locked position ER unlocked position EL relieved position BL loaded position QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2009 059 089 B3

[0003] DE 44 00 555 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Protective device for a connector (1) comprising a retaining means (4) and an actuating means (3), wherein the retaining means (4) can be received in a housing (2) of the connector (1), wherein the actuating means (3) is movably arranged on the holding means (4), characterized by , that The protective device has at least one locking mechanism. [2] Protective device according to claim 1 characterized by , that the actuating means (3) acts on the detent. [3] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the latching mechanism is movably arranged between a locked position (VR) and an unlocked position (ER). [4] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the locking mechanism is designed as a locking lug (5) or a rocker (5'). [5] Protective device according to claim 4 characterized by, that the rocker (5') or the locking lug (5) is movable between a locked position (VR) and an unlocked position (ER). [6] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by that the protective device has a spring (6). [7] Protective device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by , that the spring (6) is arranged inside the housing (2). [8] Protective device according to claim 6 characterized by , that the spring (6) is movable between an unloaded position (EL) and a loaded position (BL).

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