Connector assembly with acoustic feedback

Abstract

Connector assembly (1) comprising a first connector part (2) having a first housing (20) and a second connector part (3) having a second housing (30), which can be connected to each other in a plugging direction (E) and can be detached from each other in a release direction (L) opposite to the plugging direction (E), characterized in that the first connector part (2) has a first locking element (22) which is elastically deflectable relative to the first housing (20) and the second connector part (3) has a second locking element (32) which is elastically deflectable relative to the second housing (30),wherein the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) interact with each other when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are connected and when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are disconnected from each other by deflecting the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32) and are engaged with each other in a connected position of the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connector assembly according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a connector assembly comprises a first connector part having a first housing and a second connector part having a second housing. The connector parts can be mated together along one mating direction and unmated from each other along an opposite mating direction.

[0003] Such connector components can be used, for example, to establish an electrical connection between different assemblies. For this purpose, electrical wires can be connected to the connector components, which then make contact with the electrical contact elements of the connector components, so that an electrical connection between the wires can be established by plugging the connector components together.

[0004] However, such connector parts can also have other contact elements, for example optical contacts or the like.

[0005] For such connector components, it is desirable to make both connecting and disconnecting them simple, convenient, and tactilely pleasing for the user. Furthermore, it is desirable that the user receives immediate and intuitive feedback when the connection between the connector components is established and, if applicable, also when the connection is broken.

[0006] In a connector known from DE 10 2013 222 411 A1, a sliding sleeve is arranged on a base body. A snap-fit ​​connection with another connector part can be released via the sliding sleeve.

[0007] From DE 203 17 623 U1, a connector part for connection with a complementary connector part for connecting an electrical device to an electrical line or for connecting electrical lines to each other is known. The connector part has locking elements for connecting to the complementary connector part, wherein the locking elements can be designed such that the connector parts can also be separated from each other by applying a tensile force.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that enables the user to connect and disconnect the connector parts in a simple, comfortable and haptically pleasant way.

[0009] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the first connector part has a first locking element that is elastically deflectable relative to the first housing, and the second connector part has a second locking element that is elastically deflectable relative to the second housing. The first and second locking elements interact with each other when the first and second connector parts are mated and when they are unmated, by deflecting the first and / or second locking element, and engage with each other in a connected position.

[0011] The connector parts can thus be connected to each other by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. This is achieved via elastically deflectable locking elements arranged on the connector parts. These elements interact during the insertion and removal of the connector parts, causing one or both of them to deflect. In the connected position, the locking elements work together to hold the connector parts together. From this connected position, the connector parts can be easily disconnected by the locking elements working together during disconnection, thereby deflecting one or both of them.

[0012] Because each connector part has an elastically deflectable locking element, the connection between the connector parts can be made and released in a tactilely pleasing manner. Both when making and breaking the connection, one or both of the locking elements are deflected, so that in the connected position the locking elements engage with each other, but can be released from this connected position.

[0013] The locking elements can provide acoustic feedback, particularly when making and, if necessary, also when disconnecting the connection. For this purpose, the first and second locking elements are configured to interact in such a way that an acoustic signal is generated when the first and second connector parts are plugged together and the connected position is reached. This is achieved by one or both of the locking elements being deflected from a relaxed initial position during the connection process and snapping back into the relaxed initial position upon reaching the connected position. Advantageously, this generates an acoustic signal similar to a click, which immediately indicates to the user that the connected position has been reached.

[0014] In one embodiment, such acoustic feedback can be provided additionally or alternatively when the connection is released. For this purpose, the first and second locking elements can be designed to interact with each other when the first and second connector parts are released, generating an acoustic signal when a release position is reached in which the first and second locking elements are separated. During release, the locking elements work together to deflect one or both of them. Upon reaching the release position, one or both locking elements snap back into their relaxed initial position, generating an acoustic signal similar to a click, which immediately indicates to the user that the release position has been reached.

[0015] The acoustic signal can be generated, in particular, by the interaction of one or both locking elements with a housing wall. Thus, the first connector part and / or the second connector part (each) can have a housing wall with which the first locking element and / or the second locking element interact to generate the acoustic signal when connecting or disconnecting. When the locking elements snap back into their relaxed initial position upon reaching the connected or disconnected position, they can, for example, strike an associated housing wall, thereby generating an acoustic signal in the form of a click.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first locking element (of the first connector part) has a first spring arm which is connected to the first housing at a first end and carries a first locking head at a second end located away from the first end.

[0017] Similarly, in one embodiment, the second locking element (of the second connector part) can have a second spring arm which is connected to the second housing at a first end and carries a second locking head at a second end located away from the first end.

[0018] The housings of the first and second connector parts can, for example, each be manufactured from a single piece of plastic. The spring arms of the locking elements can be cut out of the housing, for example, through slotted openings. Each spring arm is connected to the housing at its first end and has a locking head at its second end, which is located away from the first. The locking elements of the connector parts interact via their locking heads when connecting and disconnecting. When the connector parts are connected, the locking heads also engage with each other.

[0019] The locking elements are elastically adjustable to the housing via spring arms, and thus can be deflected relative to the housing both when connecting and disconnecting. The spring arms can, for example, extend lengthwise along their respective housings and be cut free from the housing via slotted openings, such that elasticity is provided at the spring arms.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first locking element and / or the second locking element (each) have a first inclined surface which, when the first connector part and the second connector part are inserted together, interacts with the respective other locking element to deflect the first locking element and / or the second locking element. In an advantageous embodiment, both the first locking element and the second locking element have such a first inclined surface.

[0021] When the connector parts are inserted, the first inclined surfaces of the locking elements meet, causing a deflection at the first locking element and / or the second locking element. This causes the locking elements to move past each other to establish the connection between the connector parts. Alternatively, only one of the locking elements may have such a first inclined surface, which then engages with the other locking element when the connector parts are placed together to establish the connection.

[0022] The first inclined surface is angled relative to the insertion direction, causing force to be deflected at this surface when the connector parts are joined. This first inclined surface deflects the first locking element and / or the locking element perpendicular to the insertion direction, thus moving the locking elements past each other along the insertion direction.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first locking element and / or the second locking element (each) have a second inclined surface which, when the first and second connector parts are separated, interacts with the respective other locking element to deflect the first and / or second locking element. In an advantageous embodiment, both the first and second locking elements have such a second inclined surface. The locking elements interact via these second inclined surfaces when the connector parts are separated, as the second inclined surfaces run against each other and thus cause a deflection of the first and / or second locking element. Alternatively, only one of the locking elements can have such a second inclined surface, which, when the connector parts are separated, runs against the respective other locking element and thus deflects one or both of the locking elements.

[0024] The second inclined surface is angled relative to the release direction (opposite the insertion direction), so that a force redirection occurs at the second inclined surface when the connector parts are separated. When the locking elements interact, one or both of the locking elements are deflected perpendicular to the release direction and can thus move past each other along the release direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, the movement of the locking elements differs between making and breaking the connection. For example, when the connector parts are plugged in, the first and second locking elements interact in such a way that the first locking element is guided past the first side of the second locking element. However, when breaking the connection, the first locking element is guided past the second side of the locking element, opposite the first side. Thus, the locking elements pass each other on different sides during connection and disconnection. This results in a circular movement in which the first locking element is guided once on the inside and once on the outside of the second locking element.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, only one locking element is deflected when connecting the connector parts and when disconnecting them. For example, when connecting, the first locking element can be deflected (while the second locking element essentially remains in its position), while when disconnecting, the second locking element is deflected (while the first locking element essentially remains in its position). Which of the locking elements is deflected can be determined by a housing wall with which the locking elements interact during both connection and disconnection.

[0027] The connector components can have a wide variety of contact elements to create very different functional connections. In one embodiment, the first and second connector components each have at least one electrical contact element that makes contact with each other when the connector components are plugged in, so that in the connected position, an electrical contact is established, for example, between the wires connected to the connector components. However, such connector components can also have other contact elements, such as optical, pneumatic, or hydraulic contacts.

[0028] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 A view of an embodiment of a connector assembly comprising a first connector part and a second connector part which can be plugged together along a plugging direction. Fig. 2 another view of the connector assembly according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3A a side view of the first connector part; Fig. 3B a sectional view along line AA according to Fig. 3A; Fig. 4A a side view of the second connector part; Fig. 4B a sectional view along line BB according to Fig. 4A; Fig. 5A A view of the connector assembly before the connector parts are plugged together; Fig. 5B a section view along line CC according to Fig. 5A; Fig. 6A A view of the connector assembly when the connector parts are plugged together; Fig. 6B a sectional view along line DD according to Fig. 6A; Fig. 7A a view of the connector assembly in a connected position of the connector parts; Fig. 7B a sectional view along line EE according to Fig. 7A; Fig. 8A A view of the connector assembly when the connector parts are separated; Fig. 8B a section view along line FF according to Fig. 8A; Fig. 9A a view of the connector assembly with the connector parts separated from each other; Fig. 9B a sectional view along line GG according to Fig. 9A; Fig. 10 a separate view of locking elements of the connector parts before making a connection of associated connector parts; Fig. 11 a view of the locking elements when making the connection; Fig. 12 a view of the locking elements in a connected position of the associated connector parts; Fig. 13 a view of the locking elements when releasing the connection; Fig. 14 a view of the locking elements in a released position; and Fig. 15 A schematic view of two connector parts of a connector assembly for making an electrical connection between electrical conductors.

[0029] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a connector assembly 1, which has two connector parts 2, 3 that can be placed next to each other along a plugging direction E for plugging and are connected to each other in a connected position via plugging sections 21, 31. The connector parts 2, 3 each have a housing 20, 30 on which the associated plugging section 21, 31 is formed.

[0030] As shown schematically in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the connector parts 2, 3 can, for example, be designed as electrical connectors with electrical contact elements 200, 300 arranged on the respective housing 20, 30, in the form of, for example, pin contacts on one side and socket contacts on the other. Electrical conductors 201, 301 can be connected to the connectors 2, 3, so that an electrical connection between the conductors 201, 301 can be established by plugging the connector parts 2, 3 together.

[0031] The connector parts 2, 3 each have a locking element 22, 32 formed integrally with the housing 20, 30. When the connector parts 2, 3 are plugged together, the locking elements 22, 32 interact in such a way that a locking connection is established between the connector parts 2, 3 in the connected position.

[0032] Each locking element 22, 32 has a spring arm 220, 320, which is connected at one end to the housing 20 and carries at its other end a locking head 222, 322 for locking interaction with the respective other connector part 2, 3. The spring arm 220, 320 is free from the respective associated housing 20, 30 via slot openings 221, 321, so that the locking element 22, 32 can be deflected elastically towards the housing 20, 30.

[0033] As can be seen from the views of the separate connector parts 2, 3 according to Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. 4A, Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4B, the locking heads 222, 322 of the locking elements 22, 32 of the connector parts 2, 3 each have inclined surfaces 223, 224, 323, 324 which extend obliquely to the insertion direction E and which run into each other when the connector parts 2, 3 are inserted and also when the connector parts 2, 3 are disconnected, so that the locking elements 22, 32 interact and allow the locking heads 222, 322 to move past each other when making the connection as well as when disconnecting the connection.

[0034] This is based on the sequence of Fig. 5A, 5B to 9A, 9B illustrated, where Fig. Figures 10 to 14 schematically illustrate the process of connecting and disconnecting the locking elements 22 and 32 in separate diagrams. The positions of the locking elements 22 and 32 relative to each other are shown according to... Fig. 10 to 12 correspond to the positions of connector parts 2, 3 according to Fig. 5A, 5B to 7A, 7B when making the connection. The positions of the locking elements 22, 32 relative to each other according to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 correspond to the positions of connector parts 2, 3 according to Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B when disconnecting.

[0035] To establish the connection between the connector parts 2, 3, the connector parts 2, 3 are placed against each other along the insertion direction E and inserted into each other with their insertion sections 21, 31. In doing so, first inclined surfaces 223, 323 on the facing sides of the locking heads 222, 322 of the locking elements 22, 32 meet each other, as is the case in the transition of Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B towards Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B is evident.

[0036] When the locking heads 222, 322 come into contact with each other, the locking element 32 of the connector part 3 is engaged, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the locking element 22 is deflected inwards and thus its locking head 322 moves past the locking head 222 of the locking element 22 of the connector part 2. This is because a housing wall 33 of the connector part 3 prevents the locking element 22 from deflecting outwards, and thus the locking element 22 with its locking head 222 essentially remains in its adopted position. Due to the contact of the inclined surfaces 223, 323 of the locking heads 222, 322, only the locking element 32 is deflected inwards and thereby, as in the transition from Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B towards Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B shows that it moves past the locking head 222 of the locking element 22.

[0037] In the connected position of the connector parts 2, 3, shown in Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B, the locking heads 222, 322 are engaged with each other, so that a locking connection is established between the connector parts 2, 3.

[0038] If the locking heads 222, 322 have been moved past each other during the connection process, the locking element 32 snaps back into its relaxed initial position upon reaching the connected position and thereby strikes the housing wall 33. This generates an acoustic signal in the form of a click, which immediately indicates to the user that the connection between the connector parts 2, 3 has been correctly established.

[0039] The connector parts 2, 3 can be separated by a user pulling them apart along a release direction L opposite to the insertion direction E, as shown in Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. 9A, Fig. Figure 9B shows that the locking heads 222, 322 of the locking elements 22, 32 of the connector parts 2, 3 run against each other with their rear inclined surfaces 224, 324, so that, as can be seen from Fig. As can be seen in 8B, the locking element 22 is now deflected inwards and thus its locking head 222 is moved past the locking head 322 of the locking element 32.

[0040] This prevents the locking element 32 from deflecting outwards through the housing wall 33, so that the locking element 32 essentially remains in its assumed position.

[0041] Have the locking heads 222, 322 been moved past each other, as shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. As shown in Figure 9B, the locking element 22 snaps back into its relaxed starting position and, in an advantageous embodiment, can again strike the housing wall 33, thus generating an acoustic signal in the form of a click sound when the release position is reached, so that a user also receives acoustic feedback that the connector parts 2, 3 have been correctly separated from each other.

[0042] When the connector parts 2 and 3 are plugged in and detached, the locking element 32 and the locking element 22 are deflected. The housing wall 33 of the connector part 3 prevents the other locking element 22 and 32 from deflecting.

[0043] During connection and disconnection, the locking elements 22, 32 with their locking heads 222, 322 are moved past each other on different sides. During connection, the locking head 322 of locking element 32 moves past the locking head 222 of locking element 22 on the inside, as shown in the figure. Fig. 6B is evident. When releasing, however, the locking element 22 with its locking head 222 is moved past the locking head 322 of the locking element 32 on the inside, as can be seen from Fig. 8B is evident.

[0044] The connector assembly 1 enables simple, convenient, and tactilely pleasing connection and disconnection of the connector parts 2 and 3. The locking elements 22 and 32 provide acoustic feedback, immediately indicating to the user whether a connection between the connector parts 2 and 3 has been correctly established or whether they have been correctly disconnected. As the inclined surfaces 223, 224, 323, and 324 come into contact, the locking elements 22 and 32 are deflected elastically relative to each other perpendicular to the respective direction of movement E and L, thus moving past one another to create a locking connection between the connector parts 2 and 3 in the connected position.

[0045] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in a completely different way.

[0046] Connector parts of the type described here can be used to connect very different assemblies and, for example, establish an electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic contact between the assemblies, for example between lines to be connected to each other.

[0047] An audible signal in the form of a click can be generated when establishing and / or disconnecting the connection. Accordingly, the user receives audible feedback when establishing and / or disconnecting the connection, indicating whether it has been successfully established or disconnected. Reference symbol list 1 connector assembly 2 connector part 20 cases 200 contact elements 201 Management 21 Plug section 22 locking element 220 spring arm 221 Slot opening 222 Rastkopf 223, 224 inclined surface 3 connector part 30 cases 300 contact elements 301 Line 31 Plug section 32 locking elements 320 spring arm 321 Slot opening 322 Latching head 323,324 inclined surface 33 Housing wall E Plug direction L direction of release 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 2013 222 411 A1

[0006] DE 203 17 623 U1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Connector assembly (1) comprising a first connector part (2) having a first housing (20) and a second connector part (3) having a second housing (30), which can be connected to each other in a plugging direction (E) and can be disconnected from each other in a release direction (L) opposite to the plugging direction (E), characterized by, that the first connector part (2) has a first locking element (22) which is elastically deflectable relative to the first housing (20) and the second connector part (3) has a second locking element (32) which is elastically deflectable relative to the second housing (30), wherein the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) interact with each other when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are plugged together and when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are unplugged from each other by deflecting the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32) and are engaged with each other in a connected position of the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3). [2] Connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) are designed to interact in such a way that when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are plugged together, an acoustic signal is generated when the connected position is reached. [3] Connector assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) are designed to interact in such a way that when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are released from each other, an acoustic signal is generated when a release position is reached in which the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) are released from each other. [4] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the first connector part (2) and / or the second connector part (3) have a housing wall (33) with which the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32) interact to generate an acoustic signal. [5] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first detent element (22) has a first spring arm (220) which is connected at a first end to the first housing (20) and carries a first detent head (222) at a second end located away from the first end. [6] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second detent element (32) has a second spring arm (320) which is connected at a first end to the second housing (30) and carries a second detent head (322) at a second end located away from the first end. [7] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32) have a first inclined surface (223) which, when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are plugged together, interacts with the respective other locking element (32, 22) to deflect the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32). [8] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32) have a second inclined surface (223) which, when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are released from each other, interacts with the respective other locking element (32, 22) to deflect the first locking element (22) and / or the second locking element (32). [9] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) are designed to interact in such a way that, when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are connected to each other, the first locking element (22) passes over a first side of the second locking element (32) and, when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are disconnected from each other, it passes over a second side of the second locking element (32) opposite the first side. [10] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first locking element (22) and the second locking element (32) are designed to interact in such a way that when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are plugged together, one of the locking elements (22, 32) is deflected, and when the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) are disconnected from each other, the other of the locking elements (32, 22) is deflected. [11] Connector assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first connector part (2) and the second connector part (3) each have at least one contact element (200, 300) which contact each other when plugged in.

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