Disconnect aid for an electrical plug connection

Abstract

Pull-off aid (100) for an electrical connector (10, 20), wherein the puller aid (100) comprises a separating element (110) and a lever element (120), and wherein the separating element (110) has a receiving section (116), wherein the separating element (110) is further configured to be inserted at least partially in an insertion direction (X) into a gap (11) between the electrical connector (10) and a complementary electrical connector (20) with which the electrical connector (10) is electrically connected, such that the receiving section (116) overlaps a housing section (12) of the electrical connector (10); and wherein the lever element (120) extends from the separating element (110) in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (X), wherein the lever element (120) is designed to transmit a tilting movement of the lever element (120) to the separating element (110) in order to move the electrical connector (10) against a plugging direction (S) relative to the complementary connector (20).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a pull-off aid for an electrical connector, in particular for a CEE connector. background

[0002] Electrical connectors are used, among other things, to operate electrical devices and machines. In addition to conventional Schuko plugs and sockets, so-called CEE connectors are also commonly used. These connectors, usually referred to as CEE connectors, are standardized in the international standard IEC 60309 (until 1999 IEC 309) for "Plugs, sockets and couplers for industrial applications".

[0003] These connectors are more robust than conventional Schuko plugs because, among other things, the plug contacts (or contact pins) are surrounded by an essentially cylindrical housing section. This essentially cylindrical housing section is inserted into a complementary connector to electrically connect the two.

[0004] CEE connectors exist in many variations, but they are designed so that only a connector of one type fits into a complementary connector (socket) of the same type. Furthermore, the design and diameter of the connectors depend on their current rating. Current ratings of 16 A, 32 A, 63 A, and 125 A are available. Therefore, it is not possible to connect connectors and complementary connectors of different current ratings.

[0005] Furthermore, CEE connectors exist for different voltages, which are typically color-coded. For example, connectors for three-phase alternating current with a nominal voltage of 400 volts are red, and connectors with only one live conductor for a voltage of 230 volts are blue. The red connectors are typically used in industrial environments (for example, on construction sites or in production facilities). The blue connectors are particularly common in the camping sector.

[0006] In practice, it is common for connectors to be difficult to disconnect from their mating counterparts because the frictional forces between the respective connector housings can be very high. Disconnection is further hampered if the housings (especially in the mating area) are contaminated. Particularly outdoors, sand or other contaminants can get trapped between the connector housings and make disconnection difficult.

[0007] To disconnect a plug, people often pull on the cable. However, this can damage the cable and / or the connection between the cable and the connector. It is also common to use heavy tools to loosen jammed plug connections. However, this can damage the connectors and / or complementary connectors, and there is a risk of electric shock. Description of the invention

[0008] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device that enables the easy removal of even stiff connectors.

[0009] This problem is solved by a peeling aid according to claim 1. Further aspects of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] In particular, the problem is solved by a disconnection aid for an electrical connector. The disconnection aid comprises a separating element and a lever element. The separating element has a receiving section and is designed to be inserted, at least partially, in an insertion direction X into a gap between the electrical connector and a complementary electrical connector to which the electrical connector is coupled. Specifically, the separating element can be slid onto the electrical connector in the insertion direction X so that it is inserted into the gap. The insertion direction X is essentially perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector. The gap between the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector is the separation gap between the two connectors, which exists even when the connection is correctly mated.

[0011] Once the separating element is inserted into the gap, the receiving section overlaps a housing section of the electrical connector. After insertion, the separating element is at least partially positioned in the gap between the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector, such that the connector is located on one side of the separating element and the complementary connector is located on a second side of the separating element, which is opposite the first side.

[0012] The lever element extends from the separating element in the opposite direction to the insertion direction X. Furthermore, the lever element is designed to transmit a tilting movement of the lever element to the separating element. If the lever element is deflected (manually), for example, by a worker pulling / pushing the lever in or against the insertion direction, the separating element is deflected or tilted accordingly. This tilting movement of the separating element widens the gap. In other words, the electrical connector is moved relative to the complementary connector in the opposite direction to the insertion direction. The connection is thus released. To completely release the connection, it may be sufficient to deflect the lever element once (in or against the insertion direction) and then pull off the connector.It is also possible to deflect the lever element several times (in and against the plugging direction) in order to loosen the plug connection enough so that the connector can then be unplugged.

[0013] The disconnection aid makes it easy to disconnect plug connections without damaging the connector, the complementary connector and / or an associated cable.

[0014] The receiving section can be formed by at least one base element and at least two legs extending from the base element in the insertion direction X. In particular, the legs can extend substantially parallel to each other, with the base element connecting the legs. If the separating element is at least partially inserted into the gap between the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector, a first leg can be inserted into the gap on a first side of the electrical connector, and a second leg can be inserted into the gap on a second side of the electrical connector, opposite the first side. The base element can abut the housing section that is covered by the receiving section. The housing section is, for example, covered by the receiving section on at least three sides.

[0015] Furthermore, the separating element can be tapered at at least one free end pointing in the insertion direction X. This tapering facilitates the insertion of the separating element into the gap. In particular, at least one free end of the legs (or both free ends of the legs) can be tapered. This allows the legs to be easily inserted into the gap.

[0016] The receiving section can be substantially arc-shaped. In particular, the receiving section can comprise a 180° arc, such that the legs are substantially parallel to each other. The radius of the arc can be chosen to abut a substantially cylindrical housing section of the electrical connector. For example, the radius for a 16A 400V CEE connector can be 28 mm (diameter 56 mm). For a 32A 400V CEE connector, the radius can be 32 mm (diameter 64 mm). The radius can be adapted accordingly to other connectors, particularly CEE connectors. For example, the radius can be in a range of 15 mm to 50 mm, particularly in a range of 20 mm to 40 mm, and especially in a range of 25 mm to 35 mm.

[0017] In another aspect, the separating element includes a support section on one side opposite the receiving section. This support section is designed to hold a cover of the complementary connector in an open position when the separating element is at least partially inserted into the gap between the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector.

[0018] Female connectors often have a cover that protects the connector from dirt and / or moisture when no connector is plugged in. This cover is typically hinged to the female connector housing. In the closed position, the cover protects the connector from dirt and / or moisture. Before inserting a male connector, the cover must be opened. Once the male connector is plugged in, the cover can engage with a locking element (such as a protrusion) on the male connector to secure it in place. Before disconnecting, the cover must first be lifted to separate the locking element and the cover. The cover is then detached from the locking element.To prevent the cover from closing again and engaging with the locking element (thus preventing the plug connection from coming loose), the separating element (especially its support section) can hold the cover in an open position in which the cover is lifted away from the locking element.

[0019] The puller makes it possible to easily disconnect plug connections that have a cover which can engage with a ratchet element of the connector.

[0020] In one aspect of the invention, the separating element is made from a metal sheet, in particular a stainless steel sheet. The separating element can, for example, be cut from the metal sheet (by laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet cutting and / or the like) or, for example, punched out. The metal sheet can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3 mm, or of 1 mm to 2.5 mm, or of 1.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0021] Furthermore, the separating element and the lever element can define an opening. This opening can be designed such that the cover of the complementary connector protrudes through the opening when the separating element is at least partially inserted into the gap between the electrical connector and the complementary electrical connector. This prevents the cover from obstructing the deflection of the lever element.

[0022] Furthermore, the opening can be designed so that the complementary connector can be inserted through it, allowing the puller to be suspended from the complementary connector. This way, the puller can be stored where it is most often needed, i.e., on the complementary connector.

[0023] In particular, the lever element can be a bent part that is essentially arc-shaped. For example, a first arm and a second arm of the lever element can be oriented essentially parallel to each other. The separating element and the lever element can be welded together. In particular, the separating element can be welded to at least one arm (or to both arms) of the lever element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the lever element is made of a round material, in particular a stainless steel round material. Round material has the advantage that there are no sharp edges on the lever element, thus achieving a high level of ergonomics.

[0025] It is also possible to connect the separating element and the lever element in other ways, for example by screws, rivets or other connections.

[0026] In another aspect, the separating element and the lever element can be integrally designed. This eliminates the need to connect the separating and lever elements. For example, the separating element and the lever element can be made from a single sheet of metal, particularly stainless steel. The separating element and the lever element can, for instance, be cut or punched out of the sheet.

[0027] Furthermore, the lever element can have at least one reinforcing rib, which is preferably embossed. This results in a lever element that can withstand high forces.

[0028] The puller aid can be designed specifically for a CEE connector, particularly a 230V, 16A connector, or a 400V, 16A connector, or a 400V, 32A connector. For this purpose, the contour of the receiving section can be adapted to the housing shape of the corresponding CEE connector and / or the height of the base element of the puller can be selected so that the support section is positioned to ensure that a connector cover reliably releases a locking element when the puller is inserted into the gap and the cover rests on the support section.

[0029] Furthermore, at least the lever element can be at least partially coated with an electrically insulating material. This increases safety and protects the user of the disconnecting aid from electric current, even if the disconnecting element and / or the retaining element should come into contact with a live contact of the connector and / or the complementary connector. Brief description of the characters

[0030] The accompanying figures show, among other things, specific embodiments of the present invention. These serve to illustrate the invention. In particular, they show Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a connector; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a complementary connector; Fig. 3A a schematic top view of a peeling aid; Fig. 3B a schematic side view of the peeling aid Fig. 3A; Fig. 4A a schematic representation of a peeling aid, the separating element of which is inserted into a gap; Fig. 4B a schematic representation of a puller aid deflected in the insertion direction, and Fig. 4C is a schematic representation of a puller aid deflected against the direction of insertion. Detailed description of the figures

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a connector 10, which here is designed as a CEE connector with five electrical contacts (or contact pins) 18. The connector 10 shown is equipped with a complementary connector 20 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2), for example, to be connected to a CEE socket.

[0032] The CEE connector 10 shown can, for example, be a three-phase 16A connector. The electrical contacts 18 are surrounded and thus protected by a substantially cylindrical housing section 12. The connector 10 also has a circumferential projection 14. When the connector 10 is inserted into the complementary connector 20, the circumferential projection 14 limits the insertion depth of the connector 10.

[0033] Furthermore, the connector 10 has a locking element 15. This locking element 15 can engage with a cover 24, in particular a complementary locking element 25 of the cover 24, when the cover 24 is open and the connector 10 is fully inserted into the complementary connector 20 in the insertion direction S. The cover thus not only protects the complementary connector 20 from the ingress of dirt and / or moisture, but also secures the connector 10 in the complementary connector 20 when it is fully inserted.

[0034] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cover 24 is, for example, arranged with a hinge 26 on the plug housing 22 of the complementary connector 20. In particular, the cover 24 can be pre-tensioned in the closed position by a spring element (not shown) so that the cover 24 closes automatically.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3A shows a schematic top view of a peeling aid 100 and Fig. 3B a schematic side view of the peeling aid 100.

[0036] The puller 100 comprises a separating element 110 and a lever element 120. The separating element 110 is made of a metal sheet, preferably a stainless steel sheet. For example, the separating element 110 is a stamped part. The separating element 110 comprises a base element 113c, from which two legs 113a, 113b extend in an insertion direction X. The legs 113a, 113b each have a free end 114a, 114b that tapers. For example, the free ends can be ground on one or both sides, resulting in a tapered wedge shape.

[0037] The base element 113c and the legs 113a, 113b form a receiving section 116. This section is essentially arc-shaped. The arc is a 180° arc, so that the legs 113a, 113b are essentially parallel to each other.

[0038] The separating element 110 is designed to be inserted, at least partially, in an insertion direction X into a gap 11 between the electrical connector 10 and a complementary electrical connector 20 with which the electrical connector 10 is electrically connected (see figure). Fig. 4A).

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg 113a can be inserted into the gap 11 on a first side of the electrical connector 10, and the second leg 113b can be inserted into the gap 11 on a second side of the electrical connector 10, opposite the first side. The tapered free end 114a, 114b simplifies insertion. Furthermore, the wedge shape allows the gap to be slightly widened, and the connector 10 can be moved somewhat (by a maximum of the thickness of the separating element) against the insertion direction S relative to the complementary connector.

[0040] Once the separating element 110 is inserted into the gap 11, the base element 113c can rest against the housing section 12 of the connector 10. The housing section 12 is overlapped on three sides by the receiving section 116. The distance c between the two legs 113a, 113b can be adapted to a CEE connector type, so that the two legs 113a, 113b lie close to the respective sides of the housing section 12. For example, the distance c can be in a range of 30 mm to 100 mm, particularly in a range of 40 mm to 80 mm, and especially in a range of 50 mm to 70 mm.

[0041] Opposite the receiving section 116, a support section 112 is arranged on the base element 113c. When the separating element 110 is inserted into the gap 11, a cover 24 of the complementary connector 20 can rest on this support section 112. The support section 112 then prevents the cover 24 from closing and the locking element 25 of the cover from engaging with the locking element 15 of the connector, thus preventing the connector from disconnecting. The height h of the base element 113c can be adapted to a CEE connector type so that the support section 112 reliably holds the cover in the open position. For example, the height h can be in a range of 20 mm to 40 mm, particularly in a range of 23 mm to 30 mm, and especially in a range of 24 mm to 28 mm.

[0042] Furthermore, the puller 100 comprises a lever element 120 that extends from the separating element 110 in the opposite direction to the insertion direction X. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever element 120 is a bent part, for example, made from round material (especially stainless steel). The lever element 120 has a first arm 124a and a second arm 124b that extend substantially parallel to each other. The two arms 124a, 124b are connected to each other via an arc-shaped connecting element 124c. In the illustrated embodiment, the separating element 110 is welded to the arms 124a, 124b or connected to them in some other way.

[0043] The lever element 120 is designed to transmit a tilting movement A of the lever element 120 to the separating element 110 in order to move the electrical connector 10 against a plugging direction S relative to the complementary connector 20.

[0044] The lever element 120 and the separating element 110 define an opening 122. This opening is dimensioned such that the cover 24 and / or the complementary connector 20 can protrude through the opening 122. This allows the cover to rest securely on the support section 112 and does not impede the tilting of the lever element 120. Furthermore, the opening 122 can be used to suspend and store the puller over the complementary connector 20.

[0045] The Fig. Figures 4A to 4C schematically show how the puller aid 100 is used to detach and pull off a connector 10 from the complementary connector 20. Fig. In step 4A, the separating element 110 is inserted into a gap 11 between the connector 10 and the complementary connector 20. For this purpose, the separating element was inserted into the gap 11 in the insertion direction X. The gap 11 is already widened to the thickness of the separating element 110. The cover 24 of the complementary connector 20 rests on the support section 112 of the separating element 110. The cover 24 is thus lifted and releases the locking element 15.

[0046] In Fig. 4B, the lever element 120 is tilted in the insertion direction S. This can be done manually. The tilting movement A is transferred to the separating element, causing the gap 11 to widen. The connector 10 is thus moved against the insertion direction S relative to the complementary connector 20, and the connection is released.

[0047] In Fig.4C tilts the lever element 120 against the insertion direction S. This can be done manually. The tilting movement A is transferred to the separating element, causing the gap 11 to widen. The connector 10 is thus moved relative to the complementary connector 20 against the insertion direction S, and the connection is released.

[0048] To further widen the gap 11 and move the connector 10 further against the insertion direction S relative to the complementary connector 20, the tilting movement can be repeated in and / or against the insertion direction S. This loosens the connection until the connector 10 can be completely removed.

[0049] Some embodiments are described in more detail than others with reference to the accompanying figures. However, other embodiments are also included in this disclosure. This disclosure should not be understood as being limited only to the embodiments explicitly presented here; rather, these embodiments are given as examples to convey to the person skilled in the art the scope of the subject matter of the invention. The present invention can, of course, also be carried out in ways other than those presented herein without affecting any essential features of the invention. The present embodiments are to be regarded in every respect as illustrative and not limiting, so that variations of the described embodiments may also fall within the scope of protection. Reference symbol list 10 electrical connectors (e.g. CEE plugs) 11 column 12 Housing section 14 all-around lead 15 locking elements 18 electrical contact (e.g. contact pin) 20 complementary connectors (e.g. CEE socket) 22 complementary plug-in housing 24 coverage 25 complementary grid element 26 hinge 100 peeling aids 110 Opening section 112th edition section 113a thigh 113b thigh 113c Basic element 114a free end 114b free end 116 Recording section 120 lever element 122 Opening 124a first arm 124b second arm 124c connecting element A tilting movement c Distance (opening width between the legs 113a, 113b) h height (base element) S Plug direction X insertion direction

Claims

[1] Removal aid (100) for an electrical connector (10, 20), wherein the removal aid (100) comprises a separating element (110) and a lever element (120), and wherein the separating element (110) has a receiving section (116), wherein the separating element (110) is further configured to be inserted at least partially in an insertion direction (X) into a gap (11) between the electrical connector (10) and a complementary electrical connector (20) with which the electrical connector (10) is electrically connected, so that the receiving section (116) engages over a housing section (12) of the electrical connector (10); and wherein the lever element (120) extends from the separating element (110) opposite to the insertion direction (X), wherein the lever element (120) is configured to transmit a tilting movement of the lever element (120) to the separating element (110) in order to move the electrical connector (10) counter to a plugging direction (S) relative to the complementary connector (20). [2] Removal aid (100) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving portion (116) is formed by at least one base element (113c) and at least two legs (113a, 113b) extending from the base element (113c) in the insertion direction (X). [3] Pull-off aid (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separating element (110) is tapered at at least one free end (114a, 114b) which points in the insertion direction (X), and wherein in particular at least one free end (114a, 114b) of the legs (113a, 113b) is tapered. [4] The removal aid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving portion (116) is substantially arcuate; and optionally comprises a 180° arc, so that the legs (113a, 113b) are aligned substantially parallel to each other. [5] The removal aid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the separating element (110) comprises a support portion (112) on a side opposite the receiving portion (116), wherein the support portion (112) is configured to hold a cover (24) of the complementary plug connector (20) in an open position when the separating element (110) is at least partially inserted into the gap (11) between the electrical plug connector (10) and the complementary electrical plug connector (20). [6] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the separating element (110) is made of a metal sheet, in particular a stainless steel sheet. [7] The removal aid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the separating element (110) and the lever element (120) define an opening (122), which opening (122) is designed such that the cover (24) of the complementary connector (20) protrudes through the opening (122) when the separating element (110) is at least partially inserted into the gap (11) between the electrical connector (10) and the complementary electrical connector (20). [8] The removal aid (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lever element (120) is a bent part which is substantially arcuate in shape, and wherein optionally a first arm (124a) and a second arm (124b) of the lever element (120) are aligned substantially parallel to each other. [9] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lever element (120) is made of a round material, in particular of a stainless steel round material. [10] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the separating element (110) and the lever element (120) are welded to one another, wherein the separating element (110) is in particular welded to at least one arm (124a, 124b) of the lever element (120). [11] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the separating element (110) and the lever element (120) are integrally formed and are preferably made of a metal sheet, in particular of a stainless steel sheet. [12] Removal aid (100) according to claim 11, wherein the lever element (120) has at least one reinforcing rib, which is preferably embossed. [13] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the removal aid (100) is provided for a CEE connector, in particular for a 230V, 16A connector, or for a 400V, 16A connector, or for a 400V, 32A connector. [14] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the opening (122) is designed such that the complementary connector (20) can be guided through the opening (122) so that the removal aid (100) can be suspended from the complementary connector (20). [15] Removal aid (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lever element (120) is at least partially covered with an electrically insulating material.

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