Electrical connector, plug connector, set with a plug connector and a mating connector and housing with electrical connector

Abstract

Electrical plug connection (1) with a plug connector (2), a mating connector (3) that can be connected to the plug connector (2), and a locking element (4) arranged on the plug connector (2) for mechanically securing the electrical plug connection (1) when the plug connector (2) and the mating connector (3) are connected to one another, wherein the locking element (4) has a locking component (5) that can be moved between a locking position (5a) and an unlocking position (5b), characterized in that an actuating element (6) with an actuating mechanism (7) is arranged on the mating connector (3), which actuating mechanism is designed to unlock the locking element (4) by moving the locking component (5) into the unlocking position (5b) when actuated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connector comprising a plug connector, a mating connector connectable to the plug connector, and a locking element arranged on the plug connector for mechanically securing the electrical connector when the plug connector and the mating connector are connected to one another. The locking element has a locking component that can be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position. The invention further relates to a plug connector for such an electrical connector, a set comprising a plug connector and a mating connector, and a housing having a housing opening in which such an electrical connector is arranged.

[0002] Lockable connectors are well known in electrical connection technology. Connectors can be used, for example, as electromechanical connection components for connecting flexible and / or rigid electrical conductors to establish an electrical connection. By connecting them to a corresponding mating connector, they facilitate the handling of conductor connections. By locking the connector with a locking element, the connection between the connector and the mating connector can be mechanically secured against accidental disconnection.

[0003] In practice, installation situations with limited accessibility to the plug connection may occur. This may, under certain circumstances, make handling of the locking element more difficult. Against this background, the object of the invention is to create an electrical plug connection of the type mentioned above with improved handling of the plug connection, in particular of the locking element.

[0004] This object is achieved with an electrical plug connection according to claim 1. Furthermore, a connector for such an electrical plug connection, a set comprising a plug connector and a mating connector, and a housing with an electrical plug connection according to the independent claims are proposed to achieve this object. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0005] According to the features of independent claim 1, a plug connection is proposed comprising a plug connector, a mating connector connectable to the plug connector, and a locking element arranged on the plug connector for mechanically securing the electrical plug connection in a connected state of the plug connector and the mating connector, wherein the locking element has a locking component that is displaceable between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein an actuating element with an actuating mechanism is arranged on the mating connector, which actuating mechanism is designed to effect an unlocking of the locking element by displacing the locking component into the unlocking position when actuated.

[0006] This makes it possible to unlock the locking element even when access to the locking element is limited, thus enabling the mating connector to be detached from the connector. Depending on the installation situation, the mating connector may be more accessible than the connector itself, making it easier to unlock the locking element from the mating connector side. Unlocking is enabled by the described actuating element on the mating connector. Thus, in installation situations where access to the locking element is limited, locking the connector connection is not necessary.Furthermore, as will be explained below using exemplary embodiments, the actuating element can be structurally adapted to the locking element and its mechanical functioning in such a way that already available locking elements can be used in connection with the invention without structural modification.

[0007] The connector and the mating connector can each have associated plug contact elements that enable electrical contact between the connector and the mating connector when the connector is connected to the mating connector. In other words, a connection between the connector and the mating connector can be understood as an electromechanical connection in which the connector and the connector are mechanically and electrically coupled to one another. The connector can be connected to the mating connector in one plugging direction and can be removed from it again in the same axial direction with the opposite direction of movement.

[0008] The locking element has a locking component that can be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking component can therefore selectively bring about a locking state of the locking element, meaning a mechanical securing of the plug connection, in which the plug connector and the mating connector are secured against detachment from one another, and an unlocking state, meaning a mechanical release of the plug connection, in which the plug connector and the mating connector can be detachable from one another. In principle, the locking component can be configured, for example, to be transferable into the locking position by manual action and to be displaceable into the unlocking position with the assistance of an aid, wherein the actuating element can provide such an aid.A displacement of the locking component into the locking position assisted by an aid is not fundamentally excluded.

[0009] The actuating element has an actuating mechanism which, when actuated, is configured to unlock the locking element by moving the locking component into the unlocked position. The actuating mechanism can, in particular, be manually actuated, for example by exerting a compressive force or a tensile force on an actuating structure of the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured to convert such actuation into a mechanical action on the locking component. Such conversion can occur directly or indirectly, depending on the design of the actuating mechanism. For example, it is not excluded that a separate mechanical actuator is arranged between the actuating element and the locking component. The actuating element can, for example, be arranged externally on a mating connector housing of the mating connector.In particular, the actuating element can be arranged on a housing section of the mating connector housing, which, when the mating connector is connected to the connector, faces the locking element of the connector. In particular, the actuating element can be arranged on a housing section of the mating connector housing, which, when the connector and the mating connector are connected to one another, borders on a housing region of a connector housing on which the locking element is arranged. In other words, the actuating element can be arranged on the mating connector such that, when the connector and the mating connector are connected to one another, it is oriented toward the locking element.The actuating element can, for example, be arranged on a housing side wall of the mating connector, which can, for example, extend orthogonally to a conductor connection side of the mating connector and / or orthogonally to a connection actuation side. A conductor connection side can, for example, be provided with conductor connection openings, and a connection actuation side can, for example, be provided with connection actuation elements such as actuation levers. The plug connector and / or the mating connector can each have at least one spring-clamp connection for the spring-force-assisted connection of at least one electrical conductor, wherein a connection actuation element can, for example, serve to open and close a clamping point of the spring-clamp connection.The actuating element can, for example, have an elongated basic shape with a main extension along a longitudinal axis parallel to the previously described plugging direction of the mating connector, so that during a plugging process, the mating connector can be moved toward the plug connector and, at the same time, the actuating element can be moved toward the locking element. It is conceivable for the plug connector to have two or more locking elements and / or for the mating connector to have two or more actuating elements, each of which can be arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the housing of the plug connector or mating connector. In this way, a flexible or particularly reliable mechanical locking mechanism can be achieved, as well as flexible unlocking options.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the electrical plug connection can be provided for arrangement in a housing opening of a housing, wherein the plug connector with the locking element arranged thereon is configured to penetrate into the housing opening of the housing and wherein the mating plug connector with the actuating element arranged thereon is configured to protrude at least partially from the housing opening. In such an installation situation of the plug connection, there is limited accessibility to the plug connector which penetrates into the housing opening, while the mating plug connector protrudes at least partially from the housing opening and thus good accessibility to the actuating element is provided. Accordingly, the above-described advantages of improved handling of the locking element can be achieved, for example, in an installation situation according to the illustrated embodiment.In particular, the plug connector with the locking element arranged thereon can be designed to predominantly insert into the housing opening, so that the plug connector is predominantly displaced into the housing opening. In particular, the mating plug connector with the actuating element arranged thereon can be designed to predominantly protrude from the housing opening, so that the mating plug connector is predominantly arranged outside the housing. In other words, the housing opening can lead from a housing environment of the housing into a housing interior of the housing, and the plug connector can be predominantly arranged in a housing interior of the housing, and the mating plug connector can be predominantly arranged in a housing environment outside the housing. The housing can, for example, be a device housing of an electrical device.The housing opening can, for example, be a recess in the housing specifically provided for the plug connection. The plug connection can, for example, have installation features that can be used to determine whether the plug connection is intended for arrangement in a housing opening of a housing. For example, the plug connection can have a specific installation shape or installation dimensions or defined external installation contours that can correspond to common or, for example, standardized installation situations for arranging the plug connection in a housing opening. In addition, the plug connector and / or the mating connector can have at least one fixing element for fastening or supporting the plug connection to the housing.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be designed as a locking pawl. A locking pawl can be a locking element that can be arranged or is arranged on a plug connector and has a pawl-shaped extension for engaging with an oppositely arranged mating connector, wherein the plug connector and the mating connector can be clamped against each other by means of the pawl-shaped extension. A locking pawl is a structurally simple locking element with which a mechanical interaction with the provided actuating element for unlocking the locking pawl can be easily established. Accordingly, the described embodiment can provide a structurally simple and cost-effective locking and unlocking solution.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the locking component can be designed as a spring-elastic locking tab and configured to engage with a locking contour of the mating connector in the locking position and to be releasable from engagement with the locking contour in the unlocking position. Accordingly, to mechanically secure the connection between the plug connector and the mating connector, a releasable locking connection of the locking element on the mating connector can be provided. The locking contour on the mating connector can, for example, be a locking edge of a locking opening into which the spring-elastic locking tab can be inserted and supported on the locking edge delimiting the locking opening, so that an undercut of the locking tab can be formed with the locking edge.In the unlocked position, the locking tab can be spaced apart from the locking contour, for example, bent away from it, in such a way that the locking tab no longer engages the locking contour, allowing the mating connector to be detached from the connector. A spring-elastic locking tab provides a reliably effective locking component that can be easily shifted between the locking and unlocking positions thanks to its spring elasticity.

[0013] According to a further development, the locking component can have a release tab connected to the spring-elastic locking tab, by means of which the spring-elastic locking tab can be displaced from engagement into the locking contour. This can facilitate the release of the locking tab from engagement with the locking contour. The release tab can be characterized, in particular, by better accessibility than the locking tab that, for example, extends into a locking opening. The release tab can, for example, face the actuating element, in particular an actuating contour of the mating connector (described below). Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable for the release tab or another release tab to face an unlocking mechanism (described below), in particular an unlocking contour of the locking element.The release tab can have a force application surface for transmitting force from the actuating mechanism and / or the unlocking mechanism to the release tab to displace the locking tab from engagement with the locking contour of the mating connector. The release tab can, in particular, be formed integrally with the locking tab.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the actuating mechanism can have a movable actuating contour for moving the locking component from the locking position to the unlocking position. This allows a reliably effective actuating mechanism to be achieved. A movable actuating contour can be understood as a defined actuating section of the actuating element, for example, an actuating edge, which is movable relative to the mating connector. The movable actuating contour can be movable toward the locking component upon actuation of the actuating mechanism. The actuating contour can, for example, be a lever contour designed to pry the locking component out of engagement with the mating connector.If the locking component is designed, for example, as a locking tab, the movable actuating contour can be guided under the locking tab and / or a release tab connected to the locking tab when actuated in order to lever the locking tab out of engagement with the locking contour of the mating connector.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can have a base section and an actuating arm connected to the base section for actuating the actuating mechanism, wherein the movable actuating contour is arranged on the actuating arm. This makes it possible to achieve an easy-to-use and reliably effective actuating mechanism. The base section can ensure secure connection and support of the actuating element to the mating connector, wherein an actuating mechanism can be implemented via the actuating arm connected to the base section. The movable actuating contour can, for example, be formed on a free end of the actuating arm, while another end of the actuating arm can be connected to the base section.The actuating arm can, for example, have a curved profile over the base section and be displaceable by compressive force on the base section, whereby the movable actuating contour can deflect in the direction of the locking component of the locking element and displace this into the unlocked position. The base section can, for example, form a predominantly flat base plate of the actuating element. The actuating contour can, for example, be designed as a lever contour in order to be able to lever a locking component designed as a locking tab out of engagement with a locking contour of the mating connector, in particular counter to the direction of an applied compressive force on the actuating arm. The actuating arm and the movable actuating contour can be designed to be movable relative to the base section of the actuating element.The movable parts of the actuating element, in particular the actuating arm and the movable actuating contour, can form the actuating mechanism of the actuating element. The actuating arm and the base section can be formed integrally with each other.

[0016] According to a further development, the base section of the actuating element can have a base opening and a guide web extending over the base opening for guiding the movable actuating contour. This allows precise displacement of the locking component by means of the movable actuating contour. Furthermore, the guide web can act, for example, as a hold-down device and promote force redirection to support a lever effect, so that a downward movement of the actuating arm toward the base section up to the guide web and an upward movement of the lever contour from the guide web can be effected to lever out the locking tab. The base opening can be a material recess in the base section through which the movable actuating contour, for example present on the actuating arm, protrudes.The base opening can, for example, enable the movable actuating contour to be guided to the locking component, which can be arranged close to a housing surface of the mating connector when engaging a locking contour. The guide web can delimit the base opening. The guide web can protrude from the base section at an angle, for example, orthogonally thereto.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a support component can be arranged between the base section and the actuating arm to support the actuating arm during its actuation. The support component can, for example, extend in a web-like or spherical manner between the actuating arm and the base section, in particular protruding from the base section or from the actuating arm. The support component stabilizes the actuating arm during its actuation and limits its deflection movement toward the base section.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the mating connector can have a housing recess for forming the locking contour and for receiving the movable actuating contour. Optionally, an unlocking contour, described below, can also be accommodated in the housing recess. This can improve guidance of the movable actuating contour to a locking component designed as a locking tab. Furthermore, a protected arrangement of the locking component, the actuating contour, and optionally the unlocking contour can be achieved. The housing recess can, in particular, be a housing recess in the mating connector housing. The housing recess can form a local housing cutout, which can optionally also be designed, at least in sections, as a through-opening. In the housing recess, the housing surface can be offset inward relative to an adjacent housing surface.The movable actuating contour and the locking component designed as a locking tab can extend into the housing recess, for example, in mutually facing directions. If an additional unlocking contour is provided, the unlocking contour and the actuating contour can extend toward the locking tab arranged between them. During actuation or displacement of the actuating contour toward the locking tab or release tab, the actuating contour can advantageously be supported on a surface of the housing recess.

[0019] According to one embodiment, an unlocking mechanism can be arranged on the locking element, which is configured, upon actuation, to unlock the locking element by displacing the locking component into the unlocked position. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the locking element can be unlocked selectively by means of the mating connector-side actuating mechanism or the connector-side unlocking mechanism, thus providing increased flexibility in handling the plug connection. In other words, depending on the given accessibility and installation situation, the locking element can be unlocked by means of the unlocking mechanism on the plug connector and / or by means of the actuating mechanism on the mating connector. This increases the application possibilities of the proposed electrical plug connection.In principle, the unlocking mechanism can have a structure and function comparable to the actuating mechanism. The unlocking mechanism and the actuating mechanism can be arranged symmetrically relative to a locking component of the locking element arranged therebetween. The unlocking mechanism and the actuating mechanism can enclose the locking component of the locking element between them.

[0020] According to a further development, the locking element can have a base section and an unlocking arm connected to the base section with a movable unlocking contour for moving the locking component from the locked position to the unlocked position. This makes it possible to achieve an easy-to-use and reliably effective unlocking mechanism. The base section can ensure secure connection and support of the locking element to the connector, wherein an unlocking mechanism can be implemented via the unlocking arm connected to the base section. The movable unlocking contour can, for example, be formed at a free end of the unlocking arm, while another end of the unlocking arm can be connected to the base section.The unlocking arm can, for example, have a curved profile over the base section and be displaceable by compressive force on the base section, whereby the movable unlocking contour can deflect in the direction of the locking component of the locking element and displace this into the unlocked position. The base section can, for example, form a predominantly flat base plate of the locking element. The unlocking contour can, for example, be designed as a lever contour in order to be able to lift a locking component designed as a locking tab out of engagement with a locking contour of the mating connector, in particular counter to the direction of a compressive force applied to the unlocking arm. The unlocking arm and the movable unlocking contour can be designed to be movable relative to the base section of the locking element.The movable parts of the locking element, in particular the unlocking arm and the movable unlocking contour, can form the unlocking mechanism of the locking element. The unlocking arm and the base section can be formed integrally with each other.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the locking component can have a first force application surface for mechanical interaction with the unlocking mechanism of the locking element and a second force application surface for mechanical interaction with the actuating mechanism of the actuating element. This enables a compact embodiment. The first force application surface can serve for a force application by the unlocking mechanism, and the second force application surface can serve for a force application by the actuating mechanism in order to be able to effect a displacement of the locking component into its unlocked position. If the locking component is designed as a locking tab, the force application surfaces can be arranged, for example, on the locking tab and / or on one or more release tabs connected to the locking tab.

[0022] According to a further development, the first force application surface can face the movable unlocking contour of the locking element, and the second force application surface can face the movable actuating contour of the actuating element. By means of the movable unlocking contour and the movable actuating contour, a targeted and defined force application can be achieved to move the locking component into its unlocking position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the actuating element can be formed integrally with the mating connector. This can further facilitate handling of the proposed connector, since, for example, a previous assembly step for attaching the actuating element to the mating connector can be omitted. For example, the actuating element can be molded onto the mating connector housing of the mating connector.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the actuating element can be detachably connected or connected to the mating connector. This allows for flexible application of the actuating element. Furthermore, the actuating element can be arranged, for example, on different housing sides of the mating connector to enable improved accessibility depending on the existing installation situation. The actuating element can be connected to the mating connector, for example, via a positive locking connection, thereby enabling simple, particularly tool-free, assembly. For example, the actuating element can have a positive locking contour, such as a dovetail contour or mushroom-shaped contour, which can engage with a negative positive locking mating contour of the mating connector, or vice versa.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking element can be formed integrally with the connector. This can further facilitate the handling of the proposed connector, since, for example, a previous assembly step for attaching the locking element to the connector can be omitted. For example, the locking element can be molded onto a connector housing of the connector.

[0026] According to an alternative embodiment, the locking element can be detachably connected or connected to the connector. This allows for flexible application of the locking element. Furthermore, the locking element can be arranged, for example, on different housing sides of the connector. The locking element can be connected to the connector, for example, via a positive locking connection, thereby enabling simple, particularly tool-free, assembly. For example, the locking element can have a positive locking contour, such as a dovetail contour or mushroom-shaped contour, which can engage with a negative positive locking mating contour of the connector, or vice versa.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the connector can be designed as a female connector and the mating connector as a male connector. Female connectors as connectors can more frequently be affected by difficult accessibility in confined installation situations, since, depending on the application, in particular due to the current direction, they can be arranged in the interior of a housing rather than in the housing environment, whereas an associated mating connector designed as a male connector is accordingly more likely to be arranged on the connector, protruding into the housing environment, with improved accessibility. Accordingly, the proposed embodiment provides a particularly practical plug connection. A female connector can be a conductor connection element with a spring-elastic contact pin receptacle. A male connector can be a conductor connection element with one or more electrically conductive contact pins.The contact pins of the pin header can be configured to electrically contact the contact pin receptacles of the female connector. According to one possible design, the female connector can have solder pins for establishing a soldered connection and can thus be designed as a so-called solder-in female connector. The solder-in female connector can, in particular, be equipped with a locking element formed integrally with the solder-in female connector.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the actuating element and / or the locking element can have a visual and / or haptic marking to distinguish the actuating element from the locking element. This can apply in particular to embodiments of the locking element in which the locking element is equipped with an unlocking mechanism. This can achieve improved, intuitive operation and rapid comprehension of the locking situation and available unlocking options. For example, an unlocking arm of the locking element can have a ribbed surface, while an actuating arm of the actuating element has a smooth surface, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking arm and the actuating arm can have different basic geometric shapes, dimensions, or colors.

[0029] The invention further relates to a mating connector for an electrical plug connection according to one of the features described above, wherein an actuating element with an actuating mechanism is arranged on the mating connector, which actuating mechanism is designed, upon actuation, to unlock a locking element arranged on a plug connector connectable to the mating connector by displacing a locking component of the locking element that can be displaced between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0030] The proposed mating connector also allows the aforementioned advantages of improved handling of plug connections and locking elements in areas with limited accessibility to be achieved. The mating connector and the actuating element arranged thereon make it possible to reliably and conveniently unlock a locking element of a connector with limited accessibility.

[0031] The invention further relates to a set comprising a plug connector and a mating connector, which are configured to form an electrical plug connection according to one of the aforementioned features when plugged together. The proposed set comprising a plug connector and a mating connector also allows the aforementioned advantages of improved handling of plug connections and locking elements in situations where accessibility is limited.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the set can have a separate locking element that can be releasably connected to the connector. This allows for flexible use of the locking element. Furthermore, the locking element can be arranged, for example, on different housing sides of the connector. The locking element can be connected to the connector, for example, via a form-lock connection, which enables simple, in particular tool-free, assembly. For example, the locking element can have a positive form-locking contour such as a dovetail contour or mushroom contour that can engage with a negative form-locking mating contour of the connector, or vice versa. In principle, however, according to an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable for the locking element to be designed as a single piece with the connector.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the set can have a separate actuating element that can be detachably connected to the mating connector. This allows for flexible application of the actuating element. Furthermore, the actuating element can be arranged, for example, on different housing sides of the mating connector to enable improved accessibility depending on the existing installation situation. The actuating element can be connected to the mating connector, for example, via a form-lock connection, thereby enabling simple, particularly tool-free, assembly. For example, the actuating element can have a positive form-lock contour, such as a dovetail contour or mushroom contour, which can engage with a negative form-lock counter-contour of the mating connector, or vice versa.In principle, however, according to an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that the actuating element is designed as a single piece with the mating connector.

[0034] The invention also relates to a housing with a housing opening in which an electrical plug connection according to one of the above-described features is arranged, wherein a plug connector of the electrical plug connection, with a locking element arranged on the plug connector, extends into the housing opening, and wherein a mating plug connector of the electrical plug connection, with an actuating element arranged on the mating plug connector, protrudes from the housing opening. In such an installation situation, there is limited accessibility to the plug connector extending into the housing opening, while the mating plug connector protrudes at least partially from the housing opening, thus providing good accessibility to the actuating element. Accordingly, the above-described advantages of improved handling of the locking element can be achieved, particularly with the described housing.In particular, the plug connector with the locking element arranged thereon can be designed to predominantly insert into the housing opening, so that the plug connector is predominantly displaced into the housing opening. In particular, the mating plug connector with the actuating element arranged thereon can be designed to predominantly protrude from the housing opening, so that the mating plug connector is predominantly arranged outside the housing. In other words, the housing opening can lead from a housing environment of the housing into a housing interior of the housing, and the plug connector can be predominantly arranged in a housing interior of the housing, and the mating plug connector can be predominantly arranged in a housing environment outside the housing. The housing can, for example, be a device housing of an electrical device.The housing opening can, for example, be a recess in the housing specifically provided for the plug connection. The plug connection can, for example, have installation features that can be used to determine whether the plug connection is intended for arrangement in a housing opening of a housing. For example, the plug connection can have a specific installation shape or installation dimensions or defined external installation contours that can correspond to common or, for example, standardized installation situations for arranging the plug connection in a housing opening. In addition, the plug connector and / or the mating connector can have at least one fixing element for fastening or supporting the plug connection to the housing.

[0035] In general, in the context of this application, the words “a / an”, unless expressly defined otherwise, are not to be understood as a number, but as an indefinite article with the literal meaning of “at least one”.

[0036] The invention permits various embodiments and is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1a- a sectional plan view of an electrical plug connection arranged in a housing opening of a housing according to a first embodiment; Fig. 1b- an enlarged detailed view of the Fig. arrangement shown in Figure 1a; Fig. 2 - a first perspective side view of the Fig. arrangement shown in Figure 1a; Fig. 3 - a side view of the Fig. arrangement shown in Figure 1a; Fig. 4 - a second perspective side view of the Fig. arrangement shown in Figure 1a; Fig. 5 - a third perspective side view of the Fig. 1a shown arrangement with the actuating elements of the plug connection hidden; Fig. 6 - a rear perspective view of a mating connector of the connector according to the Fig. 1 shown embodiment; Fig. 7 - a front perspective view of the mating connector according to Fig. 6; Fig. 8 - a front perspective view of a connector for an electrical connection according to a second embodiment; Fig. 9 - a front perspective view of a connector for an electrical connection according to a third embodiment; and Fig. 10- a front perspective view of a connector for an electrical connection according to a fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 1a shows a sectional view of a four-pin electrical plug connection 1 arranged in a housing opening 8 of a housing 9 along a Fig. 3 shown section plane AA. Fig. 1b shows an enlarged detail of the Fig. 1a dashed framed image section.

[0038] The electrical connector 1 has a connector 2 and a mating connector 3 that can be connected to the connector 2. The connector 2 is connected to the mating connector 3 in a Fig. 1a and can be connected in the same axial direction with the opposite direction of movement. On the connector 2, a locking element 4 is arranged on each of two opposite housing side walls of the connector 2 for mechanically securing the electrical plug connection 1 in a connected state of the connector 2 and the mating connector 3. In principle, it is also conceivable to arrange only one locking element 4 or more than two locking elements 4 on the connector 2. The locking elements 4, each designed as a locking pawl 4' in the figures shown, have a locking component 5 which is arranged between a Fig. 1b shown locking position 5a and one in Fig. 1b can be moved to the unlocking position 5b shown in dashed lines. By locking the electrical connector 1, the connection of the connector 2 with the mating connector 3 can be mechanically secured against unintentional release.

[0039] An actuating element 6 with an actuating mechanism 7 is arranged on the mating connector 3 opposite each locking element 4, which actuating mechanism is designed to unlock the locking element 4 by moving the locking component 5 into the unlocked position 5b when actuated. This ensures that the locking element 4 can be unlocked even when accessibility to the locking element 4 is restricted, in order to be able to detach the mating connector 3 from the plug connector 2. Thus, in installation situations with difficult accessibility to the locking element 4, locking of the plug connection 1 does not have to be dispensed with. In principle, it is also conceivable to arrange only one actuating element 6 or more than two actuating elements 6 on the mating connector 3, wherein an actuating element 6 can advantageously be assigned to each locking element 4.The actuating elements 6 are arranged on a mating connector housing 30 of the mating connector 3.

[0040] As in Fig. 1a, the plug connector 2 of the electrical plug connection 1, with the locking elements 4 arranged on the plug connector 2, extends into the housing opening 8, while the mating plug connector 3 of the electrical plug connection 1, with the actuating elements 6 arranged on the mating plug connector 3, protrudes from the housing opening 8. Accordingly, the mating plug connector 3 is predominantly arranged in a housing environment 28 outside the housing 9 and is thus easily accessible, while the plug connector 2 is predominantly arranged in a housing interior 29 and is thus, depending on the installation situation, with limited accessibility or is inaccessible. Using the actuating elements 6, it is nevertheless possible to unlock the locking elements 4 on the plug connector 2 and thus to create a detachability of the mating plug connector 3 from the plug connector 2.

[0041] Like the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the locking component 5 is designed as a spring-elastic locking tab 5' and is configured to engage in a locking contour 10 of the mating connector 3 in the locking position 5a and to be releasable from engagement with the locking contour 10 in the unlocking position 5b. Accordingly, a releasable locking connection can be established between the locking element 4 and the mating connector 3, wherein the spring-elastic locking tab 5' forms an easily displaceable locking component 5. In the unlocking position 5b, the displaceable locking component 5 is displaced away from the connector 2 or its surface. According to the embodiment shown, the locking contour 10 is designed as a locking edge of a locking opening in the mating connector housing 30, into which the spring-elastic locking tab 5' can be inserted and supported on the locking edge delimiting the locking opening. As shown in Fig. 1b, the locking tab 5' can be spaced apart from the locking contour 10 in the unlocking position 5b, so that engagement of the locking tab 5' with the locking contour 10 is canceled and the mating connector 3 can be released from the connector 2.

[0042] Furthermore, Fig. 1b shows that the locking component 5 has a release tab 11 connected to the spring-elastic locking tab 5', by means of which the spring-elastic locking tab 5' can be displaced from engagement with the locking contour 10. This can facilitate the release of the locking tab 5' from engagement with the locking contour 10. In Fig. 1b shows that the actuating mechanisms 7 of the actuating elements 6 each have a movable actuating contour 12 for moving the locking component 5, designed as a locking tab 5', from the locking position 5a to the unlocking position 5b. The movable actuating contour 12 can face a release tab 11. The movable actuating contour 12 forms an actuating edge that can lever the locking tab 5' out of engagement with the locking contour 10 via the release tab 11. For this purpose, the movable actuating contour 12 can be guided under the release tab 11 and can lift it by a lever movement.

[0043] When displaced in the direction of the connector 2, the actuating contour 12 can slide on an inclined surface of the connector housing in the direction of the locking component 5, thereby supporting the lever movement.

[0044] Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b further shows that the actuating elements 6 each have a base section 13 and an actuating arm 14 connected to the base section 13 for actuating the respective actuating mechanism 7, wherein the movable actuating contour 12 is arranged on the respective actuating arm 14. The movable actuating contour 12 is formed at a free end of the actuating arm 14, while another end of the actuating arm 14 is connected to the base section 13. The actuating arm 14 has a curved profile above the base section 13 and can be displaced towards the base section 13 by pressure force, whereby the movable actuating contour 12 can deflect in the direction of the locking tab 5' and move it into the unlocking position 5b. According to the embodiment shown, the actuating arm 14 and the base section 13 are formed integrally with one another.

[0045] According to the presentation in Fig. 1a, a spherical support component 17, formed integrally with the base section 13, is arranged between the base section 13 and the actuating arm 14 to support the actuating arm 14 during its actuation. This stabilizes the actuating arm 14 during its actuation and limits its deflection movement in the direction of the base section 13. Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b further shows that the mating connector 3 has a housing recess 18 in the mating connector housing 30 for forming the locking contour 10 and for receiving the movable actuating contour 12. This allows for improved guidance of the movable actuating contour 12 to the locking tab 5'.

[0046] According to the Fig. 1a and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1b, an unlocking mechanism 19 is arranged on each of the locking elements 4, which is designed to unlock the locking element 4 by displacing the locking component 5 into the unlocking position 5b upon actuation. Accordingly, the locking element 4 can be unlocked either by means of the actuating mechanism 7 or by means of the unlocking mechanism 19, thus providing increased flexibility in handling the plug connection 1. As the Fig. 1a, the actuating mechanism 7 and the unlocking mechanism 19 can have a comparable structure and a comparable mode of operation. In addition, the actuating mechanism 7 and the unlocking mechanism 19 can be designed as shown in Fig. 1a, the locking elements 4 are arranged essentially symmetrically to the locking component 5 and enclose it between them. The locking elements 4 have a base section 20 and an unlocking arm 21 connected to the base section 20 and having a movable unlocking contour 22 for displacing the locking component 5 from the locking position 5a into the unlocking position 5b, so that the unlocking mechanism 19 is reliably effective and easy to operate. The unlocking arm 21 can, as shown, have a curved profile above the base section 20 and can be displaced by pressure on the base section 20, whereby the movable unlocking contour 22 can deflect in the direction of the locking tab 5' and displace it from engagement with the locking contour 10 into the unlocking position 5b. According to the illustrated embodiment, the unlocking arm 21 and the base section 20 are formed integrally with one another.

[0047] In Fig. 1b shows that the locking component 5, designed as a locking tab 5', has a first force application surface 23 for mechanical interaction with the unlocking mechanism 19. This first force application surface 23 faces the movable unlocking contour 22 of the locking element 4. Furthermore, the locking component 5 has a second force application surface 24 for mechanical interaction with the actuating mechanism 7 of the actuating element 6, which second force application surface 24 faces the movable actuating contour 12 of the actuating element 6. Accordingly, a targeted and defined force application to the locking component 5 is possible for its displacement into the unlocking position 5b.

[0048] For example, in Fig. 1a, the actuating elements 6 are detachably connected to the mating connector 3. For this purpose, the actuating elements 6 have a form-fitting contour 37 on their base section 13, which fits into a corresponding Fig. 5, can engage the positive-locking mating contour 38 of the mating connector 3 or the mating connector housing 30. This allows the actuating elements 6 to be attached to the mating connector 3 in a simple manner, in particular without tools. In principle, it is also conceivable to form at least one actuating element 6 in one piece with the mating connector 3, for example, by molding it onto the mating connector housing 30.

[0049] The Fig. 1a further shows that the locking elements 4 are detachably connected to the connector 2. For this purpose, the locking elements 4 have a positive-locking contour 37 on their base section 20, which can engage with a corresponding positive-locking counter-contour of the connector 2 or the housing of the connector 2. As a result, the locking elements 4 can be attached to the connector 2 in a simple manner, in particular without tools. In principle, it is also conceivable to form at least one locking element 4 in one piece with the connector 2.

[0050] For example, in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1a, the connector 2 is designed as a female connector 25, and the mating connector 3 as a male connector 26. This creates a particularly practical plug connection 1, since female connectors 25 as connectors 2 are arranged, due to the current direction, in the inaccessible housing interior 29 rather than in the housing surroundings 28. The female connector 25 and the male connector 26 have mutually associated plug-in contact elements in the form of contact pins on the male connector 26 (not shown in detail in the figures) and contact pin receptacles 31 on the female connector 25.

[0051] Furthermore, among other things, Fig. 1a shows that the actuating elements 6 and the locking elements 4 can be distinguished from one another by a visually and haptically detectable marking 27, here in the form of a comparatively smooth surface of the actuating arm 14 and a ribbed surface of the unlocking arm 21. This allows for quick detection of a locking situation and available unlocking options.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a perspective side view of the Fig. 1a shown arrangement with a view from the housing environment 28 to the mating connector 3. In Fig. 2 shows that the base section 13 of the actuating element 6 has a base opening 15 and a guide web 16 spanning the base opening 15 for guiding the movable actuating contour 12 of the actuating mechanism 7. This enables precise displacement of the locking component 5 and supports a lever effect of the movable actuating contour 12. According to the embodiment shown, the guide web 16 protrudes substantially orthogonally from the base section 13. Furthermore, it can be seen that a web-shaped support component 17 is arranged between the base section 13 and the actuating arm 14 for supporting the actuating arm 14 during its actuation. This stabilizes the actuating arm 14 during its actuation and limits its deflection movement in the direction of the base section 13.

[0053] The Fig. 2 further shows that the actuating element 6 can be arranged on a housing side wall 32 of the mating connector housing 30. As shown, the housing side wall 32 can be a housing wall that extends substantially orthogonally to a conductor connection side 33 with conductor connection openings 34 and substantially orthogonally to a connection actuation side 35 with connection actuation elements 36.

[0054] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the Fig. 1a, in which the opposing, mutually facing arrangement of the actuating element 6 and the locking element 4 becomes clear. It can also be seen that the actuating element 6 has an elongated basic shape. Furthermore, it can be seen that the locking element 4 is designed as a locking pawl 4'.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a perspective side view of the Fig. 1a with a view from the housing interior 29 onto the connector 2. Here, the locking element 4 arranged on the connector 2 with the base section 20, the unlocking mechanism 19 and the unlocking contour 22 can be seen.

[0056] Fig. 5 shows another perspective side view of the Fig. 1a, with a view from the housing surroundings 28 onto the mating connector 3, wherein the actuating elements 6 are hidden in the view shown. This shows the positive-locking mating contour 38 in the mating connector housing 30, which can interact in a form-fitting manner with the positive-locking contour 37 of the releasably connectable actuating element 6. Furthermore, a possible positioning of the locking component 5 relative to the mating connector 3 is visible.

[0057] The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show a rear and a front perspective view of the mating connector 3 for the electrical connector 1 according to the previous figures. Fig. 6 and Fig. For example, Figure 7 shows that the base portion 13 of an actuating element 6 has a base opening 15 and a guide web 16 extending across the base opening 15 for guiding the movable actuating contour 12. Furthermore, it can be seen that the connector housing 30 has a housing recess 18 for forming the locking contour 10 and for receiving and guiding the movable actuating contour 12, wherein the housing recess 18 is designed, at least in sections, as a through-opening.

[0058] The Fig. 8 to 10 each show a front perspective view of a connector 2 for an electrical connector 1 according to a second, third and fourth embodiment, to illustrate that different types and shapes of connectors 2 and locking elements 4 can be used in connection with the invention. For example, in Fig. 8 shows another four-pin connector 2 with a different design of the locking element 4, which, according to the illustration shown, has a frame structure 39 that facilitates handling and increases mechanical protection. In Fig. 9 shows a six-pin connector 2 with a different design of the locking element 4, which, according to the illustration shown, has an additional locking element 40 for increased securing effect. Fig. 10 shows a six-pin connector 2 with a locking element 4, which has a comparable structure to that shown, for example, in Fig. 4. The locking components 5 of the locking elements 4 of the described connectors 2 can each be displaced into an unlocking position 5b by means of the described actuating element 6, analogously to the above embodiments.

[0059] With the Fig. A set for an electrical plug connection 1 can advantageously be formed from the plug connectors 2 and mating plug connectors 3 shown in Figures 1a to 10. Optionally, the set can further comprise at least one locking element 4 that can be releasably connected to the plug connector 2 and optionally at least one actuating element 6 that can be releasably connected to the mating plug connector 3. List of reference symbols 1 electrical connector 2 connectors 3 mating connectors 4 locking element 4' locking latch 5 Locking component 5' locking tab 5a Locking position 5b Unlocking position 6 Actuating element 7 Operating mechanism 8 Housing opening 9 housings 10 locking contour 11 release tab 12 Actuating contour 13 Base section 14 Actuating arm 15 Base opening 16 Guide bridge 17 Support component 18 Housing recess 19 Unlocking mechanism 20 Basic Section 21 Release arm 22 Unlocking contour 23 first force application area 24 second force application surface 25 spring strip 26 pin header 27 Marking 28 Housing environment 29 Housing interior 30 mating connector housings 31 Contact pin holder 32 Housing side panel 33 Conductor connection side 34 conductor connection opening 35 Connection actuation side 36 Connection actuating element 37 Form-fitting contour 38 Form-fitting counter contour 39 Frame structure 40 locking element S Plug direction

Claims

[1] Electrical plug connection (1) with a plug connector (2), a mating connector (3) connectable to the plug connector (2) and a locking element (4) arranged on the plug connector (2) for mechanically securing the electrical plug connection (1) in a connected state of the plug connector (2) and the mating connector (3), wherein the locking element (4) has a locking component (5) which is displaceable between a locking position (5a) and an unlocking position (5b), characterized by that an actuating element (6) with an actuating mechanism (7) is arranged on the mating connector (3), which actuating mechanism is designed to unlock the locking element (4) by displacing the locking component (5) into the unlocking position (5b) when actuated. [2] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the electrical plug connection (1) is provided for arrangement in a housing opening (8) of a housing (9), wherein the plug connector (2) with the locking element (4) arranged thereon is designed to dip into the housing opening (8) of the housing (9) and wherein the mating plug connector (3) with the actuating element (6) arranged thereon is designed to protrude at least in sections from the housing opening (8). [3] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the locking element (4) is designed as a locking pawl (4'). [4] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the locking component (5) is designed as a spring-elastic locking tab (5') and is designed to engage in a locking contour (10) of the mating connector (3) in the locking position (5a) and to be releasable from engagement with the locking contour (10) in the unlocking position (5b). [5] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the locking component (5) has a release tab (11) connected to the spring-elastic locking tab (5'), by means of which the spring-elastic locking tab (5') can be displaced from engagement in the locking contour (10). [6] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating mechanism (7) has a movable actuating contour (12) for displacing the locking component (5) from the locking position (5a) into the unlocking position (5b). [7] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the actuating element (6) has a base section (13) and an actuating arm (14) connected to the base section (13) for actuating the actuating mechanism (7), wherein the movable actuating contour (12) is arranged on the actuating arm (14). [8] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that the base section (13) of the actuating element (6) has a base opening (15) and a guide web (16) extending over the base opening (15) for guiding the movable actuating contour (12). [9] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that a support component (17) for supporting the actuating arm (14) during its actuation is arranged between the base section (13) and the actuating arm (14). [10] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized bythat the mating connector (3) has a housing recess (18) for forming the locking contour (10) and for receiving the movable actuating contour (12). [11] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an unlocking mechanism (19) is arranged on the locking element (4), which is designed, when actuated, to unlock the locking element (4) by displacing the locking component (5) into the unlocking position (5b). [12] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 11, characterized by that the locking element (4) has a base section (20) and an unlocking arm (21) connected to the base section (20) with a movable unlocking contour (22) for displacing the locking component (5) from the locking position (5a) into the unlocking position (5b). [13] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the locking component (5) has a first force application surface (23) for mechanical interaction with the unlocking mechanism (19) of the locking element (4) and a second force application surface (24) for mechanical interaction with the actuating mechanism (7) of the actuating element (6). [14] Electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 13, characterized by that the first force application surface (23) faces the movable unlocking contour (22) of the locking element (4) and that the second force application surface (24) faces the movable actuating contour (12) of the actuating element (6). [15] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (6) is formed in one piece with the mating connector (3). [16] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized bythat the actuating element (6) is or can be detachably connected to the mating connector (3). [17] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (4) is formed in one piece with the plug connector (2). [18] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by that the locking element (4) is or can be releasably connected to the connector (2). [19] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connector (2) is designed as a female connector (25) and the mating connector (3) as a male connector (26). [20] Electrical plug connection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the actuating element (6) and / or the locking element (4) has an optical and / or haptic marking (27) for distinguishing the actuating element (6) from the locking element (4). [21] Mating connector (3) for an electrical connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an actuating element (6) with an actuating mechanism (7) is arranged on the mating connector (3), which actuating mechanism is designed, when actuated, to unlock a locking element (4) arranged on a plug connector (2) that can be connected to the mating connector (3) by displacing a locking component (5) of the locking element (4) that can be displaced between a locking position (5a) and an unlocking position (5b). [22] Set comprising a plug connector (2) and a mating plug connector (3) which are designed to form an electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20 when plugged together. [23] Set according to claim 22, characterized by that the set has a separate locking element (4) which can be releasably connected to the plug connector (2). [24] Set according to claim 22 or 23, characterized by that the set has a separate actuating element (6) which can be detachably connected to the mating connector (3). [25] Housing (9) with a housing opening (8) in which an electrical plug connection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 20 is arranged, characterized bythat a plug connector (2) of the electrical plug connection (1) with a locking element (4) arranged on the plug connector (2) dips into the housing opening (8) and that a mating plug connector (3) of the electrical plug connection (1) with an actuating element (6) arranged on the mating plug connector (3) protrudes from the housing opening (8).

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