ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical connector with a connector housing, wherein a connecting lever with two interconnected parallel lever parts is arranged on the connector housing, which can be rotated and / or displaced relative to the connector housing between an initial position and an end position, wherein the lever parts each have a guide track into which, in the initial position of the connecting lever, a guide pin formed on an attachable mating connector housing can be inserted and displaced by rotation and / or displacement of the connecting lever in the guide track, wherein the connecting lever has a locking element displaceable against the connector housing, which locking element, in a displacement position referred to as the locking position, mechanically locks the connecting lever, which is in its end position, to the connector housing,and wherein the locking element carries an optical code which can be fully detected and decoded by an optical reading device precisely when the locking element is in the locking position.

[0002] The correct mechanical and electrical connection of connectors is safety-relevant in many applications. Therefore, connectors are often secured against accidental disconnection with a locking element after connection.

[0003] In order to be able to prove and also document that a locking element on a connector arrangement has reached its correct locking position, it is known to detect an optical coding coupled to the locking element by an optical reading device.

[0004] Such a connector is shown in the German utility model DE 20 2016 008 846 U1.The connector assembly described in this document includes an indicator feature carried by a housing having a visual indicator disposed thereon, and a cover feature carried by the housing, the indicator feature and the cover feature being movable relative to each other between a concealed position and an exposed position, the cover feature concealing at least a portion of the visual indicator in the concealed position, the visual indicator being at least one of exposed and exposeable in the exposed position, and the indicator feature being in the concealed position relative to the cover feature when the housing is not fully mated to the mating connector, and the indicator feature being in the exposed position relative to the cover feature when the housing is fully mated to the mating connector.

[0005] A visual marking is thus recognizable here when a display feature and a cover feature are in a certain arrangement relative to each other, while in other arrangements the visual marking is at least partially concealed.

[0006] Such an interaction of an indicator feature with a visual marking and a cover feature is not practical or easy to implement for every type of connector.

[0007] The task was to create a generic electrical connector in a simple and cost-effective manner in which the monitoring of an optical coding can be carried out in an alternative way.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the locking element consists of two parts which can be displaced relative to one another, each of which carries a partial section of the optical code, in that the optical code is completed in a displaced position of the two parts, and in that one of the parts is fixed to the connecting lever by locking means.

[0009] The idea is that two mutually movable parts of a locking element each carry a part of an optical code. By joining the two parts together, the optical code is arranged without interruption and can thus be read by an automatic reading device.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description of the invention with reference to the figures. Figure 1 shows a connector housing with a connecting lever in an initial position, Figure 2 shows a connector housing with a connecting lever in an end position, Figure 3 shows a connector housing with a connecting lever in the end position with a locking element in place, Figure 4 shows a view according to the Figure 1 from a different perspective, Figure 5 a view according to the Figure 2 from a different perspective, Figure 6 a view according to the Figure 3from a different perspective, Figure 7 the individual parts of a locking element, Figure 8 the interconnected individual parts of the locking element, Figure 9 a locking element with an optical code, Figure 10 the locking element when attached to the connector housing, Figure 11 the locking element attached to the connector housing, Figure 12 the unlocked locking element attached to the connector housing, Figure 13 a locking clip in a first position, Figure 14 a locking clip in a second position, Figure 15 a sectional view through a connector housing according to the Figure 6, Figure 16 a first alternative embodiment of the connector with an unlocked locking element, Figure 17 the first alternative embodiment of the connector with a locked locking element, Figure 18 a second alternative embodiment of the connector with an unlocked locking element and an additional DataMatrix code, Figure 19 the second alternative embodiment of the connector with a locked locking element and an additional DataMatrix code, Figure 20 a third alternative embodiment of the connector with an unlocked locking element and an additional DataMatrix code on the locking element, Figure 21 the third alternative embodiment of the connector with a locked locking element and an additional DataMatrix code on the locking element.

[0011] The Figures 1 to 6each show a connector housing 1 with a connecting lever 3. The connecting lever 3 consists of two lateral lever parts 4, which are connected to one another via a connecting web 2 and are each rotatably mounted about a pivot pin 6 on two side surfaces of the connector housing 1.

[0012] In the Figures 1 to 3 Each of the lever parts 4 is shown. The lever parts 4 each have a molded, curved guide track 5, into which a guide pin of a mating connector housing (not shown in the figures) can be inserted.

[0013] When the connecting lever 3 is rotated from one position in the Figure 1 shown initial position to one in the Figure 2 In the end position shown, the connector housing and the mating connector housing are mechanically brought closer together and the electrical contact elements arranged in the housings are electrically connected to one another.

[0014] The connection of a connector housing with a mating connector housing using a rotary lever is not illustrated in detail here, as this process can be assumed to be familiar. It is illustrated, for example, using the Figure 3 the aforementioned publication DE 20 2016 008 846 U1.

[0015] The Figures 4 to 6 show corresponding views of a connector housing 1 rotated by 90°, in which both lever parts 4 and the connecting web 2 between the lever parts 4 can be seen.

[0016] In the Figures 1 and 4 In the initial position of the connecting lever 3 shown, guide pins of a mating connector housing can be inserted into the guide tracks 5 of the lever parts 4.

[0017] After pivoting the connecting lever 3 into the Figures 2 and 5In the end position shown, the connector housing 1 and the mating connector housing (not shown here) are already fully connected. However, the connecting lever 3 is not yet secured to the connector housing 1.

[0018] The connecting lever 3 is secured to the connector housing 1 by means of a locking element 7 arranged displaceably on the connecting lever 3.

[0019] The Figures 3 and 6 show the connector housing 1, as already shown in the Figures 2 and 5, also with the connecting lever 3 in its end position. In addition, the locking element 7 has been pushed into the connecting web 2, bringing it into a position in which it locks the connecting lever 3 to the connector housing 1. This position of the locking element 7 is referred to below as the locking position. The locking element 7 thus fulfills the well-known function of a housing security or CPA lock (CPA = "Connector Position Assurance").

[0020] It is essential that the locking element 7 has an optical code 9, by means of which an optical reading device can recognize the correct position of the locking element 7 on the connecting lever 3, without the need for means that cover or expose the optical code 9.

[0021] In order to achieve this, it is provided that the locking element 7 consists of two parts 8a, 8b which can be displaced relative to one another, each of which carries only one partial section 9a, 9b of the optical code 9, so that in a displaced position of the two parts 8a, 8b relative to one another, the two partial sections 9a, 9b of the optical code 9 are arranged without interruption.

[0022] As the Figure 6 As shown, the locking element 7 has an optical code 9 in the locking position. This optical code 9 can be, in particular, a geometric symbol, a one-dimensional barcode, or, as shown here, a two-dimensional DataMatrix code. Such an optical code 9 can be automatically detected by an optical reading device (not shown here).

[0023] A geometric symbol is understood here to be a preferably simply structured pictorial symbol, which can be designed as a letter-like symbol or as a geometric figure, such as a circle, triangle or rectangle.

[0024] A complete symbol typically consists of one or more lines or surfaces. In the case of multiple lines or surfaces, these do not necessarily have to be connected to each other, but can also be arranged in a predetermined geometric arrangement, such as parallel to each other, aligned with each other, or in an uninterrupted arrangement. An example of such a symbol is the equal sign, which consists of a parallel arrangement of two parallel lines.

[0025] In particular, it can also be stipulated that several lines and / or areas must maintain certain distances from each other to form a complete symbol. The presence of these properties can be checked, for example, by the reading device by comparing the detected symbol with a previously stored representation of the symbol.

[0026] If the locking element 7 is not in the locking position when the connecting lever 3 is folded, as shown in the Figure 5 As shown, the optical code 9 is divided into two separate sections 9a, 9b, which are not recognized by the optical reading device as a valid optical code 9.

[0027] If the connecting lever 3 is not or not fully folded, as in the Figure 4 shown, no optical code 9 appears at all in the area detected by the optical reading device.

[0028] The locking element 7 with the optical code 9 is described below using the Figures 7 to 12 explained in more detail.

[0029] As the Figure 7 As shown, the locking element 7 is constructed from two individual parts 8a, 8b. A first part 8a of the locking element 7 has the shape of a web, on one longitudinal side of which two spring hooks 10 are formed, and on the other longitudinal side of which two locking hooks 13 are formed.

[0030] The second part 8b of the locking element 7 has two parallel guides 15, which are connected to each other via a crosspiece 12 and into which a guide groove 16 is formed. The first part 8a can be slidably inserted into the two guide grooves 16. The crosspiece 12 has two recesses 11 between the guides 15.

[0031] According to the Figure 8In the illustrated assembly state of the connecting element 7, the edge sections of the first part 8a are inserted into the guides 15 of the second part 8b, and the first part 8a is pushed until it stops against the crosspiece 12 of the second part 8b. As a result, the end sections of the spring hooks 10 are engaged in the recesses 11 of the crosspiece 12 on the second part 8b. The first and second parts 8a, 8b are thus connected to one another, whereby the outer surface of the first part 8a rests almost seamlessly and flush against the outer surface of the crosspiece 12.

[0032] In a subsequent manufacturing step of the locking element 7, an optical code 9 is lasered onto the parts 8a, 8b thus connected to one another, in such a way that the extent of the optical code 9 extends from the outer surface of the transverse web 12 to the outer surface of the first part 8a.

[0033] The optical code 9 can, for example, be a binary one-dimensional or two-dimensional code, which is referred to here for simplicity as a barcode or a DataMatrix code. Preferably, the optical code 9 thus forms a code that individualizes the locking element 7, by means of which each individual locking element 7 can be distinguished and, if necessary, recognized.

[0034] The finished locking element 7, which Figure 9 shows, is then mounted on the connecting bar 2 of the connecting lever 3 ( Figure 10 ). The locking hooks 13 formed on the first part 8a of the locking element 7 engage in locking recesses 14 on the connecting lever 3. The optical code 9 becomes visible in a window gap 18 on the connecting lever 3.

[0035] Since the locking hooks 13 are made of a much stronger material than the spring hooks 10, they create a strong and almost inseparable connection between the locking element 7 and the connecting lever 3.

[0036] In contrast, the holding force between the spring hooks 10 and the recesses 11 on the second part 8b of the locking element 7 is considerably lower, so that this locking connection can be separated with a force that can easily be applied manually.

[0037] During this process, the second part 8b is moved against the first part 8a of the locking element 7, while the first part of the locking element 7 remains on the connecting lever 3. This results in the Figure 12 illustrated position of the first and second parts 8a, 8b relative to each other, in which the previously complete optical code 9 is now divided into two separate sections 9a, 9b.

[0038] When the connecting lever 3 is in its end position (shown in the Figures 2 , 3 , 5 and 6 ), the two mutually displaceable parts 8a, 8b can either lock or release the connecting lever 3 on the connector housing 1. This is achieved by a locking clip 17 ( Figure 9 ) is caused.

[0039] As the Figures 13 and 14 in a sectional view through the connector housing 1, the locking clip 17 moves together with the second part 8b of the locking element 7, wherein in the Figure 14 In the locking position shown, an outer section 19 of the locking clip 17 is located between two locking springs 20 formed on the connector housing 1 and thus presses the two locking springs 20 apart.

[0040] The Figure 15 clarifies the Figure 14illustrated assembly state based on a representation rotated by 90 °, which is shown as section A - A of the view of the connector housing 1 according to the Figure 6 results.

[0041] From the Figure 15 It can be seen that the two detent springs 20, pushed apart by the outer section 19 of the locking clip 17, lock two housing sections 21 belonging to the connector housing 1. This eliminates the rotational mobility of the connecting lever 3, so that it remains in its folded position against the connector housing 1 as long as the locking element 7 is in the locked position. The locking element 7 thus fulfills its function as a position-securing or CPA lock.

[0042] The Figures 16 and 17Using a further embodiment of the connector, they illustrate that the optical code 9 does not necessarily have to be a barcode or DataMatrix code, but can also be formed by a simple symbol 22. The symbol 22 can, in principle, be realized by any distinguishable representation. Particularly advantageously, the symbol can be designed as a simple geometric figure, which is referred to below as a "geometric symbol."

[0043] The geometric symbol 22 here consists, for example, of a rectangular area with fixed dimensions and / or proportions. The rectangular area is divided into two subsections 22a, 22b, which are arranged on two parts 8a, 8b of the locking element 7 and which, when parts 8a and 8b are joined together, are combined to form a complete geometric symbol 22 in the form of a completed rectangular area.

[0044] Alternatively, the geometric symbol 22 may also be formed by a circular area, triangular area or other geometric shape which is divided into subsections and which is completed by merging the parts 8a and 8b.

[0045] Such an embodiment is particularly advantageous since the recognition of a geometric symbol 22 composed of subsections 22a, 22b is far less sensitive to tolerances than the correct recognition of a DataMatrix or barcode composed of subsections 9a, 9b.

[0046] As in the Figures 18 and 19 As indicated, an undivided DataMatrix or barcode 23 can additionally be arranged on a part of the connector housing 1 or the connecting lever 3 in order to enable individualized detection of the connector.

[0047] However, this DataMatrix or barcode 23 is only read and / or accepted as valid by a reading device if it has previously recognized a completely assembled geometric symbol 22.

[0048] Another version of the connector is available in the Figures 20 and 21 shown. An additional DataMatrix code 23 is arranged here on the movable part 8b of the locking element 7. Here, too, the DataMatrix code 23 is only read and / or accepted as valid by a reading device if it has previously recognized a geometric symbol 22 composed of two sections 22a, 22b. Reference symbol

[0049] 1Connector housing 2Connecting web 3Connecting lever 4Lever parts 5Guide tracks 6Pivot pin 7Locking element 8aFirst part (of the locking element) 8bSecond part (of the locking element) 9Optical code 9a, 9bSections (of the optical code) 10Spring hook 11Recesses 12Crossbar 13Locking hook 14Locking recess (13, 14)Locking means 15Guides 16Guide grooves 17Locking clip 18Window gap 19Outer section 20Locking springs 21Housing sections 22Symbol 22a, 22bSections 23(undivided) DataMatrix or barcode

Claims

1. Electrical plug connector having a plug connector housing (1), a connection lever (3) with two interconnected parallel lever parts (4) being arranged on the plug connector housing (1), which connection lever (3) can be turned and / or pushed relative to the plug connector housing (1) between a starting position and an end position, wherein the lever parts (4) each have a guide track (5) into which, in the initial position of the connection lever (3), a guide pin formed on an attachable mating connector housing can be inserted and can be displaced in the guide track (5) by rotating and / or displacing the connection lever (3), wherein the connection lever (3) has a locking element (7) that can be pushed against the plug connector housing (1) and which, in a pushed position referred to as the locking position, mechanically locks the connection lever (3) in its end position to the plug connector housing (1), and wherein the locking element (7) carries an optical code (9) which can be fully detected and decoded by an optical reading device only when the locking element (7) is in the locking position, characterized in that that the locking element (7) consists of two parts (8a, 8b) that can be moved against each other, both of which carry a section (9a, 9b) of the optical code (9), that the optical code (9) is completed in a displacement position of the two parts (8a, 8b), and that one of the parts (8a) is fixed to the connecting lever (3) by latching means (13, 14).

2. Electrical plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical code (9) is a bar code.

3. Electrical plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical code (9) is a data matrix code.

4. Electrical plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical code (9) is a symbol (22).

5. Electrical plug connector according to claim 4, characterized in that the symbol (22) is a geometric figure or a character.

6. Electrical plug connector according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that an additional and undivided bar code or data matrix code (23) or another scannable code is arranged on the connector housing (1) or the connection lever (3) or on a part (8a, 8b) of the locking element (7).

7. Electrical plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical code (9) is lasered onto the two parts (8a, 8b) of the locking element (7) that can be displaced with respect to each other.

8. Electrical plug connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical code (9) is printed or applied as a sticker on the two parts (8a, 8b) of the locking element (7) that can be displaced with respect to each other.