Set consisting of a connector and retaining element and connector and retaining element for same

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of connector (1) and retaining element (2), wherein the connector (1) has an insulating housing (5), the connector (1) and the retaining element (2) are designed to lock together, and the retaining element (2) has locking elements (11) projecting from a bearing surface (15) of the retaining element (2), wherein the connector (1) has several locking openings (10a, 10b) on a locking surface (9), which have an insertion area (12) for receiving a locking element (11) inserted into the insertion area (12) in an insertion direction perpendicular to the locking surface (9) and an adjacent locking area (13) extending into the insertion area (12), wherein the locking area (13) has a locking edge (14) for positive locking of a locking element (11) of the retaining element (2) and a smaller opening on the locking surface (9). than the insertion area (12) has,in order to lock a locking element (11) inserted into the insertion area (12) into the locking area (13) with the locking edge (14) after a transverse displacement of the retaining element (2) relative to the insertion direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a set comprising a connector and a retaining element, wherein the connector has an insulating housing and the connector and retaining element are designed to engage with one another. The retaining element has locking elements projecting from a support surface of the retaining element.

[0002] DE 203 18 084 U1 discloses a strain relief device for the connecting cables of a connector in the form of a cable holder, which can be inserted into corresponding receptacles of a connector and optionally can be locked there.

[0003] DE 10 2010 010 259 B1 discloses a connector with an insulating housing and a separate strain relief element. The strain relief element has protruding locking elements at its free end, which engage in corresponding grooves on the connection side of the connector and lock onto the connector behind a crossbar. For this purpose, locking projections of the locking elements protrude in the groove behind the crossbar of the connector and, together with the crossbar, form a locking mechanism that prevents the strain relief element from being removed from the connector.

[0004] DE 10 2013 213 724 A1 discloses a device for connecting a fieldbus to a field device. The field device is modularly constructed, comprising a base module, a first connection module, and a second connection module. The second connection module can be slid onto the base module. For mechanical connection to the first connection module, the field device has a receiving means configured for positive connection with a connecting means of the first connection module. The first connecting means of the first connection module, configured as locking feet, are inserted into slot-shaped receiving openings. The first connection module is then slid in the receiving slot in the longitudinal direction of the locking feet and locked into the receiving means.

[0005] DE 296 10 554 U1 shows an electrical installation device with a support that can be attached to a base plate via a positive and / or force-locking snap connection. For this purpose, the base plate has pairs of spring-loaded locking elements that are positioned opposite each other in their snap directions and move in opposite directions when snapped into place. The support is placed vertically onto the base plate, with the locking elements bending out laterally and springing back upon reaching the locking position, locking into the support.

[0006] Based on this, it is the object of the present invention to create an improved set of connector and holding element.

[0007] The object is achieved by the set having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0008] It is proposed that the connector have a plurality of locking openings on a locking surface, each of which has an insertion area for receiving a locking element inserted into the insertion area in an insertion direction oriented perpendicular to the locking surface, and an adjacent locking area. The locking area has a locking edge for positively locking a locking element of the retaining element and, on the locking surface, a smaller opening than the insertion area in order to lock a locking element inserted into the insertion area into the locking area with the locking edge after a transverse displacement of the retaining element and connector relative to each other transversely to the insertion direction.

[0009] Thus, the retaining element is inserted into the locking surface with its contact surface in a vertical movement perpendicular to the locking surface, so that the locking elements engage the insertion area of ​​the associated locking openings, which are sufficiently wide open for this purpose. Then, in a position where the retaining element rests on the connector, a transverse displacement occurs to move the locking elements from the insertion area into the adjacent locking area, where they each lock onto an associated locking edge. In this way, at least one positive stop for the locking elements is formed, which secures the retaining element to the connector.

[0010] The locking opening is an opening or recess in the insulating housing of the connector on the locking surface, which is divided into two areas that merge into one another, the insertion area and the locking area, both of which open out at the common locking surface.

[0011] Such a set is very compact and simple in design, providing a reliable connection between the retaining element and the connector. Assembly is very simple and can be carried out in two steps: attaching the retaining element to the connector, inserting the locking elements into the locking openings, and then sliding the retaining element laterally relative to the connector.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. This does not exclude additional elements, such as multiple parts.

[0013] The insulating housing of the connector can have adjacent conductor entry openings that extend in a conductor insertion direction into the insulating housing to conductor connection terminals in the insulating housing. The locking surface of the connector can be the surface of the connector into which the locking openings are inserted and which lies parallel to the plane spanned by the alignment direction of the adjacent conductor entry openings and by the conductor insertion direction, or parallel to a plugging direction of the connector. Thus, the retaining plate is aligned parallel to the plane of a bundle of electrical conductors that are plugged into the connector. In this way, the locking of the retaining element to the connector is adapted to the force effect of the clamped electrical conductors.

[0014] The insertion area and the locking area of ​​a locking opening of the connector can be located next to each other in the alignment direction of the conductor connection terminals. Thus, to lock the retaining element to the connector, the retaining element is displaced transversely in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the connected electrical conductors. If the retaining element is used as a strain relief element, the tensile force of the electrical conductors exerts a force on the strain relief element that is perpendicular to the locking direction of the retaining element on the connector. This ensures that the secure locking of the retaining element to the connector is not compromised.

[0015] A first group of locking openings of the connector can be arranged next to one another in a first row. Furthermore, at least one second locking opening can be arranged at a distance from this first row. The locking openings of the first group in the first row then interact with the at least one further locking opening located outside the first row to achieve a tilt-proof locking.

[0016] It is conceivable that a second group of locking openings is arranged next to each other in a second row, with the second row being spaced apart from the first row. More than two rows of locking openings can also be provided, for example, three or four rows. This allows the locking action to be distributed across the locking surface and the force flow to be evened out.

[0017] It is conceivable that the at least one second locking opening is offset from the locking openings of the first group with respect to the plug-in direction and / or the conductor insertion direction. Such an offset of the locking openings arranged in the adjacent rows counteracts excessive material weakening of the insulating housing and improves the force flow when locking the retaining element to the connector.

[0018] The locking elements of the retaining element can be designed as locking hooks with a retaining arm extending from a base of the retaining element and a locking projection protruding from the retaining arm. Such a locking hook can then also engage with its locking projection into the correspondingly large opening of the insertion area. When the locking hook is moved transversely into the locking area, a positive connection is formed between the locking projection and the locking edge of the locking area. For this purpose, the locking projection is pushed under the locking edge. The locking hook can, for example, have an L-shaped contour.

[0019] The locking projection of a first group of locking elements can point in a first direction. The locking projection of at least one further locking element can then point in a direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, at least two locking hooks pointing in opposite directions form a complementary pair of locking elements that act in the opposite direction or improve the locking of the retaining element to the connector.

[0020] The connector can be multi-part. The retaining element can then be designed for the positive connection of the connector's multiple insulating housings. The retaining element, which can be latched onto the connector, can thus be used to connect the insulating housings to one another and prevent them from falling apart. The retaining element thus forms a clamp connecting the insulating housing parts.

[0021] The retaining element can also be designed to connect two plugged-in connectors to prevent accidental disconnection of the connectors. For this purpose, a set of the first and second connectors has a retaining element that can be locked to these two connectors.

[0022] The retaining element can be a strain relief element with a platform protruding from the connector and featuring mounting contours for securing an electrical cable. The electrical conductors plugged into the connector can be secured to the platform of the retaining element, for example, with cable ties. If a tensile force is exerted on the electrical conductors, this force is absorbed by the retaining element and transferred to the connector as a whole via the locking connection of the retaining element and the connector.

[0023] The connector and the retaining element can have securing structures that prevent or impede transverse displacement of the retaining element by means of positive locking or frictional engagement to move the locking elements of the retaining element out of the locking region of the locking openings of the connector into the insertion region. This provides further locking of the retaining element to the connector beyond the locking with the locking elements immersed in the locking openings. Such securing contours can be formed from at least one pair of locking knobs and an associated locking recess. In the locked state, in which the locking elements are locked in the locking regions of the locking openings, such a locking knob immerses in an associated locking recess and prevents transverse displacement back to the unlocked state.To do this, a force so great that it would be necessary to apply the locking knob to slide out of the locking recess.

[0024] The width of the locking openings can be adjusted to a full pitch. The insertion area and the locking area are then each adjusted to a half pitch. A full pitch corresponds to the distance between adjacent conductor insertion openings. This means that, according to the pitch width of the connector, a locking opening adjusted to this width is used for each conductor insertion opening. After being placed on the connector, the retaining element only needs to be moved transversely by half the pitch width. The width of the locking openings can correspond to half the pitch. However, it can also be somewhat narrower, e.g., 90% of the pitch width, so as not to unduly weaken the insulating housing.

[0025] The width of the locking openings can also be adjusted to a half pitch. The insertion area and the locking area are then each adjusted to a quarter pitch. Other locking opening widths and other width ratios between the insertion area and the locking area are conceivable. However, the width of the insertion area and the locking area should each be half the width of the locking opening, if possible.

[0026] The holding element only needs to be moved by a relatively small distance, which is less than one pitch.

[0027] The design of the locking opening with half a pitch width for the insertion area and half a pitch width for the locking area results in a very uniform force introduction across the entire width of the connector in a two-row arrangement of groups of locking openings that are arranged alternately offset from one another.

[0028] A corresponding solution, in which the force introduction is even more uniform, offers the division of the locking openings with a width of a quarter division for the insertion area and a quarter division for the locking area with four rows, the locking openings of which are arranged alternately offset from one another.

[0029] The connector's locking openings offer the possibility of accommodating various types of retaining elements, such as mounting adapters, locking elements, locking feet, shielding plates, etc.

[0030] The locking openings prevent a continuous receiving groove, so that the air and creepage distances on the locking surface of the connector are not reduced too much.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, the indefinite term "a" is to be understood as such and not as a numeral. This does not exclude additional elements or multiple parts, even if this fact is specifically emphasized in individual cases by "at least one."

[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1- perspective view of a set of connector and retaining element; Figure 2a)- perspective view of the connector with a view of the locking surface; Figure 2b)- perspective view of the connector from Figure 2a) with a view of the locking surface from the other side; Figure 3a)- perspective view of a holding element in the form of a strain relief element; Figure 3b)- perspective view of a holding element in the form of a connecting element; Figure 4a)- perspective view of a set comprising a connector and holding element in the pre-locking position; Figure 4b)- perspective view of the set comprising Figure 4a ) in the locking position; Figure 5- Side view of the set of Figure 4a) and 4b ) with section line EE; Figure 6a)- Sketch of the set of connector and retaining element from Figure 4a ) in the pre-locking position in section EE; Figure 6b)- Sketch of the set of connector and retaining element from Figure 4b ) in the locking position in section EE; Figure 7- Top view of the connector with a view of the locking surface and the opposite surface with the section lines AA and BB; Figure 8a)- Partial cross-sectional view of the connector from Figure 7in section AA; Figure 8b)- Partial cross-sectional view of the connector from Figure 7 in section BB; Figure 9a)- Partial cross-sectional view of the set consisting of the connector and the retaining element in section AA; Figure 9b)- Partial cross-sectional view of the set consisting of the connector and the retaining element in section BB; Figure 10a)- Perspective view of a set of two plugged-together connectors and a retaining element connecting them in the pre-locking position; Figure 10b)- Perspective view of the set consisting of the two plugged-together connectors with the retaining element made of Figure 10a ) in the locking position; Figure 11- perspective view of the holding element for the set of Figure 10a) and 10b ); Figure 12a)- Sectional view of the set of two plugged-together connectors from Figure 10a ) in the pre-locking position; Figure 12b)- Sectional view of the set of two plug-in connectors made of Figure 10b ) in the locked position.

[0033] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a set consisting of a connector 1 and a holding element 2. The holding element 2 is designed as a strain relief element and has a platform 3 protruding from the connector 1 with fastening contours 4 in the form of openings and notches, with which, for example, cable ties can be attached to the platform 3. This makes it possible to fix electrical conductors (not shown) that are plugged into the connector 1 to the platform 3.

[0034] The connector 1 has an insulating housing 5. In the illustrated embodiment, this is designed in several parts and consists of several insulating housing sections that are plugged together. On the conductor insertion side, the connector 1 has several conductor insertion openings 6 arranged next to one another in a row, which lead to conductor connection terminals in the interior of the insulating housing 5 for connecting electrical conductors inserted into the conductor insertion openings 6 to the connector 1. Opposite the conductor insertion side, a plug-in contour 7 of the insulating housing 5 is provided with plug contacts arranged therein.

[0035] Actuating openings 8 can also be seen on the conductor insertion side above the respective conductor insertion openings 6. These each lead to a conductor connection terminal and are intended and suitable for opening a spring-loaded terminal connection in the interior of the connector 1 by inserting an actuating tool.

[0036] It is clear that the retaining element 2 is supported on the underside of the connector 1. This underside of the connector 1 forms the locking surface of the connector 1. There, locking openings 10a, 10b are provided, into which the locking elements 11 of the retaining element 2 engage to lock the retaining element 2 to the connector 1.

[0037] The locking elements 11 of the holding element 2 are designed as locking hooks with an L-shaped contour.

[0038] Figure 2a ) shows a perspective view of the connector 1 from Figure 1with a view of the locking surface 9. There, three locking openings 10a, 10b are arranged next to one another in two rows. The locking openings 10a, 10b have an insertion area 12 and an adjacent locking area 13. The locking area 13 merges into the insertion area 12, thus creating a continuous connection. The opening cross-section of the locking area 13 that opens out at the locking surface 9 is smaller than the opening cross-section of the insertion area 12 that opens out at the locking surface 9. This is due to the fact that a locking edge 14 in the form of a web protrudes into the locking opening 10a, 10b in the area of ​​the locking area 13. This locking edge 14 forms a stop for the locking element 11 of the holding element 2.

[0039] It can be seen that the outer locking opening 10b of the second row of locking openings 10a, which is closer to the plug-in side than to the conductor insertion side, is reduced to the locking area 13. The insertion area 12 is not required there, since the locking element 11 can initially be positioned laterally next to the side wall of the connector 1 and then pushed into the locking area 13.

[0040] Figure 2b ) shows connector 1 from Figure 2a ) looking at the other side. There, it is clear that the locking edge 14 extends into the locking opening 10a, 10b, leaving a free space below the web-like locking edge 14.

[0041] It can also be seen that the insertion area 12 of the locking opening 10a, 10b has the same length (i.e., transverse displacement path) as the locking area 13, but a width greater than the size of the locking edge 14. Thus, the cross-section of the opening in the insertion area 12 is larger than in the locking area 13.

[0042] It is also clear that the width of a locking opening 10a, 10b approximately corresponds to a pitch width. A full pitch width is the distance between the center axes of two adjacent conductor entry openings 6. The width of the insertion area 12 and the locking area 13 each corresponds approximately to half the pitch width.

[0043] It can also be seen that between the locking openings 10a, 10b of two adjacent poles of the connector 1, each pole of a connector 1 being assigned a conductor insertion opening 6 for inserting an electrical conductor (not shown), a web 18 remains, which separates the locking openings 10a, 10b of adjacent poles from each other. The web 18 is flush with the locking surface 9 and ensures sufficient clearance and creepage distance between the insulating housing parts of the connector 1 assigned to the poles.

[0044] The locking openings 10a, 10b arranged in the two rows are alternately offset from one another, so that, in the conductor insertion direction L, for example, a locking opening 10a of the first row follows an insertion area 12 followed by a locking area 13 of a locking opening 10b of the second row located behind it. Accordingly, the locking openings 10a of the first row, which are located closer to the conductor insertion openings 6, are transversely offset by half a pitch width from the locking openings 10b of the second row located behind them, which are located closer to the plug-in terminals 7.

[0045] Figure 3a ) shows a perspective view of the holding element 2 in the form of a strain relief element made of Figure 1It is clear that the holding element 2 is plate-shaped and has a platform 3 with fastening contours formed as openings and lateral notches or recesses at its free end. The holding element 2 has a support surface 15, from which the locking elements 11 protrude in a common direction. The locking elements 11 are designed as locking hooks, each with a hook arm 16 formed integrally with the support surface 15 and a locking projection 17 protruding transversely therefrom.

[0046] It can also be seen that the locking elements 11 are arranged in groups in two rows. The locking elements 11 of a group are aligned next to one another at a distance. The rows are aligned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the holding element 2 and are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the holding element 2 and arranged or aligned parallel to one another.

[0047] It is also clear that the locking elements 11 of the first group in the first row protrude with their locking projection 17 in a direction pointing away from the locking elements 11 of the second row. The same applies to the locking projections 17 of the locking elements 11 of the second group. The locking projections 17 of the first group of locking elements 11 thus point in a first direction, and the locking projections 17 of the locking elements 11 of the second group point in a direction opposite to the first direction. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking lugs 17 point away from one another. Alternatively, they can also be oriented toward one another.

[0048] It can also be seen that the locking elements 11 are alternately offset from one another from the first row to the second row. The locking elements 11 of the second row are thus aligned transversely to the alignment direction of the respective group in the space between the locking elements 11 of the other group.

[0049] Figure 3b ) shows a holding element 2 that has no platform 3 and is intended solely as a connecting element for connecting a multi-part connector 1. This makes it even clearer that the locking elements 11, arranged in groups in a row, are alternately offset from a first row to the second row and vice versa. The holding element 2 according to Figure 3b ) can be provided for fastening to a surface of a printed circuit board or another substrate, for example by means of adhesive bonding or by other fastening means not shown, e.g. locking means, on the surface facing away from the surface with the locking elements 11. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the holding element 2 has a locking contour for locking onto a mounting rail on the surface facing away from the surface with the locking elements 11.

[0050] It is also clear that the locking elements 11 are formed as L-shaped locking hooks with a hook arm 16 projecting from the support surface 15 and a locking projection 17 projecting transversely from the free end of the hook arm 16. Below the locking projection 17, there is a free space into which the web-like locking edge 14 of the locking opening 10a, 10b of the connector 1 is positioned when the connector is placed on the retaining element 2 and displaced transversely. A positive fit is provided by the retaining lip 17 and the associated locking edge 14 of the connector 1.

[0051] It is also clear that the hook arms 16 are formed integrally with the retaining element 2, for example, from a plastic material. They can taper toward the retaining lip 17 or its free end to provide a more stable connection to the support surface 15.

[0052] As an alternative to the L-shaped contour of the locking elements designed as locking hooks, these could also have a T-shaped or dovetail-shaped contour, in which case the contour of the locking openings 10a, 10b is adapted accordingly.

[0053] If the design of the holding element 2 as a strain relief element according to the Figure 3a ) is provided with a metallized surface or coating, the holding element 2 can also be used as a shielding element.

[0054] Figure 4a ) shows a perspective view of a set of connector 1 and the holding element 2 from Figure 3b) in the pre-locking position. It is clear that the holding element 2 protrudes from the contour of the plug connector 1 on the left side as viewed, and the connector 1 protrudes from the holding element 2 with its contour on the right side. A locking element 11 of the holding element 2 is positioned laterally next to the plug connector 1. In this area, the locking opening 10a, 10b of the plug connector 1 is open laterally, so that the locking element 11 slides into this locking opening 10a, 10b when the plug connector 1 is moved transversely to the left or the holding element 2 is moved transversely to the right and is locked in the locking area 13 located there by a positive fit.

[0055] In Figure 4b ) is the perspective view of the set from Figure 4a) in the locked position. It is clear that the connector 1 and the holding element 2 are now displaced relative to one another transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, so that their contours no longer protrude from one another. The locking element 11 of the holding element 2 is pushed into the locking opening 10a, 10b, so that the locking projection 17 of the locking element 11, together with the locking edge 14 of the connector 1 and the locking opening 10a, 10b, form a stop. In this way, the holding element 2 is positively locked to the connector 1.

[0056] Figure 5 shows a side view of the set Figure 4a) and 4b) with the section line EE in the area of ​​the support surface 15 of the holding element 2 and the adjacent locking surface 9 of the plug connector 1. It can be seen that a locking element 11, which is L-shaped in section, projects from the support surface 15 of the holding element 2 and is formed from the conically tapered hook arm 16 and the locking projection 17 projecting transversely therefrom. It is clear that the locking element 11 penetrates into the locking opening 10a, 10b of the plug connector 1, which is formed in the locking surface 9. In the section shown, the locking element 11 is located in the locking area of ​​the locking opening 10, so that the web-like locking edge 14, which delimits the locking opening 10a, 10b in the locking area, engages under the locking projection 17 and is positioned between the locking projection 17 and the support surface 15. Furthermore, the locking element 11 is also positively received in the locking opening 10a, 10b, so that the range of movement between the connector 1 and the holding element 2 is limited.It is also conceivable to accommodate the locking element 11 in the locking opening 10a, 10b in the locking area with a press fit, so that in addition to the positive locking, a force fit or at least a frictional connection is provided.

[0057] Figure 6a) shows the sketch of the set comprising plug connector 1 and holding element 2 from Figure 4a) in the pre-locking position in section EE. The locking elements 11 can be seen here, which are inserted into the plug-in area 12 of a locking opening 10a, 10b formed from the plug-in area 12 and the adjacent locking area 13. The opening in the plug-in area 12, i.e. the cross-section of the outlet from the locking surface 9, is at least as large as the area spanned by the hook arm 16 and the locking projection 17 projecting therefrom and projected perpendicularly onto the support surface 15 of the holding element 2. It can be seen that the holding element 2 in the pre-locking position is plugged onto the insulating housing 5 offset from the contour of the plug connector 1. The holding element 2 is placed with its support surface 15 perpendicularly onto the locking surface 9 of the connector 1, so that the locking elements 11 are inserted into the associated locking openings 10a, 10b.

[0058] The holding element 2 is then displaced transversely on the plane of the superimposed locking surface 9 and support surface 15 transversely to the conductor insertion direction L.

[0059] It is clear from Figure 6b ) that the locking elements 11 are now displaced transversely from the insertion area 12 into the adjacent locking area 13. The web-like locking edge 14, which projects into the respective locking opening 10a, 10b at the level of the locking surface 9 of the plug connector 1, engages over the locking projection 17 of the locking element 11 inserted therein. The opening cross-section of the locking area 13 is smaller than the opening cross-section of the insertion area 12 and corresponds approximately to the cross-sectional area of ​​the hook arm 16 in its height when the locking element 11 is inserted into the locking opening 10a, 10b.

[0060] Figure 7shows a top view of the connector 1 on the left side with a view of the snap-on surface 9 and on the right side with a view of the top side of the connector 1 opposite the snap-on surface 9. The section lines AA and BB are shown.

[0061] It can be seen that the locking openings 10a, 10b are arranged in groups in two rows next to each other. These two rows are each aligned transversely to the conductor insertion direction L. In this direction, transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, there is a locking area 13 with a smaller opening cross-section next to an insertion area 12 of the locking openings 10a, 10b.

[0062] It is also clear that the locking openings 10a, 10b are alternately offset, so that, viewed in the conductor insertion direction L, a locking area 13 follows a first locking opening 10a, 10b in alignment behind an insertion area 12, and vice versa. The forces transmitted to the insulating housing 1 during the positive connection are thus distributed at least largely evenly across the locking surface 9.

[0063] Figure 8a ) shows a partial cross-sectional view of the connector 1 in section AA. It is clear that the locking openings 10a, 10b on a sectional plane, e.g., in section AA, have, on the one hand, an insertion area 12 of the locking opening 10a, 10b and, following in the conductor insertion direction, an insertion area 12 with a web-like locking edge 14 projecting into the locking opening 10a, 10b. Thus, the insertion area 12 and the locking area 13 are alternately offset from one another.

[0064] In Figure 8b) shows the partial cross-sectional view of connector 1 in section BB. There, the locking area 13 with its locking edge 14 is located on the left and the insertion area 12 on the right. The insertion area 12 and the locking area 13 are thus arranged alternately offset from one another in the conductor insertion direction L and transversely thereto.

[0065] Figure 9a ) shows a partial cross-sectional view of the set consisting of connector 1 and retaining element 2 in section AA. It can be seen that the sectioned left locking element 11 of the retaining element 2 is located in the locking area of ​​a locking opening 10a, 10b.

[0066] The right-hand locking element 11, which, due to its offset transverse to the conductor insertion direction, i.e., in the viewing direction, also engages a locking area 13 offset there. This locking element 11 is also locked in the locking area 13 by a locking edge 14.

[0067] Figure 9b) shows the partial cross-sectional view of the set consisting of connector 1 and retaining element 2 in section BB. Here, the section is through the right-hand locking element 11, which is located in the locking area 13 there and is locked by the locking edge 14.

[0068] The uncut locking element 11, which is offset in the viewing direction, is also located in a locking area 13 and is also locked by the locking edge 14, which is now fully visible when viewed from the front. The section plane BB runs on the left side through the insertion area, which is not delimited by the locking edge 14, and on the right side through the locking area 13 delimited by the locking edge 14.

[0069] Figure 10a ) shows a perspective view of a set of two plugged-together connectors 1. These are plugged onto one another with their plug connections 7 and contact each other.

[0070] The retaining element 2 is provided to prevent the two connectors 1 from being accidentally pulled apart. For this purpose, the connectors 1 are locked together using the retaining element 2.

[0071] Again, locking elements 11 protrude from the retaining element 2, which engage the above-described locking openings 10a, 10b of the connectors 1. For this variant, it is sufficient if only one row of locking openings 10a, 10b is used per connector 1.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking projections 17 of the opposing locking elements 11 face each other. An offset of the opposing locking elements 11 is not provided in this embodiment, but can also be optionally provided.

[0073] Figure 10b ) shows the set of Figure 10a), after the holding element 2 has been moved from the pre-locking position into the locking position transversely to the conductor insertion direction L. The locking elements 11 are thus now located in the locking area 13 of the locking opening 10, so that a displacement of the connectors 1 back and forth in the conductor insertion direction L is prevented.

[0074] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the holding element 2 for the set from Figures 10a) and 10b). It is clear that in this variant, two rows of locking elements 11 are provided for each connector 1, which, as before, are used in conjunction with Figure 3a) and 3b ) are alternately offset.

[0075] However, it is also conceivable that only one row per connector 1 or more than two rows per connector 1 are used.

[0076] Figure 12a ) shows a sectional view of the set of two plugged-together connectors 1 from Figure 10a) in the pre-locking position. It is clear that the retaining element 2 protrudes laterally from the contour of the connector 1 and its (multi-part) insulating housing, transverse to the conductor insertion direction. The locking elements 11 each engage an insertion area 12 of the respective locking opening 10a, 10b or are located outside the contour of the insulating housing 5 of the connector 1, directly adjacent to a laterally open locking area 13.

[0077] Figure 12 b) This sectional view now shows the locking position. By moving the holding element 2 transversely to the conductor insertion direction L, the locking elements are then pushed, as previously described, into the adjacent locking areas 13 of the respective locking opening 10a, 10b and locked there at the locking edge 14, which forms a stop for the locking projection 17 of the respective locking element 11.

Claims

1. Set comprising a plug connector (1) and a holding element (2), wherein the plug connector (1) has an insulating housing (5), the plug connector (1) and the holding element (2) are designed for latching together, and the holding element (2) has latching elements (11) projecting from a support surface (15) of the holding element (2), characterized in that the plug connector (1) has a plurality of latching openings (10a, 10b) on a latching surface (9), which have an insertion region (12) for receiving a latching element (11) inserted into the insertion region (12) in an insertion direction oriented perpendicular to the latching surface (9), and a latching region (13) adjacent thereto and merging into the insertion region (12), wherein the latching region (13) has a latching edge (14) for form-fitting latching a latching element (11) of the holding element (2) and a smaller opening on the latching surface (9) than the insertion region (12), in order to latch a latching element (11) inserted into the insertion region (12) into the latching region (13) with the latching edge (14) after a transverse displacement of the holding element (2) relative to the insertion direction.

2. Set according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating material housing (5) of the plug connector (1) has conductor insertion openings (6) arranged next to one another, which extend in a conductor insertion direction (L) into the insulating material housing (5) to conductor connection terminals in the insulating material housing (5), wherein the latching surface (9) of the plug connector (1) with the latching openings (10a, 10b) is parallel to the plane which is spanned by the arranging direction of the conductor insertion openings (6) arranged next to one another and by the conductor insertion direction (L), or is parallel to a plug-in direction of the plug connector (1).

3. Set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insertion area (12) and the latching area (13) of a latching opening (10a, 10b) of the plug-in connector (1) are located next to one another in the direction of arranging the conductor connection terminals.

4. Set according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a first group of latching openings (10a) of the plug connector (1) is arranged next to one another in a first row and at least one second latching opening (10b) is arranged at a distance from this first row.

5. Set according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one second latching opening (10b) is arranged offset from the latching openings (10a) of the first group with respect to the plug-in direction and / or conductor insertion direction (L).

6. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching elements (11) of the holding element (2) are designed as latching hooks with a hook arm (16) extending away from a base surface of the holding element (2) and a latching projection (17) projecting from the hook arm (16).

7. Set according to claim 6, characterized in that the hook lips of a first group of latching elements (11) point in a first direction and the latching projection (17) of at least one further latching element (11) points in a direction opposite to the first direction.

8. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connector (1) is multi-part and the holding element (2) is designed for the form-fitting connection of the plurality of insulating material housing parts of the plug connector (1).

9. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding element (2) is a strain relief element with a platform (3) projecting from the plug connector (1) and with fastening contours (4) for fastening an electrical line.

10. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connector (1) and the holding element (2) have securing contours which, by means of form-locking or frictional locking, prevent or impede a transverse displacement of the holding element (2) for moving the latching elements (11) of the holding element (2) out of the latching area (13) of the latching opening (10a, 10b) of the plug connector (1) into the insertion area (12).

11. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the width of the latching opening (10a, 10b) is adapted to a whole pitch, wherein the insertion area (12) and the latching area (13) are each adapted to a half pitch, wherein a whole pitch corresponds to the distance between adjacent conductor insertion openings (6) from one another.

12. Set according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the width of the latching opening (10a, 10b) is adapted to a half pitch, wherein the insertion area (12) and the latching area (13) are each adapted to a quarter pitch, wherein a whole pitch corresponds to the distance between adjacent conductor insertion openings (6) from one another.

13. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching openings (10a, 10b) are arranged in groups in two, three or four rows.

14. Set according to claim 8, characterized in that at least on the outer insulating material housing parts of the plug connector (1) there are latching openings (10a, 10b) for the form-fitting connection of the plurality of insulating material housing parts of the plug connector (1) with an overlapping holding element (2) which is latched onto them.

15. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first group of latching elements (11) of the holding element (2) is arranged in a row with a distance from one another which is adapted to a whole pitch, wherein a whole pitch corresponds to the distance between adjacent conductor insertion openings (6), and that a second group of latching elements (11) is arranged in a second row.

16. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first group of latching elements (11) of the holding element (2) is arranged in a first row at a distance from one another which is adapted to a half pitch, wherein a whole pitch corresponds to the distance between adjacent conductor insertion openings (6), and that a second group of latching elements (11) is arranged in a second row.

17. Set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching elements (11) are arranged in groups in at least two rows next to one another, wherein the latching elements (11) in the successive rows are arranged alternately offset from one another.

18. Set according to one of the preceding claims comprising a second connector (1b), characterized in that the holding element (2) cooperates with the first and second connectors (1a, 1b).

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