Plug-in connector assembly
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023726969
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-05-13
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-19
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Description
[0002] title
[0003] Field of the invention
[0004] The invention relates to a connector assembly. It also relates to a connector for a connector assembly. It also relates to a mating connector for a connector assembly.
[0005] State of the art
[0006] In the field of connector assemblies consisting of a connector and a mating connector, it is important not to exceed a certain mating force when mating from a starting position to a final mating position. For connectors with a high number of pins and / or connectors for high-current applications, such as those used in electric vehicles, the mating force may exceed a desired level.
[0007] In order to reduce the insertion forces, an actuating element can be provided on the connector, which is displaceable between a first position and a second position and is designed to reduce an insertion force when connecting the connector and the mating connector, wherein when the actuating element is displaced from the first position to the second position, the connector is displaced into the final insertion position.
[0008] It is further known that it can be advantageous for an operator if the plug connector arrangement has an element which indicates that the second position of the actuating element has been reached or which can only be moved when the second position has been reached. Such elements are usually referred to as CPA (“Connector Position Assurance”). They can, for example, be displaceable between an unlocked position and a locked position along a displacement direction and, in the locked position, block the actuating element against movement from the second position to the first position. Such plug connector arrangements with various actuating elements are known from EP 0 933 836 A2, DE 10 2011 101 205 A1 and WO 02 / 078126 A2.
[0009] Disclosure of the invention
[0010] The invention is based on the finding that, particularly in the case of high-current plugs and high-pin connectors having an actuating element as described above, the CPA merely indicates that the second position of the actuating element has been reached. Its function is therefore independent of the presence of the mating contact elements (e.g. a male connector or high-current pins) of the mating connector. It is tacitly assumed that when the second position of the actuating element is reached, the plug connector and mating connector are in their final mating position and that reliable electrical and mechanical contact is therefore also formed. Ultimately, it therefore does not necessarily indicate an operational and secure electrical connection. The locking function of such CPAs often fixes the actuating element without ensuring that the actuating element has also pulled the plug into its final position on the male connector.Depending on the installation space, such incorrect assembly is difficult to detect visually and haptically. This is because the connector, CPA, actuator, and mating connector are (apparently) correctly positioned relative to each other, and the actuator can no longer be moved relative to the connector.
[0011] There may therefore be a need to provide a connector assembly with an actuating element for reducing the insertion force and with a CPA, in which the CPA safely and reliably indicates the presence of the mating connector and the correct achievement of the final mating position between the connector and the mating connector. Advantages of the invention
[0012] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.
[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector assembly is proposed.
[0014] The connector assembly comprises a connector with a connector housing, a mating connector with a mating connector housing, an actuating element, and a CPA (Connector Position Assurance). The connector has a mating position relative to the mating connector and can be mated with the mating connector along a mating direction, starting from a start mating position and ending in a final mating position. The actuating element is displaceable between a first position and a second position and is designed to reduce a mating force when connecting the connector and mating connector. When the actuating element is moved from the first position to the second position, the connector is moved from the start mating position to the final mating position.The CPA is displaceable along a displacement direction between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the CPA, in the locked position, blocks the actuating element from moving from the second position to the first position. The CPA and the mating connector or the plug connector are configured or configured relative to one another in such a way that, depending on the plug-in position, the CPA's movement from the unlocked position to the locked position is blocked.
[0015] For example, it can also be provided that the movement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position is blocked or released depending on the plug-in position. The release can also depend, for example, on the position of the actuating element.
[0016] This advantageously prevents incorrect mating between the connector and the mating connector. This prevents an operator from displacing the CPA, which can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position as a sign of correct mating, if, for example, only the actuating element is moved to its second position. The CPA can thus be displaced primarily depending on the mating position between the connector and the mating connector.
[0017] A start-up plug-in position can, for example, be understood as any state in which the connector and mating connector are not yet plugged together, or have at most come into loose contact with each other, or have not yet moved towards each other. In particular, the start-up plug-in position can also be understood as a state of the connector in which the connector has not even been placed on the mating connector or is not yet in mechanical contact with the mating connector. For example, the connector can be provided in the start-up plug-in position (e.g. attached to a wiring harness), in order to then, starting from this start-up plug-in position, be placed on the mating connector (e.g. a male connector, e.g. of a control unit or e.g. pins of a high-current connection, e.g. of an inverter or a battery of an electric vehicle). The start-up plug-in position can therefore correspond to a pre-mating state.The initial plug-in position ends when the plug-in process begins, e.g. by actuating the actuating element and moving the plug-in connector and the mating connector towards each other.
[0018] For example, it may be provided that the connector has (at least) one contact element.
[0019] For example, it can be provided that the mating connector has (at least) one mating contact element.
[0020] For example, it can be provided that the contact element is electrically connected to the mating contact element in the final mating position. It can be provided, for example, that the connector is captively coupled to the mating connector in the final mating position. This means that the connector and mating connector cannot separate from each other in any spatial orientation without external intervention, particularly by an operator.
[0021] For example, it can be provided that the connector and the mating connector are coupled to each other in the final mating position, in particular, that they are mechanically and / or electrically coupled to each other. It can be provided, for example, that in the initial mating position, the connector and the mating connector are not captively connected to each other, or that in the initial mating position, the connector and the mating connector are not yet in contact with each other.
[0022] For example, it can be provided that the actuating element is arranged on the connector, in particular on the connector housing. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the actuating element is arranged on the mating connector, in particular on the mating connector housing.
[0023] It can be provided, for example, that the actuating element is designed to interact with a structure which is arranged in particular on the mating connector or is arranged on the connector in such a way that when the actuating element is moved from the first position to the second position, the connector is moved from the start plug-in position to the end plug-in position. For example, when the actuating element is arranged on the connector, it can have a guide rail which interacts with a structure designed as a pin on the mating connector and thus pulls the connector onto the mating connector from the start plug-in position to the end plug-in position when the actuating element is moved from the first to the second position. The structure can also be designed, for example, as a guide rail, gear wheel, rack or the like. A counter-structure complementary to the structure is accordingly formed on the actuating element.
[0024] In the context of this application, the term “comprise” is to be understood as synonymous with the term “comprise”, unless otherwise stated.
[0025] In a further development, it is provided that a movement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position is blocked before the final mating position is reached. This has the advantageous effect that the inability to move the CPA clearly indicates to the operator that the connection between the connector and mating connector has not yet been correctly established. If, for example, only the actuating element is moved (approximately) into the second position without, for example, the connector even being arranged on the mating connector or if, in such a case, the connector has not been pulled onto the mating connector, the blocking of the movement of the CPA indicates to the operator in a simple, mechanical, haptic and visual manner that there is still an incorrect mating or that the correct mating has not been achieved.
[0026] For example, it may be provided that in the final plug-in position, a displacement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position is possible. However, it may also be provided that in the final plug-in position, only a blocking element (e.g., a locking arm) of the CPA is released from its blocking position, and the final displacement of the CPA depends on other elements of the connector assembly, e.g., the position of the actuating element.
[0027] In a further development, the CPA is arranged on the actuating element. This advantageously makes the CPA particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture and assemble. It is provided together with the actuating element. Furthermore, the CPA is always directly visible to an operator when operating the actuating element and can be actuated in a single operation. This advantageously shortens the cycle time when mating the connector and mating connector to form the connector assembly.
[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the CPA is arranged on the connector, e.g., on the connector housing. This advantageously makes it easy to make the CPA's relocatability dependent on the position of other elements of the connector assembly, e.g., the position of the actuating element. Furthermore, this advantageously protects the CPA particularly well against damage.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the CPA is arranged on the mating connector, e.g. on the mating connector housing. This advantageously has the effect that the displaceability of the CPA can also be made dependent on the position of other elements of the connector arrangement, e.g. on the position of the actuating element. Furthermore, the CPA is advantageously particularly well protected against damage in this way. In a further development, it is provided that the actuating element is designed as a slide and / or as a lever that can be rotated about an axis. This advantageously provides an actuating element that is particularly easy to operate. When designed as a lever, the insertion force for an operator can be adjusted and reduced particularly easily via the length of the lever.
[0030] In a further development, the CPA has a locking element that can be locked to a mating element, wherein the locking element is deflectable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking element is locked to the mating element and blocks the CPA from being shifted from the unlocked position to the locked position, wherein the locking element is not locked to the mating element in the second position. In the initial plug-in position, the locking element is in the first position, wherein a first unlocking element is arranged on the connector housing or on the mating connector housing and is designed such that in the final plug-in position, the locking element is shifted into the second position by means of the first unlocking element.
[0031] In other words: the first unlocking element moves the locking element into the second position in the final plug-in position.
[0032] For example, it can be provided that in the second position of the locking element, the CPA can be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. However, it can also be provided that whether the CPA can be moved to the locked position depends on the position of at least one other element of the connector assembly.
[0033] The locking element can be designed, for example, to be elastically and reversibly displaceable between the first position and the second position. It can be configured, for example, as a locking arm.
[0034] This advantageously results in a particularly simple, cost-effective, and reliable mechanical locking of the CPA. At the same time, it ensures that the CPA can only be unlocked when the CPA comes into mechanical contact with the unlocking element, which is not part of the actuating element, and that correct mating can thus be determined very reliably and securely. In a further development, the first unlocking element is designed as a projection on the connector housing or on the mating connector housing.
[0035] The projection can, for example, protrude outwards in a radial direction perpendicular to the plugging direction from the connector housing or from the mating connector housing.
[0036] This provides a particularly simple, cost-effective, and robust design for moving the locking element into the second position. The projection design also advantageously ensures that if the connector is incorrectly inserted (e.g., rotated by 180°) or if an unsuitable connector is used (e.g., a similar connector that does not fit the existing mating connector) on the mating connector, the final mating position cannot be reached at all, since the projection acts like a key-and-lock principle. This advantageously improves the security and reliability of the connector arrangement, e.g., in high-current applications.
[0037] In a further development, it is provided that the locking element has a locking element projection which projects radially inwards, wherein the locking element projection is in contact with the first unlocking element in the final plug-in position and thereby the locking element is displaced from the first unlocking element into the second position.
[0038] The second position can be achieved, for example, by moving the locking element radially outwards.
[0039] The second position can be reached, for example, when the CPA is in the unlocked position.
[0040] If the CPA is subsequently moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, it can be provided, for example, that the locking element projection is moved beyond the projection and the locking element leaves the second position and is moved back to the first position (e.g. due to its elasticity, which enables an elastically reversible movement from the second to the first position). The locking element projection can then, for example, block a movement of the CPA from the locked position to the unlocked position, for example by locking it with the projection or another counter-element or by blocking it with an undercut. In such a case, it may be necessary to first move the locking element to the second position in order to open the connector assembly (i.e., to disconnect the connector and the mating connector).by tilting the CPA or by a release element or the like) and thus bringing the locking element projection out of engagement with the projection or the other counter element.
[0041] In a further development, it is provided that the CPA and the actuating element are designed to cooperate with one another in such a way that a displaceability or a displacement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position depends on a position of the actuating element, wherein in the first position of the actuating element the CPA cannot be displaced from the unlocked position to the locked position.
[0042] For example, it can be provided that the CPA can only be moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the actuating element is in the second position and the final plug-in position is reached at the same time.
[0043] This advantageously ensures that the actuating element can be locked securely and easily by the CPA. Furthermore, it advantageously prevents a connector without an actuating element or with a damaged actuating element from being placed onto the mating connector and pushed into the final mating position, with the CPA then being able to be displaced once only the final mating position has been reached. This also advantageously ensures that the connector and mating connector do not separate from one another once the final mating position has been reached. This is because the actuating element can be designed to securely secure the connector to the mating connector, e.g., through a self-locking effect.
[0044] However, it may also be provided that, in addition to the existence of the two above conditions, the displacement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position depends on the position of another element of the connector assembly.
[0045] In a further development, it is provided that the CPA has a further locking element which can be locked to a further counter-element, wherein the further locking element can be deflected between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the further locking element is locked to the further counter-element in the third position and blocks the CPA against displacement from the unlocked position into the locked position, wherein the further locking element is not locked to the further counter-element in the fourth position and in particular the CPA can be displaced from the unlocked position into the locked position, wherein the further locking element is in the first position of the actuating element in the third position, wherein a second unlocking element is provided and is arranged in particular on the actuating element and is designed such thatthat in the second position of the actuating element, the further locking element is or has been moved into the fourth position by means of the second unlocking element.
[0046] This advantageously results in a particularly simple, cost-effective and robust, in particular purely mechanical, design of the further locking element and the CPA.
[0047] In principle, it can be provided that the locking element and the further locking element are designed as a common locking element - the description as locking element and further locking element in this case only serves to illustrate the different functionalities (e.g. blocking before reaching the final plug-in position on the one hand and blocking before reaching the second position on the other). For example, the displacement from the first position to the second position can take place in a first direction and the displacement from the third position to the fourth position in a second direction. Such a second direction can, for example, extend approximately perpendicular to the first direction. However, it is also possible for the locking element and the further locking element to be separate elements. They can, for example, be designed as two spaced-apart locking arms. The locking element and the further locking element can, for example,be designed to be elastically reversibly displaceable.
[0048] In a further development, it is provided that the second unlocking element is designed as a further projection on the actuating element.
[0049] This provides a particularly simple, cost-effective, and robust second release element. The additional projection can, for example, protrude from the actuating element in a radial direction perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0050] In a further development, it is provided that the further locking element has a further additional locking element projection, wherein the further additional locking element projection is in contact with the second unlocking element in the second position of the actuating element and thereby the further locking element is displaced from the second unlocking element into the fourth position.
[0051] This advantageously provides a particularly simple, cost-effective, robust, reliable and purely mechanical arrangement for releasing the blockage of the CPA depending on the position of the actuating element.
[0052] This displacement into the fourth position can, for example, occur in a direction that is transverse to the displacement direction or the displacement effected in the final plug-in position by the first unlatching element on the locking element. In other words, the displacement direction from the third position to the fourth position can extend substantially (e.g., + / - 30°) perpendicular to the displacement direction from the first to the second position.
[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, a connector for a connector assembly having a mating connector is proposed.
[0054] The connector comprises a connector housing, an actuating element, and a CPA, wherein the connector has a plug-in position relative to the mating connector and can be plugged together with the mating connector along a plug-in direction from a start plug-in position to a final plug-in position, wherein the actuating element is displaceable between a first position and a second position and is designed to reduce a plug-in force when connecting the connector and the mating connector, wherein when the actuating element is displaced from the first position to the second position, the connector is displaced from the start plug-in position to the final plug-in position, wherein the CPA is displaceable along a displacement direction between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the CPA, in the locked position, blocks the actuating element against displacement from the second position to the first position,wherein the CPA and the mating connector are arranged relative to each other in such a way that, depending on the plug-in position, the displacement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position is blocked.
[0055] This advantageously ensures that the CPA cannot be relocated simply by moving the actuating element to the second position. This allows the CPA to better indicate the establishment of correct mating.
[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, a mating connector for a connector assembly comprising a connector with an actuating element is proposed.
[0057] The mating connector has a mating connector housing and a CPA, wherein the connector has a plug-in position relative to the mating connector and can be plugged together with the mating connector along a plug-in direction from a start plug-in position to a final plug-in position, wherein the CPA is displaceable along a displacement direction between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the CPA in the locked position blocks the actuating element against a displacement from the second position to the first position, wherein the CPA and the mating connector are configured relative to one another in such a way that, depending on the plug-in position, the displacement of the CPA from the unlocked position to the locked position is blocked.
[0058] This advantageously ensures that the CPA cannot be relocated simply by moving the actuating element to the second position. This allows the CPA to better indicate the establishment of correct mating.
[0059] Drawings
[0060] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0061] Figs. 1a and 1b show: a schematic perspective view of a connector arrangement in a start plug-in position (Fig. 1a) and in a final plug-in position (Fig. 1b);
[0062] Fig. 2: a schematic cross-section through a
[0063] Connector arrangement in the final mating position;
[0064] Fig. 3: a schematic perspective view of the
[0065] Connector arrangement from Fig. lb, in which the actuating element is omitted;
[0066] Fig. 4: a schematic perspective view of the
[0067] Mating connector of the connector arrangement from Fig. 3;
[0068] Figs. 5a to 5c: schematic cross-sections through a section of the connector arrangement from the previous figures in different assembly states;
[0069] Fig. 6: a schematic perspective and partially sectioned view of another connector arrangement in a final plug-in position;
[0070] Fig. 7: a schematic perspective view of the CPA of the connector assembly of Fig. 6.
[0071] Figures 1a and 1b are described together below with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5c.
[0072] Figures 1a and 1b show a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly 100 in different assembly states.
[0073] The connector assembly 100 comprises a connector 1 with a
[0074] Connector housing 2, a mating connector 3 with a mating connector housing 4, an actuating element 5 and a CPA 20 (CPA = “Connector Position Assurance”). The connector 1 can, for example, be designed as a connector 1 for a high-current connector arrangement (e.g. for power transmission in an electric vehicle from a battery to an inverter and / or an electric motor), but other plug connections, e.g. multi-pin plug connections, are also conceivable. The connector 1 can, for example, be arranged or fastened to a cable harness. Here, two cables 18 are arranged on the connector 1, each having an (electrical) line 15 (see Fig. 2) and an insulation 16 enclosing the line 15.
[0075] The connector housing 2 here has, for example, a tab that can be designed as a locking tab 17 (see also Fig. 3), which here, for example, is elastically reversibly deflectable along a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S. It can, for example, spring radially inwards. The mating connector 3 has a projection 41 on the mating connector housing 4, which projects radially outwards from the mating connector housing 3 in a bow-like manner and here, for example, has an opening 42 between the projection 41 and the mating connector housing 4 (see Fig. 4). The tab, or here: the locking tab 17, can be guided through the opening 42 when the connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are plugged together. It can, for example, lock under the bow-like projection 41 in the final plug-in position EP (see Fig. 3). It is understood that embodiments without locking tab 17 and / or without projection 41 are also conceivable.
[0076] The mating connector 3 can be designed, for example, as a male connector or as a pin arrangement arranged on a component, e.g., a control unit or an inverter or the like. Here, the mating connector 3 is arranged, for example, on a component housing 70. It is screwed or fastened, for example, to the component housing 70 by means of four screws and protrudes partially through a recess in the component housing 70 into the interior of the component housing 70, while the connector 1 is located, for example, completely outside the component housing 70.
[0077] The connector 1 has a plug-in position relative to the mating connector 3. Starting from a starting plug-in position AP (Fig. 1a) and ending in a final plug-in position EP (Fig. 1b), it can be plugged together with the mating connector 3 along a plug-in direction S. The starting plug-in position AP of the connector 1 can already be present in a state in which—unlike as shown in Fig. 1a—the connector 1 has not yet been placed onto the mating connector 3 or coupled to it, e.g., in a state in which the connector 1 is delivered together with the cable harness.
[0078] The connector 1 can, for example, have at least one contact element 7, in this example two contact elements 7 (see Fig. 2). The mating connector 3 can have at least one mating contact element 8 (see Fig. 2), in this example it has two mating contact elements 8 (see Fig. 4). In the final plug-in position, as shown in Fig. 2, the two contact elements 7 are electrically connected to the two mating contact elements 8.
[0079] Connector 1 and mating connector 3 are coupled to one another in the final mating position EP, in particular, they are mechanically and electrically coupled. In the final mating position EP, they are captively coupled to one another, for example, so that connector 1 cannot detach from mating connector 3 in any spatial position and under normal operating conditions unless manual intervention is performed to release the captive coupling. In the initial mating position AP, however, connector 1 and mating connector 3 may not be captively connected to one another, for example, they may merely be loosely in contact with one another.
[0080] The actuating element 5 is displaceable between a first position P1 (Fig. 1a) and a second position P2 (Fig. 1b). It is designed to reduce the insertion force when connecting the plug connector 1 and the mating connector 3, wherein when the actuating element 5 is moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the plug connector 1 is displaced from the initial insertion position AP to the final insertion position EP - provided the plug connector 1 is correctly placed on the mating connector 3. This is the case when the plug connector 1 is plugged or placed onto the mating connector 3 in its initial insertion position AP, as shown in Fig. 1a.
[0081] In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 5 is arranged on the connector 1, here for example on the connector housing 2.
[0082] The actuating element 5 is designed here, for example, as a lever 6 rotatable about an axis X. The lever 6 is rotatably mounted on a bolt 12, for example, which is arranged on the connector housing 2. Instead of a bolt 12, a shaft can also be provided.
[0083] The actuating element 5 is designed to interact with a structure 9, which is arranged here, for example, on the mating connector 3, such that when the actuating element 5 is moved from the first position PI to the second position P2, the connector 1 is moved from the initial plug-in position AP to the final plug-in position EP. In this exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 5 has a guide 11 on each of two sides (on two lever arms), which interact with structures 9, which are designed here as pins 10.
[0084] The CPA 20 is displaceable along a (first) displacement direction V between an unlocked position EL and a locked position SL, wherein the CPA 20 in the locked position SL blocks the actuating element 5 against displacement from the second position P2 to the first position PI (see Fig. 5c). In this exemplary embodiment, the CPA 20 and the mating connector 3 are configured relative to one another such that, depending on the plug-in position, the displacement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is blocked, as described in more detail below in connection with Figures 5a to 5c.
[0085] For example, it is provided here that before reaching the final plug-in position EP, a movement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is blocked (see Fig. 5a). For example, it is provided here that in the final plug-in position EP, a movement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is enabled (see Figs. 5b and 5c).
[0086] The CPA 20 is arranged here, for example, on the actuating element 5. It can be arranged alternatively or additionally on the connector housing 2 or on the connector 1. It can be arranged alternatively or additionally on the mating connector 3, in particular on the mating connector housing 4.
[0087] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a connector assembly 100 in the final plug-in position EP. The section is taken through a contact element 7, the associated mating contact element 8, and the associated cable 18 with line 15 and insulation 16 (see Fig. 1b). The CPA 20 is therefore not visible here. The connector 1 has a sealing element 13 in the connector housing 2, which is designed here, for example, as a radial seal. The sealing element 13 is arranged at a first end of the connector housing 2, which faces the mating connector 3. In the final plug-in position EP, the sealing element 13 seals an interior 80 of the connector assembly 100 against the ingress of dirt, grime, dust, moisture, and other fluid media from an external environment 81 of the connector assembly 100. For this purpose, the sealing element 13 is in contact with the mating connector housing 4.
[0088] The connector 1 also has a further sealing element 14, which is arranged at a second end on the cable side. The further sealing element 14 is also designed here, for example, as a radial seal and is in contact with the insulation 16 of the cable 18. It thus seals the interior 80 against the ingress of dirt, grime, dust, moisture, and other fluid media from the external environment 81 of the connector assembly 100. The further sealing element 14 can also be arranged on the cable 18 before the cable 18 is mounted and can be inserted into the connector housing 2 during the mounting of the cable 18 on or in the connector housing 2.
[0089] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the connector assembly 100 in the final plug-in position from Fig. 1b, in which the actuating element s has been omitted for reasons of clarity (the actuating element 5 would be in the second position P2). As described above, the projection 41 with the opening 42 on the mating connector housing 4 can be clearly seen. It can also be clearly seen that the locking tab 17 is inserted from above through the opening 42. The projection 41 can, for example, serve in the final plug-in position EP as an undercut for the locking tab 17, which has a locking lug projecting radially outwards. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, the connector 1 can initially be arranged or fixed in a captive manner in the final plug-in position EP on the mating connector 3 in the final plug-in position EP.
[0090] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the
[0091] Mating connector 3 of the connector assembly 100 from Fig. 3. The
[0092] The projection 41 arranged on the mating connector housing 4, as well as the opening 42 formed here as an example on the projection 41, are clearly visible. The projection 41 is designed in a bow-shaped manner and closed in a ring shape (together with a part of the mating connector housing 4).
[0093] Figures 5a to 5c show schematic cross-sections through a section of the connector assembly 100 from the previous figures in various assembly states and are described together below. The figures are not drawn to scale. In particular, the function of the locking tab 17 is not shown clearly here in order to better illustrate the function of the CPA 20. The locking tab 17 is shown here merely as a tab, which also represents one possible embodiment.
[0094] Figures 5a to 5c show by way of example how the CPA 20 and, here by way of example, the mating connector 3 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, depending on the plug-in position, the displacement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is blocked.
[0095] This advantageously ensures that the CPA 20 cannot be moved from the unlocked position EL to the locked position solely based on the position of the actuating element 5. If such a displacement of the CPA 20 were enabled solely as a function of the position of the actuating element 5, there would be a risk that, even before the plug connector 1 and the mating plug connector 3 are plugged together, the actuating element 5 would be moved into a position (e.g., into the second position P2) in which the CPA 20 can be moved, and the CPA 20 would then be moved from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL. If the plug connector 1 is subsequently plugged together with the mating plug connector 3, an operator could mistakenly assume that the plug connector arrangement 100 is correctly designed, which could subsequently lead to malfunctions.It could also be possible for the CPA 20 to be displaceable if the actuating element has reached a target position (e.g., the second position P2) upon mating connector 1 and mating connector 3, without the final mating position EP actually being reached. In this case, the displaceability of the CPA 20 would also send a false indication to an operator that the connection is correctly established, even though this is not yet the case. By blocking the CPA 20 against displacement depending on the mating position between connector 1 and mating connector 3, these potential intentional or unintentional operating errors can be counteracted.
[0096] It can be provided—as shown by way of example in Figs. 5a to 5c—that a displacement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is blocked before reaching the final plug-in position EP (see Fig. 5a). It is further provided here, by way of example, that a displacement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is enabled in the final plug-in position EP (see Figs. 5b and 5c), particularly when the actuating element 5 is approximately in the second position P2.
[0097] The CPA 20 here has, for example, a locking element 21 that can be locked to a counter-element 30. The counter-element 30 is formed here on the actuating element 5 and acts as an undercut. The locking element 21 can be deflected (here, for example: elastically reversible) between a first position SI (Figs. 5a and 5c) and a second position S2 (Fig. 5b). In the first position S1, the locking element 21 is locked to the counter-element 30 and the CPA 20 is blocked from being displaced from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL (Fig. 5a). In the second position S2, the locking element 21 is not locked to the counter-element 30. Thus, for example, in the second position S2 of the locking element 21, the CPA 20 can be displaced from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL (Figs. 5b and 5c).
[0098] The locking element 21 is in the first position S1 in the initial plug-in position AP. In this exemplary embodiment, a first unlocking element 40 is arranged on the mating connector housing 4 and is designed such that in the final plug-in position EP, the locking element 21 is displaced into the second position S2 by means of the first unlocking element 40.
[0099] The first unlocking element 40 is formed here, for example, by the projection 41 on the mating connector housing 4, wherein, as described above, the projection 41 protrudes outwards from the connector housing 2 or from the mating connector housing 4 in a radial direction R perpendicular to the plugging direction S.
[0100] The locking element 21 here, for example, has a locking element projection 22 that protrudes radially inward (pointing toward the mating connector housing 4). In the final plug-in position EP, the locking element projection 22 is in contact with the first unlocking element 40 (here: the projection 41) and is displaced by the first unlocking element 40 into the second position S2, in particular, is displaced radially outward. This displacement into the second position S2 occurs in particular when the CPA 20 is in the unlocked position EL.
[0101] The CPA 20 here has, for example, a base 24 from which the locking element 21 protrudes. The locking element 21 is designed here, for example, as a locking arm. The locking arm is designed here as a cantilever, being fastened at one end to the base 24. The locking arm is designed here, for example, to be elastically reversibly deflectable between the first position S1 and the second position S2. The CPA 20 further has a handle element 25. Finally, the CPA 20 also has a locking element 23, which here is also designed as a cantilever arm and runs approximately parallel to the locking element 21.
[0102] The locking element 23 is guided through the opening 42 when the CPA 20 is moved from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL (Fig. 5c) and thus, in cooperation with the inner side of the projection 41, blocks a displacement of the actuating element 5 from the second position P2 towards the first position PI.
[0103] The projection 41 thus has a triple function in this exemplary embodiment. On the one hand, it is designed to hold the connector 1 captively in the final plug-in position EP in cooperation with its locking tab 17 on the mating connector. At the same time, with its radially outwardly projecting surface (i.e., with its projecting part), it serves to displace the locking element 21 from the first position S1 to the second position S2, depending on the plug-in position. Finally, by means of the interaction of its inwardly projecting surface with the locking element 23 of the CPA 20, it ensures that, in the blocked position SL of the CPA 20, the actuating element 5 cannot be moved from the second position P2 towards the first position P1.
[0104] By means of the grip element 25, the locking element 21 can in principle also be displaced from the first position S1 into the second position S2, for example by exerting pressure on the grip element counter to the direction of displacement V, so that the grip element 25 is tilted together with the locking element 21. As can be seen in Figs. 5a and 5b, however, the grip element 25 rests against a corresponding surface of the actuating element 5 as long as the CPA 20 is in the unlocked position EL. Thus, the grip element 25 cannot be tilted by pressure counter to the direction of displacement V in the unlocked position EL of the CPA 20, and thus, in the unlocked position EL of the CPA 20, the locking element 21 cannot be displaced from the first position S1 into the second position S2 by means of the grip element 25.This is only possible after the CPA 20 has been transferred to the locking position SL and thus the handle element 25 no longer rests on the corresponding surface of the actuating element 5.
[0105] Once the CPA 20 has been moved into the locked position SL, it can also be blocked by the locking element 21 against movement from the locked position SL to the unlocked position EL (see Fig. 5c). This is achieved here, for example, by the locking element projection 22, which engages behind a further undercut (here on the rear of the counter element 30) after the locking element 21 has spring back into the first position S1. This blockage can be released, for example, by manual actuation by an operator (e.g., as described above on the handle element 25 of the CPA 20), if, for example, the plug connector 1 is to be released from the mating plug connector 3. For this purpose, the locking element 21 is then moved, for example, manually into the second position S2, and the CPA 20 is then moved from the locked position SL to the unlocked position EL.The actuating element 5 can then be moved from the second position P2 to the first position PI and in this way the connector 1 can be detached from the mating connector 3.
[0106] Figure 5a shows a state during mating of connector 1 and mating connector 3, in which the final mating position EP has almost been reached, but not yet completely. The actuating element 5 is almost but not yet completely in the second position P2. The CPA 20 is in the unlocking position EL. It can also be seen that the locking tab 17 has been passed through the opening 42 of the projection 41.
[0107] Figure 5b shows the state in which the final plug-in position EP has been reached and the projection 41, as the first unlocking element 40, has displaced the locking element 21 into the second position S2 by means of the locking element projection 22, thus disengaging it from the counter-element 30. The CPA 20 is therefore no longer blocked from being displaced from the unlocked position EL into the locked position SL. The displacement of the locking element 21 into the second position S2 can also be independent of the exact reaching of the second position P2 of the actuating element 5. This can be achieved, for example, by a suitable selection of the length of the first unlocking element 40. However, the CPA 20 can also be arranged on the connector housing 2 and not on the actuating element 5.
[0108] Figure 5c shows the state in which the CPA 20, after reaching the final plug-in position EP, has now been displaced into the locked position SL along the displacement direction V (here: downwards). The locking element 21 has now returned to the first position S1, and the locking element projection 22 is now locked to the other side of the counter element 30, specifically preventing any displacement of the CPA 20 from the locked position SL into the unlocked position EL. The handle element 25 can now be used, for example, to move the locking element 21 back to the second position S2, thus releasing the blocking of the CPA 20 against any displacement from the locked position SL into the unlocked position EL.
[0109] The locking element 23 can have a run-up slope so that when the CPA 20 is displaced from the unlocked position EL into the locked position SL, in cooperation with the inside of the projection 41, it pulls the actuating element 5 into the second position P2, provided, for example, that when the final plug-in position EP is reached, the actuating element 5 has not yet fully reached the second position P2 due to manufacturing tolerances or temperature-related tolerances.
[0110] Figures 6 and 7 show a schematic perspective and partially sectioned view of another connector assembly 100 (Fig. 6) and a schematic perspective view of the CPA 20 of this connector assembly 100 (Fig. 7) and are described together below.
[0111] In the connector assembly 100 of Figs. 6 and 7, the CPA 20 is arranged on the connector housing 2.
[0112] The CPA 20 and the actuating element 5 are designed to cooperate with one another in such a way that a displacement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL (in addition to the dependence on the plug-in position) depends on a position of the actuating element 5, wherein in the first position PI of the actuating element 5, the CPA 20 cannot be displaced from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL. Here, for example, it is provided that in the second position P2 of the actuating element 5 and with the simultaneous presence of the final plug-in position EP, the CPA 20 can be displaced from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL.
[0113] This allows a single, purely mechanical element, in this case the CPA 20, to ensure and indicate that, on the one hand, the final plug-in position EP has been reached and, on the other hand, that the actuating element 5 is in the second position P2. This enables a particularly simple and reliable verification of the correct assembly of connector 1 and mating connector 3 and the correct formation of the plug connection between connector 1 and mating connector 3.
[0114] The CPA 20 has a further locking element 50 (here: two further locking elements 50, see Fig. 7), which can be locked to a further counter-element 31 (here: two further counter-elements 31, see Fig. 7). The further locking elements 50 can be deflected between a third position S3 and a fourth position S4, wherein the further locking elements 50 are locked to the respectively associated further counter-element 31 in the third position S3 and the CPA 20 is blocked against displacement from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL. In this case, it is sufficient for blocking if only a single further locking element 50 is in the third position S3. The further locking elements 50 are each not locked to the associated further counter-element 31 in the fourth position S4.
[0115] If all further locking elements 50 are in the fourth position, the CPA 20 can in principle be moved from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL or is then no longer blocked. The further locking elements 50 are located in the first position PI of the actuating element 5 in the third position S3. A second unlocking element 60 is provided (here: two second unlocking elements 60), which is arranged here on the actuating element 5 (here: both second unlocking elements 60 are arranged on the actuating element 5). The two second unlocking elements 60 are designed such that in the second position P2 of the actuating element 5, the further locking elements 50 are moved into the fourth position S4 by means of the second unlocking elements 60. In this exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the further locking elements 50 each have a further locking element projection 51.The additional locking element projections 51 protrude radially outward from the additional locking element 50, pointing away from one another, for example. In the third position S3 of the additional locking elements 50, the additional locking element projections 51 each engage, for example, with one of the additional counter-elements 31.
[0116] Furthermore, by way of example, a further additional locking element projection 52 is provided on each of the two further locking elements 50. The further additional locking element projections 52 are spaced apart from the further locking element projections 51, viewed along the plugging direction S.
[0117] Each of these further additional locking element projections 52 protrudes radially to the side from the further locking element 50, wherein the further additional locking element projections 52 of the two further locking elements 50 point away from one another here. The two further additional locking element projections 52 each have, for example, a run-up slope onto which the second unlocking elements 60 run when the actuating element 5 has approximately reached the second position P2. If the actuating element 5 is then moved completely into the second position P2, the two further additional locking element projections 52 are displaced laterally inwards (towards one another) and as a result the two further locking elements 50 are moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position S4. In principle, other configurations are also possible for causing the further locking elements 50 to be moved from the third position S3 to the fourth position S4.
[0118] In other words: the further locking element 50 has a further additional locking element projection 52, wherein the further additional locking element projection 52 is in contact with the second unlocking element 60 in the second position P2 of the actuating element 5, and as a result the further locking element 50 is displaced (here: indirectly) by the second unlocking element 60 into the fourth position S4. The displacement here takes place, for example, transversely to the displacement which is effected in the final plug-in position EP by means of the first unlocking element 40 on the locking element 21, although other displacement directions are also possible, e.g. in the direction of the connector housing 2. In Fig.To illustrate the effect of the third position S3 and the fourth position S4, Figure 7 shows the additional locking element 50 shown on the right in the third position S3 (locked position) and the additional locking element 50 shown on the left in the fourth position S4 (no longer locked position). In the second position P2 of a defect-free actuating element 5, both additional locking elements 50 should be in the fourth position S4.
[0119] The second unlocking elements 60 are each designed here, for example, as a further projection 61 on the actuating element 5, which projects in particular in a radial direction R perpendicular to the plug-in direction S from the actuating element 5 (here: in the second position P2 facing the mating connector housing 4).
[0120] In this embodiment, the first unlocking element 40 is formed by a wall section 43 of the mating connector housing 4. When the connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are mated together in the final mating position EP, the locking element 21 of the CPA 20 runs against an end face 44 of this wall section 43 by means of an additional locking element projection 26, which here has a run-up slope. The locking element 21 is thereby displaced from the first position S1 to the second position S2 (see Fig. 6). As a result, the locking element projection 22 is disengaged from the associated mating element 30 of the connector housing 2 (see Fig. 6). In this way, in the final mating position EP, the locking element 21 is no longer blocking the CPA 20 from being displaced from the locked position SL to the unlocked position EL.
[0121] If both the final mating position EP and the second position P2 are reached, the locking element 21 and the two additional locking elements 50 of the CPA 20 can be released from their engagement with the counter element 30 or the two additional counter elements 31, respectively, and a displacement of the CPA 20 from the unlocked position EL to the locked position SL is possible. This displacement option is a reliable indication for an operator that the connector 1 and the mating connector 3 are correctly mated. Furthermore, the CPA 20 shifted to the locked position SL is a sign, for example, during a visual quality control inspection, that the plug connection is correctly established.
Claims
Featuring a connector arrangement: - a connector (1) with a connector housing (2), - a mating connector (3) with a mating connector housing (4), - an actuating element (5), - a CPA (20), wherein the connector (1) has a mating position relative to the mating connector (3) and can be mated with the mating connector (3) from a start mating position (AP) to an end mating position (EP) along a mating direction (S), wherein the actuating element (5) is displaceable between a first position (PI) and a second position (P2), and is configured to reduce a mating force when connecting the connector (1) and mating connector (3), wherein when the actuating element (5) is displaced from the first position (PI) to the second position (P2), the connector (1) is displaced from the start mating position (AP) to the end mating position (EP), wherein the CPA (20) is displaceable along a displacement direction (V) between an unlocking position (EL) and a locking position (SL),wherein the CPA (20) in the locked position (SL) blocks the actuating element (5) against displacement from the second position (P2) to the first position (PI), wherein the CPA (20) and the mating connector (3) or the connector (1) are arranged relative to each other such that, depending on the insertion position, the displacement of the CPA (20) from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL) is blocked. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein, before reaching the end insertion position (EP), a displacement of the CPA (20) from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL) is blocked, wherein, in particular, in the end insertion position (EP), a displacement of the CPA (20) from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL) is permitted.
3. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA (20) is arranged on the actuating element (5) or wherein the CPA (20) is arranged on the connector housing (2) or wherein the CPA (20) is arranged on the mating connector (3), in particular on the mating connector housing (4).
4. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (5) is designed as a slider and / or as a lever (6) rotatable about an axis (X).
5. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA (20) has a locking element (21) that can be locked onto a mating element (30), wherein the locking element (21) is deflectable between a first position (Sl) and a second position (S2), wherein the locking element (21) is locked onto the mating element (30) in the first position (Sl) and blocks the CPA (20) against displacement from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL), wherein the locking element (21) is not locked onto the mating element (30) in the second position (S2) and, in particular, the CPA (20) is displaceable from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL), wherein the locking element (21) is in the first position (Sl) in the start-up position (AP), wherein a first release element (40) is located on the connector housing (2) or on the mating connector housing (4) is arranged and is designed in such a way,that in the end position (EP) the locking element (21) is moved into the second position (S2) by means of the first unlocking element (40).
6. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the first detent element (40) is designed as a projection (41) on the connector housing (2) or on the mating connector housing (4), wherein in particular the projection (41) extends in a radial direction (R) protrudes outwards perpendicular to the insertion direction (S) from the connector housing (2) or from the mating connector housing (4).
7. Connector arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the locking element (21) has a locking element projection (22) which projects radially inwards, wherein the locking element projection (22) is in contact with the first disengagement element (40) in the end-plug position (EP) and thereby the locking element (21) is displaced from the first disengagement element (40) into the second position (S2), in particular radially outwards, especially when the CPA (20) is in the unlock position (EL).
8. Connector arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the CPA (20) and the actuating element (5) are designed to cooperate with each other in such a way that the displacement of the CPA (20) from the unlocking position (EL) to the locking position (SL) depends on a position of the actuating element (5), wherein in the first position (PI) of the actuating element (4) the CPA (20) cannot be displaced from the unlocking position (EL) to the locking position (SL), wherein in particular in the second position (P2) of the actuating element (5) and simultaneously the end-plugging position (EP) the CPA (20) can be displaced from the unlocking position (EL) to the locking position (SL).
9. Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the CPA (20) has a further locking element (50) which can be locked onto a further counter element (31), wherein the further locking element (50) is deflectable between a third position (S3) and a fourth position (S4), wherein the further locking element (50) is locked onto the further counter element (31) in the third position (S3) and blocks the CPA (20) against displacement from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL), wherein the further locking element (50) is not locked onto the further counter element (31) in the fourth position (S4) and, in particular, the CPA (20) is displaceable from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL), wherein the further locking element (50) is in the first position (PI) of the actuating element (5) in the third position (S3), wherein a second detent element (60) is provided, and in particular is arranged on the actuating element (5), and is configured such that in the second position (P2) of the actuating element (5), the further detent element (50) is moved into the fourth position (S4) by means of the second detent element (60). Connector arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the second detent element (60) is configured as a further projection (61) on the actuating element (5), which in particular projects from the actuating element (5) in a radial direction (R) perpendicular to the insertion direction (S).Connector arrangement according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the further locking element (50) has a further additional locking element projection (52), wherein the further additional locking element projection (52) is in contact with the second release element (60) in the second position (P2) of the actuating element (5), and thereby the further locking element (50) is displaced from the second release element (60) into the fourth position (S4), in particular transversely to the displacement that is effected on the locking element (21) in the end-plugging position (EP) by means of the first release element (40). Connector for a connector arrangement having a mating connector, comprising connectors: - a connector housing (2), - an actuating element (5), - a CPA (20), wherein the connector (1) has a mating position relative to the mating connector (3) and can be mated with the mating connector (3) from a start mating position (AP) to an end mating position (EP) along a mating direction (S), wherein the actuating element (5) is displaceable between a first position (PI) and a second position (P2), and is configured to reduce a mating force when connecting the connector (1) and mating connector (3), wherein when displacing the actuating element (5) from the first position (Pl) is moved from the start position (AP) to the end position (EP) of the connectors (1) into the second position (P2), wherein the CPA (20) is displaceable along a displacement direction (V) between an unlocked position (EL) and a locked position (SL), wherein the CPA (20) in the locked position (SL) blocks the actuating element (5) against displacement from the second position (P2) to the first position (PI), wherein the CPA (20) and the mating connector (3) are arranged relative to each other such that, depending on the insertion position, the displacement of the CPA (20) from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL) is blocked. Mating connector for a connector arrangement comprising a connector with an actuating element, the mating connector comprising: - a mating connector housing (4), - a CPA (20), wherein the connector (1) has a plug-in position relative to the mating connector (3) and can be plugged together with the mating connector (3) from a start plug-in position (AP) to an end plug-in position (EP) along a plug-in direction (S), wherein the CPA (20) can be displaced along a displacement direction (V) between an unlocked position (EL) and a locked position (SL), wherein the CPA (20) in the locked position (SL) blocks the actuating element (5) against displacement from the second position (P2) to the first position (PI), wherein the CPA (20) and the mating connector (3) are arranged relative to each other such that, depending on the plug-in position, the displacement of the CPA (20) from the unlocked position (EL) to the locked position (SL) is blocked.