Plug-in connection having secondary locking mechanism

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug-in connection for releasably contacting electrically conductive contact elements, comprising a connector plug having a connector plug housing, at least one mating connector plug having a mating connector plug housing, and at least one secondary locking mechanism, wherein the secondary locking mechanism is formed by at least one cable tie that partially extends inside the connector plug housing and a cable-tie tunnel formed by a gap between the connector plug housing and the mating connector plug housing when the plug-in connection is plugged, so that direct or indirect secondary locking of the plug-in connection is implemented.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Plug connection with secondary locking

[0003] The invention relates to a plug connection for detachably contacting electrically conductive contact elements, comprising a plug connector with a plug connector housing and at least one plug connector mating connector with a plug connector mating connector housing and at least one secondary locking device.

[0004] Plug connectors, contacting elements, pole connectors, receptacles, etc., in a wide variety of designs and variants are used to make contact or create detachable electrically conductive connections. Contact systems based on prismatic geometries for accommodating one or more contact pins have been developed, particularly but not exclusively for electrical contacting tasks in the higher power range.

[0005] High-voltage connectors are often designed with one or more plug contact pins and, in addition to reliable, detachable and durable contact, must also be protected against unintentional disconnection or disconnection caused by axial tensile loads.

[0006] In the prior art, bayonet or screw locks are often used as primary locking devices for circular connectors. These locking devices are usually permanently attached to the respective connectors and are supplemented by secondary locking devices to prevent accidental disconnection. In the prior art, locking devices are typically used as spring-like arrangements that engage with corresponding openings or catches, thereby locking two parts of a circular connector.

[0007] Circular connectors are also known in which the plug connection is established via so-called bayonet locks. An alternative type of lock is a twist lock, which, similar to a bayonet lock, is attached to the plug connections in such a way that the connector pair is secured to a locking thread using a locking screw. Integrated or separate primary locking devices can also be used, which can be supplemented by secondary locking devices. Locks are particularly problematic if the lock is to be prevented from being released unintentionally or improperly and / or from being pulled out while live. In the latter case, arcs can ignite, particularly in high-voltage areas, which are safety problems and can be life-threatening.

[0008] In dynamic applications and with machine vibrations, the problem can also arise that connector locks can become loose over time due to these mechanical vibrations, and the connector is no longer reliably connected to the mating connector. Particularly in connectors used in vehicles, the aforementioned influences can also occur cumulatively. Ultimately, both personal safety and the roadworthiness of vehicles depend, among other things, on reliably contacting connectors.

[0009] A known connector solution with primary and secondary locking is presented in DE 10 2013 112 103 A1. A plug of this connector comprises an inner assembly, an outer sleeve that is displaceably mounted relative to the inner assembly and at least partially encloses the inner assembly, and first locking means for locking the plug to an associated connector part when the plug is plugged onto the connector part. The locking can be released by displacing the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly.

[0010] Such connectors, consisting of a plug and a connector part, are known as push-pull connectors. This name derives from their function. They can be connected by simply pushing the plug onto the connector part in one insertion direction ("push"). The connector part can be a socket or a second plug. During insertion, the locking elements of the plug and the connector part are locked together, preventing the connector from being disconnected by pulling on a cable connected to the plug, for example. To disconnect the connection, the outer sleeve of the plug is pulled in the opposite direction to the insertion direction ("pull"). This creates a relative movement between the outer sleeve and the inner assembly of the plug, which unlocks the locking elements.If the outer sleeve is pulled further in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the plug is released from the connector body. With other types of connectors, an additional action must be performed to lock or unlock. Such an action could be, for example, lifting or pressing down a locking hook or an additional rotational movement of the outer sleeve, as is common with so-called bayonet connectors.

[0011] A disadvantage is that the connector can be accidentally released due to the simple unlocking process by pulling on the outer sleeve. Another disadvantage of the known push-pull connectors is that anyone with access to the connector can remove such a connector without any additional tools. Accidental, arbitrary, or unauthorized release cannot be prevented with the known convenient push-pull connectors.

[0012] To solve this problem, DE 10 2013 112 103 A1 proposes that an additional locking element is provided, which is displaceably mounted and can be brought into at least one stable locking position, in which the displacement of the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly is blocked, and at least one stable release position, in which the displacement of the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly is released.

[0013] Additional locking elements designed as secondary locking for the primary locking must meet different requirements depending on the intended use, contacting task, electrical performance, or connector geometry. In particular, the secondary locking must be supported in a clear position in the open or closed position, and if necessary, without intermediate positions between the two positions.

[0014] Solutions of this type are not only mechanically complex, but also do not allow for visual or other verification of the secondary locking function. Simple verification of the secondary locking function, especially in the locked position, is not possible. DE 10 2017 204 166 A1 shows a plug connection with a one-piece or integrated secondary locking mechanism.This connector includes a male housing having a male nose, a plurality of male terminals, a female housing having a female locking portion that slides over the male nose to be locked with the male nose in a mated state with the male housing, a plurality of female terminals that are aligned in the alignment direction in the female housing and coupled with the corresponding male terminals in the mated state, a CPA (Connector Position Assurance) element having a CPA locking portion that is capable of locking with the female locking portion at a connection assurance position, and shorting pieces that are provided in the female housing and short-circuit the adjacent female terminals in the female housing in the unmated state.Contact positions between the female terminals and the shorting pieces and locking positions at which the female terminals are locked in the female housing are different from each other along a connection direction when viewed along that connection direction.

[0015] Another secondary locking device designed as a separate component with positive locking is presented in DE 102017 119269 B3. A secondary locking device in the form of a housing position lock is provided, the locking kinematics of which is primarily rotary.Disclosed is a contact housing with a plurality of electrical contact devices with a primary housing position lock for securing a plug-in position of the contact housing on / in a contact housing receptacle, and a secondary housing position lock for securing a securing position of the primary housing position lock, wherein the secondary housing position lock is connected in one piece or formed integrally with a region of the contact housing, wherein the secondary housing position lock can be moved from its unlocked position on / in the contact housing into its securing position on / in the contact housing, in which it secures the securing position of the primary housing position lock, wherein the secondary housing position lock can be pivoted by a rotational movement from its unlocked position into its securing position.A secondary locking device designed as a separate component, embodied as a CPA element, is presented in DE 20 2017 105 774 U1. The CPA element has spring clips and is preferably formed in one piece, in particular monolithically, or the spring clips are glued to the CPA element, for example. This secondary locking element is based on the locking hook principle, preferably with a rear grip. The CPA element can be positioned in a pre-locking position and a final locking position on the plug element. In this case, the pre-locking position is understood to mean a position of the CPA element on the plug element before the plug element is inserted into the mating plug element.

[0016] Other state-of-the-art solutions for secondary locking are based on snap connections, brackets, spring-loaded locks, undercuts, etc.

[0017] Existing solutions for secondary locking systems on plug connectors, especially for use in vehicles, are often complex, economically disadvantageous, and do not allow for simple, especially visual, inspection of their effectiveness and secondary locking function. The function of a "tamper-evident seal," i.e., the verifiable integrity of the secondary locking system with respect to (unauthorized or at least unwanted) opening and reclosing, is not present. Existing solutions are also not always convincing in terms of resistance to shock and vibration, even though these stresses occur particularly frequently and intensely with plug connectors in vehicles.

[0018] The object of the invention is to further develop plug connections for the detachable contacting of electrically conductive contacting elements with regard to the secondary locking function in an economical, simple and functional manner and to at least partially reduce the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0019] The invention proposes implementing the secondary locking function for plug connections by means of at least one cable tie. For this purpose, the plug connection partners have at least one cable tie tunnel through which at least one cable tie is guided. The cable tie tunnel is designed such that the cable tie ends can optionally be closed with one another by the closure element of the at least one cable tie, so that the at least one cable tie can be closed.

[0020] - at least one cable tie implements the secondary locking function either directly or indirectly.

[0021] The direct secondary locking is achieved in that the at least one cable tie tunnel of the plug connection partners is designed with at least one undercut in the plug-in direction of the plug connection, so that the cable tie locks by positive engagement between the plug connection partners.

[0022] The indirect secondary locking is achieved in that the at least one cable tie fixes the primary locking device - for example one or more snap hooks - in such a way that this primary locking device cannot be pivoted out of its closed position.

[0023] The connector partners can each be formed by one or more connector plugs and connector mating plugs. If the secondary locking is achieved by the cable tie through its annular arrangement for the purpose of closing the cable tie at the end using its locking element, it is advantageous to apply the invention to circular connectors.

[0024] The cable tie tunnel provided within the connector partners is geometrically adapted and optimized for the interaction of the cable tie and the cable tie tunnel. For this purpose, the openings of the cable tie tunnel are rectangular or square, depending on the cross-sectional geometry of the cable tie used. To support and facilitate the installation of the cable tie after the connector partners have been mated, the edges of the cable tie tunnel openings are at least partially rounded or chamfered. The teaching of the invention offers the advantage over the known prior art that the function of a "tamper-evident closure" can be realized – this means that it is recognizable whether the secondary locking mechanism has been practically unlocked.In this way, certainty can be achieved that no tampering has occurred - this is the case if at least one cable tie has been removed, cut open or replaced by a different type of cable tie (shape, color, material, etc.).

[0025] A further advantage of the invention is that the secondary locking mechanism is provided in a particularly favorable and thus economical manner. Cable ties are available as a mass product at low cost. The installation of at least one cable tie is very simple and quick, so that the installation process also supports the cost-effectiveness of the inventive solution.

[0026] Since cable ties are used for a wide variety of purposes, especially in vehicles and automotive engineering, the variety of parts and stockpiling of various components is reduced by the fact that cable ties already used elsewhere in the vehicle are now also used for secondary locking devices.

[0027] The secondary locking function is achieved particularly effectively by the invention through both mechanisms – direct or indirect. Either the at least one cable tie is the element that realizes the positive locking between the connector partners, or it prevents the locking snap hooks from being deflected or pivoted out of their snap position. Ultimately, the positive locking between the connector partners, which exists in both cases, directly or indirectly supports the connector plug from vibrating or moving out of the mating connector.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the figures. In the figures:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows two perspective views of a plug connection with secondary locking; Fig. 2 shows a representation of the plug connection with secondary locking in three views.

[0030] Figure 1 shows two perspective views of a plug connection 1 with secondary locking 30. The plug connection 1 of this exemplary embodiment is formed by a plug connector 10 and at least one—here: two—plug connector mating connectors 20. In addition to contact elements and other components (not shown), the plug connector 10 has a plug connector housing 11, which is constructed in one or more parts and designed to be reversibly plugged together with at least one plug connector mating connector 20, so that a detachable, electrically conductive plug connection of the contact elements can be achieved. The plug connector housing 11 can optionally have a flange 14, which is suitable for securing or detachably connecting the plug connector 10, for example, to a housing of a device.

[0031] The at least one connector mating connector 20 (here: two connector mating connectors of geometrically identical design) has, in addition to contact elements and further components (not shown), a connector mating connector housing 21 which is constructed in one piece or in several parts and is designed to be reversibly pluggable together with at least one connector plug 10, so that a detachable, electrically conductive plug connection of the contact elements can be achieved.

[0032] One option chosen here for implementing the primary locking mechanism is a positive or non-positive locking device in the form of one or more snap connections, each formed by one or more snap hooks 22, which are elastically springy and, in the correct plug connection end position, i.e., the contacting position, engage in an assigned and corresponding recess on the inside of the connector housing 11 (not shown), thus preventing the plug connection 1 from becoming disconnected. If such a primary locking design is selected, it is possible for the secondary locking mechanism 30 to be designed as an indirect locking mechanism. This means that the secondary locking mechanism 30 holds the primary locking mechanism in the form of snap hooks 22 in the engaged position, i.e., the primary locking position.To accommodate and pass through the secondary locking mechanism 30, which according to the invention is formed by at least one cable tie, the connector plug housing 11 has at least two cable tie tunnel openings 13, so that the at least one cable tie can be inserted into the interior of the connector plug housing 11, guided into and through an intermediate space between the connector plug housing 11 and the connector mating connector housing 21, and led out of the connector plug housing 11 at at least one cable tie tunnel opening 13. The intermediate space between the connector plug housing 11 and the connector mating connector housing 21 is formed by a corresponding geometric design of the housings (11, 21) and can be referred to as a cable tie tunnel.

[0033] In order to close the secondary locking mechanism 30, which is designed as a cable tie, with its locking system, both cable tie ends must be brought together. To utilize the locking function of cable ties, the invention provides that the cable tie is laid partially inside the connector housing 11 and partially outside the connector housing 11, and the cable tie ends are thus brought together in an area outside the connector housing 11.

[0034] Alternatively, the invention can be designed such that no return of a cable tie end occurs, i.e., the cable tie ends of the at least one cable tie are not brought together. In this case, either the one cable tie is not closed with its locking system and its cable end opposite the locking system, or the secondary locking mechanism 30 is formed by at least one first and at least one second cable tie. It is then possible to utilize the ends and locking systems of the two or more cable ties in such a way that the cable ties are closed in a ring-shaped manner.

[0035] Figure 2 includes a representation of the connector 1 with secondary locking mechanism 30 in three views. The side view is shown as a sectional view BB and shows the plugged-in state of the connector 1 as well as the guidance and position of the at least one cable tie in its function as a secondary locking mechanism 30 within the connector plug 10 between the connector plug housing 11 and the connector mating connector housing 21. The exemplary embodiment of the secondary locking mechanism 30 of this connector 1 is realized by a cable tie in which both cable tie ends are brought together and closed. List of Reference Symbols

[0036] I Plug connection

[0037] 10 connector plugs

[0038] II Connector plug housing

[0039] 13 Cable tie tunnel opening

[0040] 14 Flange

[0041] 20 connector mating connectors

[0042] 21 Connector mating connector housing

[0043] 22 snap hooks

[0044] 30 Secondary locking (cable ties)

Claims

Claims 1. Plug connection (1) for detachably contacting electrically conductive contact elements, comprising a plug connector (10) with a plug connector housing (11) and at least one plug connector mating connector (20) with a plug connector mating connector housing (21) and at least one secondary locking device (30), characterized in that the secondary locking device (30) is formed by at least one cable tie which is guided in regions within the plug connector housing (11) and a cable tie tunnel which is formed by an intermediate space between the plug connector housing (11) and the plug connector mating connector housing (21) in the plugged-in state of the plug connection (1), so that a direct or indirect secondary locking of the plug connection (1) is realized.

2. Plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary locking device (30) locks indirectly by fixing a primary locking device in such a way that this primary locking device cannot be pivoted out of its primary locking position.

3. Plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one cable tie is guided in a ring shape inside and / or outside the cable tie tunnel such that the cable tie can be closed at its end sides with the cable tie closure element.

4. Plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary locking is formed by two or more cable ties.

5. Plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable tie tunnel has at least one first cable tie tunnel opening (13).

6. Plug connection (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one first cable tie tunnel opening (13) is at least partially rounded and / or chamfered, so that the assembly of the at least one cable tie is facilitated when threading it into the cable tie tunnel opening (13).

7. Plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one first cable tie tunnel opening (13) is square or rectangular.

8. Plug connection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable tie tunnel is formed at least in regions by an intermediate space between the plug connector housing (11) and the plug connector mating connector housing (21).

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