Automatically lockable plug-in connection

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for establishing and / or releasing a locked plug-in connection between a socket (1) and a plug-in connector (2), wherein a cover (5) of the socket (1), in its closed position, covers an insertion opening (6) in the socket (1), wherein the following method steps are carried out in order to establish the plug-in connection: first, the locking clip (3) of the socket is pivoted in the direction of the insertion opening in the socket (1), and the plug-in connector (2) is then pushed into the insertion opening (6) in the socket (1) in the plug-in direction (SR), and wherein the following method steps are carried out in order to release the plug-in connection: first, the locking clip (3) of the socket (1) is pivoted in the direction of the insertion opening in the socket (1), the plug-in connector (2) is then withdrawn from the insertion opening in the socket (1), and the cover (5) is subsequently pivoted from its open position to the closed position.

Description

[0001] Title: Automatically locking connector

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention is based on an automatically locking plug connection according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0004] Lockable connectors are required to secure an existing connector and, in particular, to prevent the connector from being accidentally pulled apart or disconnected.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] DE 10 2016 123 817 A1 shows a plug connector with at least one first recess provided in the plug connector housing and a bolt movably arranged therein, and a locking bracket pivotably mounted on the plug connector housing, which locking bracket has at least one second recess, wherein the at least first recess and the at least second recess are aligned with one another in a state locked with a mating plug connector, and the bolt arranged in the at least first recess engages in the at least second recess of the locking bracket, whereby the locking bracket is fixed in its pivoting movement and the plug connection is thereby locked.

[0007] Such a lockable connector has proven to be mechanically stable. However, due to the necessary recesses in the connector housing, the connector does not have sufficient media tightness. The German Patent and Trademark Office searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 10 2016 123 817 A1, DE 295 04 187 U1, DE 20 2009 002 880 U1, DE 20 2009 007 503 U1, EP 2 908 386 A1, and WO 2015 / 119788 A1.

[0008] Task

[0009] The object of the invention is to propose a reliably lockable plug connection. In particular, the plug connection should be highly impermeable to media, both in the plugged and unplugged state.

[0010] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0012] The method according to the invention is intended for producing and / or separating a locked or lockable plug connection between a socket and a plug connector.

[0013] The socket according to the invention has a pivotably mounted cover, which has at least one cover locking element. In its closed state, the cover covers an insertion opening of the socket. Preferably, the opening is completely covered by the cover. This prevents or at least significantly reduces the penetration of media such as water and dust.

[0014] The locking bracket according to the invention is pivotally mounted on the connector. The locking bracket has at least one connector locking element. The following process steps are performed to produce the connector according to the invention:

[0015] First, the locking lever of the socket is pivoted toward the socket's insertion opening. One could also say that the locking lever is pivoted toward the insertion opening or against the plugging direction of the connector.

[0016] The cover pivots automatically from a closed position to an open position. This independent pivoting movement of the cover exposes an insertion opening for the socket.

[0017] Preferably, the cover is attached to the socket via a coil spring or torsion spring. The spring force is aligned so that the cover is pushed into the open position, as described above. This simplifies the plugging process, as the cover does not have to be swung open manually.

[0018] After the cover is pivoted open, the connector is inserted into the socket's insertion opening in the plug-in direction (SR). At least one locking recess of the locking bracket automatically engages over at least one connector locking element of the connector. Depending on the type of connector, mating the connector and socket enables power, data, signal, and / or media transmission via the connector connection. The locking of the locking bracket securely locks the connector connection.

[0019] Preferably, when inserting the connector into the insertion opening of the socket, the at least one connector locking element initially abuts against at least one protruding, inclined flank of the locking bracket. Upon further insertion or insertion of the connector, the locking bracket initially pivots into an open position and then, after the at least one connector locking element has slid over the at least one inclined flank of the locking bracket, pivots back into its locking rest position.

[0020] To disconnect the plug connection, the following steps are carried out:

[0021] First, the locking lever of the socket is pivoted toward the socket's insertion opening. Then, the connector is pulled out of the socket's insertion opening—in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (SR). This disconnects the plug connection described above and the associated power, data, signal, and / or media transmission.

[0022] The cover of the socket is then pivoted from its open position to the closed position to seal the media. At least one locking recess of the locking bracket engages over at least one locking element of the cover. This secures the cover in its closed position.

[0023] Preferably, the locking lever is attached to the socket via a torsion spring. The spring force of the torsion spring is directed in such a way that the locking lever is automatically driven into a locked rest position. This spring force ensures that either the cover is secured in its closed position or the connector is secured to the socket.

[0024] Thus, in its rest position, the locking bracket engages with its at least one locking receptacle either over the at least one plug locking element or over the at least one cover locking element. Preferably, when the cover is closed, the at least one cover locking element abuts against at least one protruding, inclined flank of the locking bracket. As the cover continues to pivot, the locking bracket is initially pivoted into an opening position. Subsequently, after the at least one cover locking element has slid over the at least one inclined flank of the locking bracket, the locking bracket pivots back into its locking rest position. This simplifies the process of closing the socket.

[0025] Preferably, two opposing cover locking elements are molded onto the cover. Preferably, two opposing plug locking elements are molded onto the connector. Suitably, the locking bracket has two locking receptacles, each of which overlaps a plug locking element of the connector or a cover locking element of the cover. This ensures a uniform and secure locking of the aforementioned components.

[0026] Preferably, the cover rests on a designated support surface on the connector when an existing connector is plugged in. If the cover and support surface are visibly aligned, this can visually indicate that the connector is correctly seated. "Stabilization" means that the connector is inserted deeply enough into the socket.

[0027] The invention further relates to a system comprising a socket and a plug connector suitable for a plug connection as described above.

[0028] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention and a connector according to the invention in an unmated and unlocked state,

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention and a connector according to the invention during the plugging process,

[0031] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention and a connector according to the invention in a plugged and locked state,

[0032] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the socket according to the invention during a pivoting movement of the cover and

[0033] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the socket according to the invention with the cover closed.

[0034] The figures contain partly simplified, schematic representations.

[0035] In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for similar, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional references such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual representations relative to the object depicted.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a socket 1 according to the invention and a plug connector 2 according to the invention, in an unmated and unlocked state. Socket 1 and plug connector 2 are designed to be mated together using the method described above. A cable 9 is connected to each of socket 1 and plug connector 2.

[0037] The socket 1 has a locking bracket 3, which is pivotably mounted on the socket 1 in the direction of the curved double arrow 4, on bearing pins. The locking bracket 3 has a substantially I-shaped cross-section, with locking receptacles 7 provided at the ends of the respective locking legs for securing the cover 5 and / or the connector 2.

[0038] The socket 1 further comprises a cover 5, which is pivotably mounted in front of the insertion opening 6 in the direction of the double arrow 4. The cover 5 is mounted via a spiral spring or torsion spring. The spring force is directed such that the cover remains in an open position (see Figure 1) without external force. A cover locking element 8 is formed on each side of the cover 5.

[0039] The connector 2 according to the invention (see, for example, Figure 1 right) is intended for insertion into the socket 1 according to the invention. When the socket 1 and connector 2 are plugged together, energy, signals, and / or media can be transmitted via this plug connection. For this purpose, the socket 1 and connector 2 have suitable contact elements (not shown) that can be plugged together and are not described further below.

[0040] The connector 1 has plug-in locking elements 10 formed on both sides and designed in a pin-shaped manner. The plug-in locking elements are designed to be received by the locking receptacles 7 of the locking bracket in order to lock the socket 1 and the connector 2, or the resulting plug connection, together. The connector 2 has a flat support point 11. When plugged in, the cover 5 of the socket 1 rests on the support point 11 of the connector 2.

[0041] Before the mating process, socket 1 and connector 2 are separated and spatially spaced from each other. For socket 1, the cover 5 is in its closed position, i.e., the insertion opening 6 is covered by the cover 5. This can be seen in Figure 5. Before the mating process, the insertion opening 6 must first be exposed, which is described below as part of the mating process.

[0042] During the plugging process, the locking bracket 3 of the socket 1 is first pivoted toward the socket's insertion opening, or opposite to the insertion direction SR, i.e., to the right as viewed in Figure 2. The cover 5 is automatically pivoted from its closed position to an open position by a spiral spring bearing. This releases the insertion opening 6 of the socket 1.

[0043] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 2, the connector 2 is inserted in the plug-in direction SR into the plug-in opening 6 of the socket 1.

[0044] The locking bracket 3 is pivotally mounted on the connector 2. The mounting point is loaded with a torsion spring. The spring force of the torsion spring is directed such that the locking bracket 3 is in its closed or locking position in its rest position, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 3 and 5.

[0045] When the connector 2 is inserted into the insertion opening 6 of the socket 1, the connector locking elements 10 initially abut a protruding, inclined flank 12 of the locking bracket 3. As the connector 2 is further inserted or pushed in, the locking bracket 3 initially pivots in the insertion direction SR into an opening position. After the connector locking elements 10 have slid or slid past the respective inclined flank 12, the locking bracket pivots back into its locking rest position, opposite to the insertion direction SR, as can be seen in Figure 3. This reversibly locks the plug connection.

[0046] The plug connection is disconnected as follows:

[0047] First, the locking lever 3 of the socket 1 is pivoted back toward the socket's insertion opening, i.e., opposite the insertion direction SR. Then, the connector 2 is pulled out of the insertion opening 6 of the socket 1. The cover 5 of the socket 1 initially remains in its open position. The socket 1 must be closed manually. To do this, the cover 5 of the socket is pivoted from its open position to the closed position, as shown in Figure 4.

[0048] When the lid 5 is closed, the lid locking elements 8 each abut against a protruding, inclined flank 12 of the locking bracket 3. As the lid 5 continues to pivot, the locking bracket 3 is initially pivoted into an opening position. Subsequently, after the lid locking elements 8 have slid over or over the respective inclined flank of the locking bracket 3, the locking bracket 3 pivots back into its locking rest position. The lid locking elements 8 each enter a locking receptacle 7 of the locking bracket, so that the lid 5 is fixed in its closed position (see Figure 5).

[0049] Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0050] socket

[0051] connectors

[0052] locking bracket

[0053] Curved double arrow

[0054] Lid

[0055] Insertion opening of socket 1

[0056] Locking bracket 3

[0057] Lid locking element

[0058] Cable

[0059] Plug locking element

[0060] Storage space for the lid 5

[0061] Flank of the locking bracket 3

Claims

Claims 1. A method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2), wherein the socket (1) has a pivotably mounted cover (5) with at least one cover locking element (8) and a pivotably mounted locking bracket (3) with at least one locking receptacle (7), wherein the cover (5) in its closed position covers an insertion opening (6) of the socket (1) and wherein the plug connector (2) has at least one plug locking element (10), A) the following process steps are carried out to produce the plug connection; • first, the locking bracket (3) of the socket is pivoted in the direction of the insertion opening of the socket (1), whereby the cover (5) automatically pivots from its closed position into an open position and thereby releases an insertion opening (6) of the socket (1), • wherein the plug connector (2) is then inserted in the plug-in direction (SR) into the plug-in opening (6) of the socket (1), wherein the at least one locking receptacle (7) of the locking bracket automatically engages over the at least one plug locking element (10) of the plug connector (2), whereby the plug connection is reversibly locked, B) the following process steps are carried out to separate the plug connection; • First, the locking bracket (3) of the socket (1 ) is swivelled towards the insertion opening of the socket (1 ), • the connector (2) is then pulled out of the insertion opening of the socket (1), • wherein the lid (5) is then pivoted from its open position into the closed position, wherein the at least one locking receptacle (7) of the locking bracket (3) engages over the at least one lid locking element (8) of the lid (5) and thereby fixes the lid (5) in its closed position.

2. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking bracket (3) is fastened to the socket (1) via a torsion spring and that the spring force of the torsion spring drives the locking bracket (3) into a locking rest position.

3. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bracket (3) in its rest position with its at least one locking receptacle (7) engages over the at least one plug locking element (10) or the at least one cover locking element (8).

4. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two opposite, preferably pin-shaped, cover locking elements (8) are formed on the cover (5).

5. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two opposite, preferably pin-shaped, plug locking elements (10) are provided on the plug connector (2).

6. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bracket (3) has two locking receptacles (7), each of which engages over a plug locking element (10) of the plug connector (2) or a cover locking element (8) of the cover (5).

7. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (5) is fastened to the socket (1) via a spiral spring or torsion spring and that the spring force of the spiral spring or torsion spring drives the cover (5) into the open position.

8. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (5), in the case of an existing plug connection, rests on a storage location (11) of the plug connector (2) provided for this purpose.

9. Method for producing and / or separating a locked Plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the plug connector (2) is pushed into the insertion opening (6) of the socket (1), the at least one plug locking element (10) abuts against at least one inclined flank (12) of the locking bracket (3) and, when the plug connector (2) is pushed in further, the locking bracket (3) is initially pivoted into an opening position and, after the at least one plug locking element (10) has slid over the at least one inclined flank (12) of the locking bracket (3), the locking bracket (3) then pivots back into its locking rest position.

10. Method for producing and / or separating a locked plug connection between a socket (1) and a plug connector (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the cover (5) is pivoted closed, the at least one cover locking element (8) abuts against at least one inclined flank (12) of the locking bracket (3) and the locking bracket (3) is thereby initially pivoted into an opening position during the further pivoting process and after the at least one cover locking element (8) has slid over the at least one inclined flank (12) of the locking bracket (3), the locking bracket (3) then pivots back into its locking rest position.

11. System comprising a socket (1) and a connector (2) suitable for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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