Electric plug connection mechanism, connector, set of connector and mating connector, and housing with electric plug connection mechanism

Abstract

To provide an electric plug connection mechanism, a connector, a set of a connector and a mating connector, and a housing with an electric plug connection mechanism.SOLUTION: An electric plug connection mechanism (1) comprises: a connector (2); a mating connector (3) which is connectable to the connector (2); and a lock element (4) which is disposed in the connector (2), the lock element (4) being configured to mechanically fix the electric plug connection mechanism (1) in a state where the connector (2) and the mating connector (3) are connected with each other. The electric plug connection mechanism (1) is disclosed in which the lock element (4) includes a lock constituent (5) which can be displaced between a lock position (5a) and an unlock position (5b). A connector (2) for such an electric plug connection mechanism (1), a set comprising the connector (2) and a mating connector (3) and a housing (9) including a housing opening (8) in which such an electric plug connection mechanism (1) is disposed are further disclosed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical plug connection mechanism comprising a connector, a mating connector connectable to the connector, and a locking element disposed on the connector for mechanically securing the electrical plug connection mechanism when the connector and the mating connector are connected to one another, the locking element having a locking component displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The present invention further relates to a connector for such an electrical plug connection mechanism, a set comprising the connector and the mating connector, and a housing having a housing opening into which such an electrical plug connection mechanism is disposed. [Background technology]

[0002] Lockable plug connection mechanisms are known from electrical connection technology. Connectors serve, for example, as electromechanical connection components for connecting flexible and / or rigid electrical conductors to establish an electrical connection, and can facilitate handling of the conductor connection by connection with a corresponding mating connector. By locking the plug connection mechanism with a locking element, the connection between the connector and the mating connector can be mechanically protected against unintentional disconnection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In practice, installation situations may arise in which the accessibility to the plug connection is limited, which may make handling of the locking elements difficult in some cases. Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical plug connection of the type mentioned at the beginning, which provides improved handling of the plug connection, in particular of the locking elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] This problem is solved by an electrical plug connection arrangement according to claim 1. Furthermore, a connector for such an electrical plug connection arrangement, a set comprising a connector and a mating connector, and a housing comprising the electrical plug connection arrangement are proposed to solve this problem according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to the features of independent claim 1, there is proposed an electrical plug connection mechanism comprising a connector, a mating connector connectable to the connector, and a locking element arranged on the connector for mechanically fixing the electrical plug connection mechanism when the connector and the mating connector are connected to each other, wherein the locking element has a locking component displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and an actuation element arranged on the mating connector comprising an actuation mechanism, which is configured, when actuated, to cause unlocking of the locking element by displacement of the locking component to the unlocked position.

[0006] This allows the locking element to be unlocked, thereby removing the mating connector from the connector, even when access to the locking element is limited. In some installation situations, the mating connector may be more accessible than the connector, and therefore unlocking the locking element from the mating connector side may be easier, and the above-mentioned actuation element on the mating connector makes this possible. Therefore, even in installation situations where access to the locking element is difficult, there is no need to abandon the locking of the plug connection mechanism. Furthermore, as will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments, the actuation element can be structurally adapted to the locking element and its mechanical operating mode, so that existing locking elements can be used in connection with the present invention without structural modifications.

[0007] The connector and the mating connector may each have plug contact elements assigned to each other, which enable electrical contact between the connector and the mating connector in a connected state of the connector and the mating connector. In other words, the connection between the connector and the mating connector can be understood as an electromechanical connection in which the connector and the mating connector are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other. The connector may be connectable to the mating connector in a plug-in direction and detachable again from the mating connector in the same axial direction but in an opposite movement direction.

[0008] The locking element has a locking component that is displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking component can thus selectively bring about a locked state of the locking element, in the sense of a mechanical fixation of the plug connection mechanism, in which the connector and the mating connector are fixed so as not to be disconnected from each other, and an unlocked state, in the sense of a mechanical release of the plug connection mechanism, in which the connector and the mating connector can be removed from each other. Basically, the locking component can be configured to be transferable to the locked position, for example, by manual action, and displaceable to the unlocked position with the assistance of auxiliary means, where an actuation element can provide such auxiliary means. Displacement of the locking component to the locked position with the assistance of auxiliary means is not fundamentally excluded here.

[0009] The actuation element includes an actuation mechanism configured, upon actuation, to cause the locking element to be unlocked by displacement of the locking component to the unlocked position. The actuation mechanism may be manually actuable, for example, by application of a compressive or tensile force to an actuation structure of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is configured to convert such actuation into a mechanical action on the locking component. Such conversion may occur directly or indirectly, depending on the specific configuration of the actuation mechanism. For example, it is not excluded that a separate mechanical actuator be disposed between the actuation element and the locking component. The actuation element may be disposed, for example, on the outside of a mating connector housing of the mating connector. In particular, the actuation element may be disposed in a housing section of the mating connector housing that faces the locking element of the connector when the mating connector is connected to the connector. In particular, the actuation element may be disposed in a housing section of the mating connector housing that is adjacent to a housing region of the connector housing in which the locking element is disposed when the connector and the mating connector are connected to each other. In other words, the actuating element can be arranged on the mating connector so that the actuating element is aligned toward the locking element when the connector and mating connector are connected to each other. The actuating element can be arranged, for example, on a housing sidewall of the mating connector, which can extend, for example, perpendicular to a conductor connection side surface and / or perpendicular to a connection actuation side surface of the mating connector. The conductor connection side surface can be provided with, for example, a conductor connection opening, and the connection actuation side surface can be provided with a connection actuation element, such as, for example, an actuation lever. The connector and / or mating connector can each have at least one spring clamp connection portion for connecting at least one electrical conductor with the aid of a spring force, and the connection actuation element can serve, for example, to open and close a clamping point of the spring clamp connection portion. The actuating element may have, for example, an elongated basic shape with a main extension along a longitudinal axis parallel to the above-mentioned insertion direction of the mating connector, so that during the insertion process the mating connector may be movable towards the connector and at the same time the actuating element may be movable towards the locking element.It is conceivable that the connector has two or more locking elements and / or the mating connector has two or more actuating elements, which may be arranged, for example, on opposite housing sides of the connector or mating connector, respectively. In this way, a flexible or particularly reliable mechanical fixation can be achieved, and flexible unlocking possibilities can be provided.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the electrical plug connection mechanism may be configured to be disposed in a housing opening of the housing, with the connector on which the locking element is disposed being configured to enter the housing opening of the housing and the mating connector on which the actuating element is disposed being configured to at least partially protrude from the housing opening. In such an installation situation of the plug connection mechanism, the accessibility of the connector entering the housing opening is limited, while the mating connector at least partially protrudes from the housing opening, thereby providing good accessibility to the actuating element. Therefore, the above-mentioned advantage of improved handling of the locking element can be achieved, for example, in an installation situation according to the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the connector on which the locking element is disposed can be configured to mainly enter the housing opening, thereby displacing the connector mostly into the housing opening. In particular, the mating connector on which the actuating element is disposed can be configured to mainly protrude from the housing opening, thereby displacing the mating connector mainly outside the housing. In other words, the housing opening can communicate from the housing environment of the housing to the housing interior space of the housing, the connector can be primarily disposed within the housing interior space of the housing, and the mating connector can be primarily disposed within the housing environment outside the housing. The housing can be, for example, an equipment housing of an electrical device. The housing opening can be, for example, a recess in the housing specifically provided for the plug connection mechanism. The plug connection mechanism can have, for example, an installation (i.e., mounting) feature, and based on the installation feature, it can be determined that the plug connection mechanism is provided for placement within the housing opening of the housing. For example, the plug connection mechanism can have a specific installation shape or installation dimensions or a predetermined installation external contour that can correspond to a common or, for example, standardized installation situation for placing the plug connection mechanism in the housing opening. Furthermore, the connector and / or the mating connector can have at least one fastening element for fixing or supporting the plug connection mechanism to the housing.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the locking element may be formed as a pawl. The pawl may be a locking element that can be arranged or is arranged on the connector and has a pawl-like extension for engaging with a mating connector arranged opposite, and the connector and the mating connector can be clamped together by the pawl-like extension. The pawl is a structurally simply configured locking element, which makes it easy to establish a mechanical interaction with a provided actuation element for unlocking the pawl. Therefore, the described embodiment can provide a structurally simple and cost-effective locking and unlocking means.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the locking component may be formed as a spring-resilient latch tab and configured to engage with a latch profile of the mating connector in a locked position and be disengaged from the latch profile in an unlocked position. This provides a releasable latching connection of a locking element on the mating connector to mechanically secure the connection between the connector and the mating connector. The latch profile on the mating connector may be, for example, a latch edge of a latch opening, into which the spring-resilient latch tab can enter and rest against the latch edge defining the latch opening, thereby forming an undercut (i.e., a lower notch) of the latch tab together with the latch edge. In the unlocked position, the latch tab may be spaced from the latch profile, for example, bent away from the latch profile, disengaging the latch tab from the latch profile and allowing the mating connector to be removed from the connector. The spring-resilient latch tab allows for the use of a locking component that is reliable and effective and can be easily displaced between the locked and unlocked positions with a given spring resilience.

[0013] According to a further development, the locking component may have a release tab connected to the spring-resilient latch tab, which can displace the spring-resilient latch tab from engagement with the latch profile. This may facilitate disengagement of the latch tab from engagement with the latch profile. The release tab may, in particular, be characterized by better accessibility than, for example, a latch tab that enters the latch opening. The release tab may, for example, face an actuation element, in particular an actuation profile of the mating connector described below. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the release tab or a further release tab faces a release mechanism described below, in particular a release profile of the locking element. The release tab may have a force application surface for force transmission from the actuation mechanism and / or the release mechanism to the release tab in order to displace the latch tab from engagement with the latch profile of the mating connector. The release tab may, in particular, be formed in one piece with the latch tab.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the actuation mechanism may have a movable actuation profile for displacing the locking component from the locked position to the unlocked position. This allows for a highly reliable and effective actuation mechanism. The movable actuation profile may refer to a predetermined actuation portion of the actuation element, such as an actuation edge, that is movable relative to the mating connector. The movable actuation profile may be movable toward the locking component upon actuation of the actuation mechanism. The actuation profile may be, for example, a lever profile configured to lift the locking component out of engagement with the mating connector. If the locking component is formed as, for example, a latch tab, the movable actuation profile may be guided under the latch tab and / or a release tab connected to the latch tab upon actuation, thereby lifting the latch tab out of engagement with the latch profile of the mating connector.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the actuation element may have a base portion and an actuation arm connected to the base portion for actuating the actuation mechanism, with the movable actuation profile disposed on the actuation arm. This allows for an easy-to-use, reliable, and effective actuation mechanism. The base portion ensures a secure connection and support of the actuation element to the mating connector, and the actuation mechanism can be realized by the actuation arm connected to the base portion. The movable actuation profile may, for example, be formed on a free end of the actuation arm, and the other end of the actuation arm may be connected to the base portion. The actuation arm may, for example, have a curved cross-sectional profile that covers the base portion and may be displaceable toward the base portion by pressure, thereby displacing the movable actuation profile toward the locking component of the locking element and displacing the locking component to the unlocked position. The base portion may, for example, form a mostly flat base plate of the actuation element. The actuation profile may, for example, be formed as a lever profile, which can lift the locking component formed as a latch tab out of engagement with the latching profile of the mating connector, particularly in the direction opposite to the direction of pressure applied to the actuation arm. The actuation arm and the movable actuation profile may be formed to be movable relative to the base part of the actuation element. The movable parts of the actuation element, in particular the actuation arm and the movable actuation profile, may form an actuation mechanism of the actuation element. The actuation arm and the base part may be formed integrally with each other.

[0016] According to a further development, the base portion of the actuating element may have a base opening and a guide web (i.e., a guide bar) spanning the base opening for guiding the movable actuating profile. This allows for precise displacement of the locking component by the movable actuating profile. Furthermore, the guide web can, for example, act as a hold-down device, facilitating force deflection and supporting the lever action, leading to a downward movement of the actuating arm towards the base portion and an upward movement of the lever profile from the guide web, which can lift and disengage the latch tab. The base opening may be a material recess in the base portion through which a movable actuating profile, for example present on the actuating arm, projects. The base opening may, for example, allow for guiding the movable actuating profile to the locking component, which, when engaged with the latch profile, can be positioned close to the housing surface of the mating connector. The guide web may define the base opening. The guide web may project at an angle to the base portion, for example perpendicular to the base portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a support element may be arranged between the base portion and the actuation arm to support the actuation arm during actuation. The support element may, for example, extend in a web-like or spherical shape between the actuation arm and the base portion, and in particular may protrude from the base portion or the actuation arm. The support element stabilizes the actuation arm during actuation and limits its deflection movement in the direction of the base portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the mating connector may have a housing recess for forming the latching profile and for receiving the movable actuation profile. Optionally, the housing recess may also accommodate the unlocking profile described below. This allows for improved guidance of the movable actuation profile to the locking component formed as a latch tab. Furthermore, it allows for a protected positioning of the locking component, the actuation profile, and optionally the unlocking profile. The housing recess may in particular be a housing recess of the mating connector housing. The housing recess may form a localized housing recess, which may optionally also be configured at least partially as a through-opening. In the housing recess, the housing surface may be offset inwardly with respect to the adjacent housing surface. Within the housing recess, the movable actuation profile and the locking component configured as a latch tab may extend inwardly toward each other, for example. If an additional unlocking profile is provided, the unlocking profile and the actuation profile may extend to the latch tab arranged therebetween. During actuation or displacement of the actuation profile towards the latch tab or release tab, the actuation profile may advantageously rest on a surface of the housing recess.

[0019] According to one embodiment, an unlocking mechanism can be disposed on the locking element, which, upon activation, is configured to unlock the locking element by displacing the locking component to the unlocked position. Thus, in this embodiment, the locking element can be selectively unlocked by an actuation mechanism on the mating connector or an unlocking mechanism on the connector, thereby providing increased flexibility in handling the plug connection mechanism. In other words, depending on the given accessibility and installation situation, the locking element can be unlocked by the unlocking mechanism on the connector and / or by the actuation mechanism on the mating connector. This enhances the applicability of the proposed electrical plug connection mechanism. Essentially, the unlocking mechanism can have a similar structure and a similar manner of operation to the actuation mechanism. The unlocking mechanism and the actuation mechanism can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the locking component of the locking element disposed therebetween. The unlocking mechanism and the actuation mechanism can sandwich the locking component of the locking element.

[0020] According to a further development, the locking element may have a base portion and an unlocking arm connected to the base portion, the unlocking arm comprising a movable unlocking profile for displacing the locking component from the locked position to the unlocked position. This allows for an easy-to-use, reliable, and effective unlocking mechanism to be realized. The base portion ensures a secure connection and support of the locking element to the connector, and the unlocking mechanism can be realized via the unlocking arm connected to the base portion. The movable unlocking profile may, for example, be formed at a free end of the unlocking arm, the further end of which may be connected to the base portion. The unlocking arm may, for example, have a curved cross-sectional profile that covers the base portion and may be displaceable towards the base portion by pressure, so that the movable unlocking profile is displaced towards the locking component of the locking element and displaces the locking component into the unlocked position. The base portion may, for example, form a mostly flat base plate of the locking element. The unlocking profile may be formed, for example, as a lever profile, and may disengage the locking component formed as a latch tab from the latch profile of the mating connector, particularly in a direction opposite to the direction of pressure applied to the unlocking arm. The unlocking arm and the movable unlocking profile may be formed to be movable relative to the base portion of the locking element. The movable portion of the locking element, particularly the unlocking arm and the movable unlocking profile, may form the unlocking mechanism of the locking element. The unlocking arm and the base portion may be formed integrally with each other.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the locking component may have a first force application surface for mechanically interacting with the unlocking mechanism of the locking element and a second force application surface for mechanically interacting with the actuation mechanism of the actuation element. This may enable a compact embodiment. The first force application surface may serve to apply a force on the side of the unlocking mechanism, and the second force application surface may serve to apply a force on the side of the actuation mechanism, which may result in displacement of the locking component to the unlocked position. If the locking component is formed as a latch tab, the force application surfaces may be located on the latch tab and / or one or more release tabs connected to the latch tab, for example.

[0022] According to a further development, the first force application surface can face a movable unlocking contour of the locking element and the second force application surface can face a movable actuation contour of the actuation element, whereby by means of the movable unlocking contour and by means of the movable actuation contour a targeted and predetermined application of force can be realised in order to displace the locking component into its unlocked position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the actuating element may be formed in one piece with the mating connector, which may make the proposed connector easier to handle, for example, since a pre-assembly step for fixing the actuating element to the mating connector can be omitted. For example, the actuating element may be injection molded into the mating connector housing of the mating connector.

[0024] According to alternative embodiments, the actuating element may be removably connectable or connected to the mating connector, thereby realizing flexible applicability of the actuating element. Furthermore, the actuating element may be, for example, positionable on different housing sides of the mating connector to allow improved accessibility depending on the existing installation situation. The actuating element may be connectable to the mating connector, for example, via a mating connection, thereby enabling simple, in particular tool-free, assembly. For example, the actuating element may have a convex mating profile, such as a dovetail (i.e., dovetail) or mushroom profile, which can engage with a concave mating profile of the mating connector, or vice versa.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the locking element may be formed in one piece with the connector, which may make handling of the proposed plug connection mechanism easier, for example, since a pre-assembly step for fixing the locking element to the connector may be omitted. For example, the locking element may be injection molded into the connector housing of the connector.

[0026] According to alternative embodiments, the locking element may be removably connectable or connected to the connector, thereby realizing flexible applicability of the locking element. Furthermore, the locking element may be, for example, positionable on different housing sides of the connector. The locking element may be, for example, connectable to the connector via a mating connection, thereby enabling easy, particularly tool-free, assembly. For example, the locking element may have a convex mating profile, such as a dovetail or mushroom profile, which can engage with a concave mating profile of the connector, or vice versa.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the connector may be configured as a female terminal row, and the mating connector may be configured as a male terminal row. The female terminal row as a connector is prone to poor accessibility in narrow installation situations because, depending on the application, particularly the current direction, the female terminal row may be arranged in the housing interior space rather than in the housing environment. Meanwhile, the corresponding mating connector, configured as a male terminal row, is accordingly arranged in the connector protruding into the housing environment with improved accessibility. Thus, the proposed embodiment provides a particularly practical plug connection mechanism. The female terminal row may be a conductor connection element with a spring-resilient contact pin receptacle (i.e., a receiving portion). The male terminal row may be a conductor connection element with one or more conductive contact pins. The contact pins of the male terminal row may be configured to make electrical contact with the contact pin receptacles of the female terminal row. According to one possible embodiment, the female terminal row may have solder pins for establishing a soldered connection and may therefore be formed as a so-called solder female terminal row. In particular, the solder female terminal row may be equipped with a locking element formed in one piece with the solder female terminal row.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the actuation element and / or the locking element may have visual and / or tactile markings (i.e., identification elements) to distinguish the actuation element from the locking element. This may be particularly true for locking element embodiments in which the locking element is provided with an unlocking mechanism. This may allow for improved intuitive operation and the possibility of quickly understanding the locking status and available unlocking options. For example, the unlocking arm of the locking element may have a ribbed surface, while the actuation arm of the actuation element may have a smooth surface, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, the unlocking arm and the actuation arm may have different geometrical basic shapes, dimensions, or colors.

[0029] The present invention further relates to a mating connector for an electrical plug connection mechanism according to one of the above-mentioned features, in which an actuation element having an actuation mechanism is arranged in the mating connector, the actuation mechanism being configured, when actuated, to cause unlocking of the locking element arranged in the connector connectable to the mating connector by displacement of a locking component of the locking element displaceable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0030] The proposed mating connector makes it possible to realize the above-mentioned advantages of improved handling of the plug connection mechanism and the locking elements in cases of limited accessibility: the mating connector and the actuation element arranged thereon make it possible to reliably and conveniently unlock the locking elements of the connector with limited accessibility.

[0031] The invention further relates to a set comprising a connector and a mating connector, which are configured to form, in an assembled state, an electrical plug connection mechanism according to one of the above-mentioned features. The proposed set comprising a connector and a mating connector also makes it possible to achieve the above-mentioned advantages of improved handling of the plug connection mechanism and the locking element in cases of limited accessibility.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the set can comprise separate locking elements that can be removably connected to the connector, thereby enabling flexible applicability of the locking elements. Furthermore, the locking elements can be, for example, arrangeable on different housing sides of the connector. The locking elements can be, for example, connectable to the connector via a mating connection, thereby enabling simple, in particular tool-free, assembly. For example, the locking elements can have a convex mating profile, such as a dovetail or mushroom profile, which can engage with a concave mating profile of the connector, or vice versa. However, according to alternative embodiments, it is also basically conceivable that the locking elements are formed in one piece with the connector.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the set can comprise separate actuating elements that can be removably connected to the mating connector. This allows for flexible applicability of the actuating elements. Furthermore, the actuating elements can be arranged, for example, on different housing sides of the mating connector to allow for improved accessibility depending on the actual installation situation. The actuating elements can be connectable to the mating connector, for example, via a mating connection, thereby allowing for simple, in particular tool-free, assembly. For example, the actuating elements can have a convex mating profile, such as a dovetail or mushroom profile, which can engage with a concave mating profile of the mating connector, or vice versa. However, according to alternative embodiments, it is also basically conceivable for the actuating elements to be formed in one piece with the mating connector.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a housing having a housing opening in which an electrical plug connection mechanism according to one of the above-mentioned features is disposed, wherein a connector of the electrical plug connection mechanism enters the housing opening with a locking element disposed thereon, and a mating connector of the electrical plug connection mechanism protrudes from the housing opening with an actuating element disposed thereon. In such an installation situation, the accessibility of the connector entering the housing opening is limited, while the mating connector at least partially protrudes from the housing opening, thereby providing good accessibility to the actuating element. Therefore, the above-mentioned advantage of improved handling of the locking element can be achieved, particularly with the above-mentioned housing. In particular, the connector on which the locking element is disposed can be configured to enter primarily into the housing opening, whereby the connector is displaced mostly into the housing opening. In particular, the mating connector on which the actuating element is disposed can be configured to protrude primarily from the housing opening, whereby the mating connector is located primarily outside the housing. In other words, the housing opening can communicate from the housing environment of the housing to the housing interior space of the housing, the connector can be primarily disposed within the housing interior space of the housing, and the mating connector can be primarily disposed within the housing environment outside the housing. The housing can be, for example, an equipment housing of an electrical device. The housing opening can be, for example, a recess in the housing specifically provided for the plug connection mechanism. The plug connection mechanism can have, for example, an attachment feature, and based on the attachment feature, it can be determined that the plug connection mechanism is provided for placement within the housing opening of the housing. For example, the plug connection mechanism can have a specific installation shape or installation dimensions or a predetermined installation outer contour that can correspond to a common or, for example, standardized installation situation for placing the plug connection mechanism in the housing opening. Furthermore, the connector and / or the mating connector can have at least one fastening element for fixing or supporting the plug connection mechanism to the housing.

[0035] Very generally, in the context of this application, the word "one" shall not be understood as a number, unless expressly defined otherwise, but as an indefinite article having the meaning "at least one".

[0036] The invention may take various forms and will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional plan view of an electrical plug connection mechanism disposed within a housing opening of a housing according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is an enlarged detail view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 2] FIG. 1b is a first perspective side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 3] FIG. 1b is a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 4] FIG. 1b is a second perspective side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 5] FIG. 1b is a third perspective side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a, with the actuating elements of the plug connection mechanism hidden; [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective rear view of a mating connector of the plug connection mechanism according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the mating connector shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of a connector for an electrical plug connection mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of a connector for an electrical plug connection mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective front view of a connector for an electrical plug connection mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Figure 1a shows a cross-sectional view of a four-pin electrical plug connection mechanism 1 positioned within a housing opening 8 of a housing 9 along section AA shown in Figure 3. Figure 1b shows an enlarged detail of the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 1a.

[0039] The electrical plug connection mechanism 1 comprises a connector 2 and a mating connector 3 connectable to the connector 2. The connector 2 is connectable to the mating connector 3 in a plugging direction S shown in FIG. 1a and is removably connected to the mating connector 3 in the same axial direction but in the opposite direction of movement. The connector 2 has a locking element 4 arranged on each of two opposing housing side walls of the connector 2, and the locking elements 4 are intended to mechanically secure the electrical plug connection mechanism 1 when the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 are connected to each other. It is generally conceivable to arrange only one locking element 4 on the connector 2 or three or more locking elements 4. The locking elements 4, each configured as a locking pawl 4' in the illustrated illustration, comprise locking components 5 displaceable between a locked position 5a shown in FIG. 1b and an unlocked position 5b shown in FIG. 1b by dashed lines. By locking the electrical plug connection mechanism 1, the connection between the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 can be mechanically protected against unintentional disconnection.

[0040] Opposite each locking element 4, the mating connector 3 is provided with an actuating element 6 having an actuating mechanism 7, which, when actuated, displaces the locking component 5 to the unlocked position 5b, thereby unlocking the locking element 4. This allows the locking element 4 to be unlocked and the mating connector 3 to be removed from the connector 2 even when access to the locking element 4 is limited. Therefore, installation situations in which access to the locking element 4 is difficult do not require abandoning the unlocking of the plug connection mechanism 1. It is generally conceivable to provide only one actuating element 6 in the mating connector 3, or three or more actuating elements 6, in which case it is advantageous to assign one actuating element 6 to each locking element 4. The actuating elements 6 are arranged on the mating connector housing 30 of the mating connector 3.

[0041] As can be seen in Figure 1a, the connector 2 of the electrical plug connection mechanism 1, which includes a locking element 4 arranged on the connector 2, enters the housing opening 8, while the mating connector 3 of the electrical plug connection mechanism 1, which includes an actuating element 6 arranged on the mating connector 3, protrudes outward from the housing opening 8. Thus, the mating connector 3 is primarily located in the housing environment 28 outside the housing 9 and is therefore easily accessible, while the connector 2 is primarily located in the housing interior space 29 and is therefore limited or inaccessible depending on the installation situation. However, it is now possible to unlock the locking element 4 on the connector 2 by means of the actuating element 6, thereby establishing the detachability of the mating connector 3 from the connector 2.

[0042] 1a and 1b, the locking component 5 is formed as a spring-resilient latch tab (i.e., a locking piece) 5', which is configured to engage with a latch profile 10 of the mating connector 3 in a locked position 5a and to be disengaged from the latch profile 10 in an unlocked position 5b. Thus, a removable latched connection can be established between the locking element 4 and the mating connector 3, and the spring-resilient latch tab 5' forms an easily displaceable locking component 5. In the unlocked position 5b, the displaceable locking component 5 is displaced away from the connector 2 or its surface. According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the latch profile 10 is formed as a latch edge of a latch opening of the mating connector housing 30, and the spring-resilient latch tab 5' can enter therein and be supported by the latch edge that defines the latch opening. As shown in FIG. 1b, in the unlocked position 5b, the latch tab 5′ can be moved away from the latch contour 10, disengaging the latch tab 5′ from the latch contour 10 and allowing the mating connector 3 to be removed from the connector 2.

[0043] Furthermore, as is clear from FIG. 1b, the locking components 5 have release tabs 11 connected to the spring-resilient latch tabs 5', by means of which the spring-resilient latch tabs 5' can be displaced from engagement with the latch profile 10. This can facilitate disengagement of the latch tabs 5' from engagement with the latch profile 10. As can be seen in FIG. 1b, the actuating mechanisms 7 of the actuating elements 6 each have a movable actuating profile 12 for displacing the locking components 5 formed as latch tabs 5' from the locked position 5a to the unlocked position 5b. The movable actuating profile 12 can face the release tabs 11. The movable actuating profile 12 forms an actuating edge that can lift the latch tabs 5' out of engagement with the latch profile 10 via the release tabs 11. For this purpose, the movable actuating profile 12 can be guided under the release tabs 11 and can be lifted by a lever movement.

[0044] The actuation contour 12 can slide on the inclined surface of the connector housing towards the locking component 5 while being displaced towards the connector 2, thereby supporting the lever movement. 1a and 1b, each actuation element 6 has a base portion 13 and an actuation arm 14 connected to the base portion 13 for actuating the respective actuation mechanism 7, with a movable actuation profile 12 arranged on each actuation arm 14. The movable actuation profile 12 is formed at a free end of the actuation arm 14, the other end of which is connected to the base portion 13. The actuation arm 14 has a curved profile (i.e., cross-sectional profile) that covers the base portion 13 and is displaceable towards the base portion 13 by pressure, whereby the movable actuation profile 12 is displaced towards the latch tab 5′ and can displace the latch tab 5′ to the unlocked position 5b. According to the illustrated embodiment, the actuation arm 14 and the base portion 13 are integrally formed with each other.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1a, a spherical support element 17, formed integrally with the base portion 13, is arranged between the base portion 13 and the actuation arm 14 for supporting the actuation arm 14 during actuation. This stabilizes the actuation arm 14 during actuation and limits its deflection movement towards the base portion 13. As can further be seen from Figures 1a and 1b, the mating connector 3 has a housing recess 18 in the mating connector housing 30 for forming the latch profile 10 and receiving the movable actuation profile 12. This makes it possible to achieve improved guiding of the movable actuation profile 12 to the latch tab 5'.

[0046] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a and 1b, one unlocking mechanism 19 is arranged on each locking element 4, and this unlocking mechanism 19 is configured, upon actuation, to cause unlocking of the locking element 4 by displacement of the locking component 5 to the unlocked position 5b. Thus, the locking element 4 may be selectively unlockable by the actuation mechanism 7 or by the unlocking mechanism 19, thus providing increased flexibility in handling the plug connection mechanism 1. As can be seen from Figure 1a, the actuation mechanism 7 and the unlocking mechanism 19 may have a similar structure and a similar mode of operation. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism 7 and the unlocking mechanism 19 may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the locking component 5, as shown in Figure 1a, so that the locking component 5 may be sandwiched between them. The locking element 4 has a base portion 20 and an unlocking arm 21 connected to the base portion 20, the unlocking arm 21 comprising a movable unlocking contour 22 for displacing the locking component 5 from the locked position 5a to the unlocked position 5b, making the unlocking mechanism 19 reliable, effective and easy to operate. As shown, the unlocking arm 21 may have a curved profile that covers the base portion 20 and may be displaceable towards the base portion 20 by pressure, such that the movable unlocking contour 22 is displaced towards the latch tab 5' and displaces the latch tab 5' out of engagement with the latch contour 10 to the unlocked position 5b. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the unlocking arm 21 and the base portion 20 are integrally formed with each other.

[0047] As can be seen in Fig. lb, the locking component 5 configured as a latch tab 5' has a first force application (in other words, action) surface 23 for mechanically interacting with the unlocking mechanism 19. For this purpose, this first force application surface 23 faces the movable unlocking contour 22 of the locking element 4. Furthermore, the locking component 5 has a second force application surface 24 for mechanically interacting with the actuation mechanism 7 of the actuation element 6, and for this purpose, this second force application surface 24 faces the movable actuation contour 12 of the actuation element 6. Thus, a predetermined and targeted force can be applied to the locking component 5 in order to displace the locking component 5 into the unlocked position 5b.

[0048] As can be seen, for example, in Fig. 1a, the actuating element 6 is detachably connected to the counter connector 3. For this purpose, the actuating element 6 has a mating contour 37 on its base portion 13, which can engage with a corresponding mating contour 38 on the counter connector 3 or on the counter connector housing 30, which can be seen in Fig. 5. This allows the actuating element 6 to be easily fixed to the counter connector 3, in particular without the use of tools. In principle, it is also conceivable that at least one actuating element 6 is formed in one piece with the counter connector 3, for example by being injection molded into the counter connector housing 30.

[0049] As can be further seen in Fig. 1a, the locking element 4 is detachably connected to the connector 2. For this purpose, the locking element 4 has a mating contour 37 on its base portion 20, which can engage with a corresponding mating contour on the connector 2 or on the housing of the connector 2. This allows the locking element 4 to be easily fixed to the connector 2, in particular without the use of tools. In principle, it is also conceivable for at least one locking element 4 to be formed in one piece with the connector 2.

[0050] As can be seen, for example, in Figure 1a, connector 2 is formed as a female terminal row 25 and mating connector 3 is formed as a male terminal row 26. This results in a particularly practical plug connection arrangement 1, since female terminal row 25 of connector 2 is arranged, depending on the current direction, not in the housing ambient environment 28 but in an inaccessible housing interior space 29. Female terminal row 25 and male terminal row 26 have plug contact elements assigned to one another in the form of contact pins (not shown in detail in the figures) in male terminal row 26 and contact pin receptacles 31 in female terminal row 25.

[0051] Furthermore, as can be seen inter alia in Figure 1a, the actuation element 6 and the locking element 4 are distinguishable from one another by visually and tactilely detectable markings (in other words identification elements) 27, here in the form of a relatively smooth surface on the actuation arm 14 and a ribbed surface on the unlocking arm 21. This provides the possibility of quickly understanding the locking situation and the available unlocking options.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a perspective side view of the configuration shown in FIG. 1a, looking from the housing environment 28 toward the mating connector 3. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the base portion 13 of the actuation element 6 has a base opening 15 and a guide web 16 that spans the base opening 15 and guides the movable actuation profile 12 of the actuation mechanism 7. This allows for accurate displacement of the locking component 5 and supports the leverage of the movable actuation profile 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the guide web 16 protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the base portion 13. As can be further seen, a web-shaped support element 17 is arranged between the base portion 13 and the actuation arm 14 to support the actuation arm 14 during actuation. This stabilizes the actuation arm 14 during actuation and limits its deflection toward the base portion 13.

[0053] 2, the actuation element 6 can be disposed on a housing side wall 32 of the mating connector housing 30. As shown, the housing side wall 32 can be a housing wall that extends substantially perpendicular to a conductor connection side 33 having a conductor connection opening 34 and substantially perpendicular to a connection actuation side 35 having a connection actuation element 36.

[0054] 3 shows a side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1a, where the opposing and facing arrangement of the actuating element 6 and the locking element 4 is clear. As can be further seen, the actuating element 6 has an elongated basic shape. As can also be seen, the locking element 4 is configured as a locking pawl 4'.

[0055] Figure 4 shows a perspective side view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a, looking from the housing interior space 29 towards the connector 2. Here, the locking element 4, the unlocking mechanism 19 and the unlocking contour 22 arranged on the connector 2 with the base portion 20 can be seen.

[0056] 1a in a perspective side view, looking from the housing environment 28 towards the mating connector 3, with the actuation element 6 omitted in the view shown. This reveals the mating contours 38 of the mating connector housing 30, which can matingly interact with the mating contours 37 of the removably connectable actuation element 6. Furthermore, the possible positioning of the locking component 5 with respect to the mating connector 3 can also be seen.

[0057] Figures 6 and 7 show rear and front perspective views of the mating connector 3 for the electrical plug connection mechanism 1 according to the preceding figures. For example, as can be seen from Figures 6 and 7, the base portion 13 of the actuation element 6 has a base opening 15 and a guide web 16 spanning the base opening 15 for guiding the movable actuation profile 12. As can further be seen, the mating connector housing 30 forms the latch profile 10 and has a housing recess 18 for receiving and guiding the movable actuation profile 12, wherein the housing recess 18 is configured at least partially as a through opening.

[0058] FIGS. 8-10 show front perspective views of connectors 2 for electrical plug connection mechanisms 1 according to second, third, and fourth embodiments, respectively, to clarify that different types and shapes of connectors 2 and locking elements 4 can be used in connection with the present invention. For example, FIG. 8 shows a further 4-pin connector 2 with a differently configured locking element 4, which, according to the illustrated view, has a frame structure 39 for easier handling and improved mechanical protection. FIG. 9 shows a 6-pin connector 2 with a differently configured locking element 4, which, according to the illustrated view, has an additional locking element 40 for enhanced locking action. FIG. 10 shows a 6-pin connector 2 with a locking element 4, which has a structure equivalent to that of the connector 2 shown in FIG. 4, for example. As in the previously described embodiments, the locking components 5 of the locking elements 4 of the connectors 2 described above can each be displaceable to an unlocked position 5b by the previously described actuation element 6.

[0059] 1a to 10 may be used to advantageously form a set (in other words a pair) for the electrical plug connection mechanism 1. Optionally, the set may further comprise at least one locking element 4 removably connectable to the connector 2 and, optionally, at least one actuation element 6 removably connectable to the counter connector 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Electrical plug connection mechanism 2 connectors 3 Mating connector 4 Locking element 4' Locking claw 5 Locking components 5' latch tab 5a Locking position 5b Unlatching position 6 Actuating Elements 7 Operating mechanism 8 Housing opening 9. Housing 10 Latch Contour 11 Release tab 12 Operating contour 13 Base part 14 Actuating arm 15 Base opening 16 Guide Web 17 Supporting Components 18 Housing recess 19 Lock release mechanism 20 Base part 21 Unlocking arm 22 Unlocking contour 23 first force application surface 24 second force application surface 25 Female terminal row 26 Male terminal row 27 Marking 28 Housing Surrounding Environment 29 Housing internal space 30 Mating connector housing 31 Contact Pin Receptacle 32 Housing side wall 33 Conductor connection side 34 Conductor connection opening 35 Connection operating side 36 Connecting actuation element 37 Mating Contour 38 Mating Contours 39 Frame Structure 40 Locking element S Insertion direction

Claims

1. An electrical plug connection mechanism (1), comprising:

1. An electrical plug connection mechanism (1) comprising: a connector (2); a mating connector (3) connectable to the connector (2); and a locking element (4) disposed on the connector (2) for mechanically securing the electrical plug connection mechanism (1) when the connector (2) and the mating connector (3) are connected to each other, the locking element (4) having a locking component (5) displaceable between a locked position (5a) and an unlocked position (5b), the mating connector (3) being provided with an actuation element (6) having an actuation mechanism (7) configured, when actuated, to cause the locking element (4) to be unlocked by displacement of the locking component (5) to the unlocked position (5b).

2. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical plug connection mechanism (1) is arranged to be placed in a housing opening (8) of a housing (9), the connector (2) on which the locking element (4) is arranged is configured to enter the housing opening (8) of the housing (9), and the mating connector (3) on which the operating element (6) is arranged is configured to at least partially protrude from the housing opening (8).

3. 3. An electrical plug connection (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking elements (4) are formed as locking pawls (4').

4. 4. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking component (5) is formed as a spring-resilient latch tab (5') and is configured to engage with a latch contour (10) of the mating connector (3) in the locked position (5a) and to be disengageable from the latch contour (10) in the unlocked position (5b).

5. 5. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking component (5) has a release tab (11) connected to the spring-resilient latch tab (5'), by means of which the spring-resilient latch tab (5') can be displaced out of engagement with the latch contour (10).

6. 6. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuation mechanism (7) has a movable actuation contour (12) for displacing the locking component (5) from the locked position (5a) to the unlocked position (5b).

7. 7. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the actuating element (6) has a base part (13) and an actuating arm (14) connected to the base part (13) for actuating the actuating mechanism (7), and the movable actuating contour (12) is arranged on the actuating arm (14).

8. 8. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the base part (13) of the actuating element (6) has a base opening (15) and a guide web (16) spanning the base opening (15) for guiding the movable actuating contour (12).

9. 9. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a support component (17) is arranged between the base portion (13) and the actuation arm (14) for supporting the actuation arm (14) during actuation of the actuation arm (14).

10. 10. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the mating connector (3) has a housing recess (18) for forming the latch contour (10) and for receiving the movable actuation contour (12).

11. 11. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an unlocking mechanism (19) is arranged on the locking element (4), the unlocking mechanism (19) being configured, when activated, to cause unlocking of the locking element (4) by displacement of the locking component (5) to the unlocked position (5b).

12. 12. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking element (4) has a base portion (20) and an unlocking arm (21) connected to the base portion (20), the unlocking arm (21) comprising a movable unlocking contour (22) for displacing the locking component (5) from the locked position (5a) to the unlocked position (5b).

13. 13. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the locking component (5) has a first force application surface (23) for mechanically interacting with the unlocking mechanism (19) of the locking element (4) and a second force application surface (24) for mechanically interacting with the actuation mechanism (7) of the actuation element (6).

14. 14. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first force application surface (23) faces the movable unlocking contour (22) of the locking element (4) and the second force application surface (24) faces the movable actuation contour (12) of the actuation element (6).

15. 15. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (6) forms one piece with the mating connector (3).

16. 15. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the actuation element (6) is removably connectable or connected to the mating connector (3).

17. 17. An electrical plug connection (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (4) forms one piece with the connector (2).

18. 17. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (4) is removably connectable or connected to the connector (2).

19. 19. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the connector (2) is formed as a female terminal row (25) and the mating connector (3) is formed as a male terminal row (26).

20. 20. The electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the actuating element (6) and / or the locking element (4) have a visual and / or tactile identification element (27) for distinguishing the actuating element (6) from the locking element (4).

21. 21. A mating connector (3) for an electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that an actuation element (6) having an actuation mechanism (7) is arranged in the mating connector (3), and the actuation mechanism (7) is configured, when actuated, to cause unlocking of the locking element (4) arranged in a connector (2) connectable to the mating connector (3) by displacement of a locking component (5) of the locking element (4) which is displaceable between a locked position (5a) and an unlocked position (5b).

22. A set comprising a connector (2) and a mating connector (3), the connector (2) and the mating connector (3) being configured to form, in an assembled state, an electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

23. 23. A set according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises a separate locking element (4) removably connectable to the connector (2).

24. 24. A set according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that it comprises a separate actuation element (6) removably connectable to the mating connector (3).

25. A housing (9) having a housing opening (8) in which an electrical plug connection mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 is arranged, characterized in that a connector (2) of the electrical plug connection mechanism (1) enters the housing opening (8) with a locking element (4) arranged on the connector (2), and a mating connector (3) of the electrical plug connection mechanism (1) protrudes from the housing opening (8) with an operating element (6) arranged on the mating connector (3).

Images