Housing assembly for a connector, and method for releasing a connection between a connector and a mating connector

Abstract

To provide a connector enabling the simple release thereof from a mating connector.SOLUTION: A housing assembly (100) for a connector. The housing assembly (100) includes: a securing mechanism (20) for securing the connector to a mating connector at a securing position; and a locking mechanism (40). The locking mechanism (40) at a locking position locks the securing mechanism (20) at the securing position. The locking mechanism (40) is configured to be latchable at a standby position where the securing mechanism (20) can be moved from the securing position. Furthermore, there is provided a method for releasing a connection between a connector and a mating connector which is secured to the connector by a securing mechanism (20). The locking mechanism (40) at the locking position blocks a motion of the securing mechanism (20) out from the securing position, and the locking mechanism (40) is latched at the standby position where the securing mechanism (20) can be moved out from the securing position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing assembly for a connector, the housing assembly comprising a fixing mechanism for fixing the connector to a mating connector in a fixed position, and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism locking the fixing mechanism in the fixed position in the locked position. The present invention also relates to a method for releasing a connection between the connector and the mating connector. [Background technology]

[0002] A drawback of prior art connectors is the complexity of releasing the connector from the mating connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows for easy release. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to the invention, this is achieved because the locking mechanism is configured to be latchable in a standby position that allows the securing mechanism to be moved from the secured position.

[0005] The connector can then be released in stages by moving the locking mechanism to a standby position and then moving the securing mechanism out of the secured position.

[0006] This object is also met by a method for releasing a connection between a connector and a mating connector secured to the connector by a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being in a locked position to prevent movement of the locking mechanism out of the locked position, and the locking mechanism being latched in a standby position in which the locking mechanism can be moved out of the locked position.

[0007] The invention can be further improved by the following developments and embodiments, each of which is advantageous on its own and can also be combined with one another in any way.

[0008] The locking mechanism may comprise a lever, which allows for easy actuation with little force, and the lever may be articulated to a housing that is part of the housing assembly.

[0009] The housing assembly may include a standby latching mechanism configured to latch the locking mechanism in a standby position. The standby latching mechanism may particularly include at least one latching element, at least one latching surface, at least one stop, and / or at least one deflectable element. For easy switching movement, an inclined surface may be arranged on the standby latching mechanism. The inclined surface may particularly extend at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the movable element of the standby latching mechanism.

[0010] The locking mechanism, the securing mechanism, and / or the standby latching mechanism may comprise elements disposed on the housing, which may be, for example, a latching element, a latching surface, a guide surface, and / or a guide element.

[0011] In the standby position, the locking mechanism can release the path for the securing mechanism from the securing position, and the stop surface for the securing mechanism in the standby position can be positioned outside the space swept and / or required by the securing mechanism.

[0012] The housing assembly may include a standby release mechanism configured to release the standby latch mechanism when the locking mechanism is moved from the locked position, thereby facilitating return to the locked position, particularly where such return can be at least partially automatic.

[0013] The standby release mechanism may comprise a biasing element that releases a latching element that latches the locking mechanism in the standby position. The standby release mechanism may in particular comprise at least one stop and / or at least one deflectable element.

[0014] The locking mechanism can be configured to be latchable in a pre-latched position, where the securing mechanism can be moved, for example, from a released position to a locked position. In the pre-latched position, the locking mechanism can release a path for the securing mechanism to the locked position. In the pre-latched position, a stop surface for the securing mechanism can be located outside of a space swept and / or required by the securing mechanism. In the pre-latched position, the locking mechanism cannot create resistance to the securing mechanism.

[0015] The housing assembly may include a pre-latching mechanism configured to latch the locking mechanism in a pre-latching position. The pre-latching mechanism may particularly include at least one latching element, at least one latching surface, at least one stop, and / or at least one deflectable element. For easy switching movements, an inclined surface may be arranged on the pre-latching mechanism. The inclined surface may particularly extend at an angle relative to the direction of movement of the movable element of the pre-latching mechanism.

[0016] The housing assembly may comprise a pre-latching release mechanism configured to release the pre-latching mechanism when the locking mechanism reaches the locked position. The pre-latching release mechanism may in particular comprise at least one stop and / or at least one deflectable element.

[0017] In a simple embodiment, at least one latching element can be arranged on the resiliently deflectable arm, in particular at the free end of the resiliently deflectable arm.

[0018] The housing assembly may include a drive mechanism that generates a force to urge the locking mechanism out of the standby and / or pre-latched position, which may, among other things, allow for automatic movement out of the standby and / or pre-latched position without further manual actuation.

[0019] The drive mechanism may include a spring element, which allows for an easy maintenance configuration, and the spring mechanism may include a coil spring.

[0020] In the waiting position, this movement can be blocked, and this blocking can be released when the locking mechanism is moved from the locking position, in particular by a drive mechanism which can push the locking mechanism towards the locking position.

[0021] In the pre-latched position, this movement can be blocked. This block can be released when the locking mechanism is moved to the locked position. The locking mechanism can then be pushed toward the locked position.

[0022] For simplicity of construction, the standby latching mechanism and the pre-latching mechanism may be part of a single latching assembly.

[0023] The locking mechanism may include a catch, and depending on the position of the catch, the locking mechanism is in a locked position, a standby position, or a pre-latched position.

[0024] In a particularly simple configuration, the catch can be held so as to be linearly movable. To simplify operation, the direction of movement can extend along a direction opposite to the direction of connection from the connector to the mating connector. Guide elements and / or guide surfaces can be provided on the catch and / or housing to guide this movement.

[0025] The catch may be part of a latch assembly.

[0026] The locking mechanism can be advanced from the standby position to the pre-latched position when the securing mechanism is moved from the securing position, which can be done automatically, thereby simplifying operation.

[0027] Advantageously, the locking mechanism can be advanced from the pre-latched position to the locked position when the securing mechanism reaches the secured position.

[0028] The securing mechanism may comprise a biasing element which, in the secured position, biases a latching element that latches the locking mechanism in a pre-latched or standby position.

[0029] To allow for simple and safe operation, the latching element for the standby position and the latching element for the pre-latching position can be biased perpendicular to one another. The direction of bias of the latching element for the standby position and the direction of bias of the latching element for the pre-latching position can extend perpendicular to one another.

[0030] To further secure the connector, the housing assembly may include an additional locking mechanism that locks the securing mechanism in a fixed position.

[0031] In a simple configuration, the further locking mechanism can be formed without a waiting position.

[0032] The further locking mechanism may be configured such that it must be manually deflected and held in order to move the securing mechanism from the locked position. For example, the further locking mechanism may comprise a resiliently deflectable portion.

[0033] The securing mechanism may be rotationally movable, for example about an axis.

[0034] The locking mechanism may have an actuator for manual actuation.

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the drawings using advantageous configurations, the advantageous further developments and configurations shown here being each independent of one another and can be combined with one another depending on the requirements of the application. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a housing assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a locked position. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a standby position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a pre-latched position. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 5D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 5E] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 6A] FIG. [Figure 6B] FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. [Figure 6D] FIG. [Figure 6E] FIG. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the pre-latching position. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the pre-latching position. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the pre-latching position. [Figure 7D] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the pre-latching position. [Figure 7E] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the pre-latching position. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 8D] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fixed position. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 10A-10C are schematic perspective views of the catch from different viewpoints. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic perspective views of a lever from different viewpoints. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] A housing assembly 100 for a connector is shown in an exploded view in Figure 1. In addition to the elements shown in Figure 1, namely, in particular, the housing 110, the catch 49, the drive mechanism 50, and the locking mechanism 20, the connector may include further elements therein, such as contact elements, for establishing electrical contact with a mating connector.

[0038] Lever 25 is attached to housing 110 and can rotate about axis 112 with housing 110. Locking mechanism 20, which locks the connector to the mating connector, for example, by positive-fit engagement, can be moved to a locked position 21 where the connector is locked to the mating connector, or can be moved from locked position 21 to, for example, a released position. Locking mechanism 20 can also perform additional functions. For example, when locked to the locked position, locking mechanism 20 can press the connector and the mating connector together. For this purpose, locking mechanism 20 can have a contact surface that extends helically around axis 112.

[0039] The catch 49 is part of the locking mechanism 40, which in a locked position 41 can lock the securing mechanism 20 in the secured position 21, thereby preventing the securing mechanism 20 from being moved from the secured position 21. The locking mechanism 40 can be moved from the locked position 41, thereby allowing the securing mechanism 20 to be moved from the secured position 21.

[0040] To facilitate such release, locking mechanism 40 can be parked in park position 42. For example, a user can manually activate locking mechanism 40 at actuator 48 by pushing catch 49 along direction of movement 149 toward housing 110 against the driving force of drive mechanism 50. As a result, stop surface 45 on the catch disengages from the corresponding stop surface 45 on lever 25.

[0041] The mode of operation of the locking mechanism 40 is shown in more detail in Figures 2, 3 and 4. Figures 5A-8D further show cross-sections and additional views in various states.

[0042] In Figure 2, the locking mechanism 40 is in a locked position 41, in which a positive fit engagement between the securing mechanism 20 and the locking mechanism 40 is established along the direction of rotation of the lever 25. A further locking mechanism 40 can also be seen on the left, which comprises a simple latching element and will only be briefly described below. This further locking mechanism 40 can be released by deflecting the latching element, which must be held in the deflected state by the user to allow the lever 25 to be thrown in. In the aforementioned locking mechanisms with a catch, it is also necessary to maintain the catch in the deflected state, which can be difficult, especially in combination with a further locking mechanism.

[0043] In the advantageous configuration shown on the right, such permanent holding by the user, particularly holding of catch 49, is not required. The user can latch locking mechanism 40, particularly catch 49, in standby position 42 shown in FIG. 3 . When catch 49 is moved along movement direction 149 parallel to the direction of connection of the connector to the mating connector and passes a certain boundary, standby latching mechanism 60 secures locking mechanism 40 in standby position 42. This boundary is defined by latch element 65 of standby latching mechanism 60, which then resiliently snaps into position on a mating element on housing 110. During this movement, latch element 65, located on resiliently deflectable arm 120, deflects in deflection direction 165. This deflection is facilitated by inclined surface 55. When the latch element 65 passes through the respective mating latch element, the latch element 65 resiliently bounces back so that the stop surface on the front side of the latch element 65 abuts against the mating stop surface 66 on the housing 110, preventing return movement.

[0044] 3, the space swept by the lever 25, in particular by the stop surface 45 on the lever 25, is released by the locking mechanism 40, in particular by the corresponding stop surface 45 on the catch 49, so that the lever 25 can then be thrown in. During this movement, the biasing element 71 arranged on the lever 25 biases the latch element 65 of the standby latching mechanism 60, so that the latch element 65 is disengaged from the corresponding surface and element on the housing 110. The locking mechanism 40 is thereby released from the standby position 42 and moved by the drive mechanism 50 with the spring element 51 to the pre-latching position 43. In the pre-latching position 43, the locking mechanism is engaged by the pre-latching mechanism 80 as the latching elements 85 of the pre-latching mechanism 80 abut against corresponding mating elements on the housing 110. In the pre-latching position 43, the movement path of the lever 25 is released, allowing movement of the securing mechanism 20, and in particular the lever 25, without resistance from the locking mechanism 40.

[0045] When the securing mechanism 20 is moved to the securing position 21, i.e., when the lever 25 is rotated, the locking mechanism 40 automatically advances from the pre-latching position 43 to the locked position 41. The biasing element 95 of the pre-latching release mechanism 90 deflects the latching element 85 of the pre-latching mechanism 80 along the deflection direction 185, thereby releasing the blocking of the drive mechanism 50 along the direction of movement 149, and the drive mechanism 50 pushes the locking mechanism 40 along the force direction 150, whereby the catch 49 again engages the securing mechanism 20 in a positive fit.

[0046] The catch 49 is shown in two perspective views in Figures 9 and 10. In particular, it can be seen that the deflection direction 165 of the latching element 65 of the standby latching mechanism 60 is deflectable perpendicular to the deflection direction 185 of the latching element of the pre-latching mechanism 80, thereby ensuring safe operation.

[0047] The lever 25 is shown in two perspective views in Figures 11 and 12. In particular, the stop surface 45 that helps lock the lever 25 in the fixed position 21, the biasing element 71 of the standby release mechanism 70, and the biasing element 95 of the pre-latch release mechanism 90 can be seen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 20 Fixing mechanism 21 Fixed position 25 Lever 40 Locking mechanism 41 Pre-latching mechanism 42 Standby position 43 Pre-hook position 45 Waiting mechanism, locking mechanism stop surface 48 Operating unit 49 Catch 50 Drive mechanism 51 Spring element 55 Slope 60 Standby latch mechanism 65 Hook element standby position 66 Fitting latching surface 70 Standby release mechanism 71 Deflection element 80 Pre-latching mechanism 85 Pre-latching position of latching element 90 Pre-latching release mechanism 95 Deflection element 100 Housing Assembly 110 Housing 112 axes 120 Elastically deflectable arm 121 Free end 140 Latch Assembly 148 Guide element, catch housing 149 Catch movement direction 150 Force driving direction 160 Connection Direction 165 Deflection direction of latching element 185 Deflection direction of latching element

Claims

1. A housing assembly (100) for a connector, comprising: a fixing mechanism (20) for fixing the connector to a mating connector at a fixing position (21); and a locking mechanism (40), wherein the locking mechanism (40) is configured to lock the fixing mechanism (20) at the fixing position (21) at the locking position (41), and the locking mechanism (40) is configured to be latchable at a standby position (42) in which the fixing mechanism (20) can be moved from the fixing position (21); The housing assembly (100) comprises: A housing assembly (100) comprising: a standby latch mechanism (60) configured to latch the locking mechanism (40) at the standby position (42); and a standby release mechanism (70) configured to release the standby latch mechanism (60) when the fixing mechanism (20) is moved from the fixing position (21).

2. 2. The housing assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (40) is configured to be latchable in a pre-latched position (43) that allows the securing mechanism (20) to be moved to the secured position (21).

3. 3. The housing assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the housing assembly (100) comprises a pre-latching mechanism (80) configured to latch the locking mechanism (40) in the pre-latching position (43).

4. 4. The housing assembly (100) of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a drive mechanism (50) that generates a force to push the locking mechanism (40) out of the waiting position (42) and / or the pre-latched position (43).

5. The housing assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the standby latch mechanism (60) and the pre-latching mechanism (80) are part of a single latch assembly (140).

6. 6. The housing assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism (40) comprises a catch (49), and the locking mechanism (40) is in the locked position (41), the standby position (42), or the pre-latched position (43) depending on the position of the catch (49).

7. 7. The housing assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the catch (49) is retained for linear movement.

8. 8. The housing assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism (40) is adapted to advance from the standby position (42) to the pre-latched position (43) when the securing mechanism (20) is moved from the securing position (21).

9. 9. The housing assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the locking mechanism (40) is adapted to advance from the pre-latched position (43) to the locked position (41) when the securing mechanism (20) reaches the secured position (21).

10. A latching element (65) for said waiting position (42) and a latching element (65) for said pre-latching position (43) 10. A housing assembly (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the corresponding latching elements (85) can be biased perpendicularly relative to one another.

11. 11. The housing assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing assembly (100) comprises a further locking mechanism (40) for locking the fixing mechanism (20) in the fixing position (21).

12. The housing assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the securing mechanism (20) comprises a lever (25).

13. A method for releasing a connection between a connector and a mating connector secured to the connector by a securing mechanism (20), the method comprising: a locking mechanism (40) in a locked position (41) that prevents the securing mechanism (20) from moving out of the secured position (21); and the locking mechanism (40) being latched by a standby latching mechanism (60) in a standby position (42) that allows the securing mechanism (20) to be moved out of the secured position (21); When the locking mechanism (20) is moved from the locking position (21), the standby latching mechanism (60) is released by a standby release mechanism (70).

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