plug socket

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical plug connector, in particular a chassis socket, comprising a housing (1) in which a first insertion opening (2) is formed, at least one contact support (15) for at least one electrical contact element (17), and a locking mechanism (25, 26) for an inserted complementary plug connector. The locking arm (25) can be held out of engagement with the complementary plug connector by an actuating element (26) which is manually movable from a passive position to an active position. To enable the shortest possible construction of the plug connector, the actuating part (32) is arranged at the outermost rear end of the actuating element (26) with no part of the actuating element (26) extending beyond it.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical plug connector as claimed in the preamble of patent claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] A typical example of such a plug connector is described in European Patent Application EP 1972037B1 in the form of a plug socket, also known as a chassis socket, which is provided for establishing an electrical plug connection with a complementary plug connector, in particular a cable plug. The plug socket has electrical contact elements for establishing an XLR electrical plug connection, which is particularly common in audio applications and is correspondingly standardized. However, any other embodiment, from a jack plug to a data plug such as an RJ45 connection, is also possible. The plug socket housing has a corresponding insertion opening for allowing the insertion of the cable plug, into which the complementary plug connector can be inserted axially. The electrical contact elements are supported in at least one contact support.

[0003] As already explained in Austrian patent application AT399427B, such plug sockets can have a locking mechanism to secure an inserted complementary cable plug against unintentional removal. In this case, there is at least one resiliently displaceable locking arm, for example with a locking projection, which, when the cable plug is inserted, enters and engages in, for example, a cut-out, undercut or similar notch. The lock can be released from a passive position manually, allowing the plug connection to be disconnected, by means of an actuating element which acts on the locking arm and holds it out of engagement with the complementary locking structure.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application No. US2011136366A1 discloses an electrical plug with a locking mechanism for a mating plug. The locking mechanism consists of two parts: a locking arm with two pointed protrusions at its end that enter and engage with a recess in the mating plug, and an unlocking operating element supported so as to move linearly within the recess in the housing. When the substantially flat operating element moves, its flat end presses against a sloped portion of the first locking arm, pushing the locking arm up and lifting the protrusion out of the recess, thereby unlocking the plug connection.

[0005] Similarly, U.S. Patent Application No. US7534125B1 discloses a two-part locking mechanism. The locking arm also has two pointed protrusions that enter and engage recesses in the mating plug. Again, a substantially flat unlocking actuating element is guided for linear movement within the housing recess. When the flat end of the actuating element moves longitudinally to its active position, it interacts with an inclined surface on the locking arm, lifting it out of engagement with the mating plug. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention was to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a device which requires less installation space and allows shorter housing dimensions, especially in the insertion direction, while at the same time increasing functional reliability and simplifying manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by a device according to the features of patent claim 1. Further optional features are defined in the dependent claims and disclosed in the detailed description and drawings.

[0008] To achieve this, the device according to the present invention is characterized in that the actuating part is formed by at least one tongue, which is bent about a bending axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or the insertion axis of the actuating element, and is located at the outermost rear end of the actuating element, with no part of the actuating element extending rearward. In this case, the rear edge of the actuating element forms the rear end face of the actuating element. This allows for a significantly shorter structure of the actuating element, and therefore of the entire housing in which the actuating element is supported for movement, compared to conventional designs in which the area of actual actuation for unlocking is located forward of the rear end of the actuating element.

[0009] The actuating part formed by at least one tongue can be easily produced by stamping and bending, and the open rear end of this actuating element prevents the individual parts from getting stuck in the bulk goods containers of the production facility. Furthermore, this configuration contributes to improved functional stability and operating quality, since the influence of bending angle errors when bending about an axis parallel to the axis of relative movement between the actuating element and the locking arm on the radial dimensions of the actuating element is less severe than the influence of bending errors when bending about an axis transverse to this relative movement, as occurs in conventional actuating elements where the tongues are bent in the direction of this relative movement.

[0010] To ensure smooth sliding between the actuating element and the locking arm, the actuating part has a chamfer on the rear side, which allows for a generous material design and contributes to high functional reliability by avoiding scratches and grooves.

[0011] To ensure good leverage during the unlocking process, it is preferable to arrange the unlocking surface at the rear of the locking arm, which allows the unlocking element to be relatively small in construction and the amount of movement required for unlocking to be kept small, which also contributes to a more compact housing overall.

[0012] This advantage is particularly enhanced in the preferred embodiment of the invention by the fact that no part of the locking mechanism extends rearward beyond the unlocking surface.

[0013] An advantageous embodiment of the invention further provides that the actuating element is supported in a recess in the contact carrier so as to be movable parallel to the insertion axis, which on the one hand ensures functional reliability by optimum guidance for the movement of the actuating element between the passive and active positions, and on the other hand allows for the smallest possible dimensions due to the positioning of the actuating element close to the center of the housing.

[0014] Another embodiment of the plug connector according to the invention is characterized in that the actuating element (26) has an enlarged cross section and / or the housing has a corresponding reduced cross section arranged in the path of movement of the actuating element from the passive position to the active position, so that the actuating element's working distance from the passive position to the active position is limited to a distance less than the distance from the position of the actuating part in the passive position to the rear limit of the locking arm, thereby reliably preventing the actuating part from reaching behind the end of the locking arm and springing back to or nearly to its initial position, so that the locking arm and the actuating element get stuck and cannot separate, remaining fixed in that position.

[0015] The plug connector according to the invention can furthermore be characterized in that it has a cover arranged opposite the first insertion opening and a second, oppositely facing insertion opening for a further plug connector, which is preferably also equipped with a locking mechanism. In this case, of course, it is particularly preferred to use a locking mechanism of the design described above, since this ensures the shortest possible overall length of such a cable plug coupler for connection to a cable equipped with a similar cable plug.

[0016] In conventional plug connectors, in particular in the form of plug sockets or chassis sockets, according to another feature of the invention, the inner length of the housing is equal to the length of the locking arm parallel to the insertion axis, which allows the smallest possible housing dimensions and makes it possible to provide plug sockets with very small depths, which can be made even smaller for applications such as video walls or very thin equipment.

[0017] This advantage is further enhanced if for these applications a further socket is used on the rear side of the plug connector according to the invention, so that the insertion axis of the second insertion opening is oriented transversely to the insertion axis of the first insertion opening.

[0018] Advantageously, at least one preferably electrically conductive component is fastened to the housing and / or the contact carrier, which extends to the cover and is mechanically, preferably also electrically conductively, connected thereto, which arrangement ensures not only the earth connection between the two insertion openings but also the mechanical retention of the overall arrangement of the plug socket.

[0019] Preferably, in a plug connector according to the invention, at least one of the insertion ports and their contact carriers and electrical contact elements is designed for connection with a data plug, preferably an RJ45 plug.

[0020] For a better understanding of the invention, a more detailed description will now be made with reference to the following drawings.

[0021] The drawings are highly simplified and schematic. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a plug socket according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plug socket of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the plug socket of FIG. 1 taken along a vertical center plane. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the contact support and the actuating element of the locking mechanism of the plug socket of FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 5] 2 shows the contact support and the actuating element of the locking mechanism of the plug socket of FIG. 1 in a radial view from above the actuating element; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the operating elements of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the operating elements of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a side view of the actuation element of the embodiment shown in FIGS. [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the actuation element of the embodiment shown in FIGS. [Figure 10] 1 is a longitudinal section through an embodiment of a plug socket and its locking mechanism according to the invention with a cable plug inserted in a locked position; FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the embodiment and arrangement shown in FIG. 10 in the unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] It should be noted at the outset that the same elements in the different embodiments described are provided with the same reference numerals or element names. In this case, the disclosure contained in the entire description can be transferred to the same elements having the same reference numerals or element names. The positional terms selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the displayed figures directly described, and these positional terms apply mutatis mutandis to the new positions in the event of a change in position. In particular, the term "front" is to be understood here as the side of the socket, housing or any component that is closest to the insertion opening. "Rear" therefore means the position opposite the insertion opening.

[0024] 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an integrated plug connector according to the invention, for example in the form of a chassis socket for a data plug, in particular an RJ45 data plug. Of course, the design according to the invention can also be used for other types of integrated plug connectors or couplers. Therefore, the solution according to the invention can also be used for plug connectors according to the XLR standard, jack plugs, fiber optic plugs, and combinations of such systems.

[0025] The electrical self-contained plug connector of FIG. 1, shown in detail in an exploded view with all essential components or assemblies in FIG. 2, includes a housing 1 with an insertion opening 2 for a complementary connector (not shown). The housing 1 is provided at its front insertion end with a protruding connection flange 3, which preferably projects perpendicularly from the housing 1 and preferably over its entire periphery. The connection flange 3 has through-holes or partially open cutouts 4, through which fastening means, typically fastening screws, rivets, etc., can be passed to fasten the plug-in connector to the wall G of an electrical appliance, a control panel, or a similar element. The cutouts 4 are preferably located at two corners of the rectangular connection flange 3, facing each other across the central axis M of the insertion opening 2. The central axis M of the insertion opening 2 preferably also represents the central axis and longitudinal axis of the entire housing or plug connector. Needless to say, other contour shapes of the connection flange 3 are also possible, such as circular or polygonal contours. Through-holes 4 may also be present at all corners of the connection flange 3.

[0026] When the built-in plug connector is assembled, an insertion-side flange plate 5 faces the front surface of the connection flange 3 of the housing 1. The flange plate 5 has an insertion opening 6 for a complementary plug connector, which is arranged coaxially with the insertion opening 2 of the housing 1. Furthermore, the flange plate 5 has an assembly hole 7, which is arranged coaxially with the cutout 4 of the connection flange 3 and is designed to pass a fixing means of the built-in plug connector for connecting it to an equipment wall, control panel, etc.

[0027] To seal against the equipment wall, control panel, etc., a preferably plate-shaped seal 8 is inserted directly between the flange plate 5 and the housing 1 and clamped between these components. The seal 8 has a central cutout 9 that corresponds in size to at least the insertion opening 2 and is arranged coaxially with the insertion opening 2. The central cutout 9 is preferably bounded by a circumferential sealing lip 10, the inner diameter of which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion openings 2, 6, so that it projects radially into the insertion openings 2, 6 and seals the annular gap between the outer surface of the inserted plug connector and the insertion openings 2, 6 when a complementary connector is inserted. At the location of the mounting hole 7 in the flange plate 5 or the cutout 4 in the connection flange 3, the seal 8 also has through-holes 11 for fastening elements.

[0028] In addition to the fact that the insertion openings 2, 6 are sealed by the sealing lip 10 of the sealing 8 when a complementary plug connector is inserted, it is advantageous to provide the possibility of sealing them even when not inserted. For this purpose, at least one radially protruding connecting strip 12 is molded into the sealing 8. A sealing plug 13 is fixed to the outer end of the connecting strip 12, the outer diameter of which is at most equal to the inner diameter of the insertion openings 2, 6 and preferably slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sealing lip 10 of the sealing 8 sealing the insertion opening 2. To facilitate handling of the sealing plug 13, a gripping tab 14 protrudes from the side opposite the connecting strip 12, which may be fully closed or preferably formed in a pot-shaped open shape.

[0029] The housing 1 preferably integrally forms an inner contact carrier 15 concentric with the central axis M. In some cases, the contact carrier may be formed by a separate plug-in part secured within the housing 1 by any retention mechanism. The contact carrier 15 also typically carries the earth contact 16, which preferably continues onto a rear cover 23 defining a further insertion opening 24 in embodiments where this cover is present. In this case, the cover 23 itself is of a conductive material, and the earth contact 16 and the cover 23 are mechanically and electrically connected, for example by soldering.

[0030] However, the contact carrier 15 also holds electrical contact elements 17, which serve to establish an electrically conductive connection with a complementary plug connector that is inserted. These contact elements 17 are part of a contact set 18, which has at least one insulator 19 made of an electrically insulating material in its central portion. The insulator 19 secures the contact elements 17 relative to their opposite ends, which are preferably also formed as contact elements 20 for another plug connector. In the illustrated embodiment of the plug socket, the contact elements 20 are again led outward through a housing cap 21, in particular through a communication opening 22 at the rear end of the housing 1, which is common to all contact elements 20. A cover 23, preferably made of metal, or possibly plastic, is placed on the rear side of the housing cap 21 and provides protection for the contact elements 20 and the other plug socket. An insertion opening 24 of this other plug socket is oriented transversely to the central axis M of the housing 1, as indicated by an insertion axis N extending transversely to the central axis or insertion axis M. However, the contact elements 17 can also be led to the circuit board through the housing cap 21 and soldered to the side or inside thereof.

[0031] Finally, a further locking mechanism 25, 26 is arranged inside or on the side of the housing 1, at least one locking arm 25 of which can be unlocked again by means of an actuating element 26. This actuating element 26, preferably a stamped and formed part with a preferably flat or slightly curved central section, projects forward beyond the insertion end of the housing 1 so that it can be easily reached and operated by the user. Where the actuating element 26 is located, a radially outward cutout 27 extends from the insertion opening 2 of the housing 1 and also from the insertion opening 6 of the flange plate 5, through which the actuating element 26 can project to the front side of the flange plate 5. The sealing 8 advantageously has an integrally formed dome 28 into which the actuating element 26 enters by means of an operating tab 29 that can be easily operated, preferably manually. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating tab 29 is bent about an axis P that is perpendicular to the central axis M of the housing 1 and the longitudinal axis O of the actuating element 26 and is oriented transversely to the central axis M of the housing 1 and the longitudinal axis O of the actuating element 26 (see Figures 6 to 9).

[0032] The contact carrier 15 preferably supports a resilient locking arm 25 in an upper, elongated recess 30. The locking arm 25 has at least one locking structure, here in the form of two locking projections 31 bent upwards at the outer edge of the flat locking arm 25 and nose-shaped in side view, on its side facing away from the central longitudinal axis M of the housing 1. These locking projections 31 allow the locking arm 25 to enter and engage with a corresponding complementary locking structure of a complementary plug connector K, preferably at least one locking recess in the socket-like insertion portion 38 of the plug connector, when the complementary plug connector K is inserted into the insertion opening 2, thereby preventing the plug connector K from unintentionally or undesirably withdrawing from the insertion opening 2, as can be seen in FIG. 10 . To enable or facilitate the locking projections 31 to fit into and remain in the locking recess during insertion of the complementary connector, the projections have, as is known, impact ramps. The locking arm 25, which is preferably made of metal and extends substantially straight over most of its length, in the embodiment shown starts at a fixing point in the front region of the contact carrier 15 near the insertion opening 2 and extends towards the rear end of the housing 1. Other shapes of the locking arm 25 are also possible, such as the U-shaped bent shape shown in Figures 10 and 11, in which case one straight leg of the U-shaped locking arm 25 rests on and is supported by the contact carrier 15. The other leg, which follows the curved part at the front of the locking arm 25, is bent backwards by 180 degrees at a locking lug 31.

[0033] In order to release the locking arm 25 from engagement with the locking structure of the inserted plug connector K and to allow it to be withdrawn from the insertion opening 2, the actuating element 26 is movable from the illustrated passive position, in which it projects forwardly beyond the housing 1 to a rearward active position parallel to the central longitudinal axis M of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 15. For this purpose, the actuating element 26 is movably supported on the contact carrier 15, preferably above the locking arm 25, preferably in a recess 30 in the contact carrier 15, which allows optimal guidance of the locking arm 25 and the actuating element 26 relative to one another.

[0034] When the actuating element 26 moves from the passive position to the active position, the actuating part 32 of the actuating element 26 acts on the preferably inclined unlocking surface 33 of the locking arm 25, bending it towards the central axis M of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 15, so that the locking projection 31 disengages from the locking structure in the socket-shaped insertion part 38 of the inserted plug connector K, thereby releasing the plug connector K so that it can be pulled out of the insertion opening 2. The inclined surface 33 is preferably located at the end of the locking arm 25, whatever its shape, opposite the insertion opening 2. When the actuating element 26 is released again by the user, the spring-resilient locking arm 25 returns to its initial position and the actuating element 26 returns to its passive position.

[0035] In order to achieve a particularly short configuration of the actuating element 26, and thus of the entire connector socket, the actuating portion 32 is arranged at the outermost rear end of the actuating element 26. As can be clearly seen in Figures 4 to 9, no other part of the actuating element 26 extends rearward beyond the actuating portion 32, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the actuating element 26, in the direction of the central longitudinal axis M of the housing 1, and when moving from the passive position to the active position. In this case, it is preferably the rear or rear end face of the actuating element 26, together with the base of the actuating element, that forms the rear edge of the actuating portion 32.

[0036] As can be seen in FIGS. 4-9 , the actuating element 26 has two lugs 39 projecting laterally from a substantially flat or slightly curved central portion. Such or other types of enlarged cross-sections can also be provided on only one side. These two lugs 39, preferably located near the front insertion opening 2, cooperate with at least one corresponding stop 40 on the housing 1. The reduced cross-section corresponding to the stop 40 in the path of movement of the actuating element 26 from the passive position P to the active position A, where the locking arm 25 is disengaged from its locked position, can be machined integrally with the housing 1 or can be mechanically connected to the housing 1 as a separate element.

[0037] The advantageous mode of action of the lug 39 and stop 40 system is shown in Figures 10 and 11. From these figures it can be seen that the lug 39 abuts against the stop 40, preventing further movement in the same direction of movement, thereby limiting the working distance of the actuating element 26 from the passive position P to the active position A. The length of the working distance of the actuating element 26 is designated db.

[0038] Together with the actuating element 26, its actuating part 32 is also moved from its position in the passive position P of the actuating element 26 in the direction of the active position A. If not restricted, the actuating part 32 could extend beyond the rear end of the locking arm 25, in particular beyond the rear limit of the inclined surface 33. The distance over which this undesirable state occurs is designated dv. When determining the length of this distance parallel to the longitudinal central axis M of the housing 1, it is of course necessary to take into account the displacement of the locking arm 25, which causes its rear end to be slightly offset towards the rear side of the housing 1.

[0039] In the passive position P of the actuating element 26, the distance between the lug 39 and the stop 40, and therefore the working distance db between the passive position P and the active position A, is selected to be smaller than the distance dv. This ensures that the actuating part 32 does not reach behind the end of the locking arm 25 and become stuck in this position, unable to be released.

[0040] The distance between the passive and active positions could also be limited by the operating tab 29 abutting against the front end wall of the housing 1 .

[0041] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings, the actuating portion 32 is formed here by at least one tongue, which is bent about a bending axis O oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis O of the actuating element 26 or the central longitudinal axis M of the housing 1. Preferably, this bending axis O lies in the plane of the actuating element 26 and is coaxial with the longitudinal axis passing through the flat or slightly curved central portion of the actuating element 26. Preferably, the actuating portion 32 has a chamfer on its rear side. Due to its open shape, the rear end of the actuating element 26 is easy to manufacture, since mechanical or manual work to separate parts caught in a bulk goods container at a manufacturing facility is avoided. Furthermore, errors in the bending angle when bending the actuating portion 32 about the longitudinal axis O of the actuating element 26, i.e., an axis parallel to the direction of relative movement of the actuating element 26 and the locking arm 25, only slightly affect the radial dimension of the actuating portion 32. This ensures that, even if relatively large variations in bending angle occur during manufacturing, the displacement of the locking arm 25 is always sufficient to unlock the plug connector, leading to reproducible functional stability and operating quality.

[0042] The ramp surface 33 on the locking arm 25 is preferably located at the rear of the locking arm 25, so that this component can also be kept short. Nevertheless, sufficient leverage is available so that excessive force does not have to be used to move the actuating element 26 from the passive position to the active position. It is therefore advantageous for the locking arm 25 that no part of the locking arm 25 extends rearward beyond the unlocking surface 33. It is also advantageous that no part of the actuating element 26 protrudes rearward beyond the unlocking surface 33, especially when the actuating element 26 is moved to its maximum extent into the active position.

[0043] Instead of providing cooperating ramps on the actuating element 26 and the locking arm 25, only one of these components could have such a ramp, while the other of both components has a protrusion cooperating with the ramp. There could also be another spring-resilient element biasing the locking arm 25 towards the locked position and / or causing the actuating element 26 to be pushed back into the passive position when released by the user.

[0044] Instead of designing the locking arm 25 to be spring-resilient, the locking arm 25 could also be pivotally supported on the contact support 15 and biased by a separate spring element into a position in which it enters and engages the locking structure of a complementary plug connector inserted into the housing 1.

[0045] In its embodiment as a coupling for two identical plug connectors, preferably cable connectors, the plug connector according to the invention can have a second, oppositely facing insertion opening for another plug connector, opposite the first insertion opening, which is also equipped with a locking mechanism of the configuration described above, thereby achieving the shortest possible overall length for this type of coupling.

[0046] As can be clearly seen in FIG. 3, the housing 1 of the plug connector in the form of a plug socket or chassis socket has an internal length up to the rear cover 21. This internal length corresponds to the rear end of the locking arm 25 or to the rear end of the actuating element 26 in its fully rearwardly, maximum active position. This makes it possible to realize a very short housing 1 and thus a plug socket with a very small depth in the insertion direction. This applies in particular to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this embodiment, a further plug socket with an insertion opening 24 is arranged on the rear side of the housing 1, the insertion axis N of which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis M of the housing 1 or to the insertion axis of the first insertion opening 2.

[0047] In the passive position, the actuating element 26 is prevented from moving further forwards towards the insertion opening 2 by a stop element 35, which in the illustrated example cooperates with the contact carrier 15 and / or the housing 1. Preferably, this stop element 35 is a stamped tongue which extends in the longitudinal direction of the actuating element 26 and which is raised above the plane of the central part of the actuating element 26 at its front part, i.e. closer to the insertion opening 2. A notch 36 is provided between the stop element 35 and the flat or slightly curved central part of the actuating element 26.

[0048] Likewise, according to an advantageous embodiment of the actuating element 26, a further cutout 37 can be provided between the flat or slightly curved central part of the actuating element 26 and the actuating part 32. However, both the actuating part 32 and the stop element 35 can also be manufactured from the actuating element 26 without the cutouts 36, 37, for example by stamping.

[0049] The examples are intended to illustrate possible embodiments, and it should be noted here that the present invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments, but rather that the individual embodiments can be combined with one another in various ways, and this variation is within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art based on the teachings of the present invention regarding the technical operations. [Configuration 1] a housing (1) having a first insertion opening (2) formed therein for inserting a complementary plug connector, particularly a cable plug, and the complementary plug connector in an insertion axial direction; At least one contact carrier (15); At least one electrical contact element (17) held by the contact carrier (15); An electrical plug connector, in particular a chassis socket, for making an electrical plug connection, comprising a locking mechanism (25, 26) for said complementary plug connector, at least one first locking structure (31), in particular at least one resiliently displaceable or movable locking arm (25) with a locking projection; the first locking structure (31) is adapted to be thrust-engaged with the second complementary locking structure of the complementary plug connector when the complementary plug connector is fully inserted, and at least one actuating element (26) manually movable from a passive position (P) to an active position (A) parallel to the insertion axis; at least one actuating portion (32), or actuating protrusion, on the actuating element (26) that acts on the locking arm (25) in the active position (A) to hold its locking structure (31) out of engagement with the complementary locking structure; The lock arm (25) has at least one unlocking surface (33) and an inclined surface that the operating portion (32) engages with in the active position (A), The actuating portion (32) is formed by at least one tongue, which is bent around a bending axis (O) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element (26) and / or the insertion axis (M), is positioned at the outermost rear end of the actuating element (26), and no part of the actuating element (26) protrudes rearward therefrom, forming a rear end face of the actuating element (26). [Configuration 2] The plug connector according to configuration 1, wherein the actuation portion (32) has a chamfered portion (34) on its rear side. [Configuration 3] 3. The plug connector according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the unlocking surface (33) is disposed at the rear of the locking arm (25). [Configuration 4] 4. The plug connector according to configuration 3, characterized in that no part of the locking arm (25) and / or the actuating element (26) extends beyond the unlocking surface (33) rearward. [Configuration 5] 5. A plug connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the actuating element (26) is supported in a recess (30) of the contact support (30) so as to be movable parallel to the insertion axis. [Configuration 6] 6. A plug connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the actuating element (26) has an enlarged cross-section and / or the housing (1) has a corresponding reduced cross-section arranged in the path of movement of the actuating element (26) from the passive position (P) to the active position (A), whereby the actuating distance (db) of the actuating element (26) from the passive position (P) to the active position (A) is limited to be smaller than the distance (dv) from the position of the actuating part (32) in the passive position (P) to the rear limit of the locking arm (25). [Configuration 7] 7. A plug connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that on the side opposite the first insertion opening (2) a cover (23) and a second, oppositely facing insertion opening (24) for another plug connector are arranged, which are also equipped with a locking mechanism, in particular a locking mechanism according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. [Configuration 8] 8. A plug connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the inner length of the housing (1) is equal to the length of the locking arm (25) parallel to the insertion axis. [Configuration 9] 9. The plug connector according to configuration 8, characterized in that the insertion axis (N) of the second insertion opening (24) is oriented transversely to the insertion axis of the first insertion opening (2). [Configuration 10] 10. The plug connector according to one of configurations 7 to 9, characterized in that at least one conductive component (16) is fixed to the housing (1) and / or the contact support (15), the component (16) extending to the cover (23) and being mechanically and conductively connected thereto. [Configuration 11] 11. A plug connector according to any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the insertion openings (2, 24) and their contact carriers and electrical contact elements (17, 20) are designed for connection with a data plug, an RJ45 plug. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1. Housing 2 Insertion port 3 Connection flange 4 Notch 5 flange plate 6 Insertion port 7 Mounting holes 8. Sealing 9 Cutout 10 Sealing Lip 11 Through hole 12 connection strips 13 Sealing stopper 14 Grip Tab 15 Contact support 16 Earth contact 17 Contact Elements 18 contact sets 19 Insulators 20 Contact Elements 21 Housing cap 22 Communication hole 23 Cover 24 Insertion port 25 Lock Arm 26 Actuating Elements 27 Notch 28 Dome 29 Operation Tab 30 recess 31 Locking protrusion 32 Operating unit 33 Slope 34 Chamfered part 35 Stopping Elements 36 Notch 37 Notch 38 Insertion section 39 Rug 40 Stopper M Longitudinal center axis O Bending axis K Cable Connector P passive position A active position

Claims

1. A complementary plug connector, in particular a cable plug, and an electrical plug connector, in particular a chassis socket, for making an electrical plug connection, comprising: a housing (1) having a first insertion opening (2) into which the complementary plug connector can be inserted in an insertion axis direction; At least one contact carrier (15); At least one electrical contact element (17) held by said contact support (15); a locking mechanism (25, 26) for the complementary plug connector; The locking mechanism (25, 26) at least one first locking structure (31), in particular at least one resiliently displaceable or movable locking arm (25) each having a locking projection, which, when the complementary plug connector is fully inserted, is adapted to projectingly engage with a second complementary locking structure of the complementary plug connector; at least one actuating element (26) manually movable from a passive position (P) to an active position (A) parallel to said insertion axis; at least one actuating portion (32), preferably an actuating protrusion, on the actuating element (26) which acts on the locking arm (25) in the active position (A) to hold its locking structure (31) out of engagement with the complementary locking structure; and at least one unlocking surface (33), preferably an inclined surface, provided on the locking arm (25), with which the actuating portion (32) engages in the active position (A); The actuating portion (32) is formed by at least one tongue, which is bent around a bending axis (O) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating element (26) and / or the insertion axis (M), is positioned at the outermost rear end of the actuating element (26), does not protrude rearward beyond any part of the actuating element (26), and forms the rear end face of the actuating element (26).

2. 2. The plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the actuating portion (32) has a chamfered portion (34) on its rear side.

3. 3. The plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the unlocking surface (33) is arranged at the rear of the locking arm (25).

4. 4. A plug connector according to claim 3, characterized in that the unlocking surface (33) does not project rearward beyond any part of the locking arm (25) and / or the actuating element (26).

5. 3. A plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (26) is supported in a recess (30) of the contact support (15) so as to be movable parallel to the insertion axis.

6. 3. The plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (26) has an enlarged cross-section and / or a corresponding reduced cross-section arranged in the housing (1) in the path of movement of the actuating element (26) from the passive position (P) to the active position (A), and wherein the enlarged cross-section and / or the corresponding reduced cross-section limit the actuating distance (db) of the actuating element (26) from the passive position (P) to the active position (A) to be smaller than the distance (dv) from the position of the actuating part (32) in the passive position (P) to the rear limit of the locking arm (25).

7. 3. A plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the side opposite the first insertion opening (2) a cover (23) and a second, opposite insertion opening (24) for a further plug connector are arranged and are equipped with a locking mechanism, in particular a locking mechanism according to claim 1 or 2.

8. 3. The plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the inner length of the housing (1) is the length from the first insertion opening (2) to the rear cover (21) and is equal to the length of the locking arm (25) parallel to the insertion axis.

9. 9. A plug connector according to claim 8, characterized in that the insertion axis (N) of the second insertion opening (24) is oriented transversely to the insertion axis of the first insertion opening (2).

10. 8. The plug connector according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one conductive component (16) is fixed to the housing (1) and / or the contact support (15), the component (16) extending to the cover (23) and being mechanically and conductively connected thereto.

11. 3. A plug connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the insertion openings (2, 24) and their contact carriers and electrical contact elements (17, 20) are designed for connection with a data plug, preferably an RJ45 plug.

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