Plug-in connector part with strain relief

Abstract

A plug-in connector part (1) for plug-connection to a mating plug-in connector part, having a plug-in portion (11) to be plug-connected to the mating plug-in connector part, at least one electrical contact element (111A-111N) connectable to a line (100) and arrangeable in the plug-in portion (11), a housing part (3) and a housing cover (4) connectable to the housing part (3), and a strain relief device (2, 2'-2'''), which is designed to receive and to clampingly secure a line (100) connected to the at least one contact element (111A-111N), having a first and a second clamping device (21A, 21B) and two spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A''', 23B, 23B'-23B'''), each of which is arrangeable between the first and the second clamping device (21A, 21B), wherein the housing cover (4) has a passage opening for the line (100) to pass through, and wherein the strain relief device (2, 2'-2''') is arrangeable on the housing part (3) and is held on the housing part (3) by the housing cover (4) in the mounted position of the housing cover (4).

Description

[0001] Connector part with strain relief

[0002] The invention relates to a connector part for plugging into a mating connector part according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Such a connector part comprises a plug-in section to be connected to the mating connector part, at least one electrical contact element that can be connected to a line and can be arranged in the plug-in section, a housing part and a housing cover that can be connected to the housing part.

[0004] Such a connector part can be used, for example, in a charging system for charging an electric vehicle and can be designed, for example, as a so-called charging socket, which is permanently connected to a vehicle and into which a charging plug can be inserted to establish an electrical connection to a charging station. Alternatively, such a connector part can also be implemented, for example, as a charging plug that can be inserted into an associated charging socket.

[0005] In such a connector part, one or more electrical cables or lines are connected to one or more electrical contact elements. The contact elements are arranged in such a way that they extend into the area of ​​the plug-in section, thus enabling an electrical connection to the mating connector part, in particular to the mating contact elements arranged thereon, upon plugging into an associated mating connector part.

[0006] With such a connector component, it is necessary to provide strain relief for the electrical cable connected to the contact elements to prevent the transmission of forces acting on the cable to the contact elements. To achieve such strain relief, the cable connected to the contact elements must be secured to the housing in such a way that forces acting on the cable, for example, are diverted into the housing and not act on the contact elements.

[0007] It is desirable to integrate strain relief for different power ratings into the connector component using a few inexpensive components that are also easy to handle, allowing the strain relief to be easily installed during assembly of the connector component. Strain relief devices for different cable sizes are described, for example, in DE 10 2015 112 045 B4, DE 43 09 330 A1, and DE 1 758 841 U1.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a strain relief for a cable connected to at least one contact element in a connector part, which is suitable for different cable sizes and is easy to handle.

[0009] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the connector part has a strain relief device which is designed to receive and clamp a line connected to the at least one contact element, comprising a first and a second clamping device and two spacer elements which can each be arranged between the first and second clamping device, wherein the housing cover has a through-opening for the passage of the line, and wherein the strain relief device can be arranged on the housing part and is held on the housing part by the housing cover in the mounted position of the housing cover.

[0011] The housing part can have the plug-in section to be connected to the mating connector part, or alternatively can be constructed in several parts, wherein a housing element of the housing part can have the plug-in section.

[0012] The cable can also be referred to herein as a load cable or simply as a cable and can have at least one conductor made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper, which is connected to the contact element. However, the cable can also have more than one conductor, such as 5 or 7 conductors, which run insulated from one another within the cable and are connected to corresponding contact elements that can be arranged in the plug-in section. The conductor cross-section can be cylindrical, square, rectangular, or flat, at least in some areas. The conductor can have an insulating sheath made of a plastic material, such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PUR (polyurethane), etc.

[0013] In the installed position, the strain relief device can be clamped to the cable or to a section of the cable, preventing displacement of the strain relief device along an extension direction of the cable. For this purpose, the strain relief device has two clamping devices. The clamping devices can be band-like and made of a metal or plastic material. Furthermore, the clamping devices can each have a curved region that can essentially correspond to an external geometry of the cable. In the installed position, the curved regions can be arranged around the cable.

[0014] The two spacer elements can be arranged between the first and second clamping devices, or are arranged in the assembled position. A spacer element can be understood here as a block-shaped section of a metal or plastic material, with which the distance between the clamping devices can be increased. A spacer element can be arranged between corresponding end regions of the clamping devices in order to increase the distance between the clamping devices.

[0015] By using spacer elements from a variety of spacer elements with different heights, the strain relief device can advantageously be configured modularly for different cable sizes, i.e. cable diameters or cable cross-sections, so that the strain relief device can be securely clamped to the cable without damaging the cable.

[0016] The strain relief device can be arranged on the housing part (3) or can be introduced into the housing part at least in part. For example, the strain relief device can be introduced into an opening in the housing part, for example plugged in, and in the mounted position is introduced into the housing part at least in part and is held by the housing cover in or on the housing part. The housing cover has a through-opening through which the cable extends out of the housing part. The housing cover can enclose the area of ​​the strain relief device that protrudes from the housing part in a shell-like manner and is connected to the housing part in the mounted position, for example, the housing cover can be screwed to the housing part.

[0017] By accommodating the strain relief device in a space delimited by the housing part and the housing cover, the strain relief device and the cable clamped therein can be held to the housing part so that forces acting on the cable cannot be transferred to a contact element to which the cable is connected.

[0018] To create the strain relief, the cable is first clamped in the clamping devices, or the strain relief device is placed around the cable. The strain relief device is then placed on the housing part, or at least partially inserted into the housing part, and the housing cover is connected to the housing part.

[0019] Because the strain relief device is designed as a separate assembly, the strain relief device can be easily clamped to various cables with different diameters before the strain relief device is arranged on or in the housing part.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing cover can be detachably connected to the housing part, in particular via a screw or snap-in connection. For example, the housing cover can be connected to the housing part in a form-fitting manner, or is connected in a form-fitting manner in the assembled position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the housing part and the strain relief device each have at least one first coupling element, wherein the first coupling elements are designed to correspond to one another for fixing the strain relief device to the housing part.

[0022] The first coupling elements can also be referred to as alignment elements and serve as an assembly aid for aligning the strain relief device on the cable. The loosely mounted strain relief device can be placed on the cable so that the cable can still be moved by the strain relief device and pushed against or into the housing part. The first coupling elements can interlock in such a way that the strain relief device can only move into or out of the housing part, but cannot rotate about its own axis.

[0023] In one embodiment, the at least one first coupling element on the strain relief device is groove-shaped, in particular as a slot running longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated line, formed at a first end region in the material of at least one of the spacer elements, and the corresponding first coupling element on the housing part is web-shaped, in particular as a web running longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated line, formed in the material of the housing part.

[0024] In this case, the groove-shaped first coupling element on the strain relief device can engage or be inserted into the corresponding web-shaped coupling element on the housing element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the housing cover and the strain relief device each have at least one second coupling element, wherein the second coupling elements are designed to correspond to one another for fixing the strain relief device to the housing cover.

[0026] The second coupling elements can also be referred to as anti-twist elements. By using the second coupling elements, optionally together with the first coupling elements, the strain relief device can be securely held in the space formed by the housing part and the housing cover.

[0027] In one embodiment, the at least second coupling element on the strain relief device is groove-shaped, in particular as a slot running longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated cable, at a second end region in the material of at least one of the spacer elements, and the corresponding second coupling element is web-shaped on the housing cover, in particular as a web running longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated cable, in the material of the housing cover.

[0028] In this case, the second end region can be arranged opposite the first end region. Furthermore, a first coupling element can be arranged on a spacer element at the first end region, and a second coupling element can be arranged on the opposite second end region. Alternatively, only a first coupling element can be arranged on a first spacer element of the two spacer elements, and only a second coupling element can be arranged on a second spacer element of the two spacer elements.

[0029] In one embodiment, the connector part has at least one connecting element which is adapted to connect an end region of the clamping devices to one another via one of the spacer elements, in particular to connect them detachably to one another.

[0030] For example, the connector part can have two similarly constructed connecting elements, wherein a first connecting element connects the first end regions of the clamping devices to one another via a first spacer element and a second connecting element connects the second end regions of the clamping devices to one another via a second spacer element.

[0031] For this purpose, the connecting elements can be pin-shaped and extend through openings in the clamping devices and the spacer elements in order to move and fix the clamping devices towards each other so that the cable can be clamped between the two clamping devices.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one connecting element is designed like a screw.

[0033] For example, the connecting element can be designed as a screw for screwing the clamping devices together. In alternative configurations, the connecting element can also be designed as a locking hook or a bayonet connector.

[0034] In one embodiment, the spacer elements comprise rod elements that can be inserted into openings in the end regions of the clamping devices.

[0035] The rod elements can extend from the base bodies of the spacer elements to engage the corresponding openings in the clamping devices. This creates a stable structure for the strain relief device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the connector part has a plurality of spacer elements with at least two different heights, wherein the spacer elements can be selected modularly from the plurality of spacer elements for a specific cable diameter of the cable.

[0037] By providing a plurality of spacer elements of varying heights, a strain relief device can be created for cables with different diameters. The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0038] Fig. 1A, 1B views of an embodiment of a strain relief device on a cable in a perspective exploded view and in a perspective view showing a mounted position of the strain relief device on the cable;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a perspective detailed view of a spacer element;

[0040] Fig. 3A-3D front views of strain relief devices with spacer elements of different heights;

[0041] Fig. 4 Perspective views of two clamping devices and two connecting elements with spacer elements of different heights;

[0042] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the connector part without the housing cover;

[0043] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a housing cover;

[0044] Fig. 7 is a side view of the connector part;

[0045] Fig. 8 is a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 7; and

[0046] Fig. 9 a perspective view of the connector part.

[0047] The embodiment of a strain relief device 2 shown in Figures 1A and 1B has a first and a second clamping device 21A, 21B and two spacer elements 23A, 23B, which can each be arranged between the first and second clamping device 21A, 21B.

[0048] In Figures 1A and 1B, the strain relief device 2 is arranged around the cable 100 shown. The cable 100 shown has a plurality of conductors 101A-101N, which can be arranged on corresponding contact elements in a plug-in section (shown in Figure 9). The cable 100 shown has an insulating sheath made of a plastic material. In the assembled position shown in Figure 1B, the strain relief device 2 is clamped to the cable 100, preventing displacement of the strain relief device 2 along an extension direction, or running direction, of the cable 100.

[0049] The clamping devices 21A, 21B shown in the exemplary embodiment are formed as stamped and bent parts from a sheet metal strip, or are punched out. Furthermore, the two clamping devices 21A, 21B each have a curved region that essentially corresponds to an external geometry of the cable 100. In the assembled position shown in Figure 1B, the curved regions are arranged around the cable 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, grip elements 213AA-213AN, 213BA-213BN are arranged in the curved regions, which, in the assembled position shown in Figure 1B, press into the material of the cable 100 to further complicate pulling the cable 100 through the assembled strain relief device 2.

[0050] The two spacer elements 23A, 23B shown in the exemplary embodiment are arranged in the assembled position between the first and second clamping devices 21A, 21B. The spacer elements 23A, 23B are shown as block-like material sections and serve the purpose of defining a distance between the clamping devices 21A, 21B. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, a spacer element 23A, 23B is arranged between corresponding end regions of the clamping devices 21A, 21B. In Figure 2, a spacer element 23A is shown in a higher level of detail.

[0051] The end regions of the clamping devices 21A, 21B shown are connected to one another in the assembled position shown in Figure 1B by means of the connecting elements 25A, 25B shown as screws. For this purpose, the connecting elements 25A, 25B extend through openings 211AB, 211BB, 233A, 233B in the clamping devices 21A, 21B and the spacer elements 23A, 23B.

[0052] The spacer elements 23A, 23B of the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B also have rod elements 231AA-231AN, 231BA-231BN, which are inserted into openings 211AA-211AN, 211BA-211BN in the end regions of the clamping devices 21A, 21B in the assembled position.

[0053] Figure 2 shows a perspective detailed view of the spacer element 23A previously shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The spacer element 23A shown can be formed as an injection-molded part made of a plastic material. Cylindrical and rectangular rod elements 231AA-231AN are shown, which extend laterally from the base body of the spacer element 23A to engage corresponding openings in the clamping devices. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows the opening 233A for inserting the connecting element, which is designed as a through-hole.

[0054] The spacer element 23A shown further comprises, at a first end region, a first coupling element 235A which is groove-shaped, as a slot extending longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated line, in the material of the spacer element 23A and can be coupled or connected to a corresponding first coupling element on the housing part, as shown below in Figure 5.

[0055] At a second end region of the spacer element 23A, which is opposite the first end region, a second coupling element 237A is arranged, which is also groove-shaped as a longitudinal slot in the material of the spacer element 23A in the direction of extension of the accommodated line and can be coupled or connected to a corresponding second coupling element on the housing cover, as shown below in Figures 6 and 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the slot-shaped second coupling element 237A is deeper and wider than the first coupling element 235A.

[0056] Figures 3A to 3D show front views of strain relief devices 2, 2', 2", 2'" with spacer elements 23A, 23A', 23A", 23A"', 23B, 23B', 23B", 23B"' of different heights. The strain relief device 2 shown in Figure 3B is the strain relief device 2 already shown in the figures. The strain relief device 2' shown in Figure 3A comprises spacer elements 23A', 23B' with a lower height than the spacer elements 23A, 23B of the strain relief device 2 shown in Figure 3B, for accommodating a cable with a smaller diameter. The strain relief devices 2", 2'" shown in Figures 3C and 3D comprise spacer elements 23A", 23A"', 23B", 23B"' with a greater height than the spacer elements 23A, 23B of the strain relief device 2 shown in Figure 3B, for accommodating cables with a larger diameter. The clamping devices 21A, 21B shown are designed similarly in Figures 3A-3D.The spacer elements 23A, 23A', 23A", 23A"', 23B, 23B', 23B", 23B"' in the embodiments shown are concave in a section pointing in the direction of the cable in the mounted position, i.e. with an inward curvature, for clamping to the cable.

[0057] Figure 4 shows perspective views of two clamping devices 21A, 21B and two connecting elements 25A, 25B with spacer elements 23A, 23A', 23A", 23A"', 23B, 23B', 23B", 23B" of different heights. The elements shown correspond to the elements already shown in Figures 3A-3D. As shown in Figure 4, the spacer elements 23A, 23A', 23A", 23A"', 23B, 23B', 23B", 23B"' can be selected for a specific cable diameter.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a view of the connector part 1 without the housing cover in place. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, the cable 100 is received in the strain relief device 2 and clamped in place. As shown, the strain relief device 2 is partially inserted into the housing part 3.

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing part 3 and the strain relief device 2 each have at least one first coupling element 31, 235A, the first coupling elements 31, 235A are designed to correspond to one another for fixing the strain relief device 2 to the housing part 3. The first coupling elements 31, 235A can be used as alignment elements and serve as an assembly aid for aligning the strain relief device 2 on the cable 100. For example, the strain relief device 2 can initially be placed loosely mounted on the cable 100 by not yet fully inserting the connecting elements 25A, 25B, so that the cable 100 can still be displaced by the strain relief device 2, and the strain relief device 2 can be pushed against the housing part 3.Here, the first coupling elements 31, 235A engage with each other in such a way that the strain relief device 2 can only move into or out of the housing part 3, but cannot be rotated about its own axis. For this purpose, as already shown above, the first coupling element 235A on the strain relief device 2 is groove-shaped, in particular as a slot running longitudinally in the extension direction of the accommodated cable 100, at the first end region in the material of the spacer element 23A, and the corresponding first coupling element 31 on the housing part 3 is web-shaped, as a web running longitudinally in the extension direction of the accommodated cable 100, in the material of the housing part 3.Here, the groove-shaped first coupling element 235A on the strain relief device 2 can engage or be inserted into the corresponding web-shaped first coupling element 31 on the housing part 3. Only one first coupling element 31, 235A is visible in Figure 5. However, the housing part and the second cover element, which is concealed by the cable 100 in Figure 5, each have a further corresponding first coupling element.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a housing cover 4 with a strain relief device 2 incorporated therein, which is shown without the clamped cable for the sake of clarity. The housing cover 4 shown in Figure 6 can be arranged on the housing part 3 shown in Figure 5 and connected to it. The assembled position of the housing part 3 and the housing cover 4 is shown in Figure 7.

[0061] In the mounted position, the cable can be guided through the shown through-opening 41. The shown first coupling elements 235A, 235B of the

[0062] Strain relief devices 2 are inserted in the assembled position into the corresponding first coupling elements on the housing part.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the housing cover 4 and the strain relief device 2 each have at least one second coupling element 237A, 43A, which are designed to correspond to one another, for securing the strain relief device 2 to the housing cover 4. The second coupling element 43A on the housing cover 4 prevents the strain relief device 2 from sliding out of the housing cover 4 in the direction of the connected cable. Furthermore, the second coupling elements 237A, 43A serve as anti-twist elements. By using the second coupling elements 237A, 43A together with the first coupling elements, the strain relief device 2 is securely held in the assembled position in the space formed by the housing part 3 and the housing cover 4, as shown in Figure 8.As shown in Figure 6, the at least second coupling element 237A on the strain relief device 2 is groove-shaped as a longitudinal slot running in the extension direction of the accommodated cable, at a second end region in the material of the spacer element 23A, and the corresponding second coupling element 43A is web-shaped on the housing cover 4 as a web running longitudinally in the extension direction of the accommodated cable, in the material of the housing cover 4.

[0064] Figure 7 shows a side view of the connector part 1 in the assembled position, with the housing part 3 connected to the housing cover 4. Figure 8 shows a sectional view along the line AA according to Fig. 7 of the strain relief device 2 held between the housing part 3 and the housing cover 4. At an end of the housing cover 4 facing away from the housing part 3, a stop surface 45 is arranged around the opening 41, which is adapted to prevent movement of the strain relief device 2 out of the housing cover 4 in the assembled position. The provision of a separate stop surface is optional, since in the assembled position the strain relief device is securely held between the cooperating first and second coupling elements.

[0065] Figure 8 also shows a view of the second spacer element 23B of the strain relief device 2. As shown, the corresponding second coupling elements 237B, 43B are engaged with each other.

[0066] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the connector part 1 with a housing part 3, a housing cover 4 and a cable 100 connected to the connector part 1. In the embodiment shown, electrical contact elements 111A-111N are arranged in the plug-in section 11 and are connected to the cable 100.

[0067] List of reference symbols

[0068] 1 connector part

[0069] 11 Plug-in section

[0070] 111A-111 N contact element

[0071] 2 2 '.2'“ strain relief device

[0072] 21A, 21B clamping device

[0073] 23A, 23A'-23A“', 23B, 23B'-23B”' spacer element

[0074] 25A, 25B connecting element

[0075] 211AA-211BN opening

[0076] 213AA-213BN grip element

[0077] 231AA-231BN rod element

[0078] 233A, 233B opening

[0079] 235A, 235B first coupling element

[0080] 237A, 237B second coupling element

[0081] 3 Housing part

[0082] 31 first coupling element

[0083] 4 housing covers

[0084] 41 Opening

[0085] 43A, 43B second coupling element

[0086] 45 stop surface

[0087] 100 lines

[0088] 101A-101 N conductor

Claims

Patent claims 1. A plug connector part (1) for plugging into a mating connector part, comprising a plug-in section (11) to be plugged into the mating connector part, at least one electrical contact element (111A-111N) connectable to a line (100) which can be arranged in the plug-in section (11), a housing part (3) and a housing cover (4) connectable to the housing part (3), characterized by a strain relief device (2, 2'-2"') which is designed to receive and clamp a line (100) connected to the at least one contact element (111A-111N), comprising a first and a second clamping device (21A, 21B) and two spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"'), which are each arranged between the first and second clamping device (21A, 21 B), wherein the housing cover (4) has a through-opening for passing through the cable (100), and wherein the strain relief device (2,2'-2"') can be arranged on the housing part (3) and is held by the housing cover (4) on the housing part (3) in the mounted position of the housing cover (4).

2. Connector part (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing cover (4) is detachably connectable to the housing part (3), in particular via a screw or snap-in connection.

3. Connector part (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing part (3) and the strain relief device (2, 2'-2"') each have at least one first coupling element (235A, 235B, 31), wherein the first coupling elements (235A, 235B, 31) are designed to correspond to one another for fixing the strain relief device (2, 2'-2"') to the housing part (3).

4. Connector part (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first coupling element (235A, 235B) on the strain relief device (2, 2'-2"') is groove-shaped, in particular as a slot extending longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated cable (100), at a first end region in the material of at least one of the spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"'), and the corresponding first coupling element (31) on the housing part (3) in the form of a web, in particular as a web extending longitudinally in the direction of extension of the accommodated line (100), in the material of the housing part (3).

5. Connector part (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the housing cover (4) and the strain relief device (2, 2'-2'') each have at least two mutually corresponding first coupling elements (235A, 235B, 31).

6. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing cover (4) and the strain relief device (2, 2'-2"') each have at least one second coupling element (237A, 237B, 43A, 43B), wherein the second coupling elements (237A, 237B, 43A, 43B) are designed to correspond to one another, for fixing the strain relief device (2, 2'-2"') to the housing cover (4).

7. Connector part (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second coupling element (237A, 237B) on the strain relief device (2, 2'-2'") is groove-shaped, in particular as a slot running longitudinally in the direction of extension of the received cable (100), at a second end region in the material of at least one of the spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"'), and the corresponding second coupling element (43A, 43B) on the housing cover (4) is web-shaped, in particular as a web running longitudinally in the direction of extension of the received cable (100), in the material of the housing cover (4).

8. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one connecting element (25A, 25B) which is adapted to connect, in particular to detachably connect, an end region of the clamping devices (21A, 21B) via one of the spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"').

9. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one connecting element (25A, 25B) is designed in a screw-like manner.

10. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"') have rod elements (231AA-231 BN) which can be introduced into openings (211AA-211 BN) in the end regions of the clamping devices (21 A, 21 B).

11. Connector part (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"') with at least two different heights, wherein the spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"') are modularly selectable from the plurality of spacer elements (23A, 23A'-23A"', 23B, 23B'-23B"') for a specific line diameter of the line (100).

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