Plug-in connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug-in connector (1), in particular designed for connecting to a socket (2) along an insertion direction (E), the plug-in connector (1) having: --a housing (3) with a plug face (4); -- a bracket element (5) with a first end (6) and a second end (7) remote from the first end (6); - a return element (8); wherein the bracket element (5) is mounted on the housing (3) rotatably between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) about an axis (A), wherein the return element (8) is coupled to the bracket element (5) and pushes the bracket element (5) into the first position (P1), wherein the bracket element (5) has, at the first end (6), a first region (9) which, in the first position (P1), projects beyond the plug face (4) as seen in the insertion direction (E) and in particular covers the plug face (4) at least in sections, wherein the bracket element (5) is designed so as, in the second position (P2), to be supported by way of the first region (9) against a structure (30) in the area surrounding the socket (2), in particular against a fastening structure (10) to which the socket (2) is fastened, or against a cable (31) projecting from the socket (2) or against a socket housing (32), and wherein the bracket element (5) is designed in particular so as, in the second position (P2), to expose the plug face (4) for insertion into the socket (2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] connectors

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a connector.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] The present invention relates to a plug connector, in particular designed for connecting or coupling to a mating plug connector, in particular to a socket, along a plug-in direction.

[0008] Connectors that can be plugged into a socket, e.g., a household socket, are known from the state of the art. A typical example of such a connector in Germany is a so-called SchukoO plug, which, in addition to a phase conductor, has a neutral conductor and a protective conductor.

[0009] Such connectors typically comprise a housing and a terminal for connecting to a mating terminal, e.g., a power outlet. The geometry of such a terminal can be country-specific. Such a terminal of a connector can also be referred to as a plug face. This term will be used predominantly in the following. Such connectors are frequently designed as so-called "male" connectors and comprise, at a distal end of the plug face or at a free end of the plug face, at least one contact element (e.g., in the form of a round pin, a blade contact, or the like) projecting outward from the housing.

[0010] So-called charging cables or energy transfer lines (which can also be operated bidirectionally) are known for charging electrically powered vehicles or for drawing electrical power from a vehicle's energy storage device. Such charging cables can also be designed to be connected to a standard household socket. For this purpose, either a plug connector with a corresponding (country-specific) plug face is permanently attached to a connecting line of the charging cable, which is permanently connected to the plug connector in a cable outlet area or cable connection area. Or different plug connectors are provided for different socket types, whereby the plug connectors have a coupling on the housing, e.g. in a cable outlet area or cable connection area, to which a mating coupling of the connecting line can be connected in order to couple or disconnect a suitable plug connector from the connecting line, depending on the type of socket available.to be able to connect, e.g. in the form of an adapter.

[0011] In some cases, electrical or electronic components or circuits (e.g., printed circuit boards, relays, voltage converters, communication modules, etc.) may also be provided in the connector or in its housing or in an interior of the housing. Such a connector is known from DE 10 2021 203 363 A1.

[0012] If such a connector (whether with or without additional components inside) falls to the floor, for example, there is a risk of damage to the housing, the connector face, and / or even at least one contact element. There may also be a risk of damage to the cable outlet area, the cable connection area, or the coupling if the connector falls or collides sharply with a wall, e.g., due to a swinging motion of the connecting cable.

[0013] DE 10 2006 045 205 B3 discloses a plug-in device with a housing system made of a hard material. It is provided that at least one exposed region of the plug-in device consists of a soft material, wherein this region comprises the entire exposed outer surface of a screw connection ring and / or a bead surrounding the housing system. By forming exposed regions from a soft material, it is achieved that the plug-in device can withstand hard impacts against other objects, such as those that occur when the plug-in device falls to the ground, without damage. The positioning of the soft material in exposed regions is important for this effect, since these are generally the first or only regions to collide with another object.

[0014] Disclosure of the invention The invention is based on the recognition that it is important in practice to protect a connector, in particular its housing and its connector face and / or cable outlet area or its coupling as well as any electrical and / or electronic elements arranged in its interior, from damage caused by mechanical influences, in particular in the event of a fall to the ground. This applies in particular to male connectors with at least one contact element protruding from the housing or a free end of the connector face. The invention is further based on the recognition that the (large-area) provision of a soft material in exposed areas is complex to manufacture, that the soft material can harden and / or become sticky over time (not feel good orcannot be gripped well), that the soft material has different damping properties depending on the temperature, e.g., in the temperature range from -40°C to +85°C, and that such a connector is difficult or even impossible to repair with regard to the damping properties of the soft material. Furthermore, the invention is based on the finding that, in particular, the at least one contact element protruding outwards from the housing or the connector face (or from its free or distal end) in male connectors is not reliably protected by the soft material if the connector falls onto the floor or a surface with the connector face facing forward or strikes it (e.g., if the connector swings on the connecting cable). Similarly, it is difficult to use a soft material to effectively protect the cable outlet area and / or a coupling from damage in the event of a fall or a plurality of falls (e.g.,from a height of 1 m onto a concrete floor). Furthermore, the invention is based on the recognition that a heavy connector (e.g. due to a particularly stable housing and / or due to electrical and / or electronic components arranged inside the housing), which protrudes from the socket when plugged in due to the type of socket, has a considerable downward torque (following gravity) and can therefore lead to a strong mechanical load on the plug face or the socket contacts. This torque can be considerably increased by a connecting cable attached to the connector and its weight, in particular if it is a (relatively thick) connecting cable with a high current-carrying capacity for the continuous (more than 1 hour) transmission of high power (e.g. more than 5 kW or more than 10 kW) and / or if the socket is arranged high above the ground (e.g.more than 70 cm above the ground). There may therefore be a need to provide a connector that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and repair, that permanently provides good protection against damage to the housing and / or the connector face and / or the cable outlet area or a coupling in the event of a fall, in particular regardless of the ambient temperature, and that, even when the connector is heavy (including any connecting cable attached to it), has the lowest possible torque on the socket when connected to the socket.

[0015] Advantages of the invention

[0016] This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, a plug connector is proposed, in particular designed for coupling or connecting to a mating plug connector, in particular a socket, along a plug-in direction.

[0018] The connector comprises or has a housing with a plug face, a bracket element with a first end and a second end facing away from the first end, and a return element. The bracket element is mounted on the housing so as to be rotatable about an axis between a first position and a second position. The return element is coupled to the bracket element and urges the bracket element, in particular in the non-force-loaded state, into the first position or in the direction of the first position. The bracket element has a first region at the first end which, in the first position, projects beyond the plug face when viewed in the insertion direction and in particular covers the plug face at least in sections, wherein the bracket element is configured in the second position to be supported with the first region on a structure in the vicinity of the socket, in particular

[0019] - to a fixing structure to which the mating connector, in particular the socket, is attached, or

[0020] - on a cable protruding from the mating connector, in particular from the socket, or

[0021] - on a mating connector housing, in particular on a socket housing. In the second position, the bracket element is particularly configured to release the connector face for coupling or connecting to the mating connector, in particular the socket, or is configured to release the connector face for insertion into the mating connector, in particular the socket.

[0022] This advantageously provides a connector which represents simply designed, robust and cost-effective protection for the connector face, in particular for at least one contact element of the connector face and / or the housing, in the event of the connector being dropped. Furthermore, the bracket element and the spring element advantageously reduce a torque acting on the connector interface between the connector face and the mating connector, in particular the socket. When the return element is displaced in the direction of the second position (i.e. when the connector is plugged into the socket), it generates a counter-torque to the wall or structure in the area of ​​the socket, e.g. the fastening structure to which the socket is attached, and thus reduces a mechanical load (torque) on the connector face or on the at least one contact element or on the socket.Another advantage is that the drop protection is essentially independent of the ambient temperature, it is durable, and easy to repair in the event of damage. This advantageously provides a particularly sustainable device. In other words, the bracket element provides two different functions (drop protection and torque reduction when plugged in) simultaneously, thus creating a particularly compact, robust, secure, and durable connector.

[0023] The connector can be designed, for example, as a male connector. It can be provided, for example, that the connector face has at least one contact element that protrudes beyond the housing or protrudes or protrudes from the housing.

[0024] The connector can, for example, be designed as a straight connector (180° connector), in which the connector face or the insertion direction points approximately in the direction of the cable outlet. Alternatively, it can also be an angled connector whose connector face is rotated, for example, by an angled connector angle, relative to the cable outlet. The angled connector angle can, for example, be from 160° to 80°, preferably from 140° to 85°, and the angled connector angle can particularly preferably be 90°. An angled connector can, for example, have advantages with regard to the torque acting on the interface between the mating connector, in particular the socket, and the connector face, particularly in the case of longer and / or more voluminous and / or heavy housings.The bracket element can have a first (lever) arm and a second (lever) arm, wherein the first (lever) arm has the first end and the second (lever) arm has the second end, and wherein the first (lever) arm and the second (lever) arm are connected to one another. For example, it can be provided that the axis is arranged between the first (lever) arm and the second (lever) arm.

[0025] The plug face can also be referred to as a connection. With the plug face, which has a defined spatial geometric design, it is possible to plug into the mating connector, in particular the socket, which has a corresponding or complementary design. The plug face can, for example, be selected from the group Type A, Type B, Type C, Type D, Type E, Type F, Type G, Type H, Type I, Type J, Type K, Type L, Type M, Type N, CEE, Type 1 connection, Type 2 connection, Type 3A connection, Type 3C connection, CHADEMO connection, CCS-COMBO-TYPE1 connection, CCS-COMBO-TYPE2 connection, GB / T connection, Supercharger connection.

[0026] The bracket element can, for example, be made of plastic, in particular predominantly, or it can be made of plastic. It can, for example, advantageously be manufactured as an injection-molded part, which is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

[0027] The return element can be designed as a spring element, for example, or it can be designed as a spiral spring, for example.

[0028] It is understood that the second position is spaced apart from the first position along the direction of rotation. In principle, an end position can be provided beyond which the bracket element cannot be rotated (starting from the first position, which can represent an initial position). The end position can coincide with the second position. However, depending on the plug-in situation of the connector in the mating connector, in particular the socket, there can be different second positions. The second position can be understood as a type of support position.In this support position (second position), the connector can be plugged into the mating connector, in particular the socket, with the plug face by means of the bracket element and the return element which pushes the bracket element into the first position (the plug face is not covered by the bracket element), and on the other hand, a torque acting on the connector interface consisting of the plug face and the mating connector, in particular the socket, is reduced. The return element pushes the bracket element towards the first position until the bracket element rests against the structure, the bracket element can no longer be moved into the first position, and a situation-dependent second position of the bracket element is reached. In other words: the return element generates a counter-torque to the wall or structure in order to prevent mechanical stress (torque) on the connector face or the contact elements.the socket.

[0029] The term “have” is used synonymously with the term “include” unless otherwise stated.

[0030] For the sake of clarity, the term "socket" will be used throughout the following. It should be understood that this also includes a more general connector.

[0031] In a further development, it is provided that the bracket element is arranged in the first position relative to the plug connector or to the housing and / or to the plug face in such a way that the plug face - in particular a free end of the plug face - when the plug connector lies on a, in particular flat, surface, has no contact with the surface regardless of the position of the plug connector.

[0032] This provides particularly good protection of the connector face against mechanical damage, significantly increasing the safety and service life of the connector.

[0033] Particularly advantageous is that, regardless of the connector's position (viewed along the insertion direction), elements of the connector face that protrude forward, or the free end or end of the connector face (especially contact pins, contact pins, etc.), do not contact the surface (e.g., a floor onto which the connector has fallen). In the case of a male connector, this advantageously prevents bending of at least one contact element or scratching of the surface.

[0034] In a further development, it is provided that the housing has a cable connection area or cable outlet area and / or the housing has a coupling for connection to a mating coupling of a plug-in cable, wherein the bracket element has a second area at the second end which, in the first position, projects beyond the housing in the cable outlet area or cable connection area and / or at the coupling and in particular covers the cable outlet area or cable connection area and / or the coupling at least in sections.

[0035] This also protects the cable outlet area or, alternatively or additionally, the coupling from mechanical damage in a simple and safe manner by means of the bracket element, e.g. in the event that the connector falls to the ground.

[0036] In a further development, it is provided that a damping element is arranged at the first end and / or at the second end of the bracket element.

[0037] This advantageously further improves protection against mechanical damage, e.g., fall protection. The impact of a connector striking, e.g., falling, can be dissipated over a longer distance by the damping element, so that the impact force acting on the connector is reduced, particularly in the area of ​​the connector face and / or in the cable connection area or coupling and / or in the housing area in which the second end is arranged. Furthermore, this advantageously also allows the bracket element to be protected from damage at its first and / or second end.

[0038] For example, it can be provided that the damping element is made of an elastic material or comprises an elastic material, in particular predominantly. It can comprise, for example, rubber, silicone, or caoutchouc.

[0039] For example, it can be provided that the damping element is replaceable (e.g., detachable, in particular non-destructively detachable, mounted at the first and / or second end). This allows it to be easily replaced when it becomes worn.

[0040] In a further development, it is provided that the axis is arranged between the first end and the second end.

[0041] This allows the bracket element to be rotated advantageously with very little space required.

[0042] For example, it can be provided that the axis, starting from the first end, is arranged in a range of 20% to 80% of the extension length of the bracket element. Starting from the axis, the first end can be arranged on a first lever arm section of the bracket element, and the second end on a second lever arm section. The first lever arm section and the second lever arm section can be connected to one another, for example, in the region of the axis. They can, for example, form a lever arm or—in the case of a design not connected across two sides—the bracket element.

[0043] In a further development, it is provided that the bracket element is mounted on two opposite sides, a first side and a second side, of the housing, wherein the bracket element has a lever arm on each of the two sides, a first lever arm and a second lever arm, and a first end and a second end are provided on each lever arm, wherein the two lever arms are connected to one another in the region of their first ends by means of a first transverse structure, wherein the two lever arms are connected to one another in the region of their second ends by means of a second transverse structure.

[0044] This advantageously ensures particularly secure protection against damage, e.g. in the event of a fall (in the first position) - the first transverse structure or cross strut can, for example, particularly effectively protect or cover the plug face or its free end or the at least one contact element. Furthermore, the second transverse structure can advantageously, for example, bear against the housing or couple with the housing in the first position and thus, when a force is applied to the first section as a result of a fall, introduce this force into the housing, thereby preventing the bracket element from over-rotating beyond the first position (initial position) (away from the second position) and thus also preventing excessive loading of the return element.

[0045] This also advantageously ensures uniform and tilt-free support in the second position (thanks to the second cross brace or cross structure). Furthermore, the bracket element is designed to be particularly stable. This also advantageously prevents incorrect installation (installation rotated 180°).

[0046] The bracket element can have a closed, ring-shaped structure. This makes the bracket element particularly deformation-stable and can absorb forces and force effects well and without damage. Torsion is also advantageously counteracted. It can be provided that the second ends of the two lever arms protrude beyond the housing in the cable outlet area and / or in the area of ​​the coupling, wherein the second transverse structure covers and / or encloses the cable outlet area and / or the coupling, at least in the first position. This design can, for example, be analogous to the design of the first transverse structure on the plug face. This can advantageously prevent mechanical stress or (direct) mechanical action on the cable outlet area and / or the coupling, e.g. in the event of a fall, particularly in the first position.It is understood that in the case of such a configuration of the second transverse structure, a further transverse structure (a third transverse structure) can be provided, for example, which connects the first lever arm and the second lever arm to one another. Such a further or third transverse structure can, for example, be arranged between the axis and the second ends of the two lever arms. It can, for example, run over the housing in the first position of the bracket element. It can, for example, prevent the bracket element from over-rotating beyond the first position (coming from the direction of the second position) by blocking the bracket element in interaction with the housing. This can advantageously - as already described above - prevent loading or overloading of the bracket element or the return element, e.g. in the event of a fall or a hard knock or impact. The forces can, for example, be introduced into the housing.

[0047] In a further development, it is provided that the first end points in a first direction, wherein the second end points in a second direction which is different from the first direction, wherein an angle is formed between the first direction and the second direction.

[0048] This advantageously allows the bracket element to be designed to be particularly compact and space-saving. Particularly in the second position, the bracket element does not protrude particularly far from the housing (with its second end(s). In the first position, the bracket element can be supported on the housing without great effort (e.g., in the area of ​​the second end or between the axle and the second end). This promotes the transmission of force from the bracket element into the housing and thus reduces the load on the axle in the event of a fall.

[0049] The angle can, for example, be in the range from 90° to 140°. A first (lever) arm section can, for example, point in the first direction or extend along the first direction. A second (lever) arm section can, for example, point in the second direction or extend along the second direction.

[0050] The angle can be formed between the first (lever) arm section and the second lever (arm) section.

[0051] In other words: the bracket element has (in a side view) a curved shape, e.g. in the style of a boomerang.

[0052] It can be provided that the first (lever) arm section is longer from the first (distal) end to the axis than the second (lever) arm section from the second (distal) end to the axis. This makes it possible to provide a particularly compact bracket element that, with the (lever) arm section from the first (distal) end to the axis itself, can nevertheless protect a contact element or plug face or the free end of the plug face that protrudes far from the housing (first position) and is spaced as far as possible from the plug face in the second position to ensure the best possible support.

[0053] Of course, both sections can be the same length or the second (lever) arm section can be longer than the first (lever) arm section.

[0054] In a further development, it is provided that the bracket element has a second region, in particular at the second end, which is facing away from the first end, wherein the second region couples to the housing in the first position of the bracket element and prevents further rotation of the bracket element beyond the first position, in particular away from the second position.

[0055] This advantageously prevents overloading of the return element in the event of a fall.

[0056] If the bracket element has two lever arms, the coupling can be achieved, for example, by the second transverse structure described above or by the additional or third transverse structure. However, it is also conceivable in such a configuration that a further coupling (by means of additional coupling structures) is provided between the bracket element and the housing. In a further development, the bracket element has a third region arranged between the first end and the second end, wherein a reinforcement structure is provided in the third region.

[0057] This advantageously prevents excessive loading of the bracket element and reduces the risk of damage to the bracket element, in particular to the first (lever) arm section or the second (lever) arm section.

[0058] For example, the reinforcement structure may be flat and thin. In particular, it may have a smaller thickness than the first and second (lever) arm sections.

[0059] For example, the reinforcement structure can be designed in the manner of a stiffened or rigid web between the first lever (arm) section and the second (lever) arm section. It can, for example, be arranged at an angle between the first (lever) arm section and the second (lever) arm section if the two (lever) arm sections point in different directions.

[0060] In a further development, it is provided that the return element is arranged on the axle.

[0061] This creates a particularly compact and space-saving device. Furthermore, the return element is particularly well protected against external mechanical influences and damage, as well as against dirt, grime, splash water, etc. This advantageously increases its service life.

[0062] In a further development, it is provided that the bracket element is mounted on an outer side of the housing and does not protrude into an interior of the housing.

[0063] This has the advantage that the housing can be designed to be leak-proof, so that the interior is protected from the ingress of fluid media (gases, liquids), dirt, grime, insects, etc.

[0064] Drawings

[0065] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] It shows

[0067] Fig. 1 schematic representation of a connector when falling to the ground with a bracket element in a first position,

[0068] Figs. 2a to 2c: schematic perspective view of a connector coupled to differently mounted sockets with the bracket element in different second positions,

[0069] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the connector of Fig. 1 .

[0070] Figures 1 to 3 are described together below.

[0071] Figure 1 shows a plug connector 1, in particular designed for connecting or coupling to a mating connector, here merely by way of example in the form of a socket 2 (on the left in Fig. 1, merely by way of example designed as a Schuko® socket), along a plug-in direction E. The plug connector 1 has a housing 3 with a plug face 4, a bracket element 5 with a first end 6 and a second end 7 facing away from the first end 6, and a return element 8. The bracket element 5 is mounted on the housing 3 so as to be rotatable about an axis A between a first position P1 (Figs. 1 and 3) and a second position P2 (Figs. 2a to 2c). The return element 8 is coupled to the bracket element 5 and urges the bracket element 5, in particular when not subjected to force, towards the first position P1 or into the first position P1. The bracket element 5 has a first region 9 at the first end 6, which in the first position P1 (see Figs.1 and 3) viewed in the insertion direction E projects beyond the plug face 4 and here, for example, covers the plug face 4 at least in sections, here with a first transverse structure 17 described further below. The bracket element 5 is configured here merely as an example in the second position P2 (see Figs. 2a to 2c) to be supported with the first region 9 on a structure 30 in the vicinity of the mating connector, here: the socket 2, in particular on a fastening structure 10 (see Figs. 2a and 2c) to which the mating connector, here: the socket 2, is fastened or on a cable 31 projecting from the mating connector, here: the socket 2 (see Fig. 2b) or on a mating connector housing, here: socket housing 32. The bracket element 5 is configured here as an example in the second position P2 to support the plug face 4 for insertion into the mating connector, here: the Socket 2, to be released orto release the plug face 4 for coupling or connecting with the mating connector, here: the socket 2.

[0072] The fastening structure 10 can be, for example, a wall or a stele or a column on which or in which the mating connector, here: the socket 2, is mounted.

[0073] Socket 2 is designed here as a Schuko socket. It has a phase conductor L1, a neutral conductor (not visible in the cross-section of Fig. 1), and a protective conductor connected to earth GND.

[0074] The plug face 4 here has, for example, two contact elements 33 which protrude outwards from the housing 3 (see Figs. 1 and 3).

[0075] As can be clearly seen in Figs. 1 and 3, the bracket element 5 is arranged in the first position P1 relative to the connector 1 or to the housing 3 and to the connector face 4 such that the connector face 4, in particular a free end 40 of the connector face 4, when the connector 1 lies on a, in particular flat, surface 11, has no contact with the surface 11 regardless of the position of the connector 1. In other words: no matter how the connector 1 lies on the surface 11 or hits it, e.g. after a fall, the free end 40 of the connector face 4, in particular the entire connector face 4, will have no contact with the surface 11. The connector face 4, in particular its free end 40, is thus protected from damage.

[0076] The housing 3 has a cable outlet area 24 and / or a coupling 25 for connection to a mating coupling 26 of a connector cable 27.

[0077] In an embodiment not shown here, the bracket element 5 has a second region 19 at the second end 7, which, in the first position P1, protrudes beyond the housing 3 in the cable outlet region 24 and / or at the coupling 25 and, in particular, at least partially covers the cable outlet region 28 and / or the coupling 25. In Fig. 1, this embodiment would correspond to an element projecting further to the right, which protrudes to the right beyond the coupling 25 or the cable outlet region 24 (with the second end 7).

[0078] A damping element 12 is arranged at the first end 6 of the bracket element 5, purely by way of example. The damping element 12 can, for example, be made of an elastic material or comprise an elastic material, in particular predominantly. It can, for example, comprise rubber, silicone, caoutchouc, or a similar material.

[0079] In principle, a damping element 12 can alternatively or additionally be arranged at the second end 7. Embodiments without a damping element 12 are also conceivable.

[0080] The axis A is arranged between the first end 6 and the second end 7. Here, for example, starting from the first end 6, it lies in a range of 20% to 80% of an extension length L of the bracket element 5.

[0081] The bracket element 5 can have a first (lever) arm section 35 and a second (lever) arm section 36. Here, the first (lever) arm section 35 extends from the first free end 6 to the area in which the axis A of the bracket element 5 is arranged. The second (lever) arm section 36 extends from the second end 7 to the area in which the axis A of the bracket element 5 is arranged. The first area 9 is, by way of example, part of the first (lever) arm section 35. The second area 19, described further below, is, by way of example, part of the second (lever) arm section 36.

[0082] The bracket element 5 is mounted here, for example, on two opposite sides, a first side 13 and a second side 14, of the housing 3, wherein the bracket element 5 has a lever arm on each of the two sides 13, 14, a first lever arm

[0083] 15 and a second lever arm 16, and on each lever arm 15, 16 a first end 6a, 6b and a second end 7a, 7b is provided, wherein the two lever arms 15,

[0084] 16 are connected to one another in the region of their first ends 6a, 6b by means of a first transverse structure 17, wherein the two lever arms 15, 16 are connected to one another in the region of their second ends 7a, 7b by means of a second transverse structure 18. The first end 6 points in a first direction R1, and the second end 7 points in a second direction R2, which is different from the first direction R1, wherein an angle W is formed between the first direction R1 and the second direction R2, wherein the angle W can in particular be in the range from 90° to 140°.

[0085] The bracket element 5 has a second region 19 at the second end 7, which faces away from the first end 6. The second region 19 couples to the housing 3 in the first position P1 of the bracket element 5 (see Fig. 1) and prevents further rotation of the bracket element 5 beyond the first position P1, in particular away from the second position P2. This protects, in particular, the return element 8 against damage. In Fig. 1, the second transverse structure 18 couples to the housing 3. In principle, another part of the second region 19 can also couple to the housing 3.

[0086] If, in an embodiment not shown here, the second end 7 or the second ends 71, 7b would protrude beyond the coupling 25 or the cable outlet area 24 (in the first position P1, i.e. to the right in Fig. 1), then the coupling structure for coupling to the housing 3 could, for example, be designed similarly to the second transverse structure 18 shown in Fig. 1. This could then be referred to as a further transverse structure or as a third transverse structure in the embodiment not shown here.

[0087] The bracket element 5 here has, for example, a third region 20 arranged between the first end 6 and the second end 7, wherein a reinforcement structure 21 is provided in the third region 20. This reinforcement structure is designed, for example, to be flat and thin, or thinner than the thickness of the first lever arm 15 and the second lever arm 16.

[0088] The return element 8 is arranged here, for example, on the axis A, although other configurations are also conceivable, e.g. a compression spring and / or tension spring between the bracket element 5 and the housing 3, etc.

[0089] The bracket element 5 is mounted here, for example, on an outer side 22 of the housing 3 and does not protrude into an interior space 23 of the housing 3.

[0090] The basic structure of the connector 1 , which is shown here only as an example as Schuko®-

[0091] Connector is designed with the rotatable bracket element 5 with fall protection and (wall) support function is shown in Figure 1, as already described above. The bracket element 5 is rotatably connected to the (plug connector) housing 3 and has on its axis A a return element 8, designed here as a spring element, for example, in order to rotate the bracket element 5 back to its starting position (first position P1). The starting position (first position P1) is defined as the position of the bracket element 5 relative to the plug connector 1, which protects the plug contacts or contact elements 33 of the plug face 4 from damage in the event of the entire assembly or the plug connector 1 falling to the ground - hereinafter referred to as the fall protection function. The plug connector 1 has here, for example, in addition to the housing 3 and the plug face 4, a coupling 25 (see Figs.1 to 2c), to which a connector cable 27 can be mounted by means of a mating coupling 26. The connector cable 27 has the mating coupling 26. It is understood that embodiments (not shown here) are also conceivable in which the connector cable 27 is firmly mounted on or in the cable outlet area 24 of the connector 1. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the coupling 25 is arranged in the cable outlet area 24. The cable outlet area 24 is arranged here, for example, at an end C (lower end) of the connector 1 facing away from the connector face. The connector face 4 is arranged here, for example, at an upper end of the connector 1. It is rotated by approximately 90° to the coupling 25. This advantageously makes it possible to keep the torque as low as possible when plugged into the socket 2, since the housing 3 protrudes only slightly from the socket 2.The connector 1 is, for example, an angled connector 1.

[0092] The support and fall protection bar or bar element 5 has, for example, four areas, some of which have already been described above. The first area 9 can be referred to as the fall protection / support area. The second area

[0093] 19 can be described as a grip and contact area. The third area

[0094] 20 serves as an example of a reinforcement area of ​​the bracket element 5. A fourth area 34 is located in the area of ​​the axis A, where the connection of the bracket element 5 to the housing 3 is formed.

[0095] Figure 1 shows the situation of the connector 1 falling to the ground in a defined direction of fall Z. The weight of the connector 1, which acts as the resulting impact force K upon contact with the ground or surface 11, must be supported by the bracket element 5 or the bracket. The bracket or the bracket element 5 is in the first position P1 due to the restoring force of the restoring element 8 (here designed as a spring element or torsion spring, for example) and protects the connector face 4 or the connection, in particular the contact elements 33 protruding from the housing 3, from damage. Figs. 1 and 3 show that the fall protection / support area (first area 9) of the bracket or the bracket element 5 reliably protects the contact elements 33 and the housing 3 from mechanical contact with the ground or surface 11. The two exposed first areas 6, 6a, 6b of the bracket element 5 (see Figs.1 and 3) contact with the floor or the (flat) surface 11. The first transverse structure 17 (see Fig. 3) or first transverse strut on the bracket element 5 serves, on the one hand, as a stiffening element and, on the other hand, as further protection for the connector face 4 or the free end 40 of the connector face 4 or the contact elements 33 or the connector contacts. This prevents, for example, the free end 40 of the connector face 4 or the connector face 4 or the connector contacts or the contact elements 33 from coming into mechanical contact with an edge when falling onto this edge.

[0096] The bracket or bracket element 5 has a reinforcement area (third area 20) to prevent the fall protection / support area (first area 9) from elastically deforming with respect to the connection (fourth area 34) to the housing 3 upon impact with the ground or surface 11. This provides reliable protection for the plug contacts or contact elements 33. The connection area (fourth area 34) between the bracket element 5 and the housing 3 is designed to be so stable that the impact force can be transmitted without damaging the axis A. If the connector 1 impacts the ground or surface 11, the weight force leads to a torque about the axis A.In order not to subject the return element 8 (here: the spring element) on the axis A to additional stress due to the impact, the bracket element 5 has here, for example, the grip / contact area (second area 19), here designed as a second cross strut 18, which comes into contact with the housing 3 in the first position P1 of the bracket element (on an upper side of the housing 3 in Fig. 1, which in Fig. 1 is facing away from a lower side, for example, the plug face 4 in Fig. 1 being arranged on this lower side).

[0097] Figure 2a shows the plugged-in connector 1 in a socket 2 designed as a surface-mounted box on a structure 30 or fastening structure 10 designed as a wall. The bracket element 5 is in a second position P2, which here does not represent the end position of the bracket element 5. The bracket element 5 thus bridges the distance between the housing 3 and the wall (also referred to as the wall distance D). By means of the rotatable bracket element 5, a large range of wall distances D can be flexibly bridged up to the end position of the bracket element 5. By means of the bracket element 5, a supporting force can be provided on the wall or on the structure 30 or the fastening structure 10. This is necessary due to the large number of possible socket mounting options (surface-mounted mounting with variable thickness, flush-mounted mounting, etc.) and socket housing designs in order to transmit the torque due to the weight of the connector 1 on the wall orof the structure 30 is to be provided safely for all possible wall distances D as a supporting force by the bracket element 5. The return element 8 (here: the spring element) ensures that the fall protection / support area (first area 9) of the bracket element 5 rests against the wall or on the structure 30 or the fastening structure 10. The grip / contact area (second area 19 or second transverse structure 18) of the bracket element 5 is always located outside the handling area for plugging / unplugging the connector 1. In other words: the connector 1 can also be easily coupled to the mating connector, here: the socket 2, or plugged into the socket 2 or unplugged from the socket 2 in the second position P2 of the bracket element 5, and an operator is not disturbed by the second area 19 or the second transverse structure 18.

[0098] Figure 2b shows the support situation with a socket 2 designed as a surface-mounted box in conjunction with a structure 30 designed as a (surface-mounted) cable 31 or (surface-mounted) cable duct. The difference from the situation described in Fig. 2a is that the fall protection / support area (first area 9) of the bracket element 5 is supported on the (surface-mounted) cable 31 or the surface-mounted cable duct as a structure 30. Although the wall distance D of the socket 2 from the wall is, for example, the same here as in Fig. 2a, the bracket element 5 assumes a second position for the support, further away from the first position P1 than in Fig. 2a.

[0099] Alternatively, the exposed areas of the fall protection / support area (first area 9) of the bracket element 5 can be dimensioned such that the first cross structure 17 or the first cross brace does not rest on the (surface-mounted) cable 31 or (surface-mounted) cable duct as structure 30, but rather, as in Fig. 2a, the first ends 6, 6a, 6b are supported on the wall. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the first cross structure 17 or the first cross brace is arranged further away from the first ends 6, 6a, 6b or is omitted entirely.

[0100] In Figs. 1, 2a, and 2b, the connector 1 is shown without a connected connector cable 27—for reasons of clarity only. It is understood that a connector cable 27 can be connected to the connector 1 as in Fig. 2c, either by means of a mating coupling 26 to the coupling 25 or, in other embodiments, as a permanently mounted connector cable 27.

[0101] Figure 2c shows a plug-in connector 1 that is plugged into a socket 2 designed as a so-called inline socket on a structure 30 or fastening structure 10 designed as a wall. Here, the bracket element 5 again assumes a second position P2, which differs from the second positions P2 in Figs. 2a and 2b with regard to the angle of rotation about the axis A. In the second position P2 of Fig. 2c, the bracket or bracket element 5 also bridges the wall distance D (here, the wall distance D is smaller than in Figs. 2a and 2b) in order to be able to provide a supporting force on the wall, wherein the first transverse structure 17 or first transverse rib in the fall protection / support area (first area 9) of the bracket element 5 can simultaneously bear against a mating connector designed here, for example, as a counter-coupling 26 (on the side of the first transverse structure 17 facing away from the wall).The return element 8 (here, for example, designed as a spring element) ensures that the fall protection / support area (first area 9) of the bracket element 5 rests against the wall as a structure 30 or fastening structure 10 for the socket 2. In this case, the grip / contact area (second area 19 or second transverse structure 18) of the bracket element 5 is located (as in Figs. 2a and 2b) outside the handling area for plugging / unplugging the connector 1.

[0102] The bracket or bracket element 5 can be made of a soft plastic material, for example, to absorb the impact energy in the event of a fall. However, only certain areas of the bracket or bracket element 5 can be made of a soft plastic material, such as the fall protection / support area (first area 9).

[0103] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bracket element 5 is (almost) entirely made of a hard plastic material and is provided with a soft plastic material either entirely or only in certain areas. Preferably, the fall protection / support area (first area 9) – see Figs. 1 and 3 – and / or the grip / contact area (second area 19) are equipped with a soft plastic material. This then serves, for example, as a damping element 12.

[0104] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the bracket element 5 is made of a hard plastic material and that grommets or sleeves made of a soft plastic material are slipped over the exposed areas (first end 6 or first ends 6a, 6b) in the fall protection / support area (first area 9).

Claims

Claims 1 . Connector (1), in particular designed for connection to a mating connector, in particular a socket (2), along a plug-in direction (E), the connector (1) comprising: - a housing (3) with a connector face (4); - a bracket element (5) with a first end (6) and a second end (7) facing away from the first end (6); - a return element (8); wherein the bracket element (5) is rotatably mounted on the housing (3) about an axis (A) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the return element (8) is coupled to the bracket element (5) and urges the bracket element (5), in particular in the non-force-loaded state, into the first position (P1), wherein the bracket element (5) has a first region (9) at its first end (6) which, in the first position (P1), projects beyond the plug face (4) when viewed in the insertion direction (E) and in particular covers the plug face (4) at least in sections, wherein the bracket element (5) is configured in the second position (P2) to be supported with the first region (9) on a structure (30) in the vicinity of the mating connector, in particular the socket (2), in particular on a fastening structure (10) to which the mating connector, in particular the socket (2), is fastened,or on a cable (31) projecting from the mating connector, in particular the socket (2), or on a mating connector housing, in particular a socket housing (32), and wherein the bracket element (5) in the second position (P2) is particularly designed to release the plug face (4) for connection to the mating connector, in particular to the socket (2).

2. Connector (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the bracket element (5) is arranged in the first position (P1) relative to the housing (3) and the connector face (4) in such a way that the connector face (4), in particular a free end (40) of the connector face (4), when the connector (1) lies on a, in particular flat, surface (11), has no contact with the surface (11) regardless of the position of the connector (1).

3. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) has a cable outlet region (24) and / or a coupling (25) for connection to a mating coupling (26) of a plug connector cable (27), wherein the bracket element (5) has a second region (19) at the second end (7) which, in the first position (P1), projects beyond the housing (3) in the cable outlet region (24) and / or at the coupling (25) and in particular covers the cable outlet region (28) and / or the coupling (25) at least in sections.

4. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a damping element (12) is arranged at the first end (6) of the bracket element (5) and / or at the second end (7), wherein the damping element (12) is formed in particular from an elastic material.

5. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis (A) is arranged between the first end (6) and the second end (7), in particular starting from the first end (6) in a range of 20% to 80% of an extension length (L) of the bracket element (5).

6. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket element (5) is mounted on two opposite sides, a first side (13) and a second side (14), of the housing (3), wherein the bracket element (5) has a lever arm, a first lever arm (15) and a second lever arm (16) on each of the two sides (13, 14), and a first end (6a, 6b) and a second end (7a, 7b) are provided on each lever arm (15, 16), wherein the two lever arms (15, 16) are connected to one another in the region of their first ends (6a, 6b) by means of a first transverse structure (17), wherein the two lever arms (15, 16) are connected to one another in the region of their second ends (7a, 7b) by means of a second transverse structure (18).

7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end (6) points in a first direction (R1), wherein the second end (7) points in a second direction (R2) which is different from the first direction (R1), wherein an angle (W) is formed between the first direction (R1) and the second direction (R2), wherein the angle (W) is in particular in the range from 90° to 140°.

8. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket element (5) has a second region (19), in particular at the second end (7) which faces away from the first end (6), wherein the second region (19) couples to the housing (3) in the first position (P1) of the bracket element (5) and prevents further rotation of the bracket element (5) beyond the first position (P1), in particular away from the second position (P2).

9. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket element (5) has a third region (20) which is arranged between the first end (6) and the second end (7), wherein a reinforcing structure (21) is provided in the third region (20), wherein the reinforcing structure (21) is in particular flat.

10. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the return element (8) is arranged on the axis (A).

11. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracket element (5) is mounted on an outer side (22) of the housing (3) and does not protrude into an interior space (23) of the housing (3).

Images