Fixable locking clip for a plug-in connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a socket (1) for a plug-in connector, the socket (1) having a pivotably mounted cover (3) and a pivotably mounted locking clip (4), wherein: the locking clip (4) can be pivoted into a locking position in which either the cover (3) covers the insertion opening (5) on the socket (1) or a plug-in connector (2) inserted into the socket (1) is fixed; the locking clip (4) has a blocking element (7) and the socket (1) has a corresponding blocking receptacle (8); the locking clip (4) can be fixed in its locking position by engagement of the blocking element (7) into the blocking receptacle (8).

Description

[0001] Title: Fixable locking bracket for a connector

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention is based on a socket for a connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0004] Such sockets are used to secure connections between a socket and a matching connector.

[0005] In particular, accidental pulling apart or disconnection of the plug connection should be prevented.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] DE 10 2016 123 817 A1 shows a plug connector with at least one first recess provided in the plug connector housing and a bolt movably arranged therein, and a locking bracket pivotably mounted on the plug connector housing, which locking bracket has at least one second recess, wherein the at least first recess and the at least second recess are aligned with one another in a state locked with a mating plug connector, and the bolt arranged in the at least first recess engages in the at least second recess of the locking bracket, whereby the locking bracket is fixed in its pivoting movement and the plug connection is thereby locked.

[0008] Such a lockable connector has proven to be mechanically stable. However, due to the necessary recesses in the connector housing, the connector does not offer sufficient media tightness. DE 10 2017 102 226 A1 shows a locking element for a locking bracket of a connector. The connector consists of a connector and a mating connector. The locking element serves to mechanically fix the locking bracket in its locked position.

[0009] The locking element is intended as a separate component and must therefore either be kept on-site or carried by a person. If the locking element is lost, safety regulations may not be complied with and devices may be operated with an unsecured plug connection.

[0010] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 10 2014 108 782 A1.

[0011] Task

[0012] The object of the invention is to propose a socket that offers a secure and reliable locking for a plug connection.

[0013] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0015] The socket according to the invention is intended for a connector or for inserting a connector, thus creating a plug-in connection. Electrical currents and / or signals, as well as fiber optic and / or pneumatic signals, can be transmitted via the plug-in connection.

[0016] The socket according to the invention is intended for use in harsh environments and particularly for use in agricultural vehicles. Agricultural vehicles and work trailers for agricultural vehicles, such as hay balers, fertilizer spreaders, etc., are increasingly being electrified. The function previously performed by the agricultural vehicle's power take-off shaft is now performed by electric motors. Therefore, suitable sockets for the electrical connections or plug-in connections must be provided on the agricultural vehicle. When working in the field, there is a high risk of contamination for such plug-in connections. The plug-in connections must be protected accordingly.

[0017] Preferably, the socket according to the invention has a substantially circular cross-section and is provided for plugging in a so-called circular connector, also having a substantially circular cross-section.

[0018] The socket according to the invention has a pivotably mounted cover and a pivotably mounted locking bracket. The cover serves to seal the socket's insertion opening in a media-tight manner. For this purpose, the socket and / or the cover preferably have a corresponding seal.

[0019] The locking bracket according to the invention can assume a locking position. In the locked position, either the cover covers the insertion opening of the socket 1 or the plug connector is plugged into the insertion opening of the socket. In the first case, the cover cannot accidentally open a gap, for example due to strong vibration, which could allow dirt and / or moisture to enter the socket. In the second case, it is prevented from accidentally releasing the plug connection during operation, for example due to the strong vibrations already mentioned. Preferably, the cover of the socket can be pivoted into an open and a closed position. In its closed position, the cover covers the insertion opening of the socket. In its open position, it exposes the insertion opening of the socket.

[0020] The locking bracket has a locking element, and the socket has a corresponding locking receptacle. In the locked position described above, the locking element engages with the locking receptacle. This engagement must be released manually before the plug connection can be separated again or the cover releases the socket's insertion opening.

[0021] The locking bracket preferably has a spring. The spring force is directed such that the locking element can only be removed from the locking receptacle against the spring force. The spring holds the locking element within the locking receptacle, even during strong vibrations, so that the plug connection is not accidentally released.

[0022] Advantageously, the cover of the socket has a coil spring or a torsion spring. The spring force of the coil spring is advantageously aligned so that the cover automatically swings from its closed position to its open position. In this property, the socket differs from known solutions. Normally, the coil spring presses a cover onto the insertion opening to protect it. In the case according to the invention, the coil spring opens the cover to allow the operator to insert the socket easily, preferably with one hand. The cover only resumes its protective function when the locking bracket is moved into the locked position. An additional advantage is that the user can immediately see that the socket is still upright and must be closed before driving off.

[0023] Preferably, the locking element and the locking bracket are each substantially U-shaped. The locking bracket preferably has at least one locking receptacle. Advantageously, the cover and the connector each have at least one matching locking pin. In the locked position, the locking pin of the cover or the connector is located in the locking receptacle of the locking bracket.

[0024] Preferably, the locking bracket has a locking receptacle on both sides, each on a U-leg, and the cover or plug connector has a locking bolt on each side.

[0025] Preferably, the spring of the locking bracket is designed as a spiral spring and is clamped between the respective U-shaped base of the locking element and the locking bracket. This allows a user to remove the locking element from the locking receptacle with one hand and simultaneously pivot the locking bracket, for example, into an opening position. A spiral spring can be easily replaced when the spring force decreases.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, the spring is designed as a folded clamp spring, leaf spring, or disc spring. It is particularly preferred if the locking element and the spring are formed as a single piece. This reduces the number of components required for the bushing.

[0027] The socket preferably has a friction element on each of two opposite sides. The friction element is in contact with the respective receptacles of the locking bracket. During a pivoting movement, the friction element and the receiving area of ​​the locking bracket rub against each other. This prevents the housing coating of the socket from being abraded by the locking bracket. In particular, galvanic corrosion is avoided if the material used for the socket housing and the locking bracket is unfavorable. The socket is preferably made of die-cast aluminum. Such socket housings have particularly advantageous electrical and mechanical properties.

[0028] The friction elements are preferably made of stainless steel. This material has proven to be particularly suitable and durable.

[0029] Preferably, the friction elements each have the aforementioned locking recess for the locking element of the locking bracket. This eliminates the need for the socket housing to directly incorporate these locking recesses, which offers manufacturing advantages.

[0030] Preferably, the locking bracket has a stop edge that presses the cover, when plugged in, onto a designated support surface on the connector. This prevents dirt from accumulating on the underside of the cover during operation, which could later enter the socket's insertion opening when the cover is closed.

[0031] Example

[0032] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail below. They show:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention in the closed state,

[0034] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a friction element of the bushing in the locked state,

[0035] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a bushing according to the invention in the open state, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a friction element of the bushing in the unlocked state,

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention, into which a connector is inserted and in which the plug connection is locked,

[0037] Fig. 6 is a further perspective view of a socket according to the invention in the open state and

[0038] Fig. 7 shows a partially transparent and perspective alternative embodiment of a locking bracket of a socket according to the invention.

[0039] Some of the figures contain simplified, schematic representations. Identical reference symbols are used for similar, but possibly not identical, elements. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently. Directional references such as "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" are to be understood with reference to the respective figure and may vary in the individual illustrations relative to the object depicted.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a socket 1 according to the invention for a connector 2. The socket 1 has a pivotably mounted cover 3 and a likewise pivotably mounted locking bracket 4. In Figure 1, the socket 1 is in a closed state. This means that the cover 3 covers the insertion opening 5 (see Figure 3) of the socket 1.

[0041] In Figures 1 and 5, the locking bracket 4 assumes a locking position. In the locked position, either the cover 3 is fixed, covering the insertion opening, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, in the locked position, the connector 2 inserted into the insertion opening 5 is fixed to the socket 1, as shown in Figure 5. A multi-core cable 14 is connected to the connector 2. The individual conductors of the cable 14 are each connected to designated contact elements (not shown) within the connector 2.

[0042] The bushing 1 essentially consists of a roughly cylindrical housing made of die-cast aluminum. A friction element 6 is attached to each side of the housing.

[0043] The locking bracket 4 has a locking element 7. The bushing 1 or the friction element 6 has a corresponding locking receptacle 8. If the locking element 7 is located at the end within the locking receptacle 8, as shown, for example, in Figure 2, the locking bracket 4 is fixed in its locking position.

[0044] The locking element 7 and the base body of the locking bracket 4 are each essentially U-shaped. The locking element 7 lies within the base body of the locking bracket 4. In this embodiment, a coil spring 9 is arranged or clamped between the locking element 7 and the locking bracket 4 arranged around it, but spaced apart from it on the handle side. The coil spring 9 is only indicated in Figure 6.

[0045] The spiral spring 9 rests on the handle of the locking bracket 4 and exerts a force on the locking element 7, which points toward the housing surface of the socket 1. As soon as the locking element 7 correlates with the locking receptacle 8 during the pivoting movement, the locking element 7 is pressed into the locking receptacle 8 at its end by the spring force.

[0046] Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a locking bracket 4' for the socket 1. Here, the spiral spring is replaced by a folded spring 10 (which can also be referred to as a leaf spring), which is formed integrally with the locking element 7'.

[0047] If the locking element 7 is pulled upwards, i.e., in the direction of the handle of the locking bracket 4, the locking element 7 is pulled out of the locking receptacle 8 at the end. In this state, the locking bracket 4 can be pivoted again.

[0048] A stop edge 15 is provided on the friction element 6, which limits the pivoting movement of the locking bracket 4 or the blocking element 7, as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0049] On the plug-in side, the friction element 6 has a receptacle 16 for the locking pins 12 of the cover 3 or the connector 2. This receptacle 16 can also serve as an insertion limit for the connector 2.

[0050] The locking bracket 4 has two opposing locking receptacles 11. The cover 3 and the connector 2 each have matching locking pins 12. If the locking pins 12 are each located within a locking receptacle 11, the respective components, the cover 3 or the connector 2, are fixed by the locking bracket 4.

[0051] The locking bracket 4 has a stop edge 13 that presses the cover 3, when plugged in, onto a support surface of the connector 2. This can be seen in Figure 5. This prevents contamination of the inside of the cover 3.

[0052] The cover 3 has a spiral spring (not visible for illustrative reasons) at its fixing point on the socket housing, the spring force of which is oriented such that the cover 3 pivots automatically from its closed position to its open position. This can be seen, for example, in Figure 3.

[0053] Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art—unless otherwise stated—that the illustrated and discussed combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be interchanged.

[0054] List of reference symbols

[0055] socket

[0056] connectors

[0057] Lid

[0058] locking bracket

[0059] Insertion opening

[0060] Friction element

[0061] Locking element

[0062] Locking recording

[0063] spiral spring

[0064] Folded feather

[0065] Locking mount

[0066] locking bolt

[0067] Stop edge of the locking bracket 4

[0068] Cable

[0069] Stop edge of the friction element 6

[0070] Holder for the locking bolts 12

Claims

Claims 1. Socket (1) for a plug connector, wherein the socket (1) has a pivotably mounted cover (3) and a pivotably mounted locking bracket (4), wherein the locking bracket (4) can be pivoted into a locking position in which either the cover (3) covers the insertion opening (5) of the socket (1) or a plug connector (2) plugged into the socket (1) is fixed, wherein the locking bracket (4) has a locking element (7) and the socket (1) has a corresponding locking receptacle (8), wherein the locking bracket (4) can be fixed in its locking position by engagement of the locking element (7) in the locking receptacle (8).

2. Socket (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking bracket (4) has a spring (9, 10), the spring force of which presses the locking element (7) into the locking receptacle (8) and that the locking element (7) can be pulled out of the locking receptacle (8) against the spring force.

3. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (3) has a spiral spring, the spring force of which is aligned such that the cover (3) pivots from a closed position to an open position under spring action.

4. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bracket (4) has at least one locking receptacle (11).

5. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (3) and the plug connector (2) each have at least one locking bolt (12).

6. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking pin (12) of the cover (3) or of the plug connector (2) is located in the locking receptacle (11) of the locking bracket (4) when the locking bracket (4) assumes a locking position.

7. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (7) and the locking bracket (4) are each substantially U-shaped.

8. Socket (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring (9) is designed as a spiral spring or as a torsion spring and is clamped between the locking element (7) and the locking bracket (4).

9. Bushing (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the spring (10) is designed as a folded clamping spring, leaf spring or disc spring.

10. Socket (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the locking element (7) and the spring (10) are formed in one piece.

11. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the socket (1) has a friction element (6) on each of two opposite sides, on which the locking bracket (4) is pivotally mounted.

12. Bushing (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the friction elements (6) are each made of stainless steel.

13. Socket (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the friction elements (6) each have the locking receptacle (8) for the locking element (7) of the locking bracket (4).

14. Bushing (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bushing (1) is made of die-cast aluminum.

15. Socket (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking bracket (4) has a stop edge (13) which presses the cover (3), in the plugged-in state, onto a support surface of the plug-in connector (2).

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