Secondary locking tab for a plug connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a secondary locking tab (22) for a plug connector having a housing (G22), wherein a connection (21) of the locking tab (22) is designed such that the connection (21) can be connected horizontally to the housing (G22) of the plug connector and / or the locking tab (22) has a wave design, preferably a curved shape. The secondary locking tab (22) comprises a lock (23), wherein a hook (23.1) of the lock (23) is located at the free end of the secondary locking tab (22) and interacts with another hook (23.2) of the lock (23), which can be attached to the upper region of the housing (G22). The lock (23) is designed in such a way that the lock (23) can grip a projection (G1) on the housing (G22) of the plug connector. This is done by means of the hook (23.1), which is divided into an upper end (23.1.1) and a lower end (23.1.2), the upper end (23.1.1) interacting with the hook (23.2) on the housing (G22) and the lower end (23.1.2) interacting with the projection (G1) in the housing (G22).

Description

[0001] Secondary locking tab for a connector

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a secondary locking tab according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] Connectors are known that have contact chambers in their housing, into which a contact partner is inserted and locked once it has assumed its correct and intended position in the contact chamber. This so-called primary locking mechanism can, for example, be designed as a spring-loaded tab on the contact partner that interacts with a shoulder, undercut, or similar feature of the contact chamber (more precisely, the connector housing) when the contact partner has been correctly and completely inserted into its contact chamber.

[0005] Secondary locking mechanisms for the contact partners, often implemented as secondary locking tabs, are used in connectors where contact locking in the housing requires two locking mechanisms (so-called primary and secondary locking) (for example, connectors in the automotive industry). This second locking mechanism can be implemented with tabs that are directly injection-molded onto the plastic housing (the so-called secondary locking tabs). DE 10 2006 014 156 A1 discloses a retaining sleeve for a contact-free plug-in system and relates to a contact partner for a connector used for electrical connections.The provision is that the contact partner consists of a first part which has at least one locking tab, and at least one further part which applies the contact normal force in the connector housing after the contact partner has been joined with the complementary connector element.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2017 119 643 A1 discloses a connector comprising a contact carrier with at least one contact chamber, wherein a contact partner is arranged in the at least one contact chamber. The contact partner has a primary locking tab that interacts with its contact chamber. A locking element, which is slidable between a pre-locking position and an end-locking position, is arranged on and / or in the contact carrier for the secondary locking of the contact partner, which has a secondary locking tab.

[0007] A method for testing a connector for a plug connection is described in DE 102017 125 193 A1. A locking tab has a transverse rib at its end opposite a mounting end, which, together with the contact carrier, forms a secondary locking mechanism. Another method for testing a connector for a plug connection is described in DE 102017 125 195 A1.

[0008] An internally known embodiment of a secondary locking tab (“standard design”) of a connector, which is movably arranged on a housing G of the connector, is shown in Figures 11 to 20. Reference numeral 1 denotes a connection of a secondary locking tab 2 (hereinafter referred to as the tab) of a connector (not shown in detail) to the housing G. The tab 2 has an elongated (straight) shape. Reference numeral 3 denotes a locking mechanism (also referred to as a connection, snap-fit, or locking) of the free end of the tab 2 with its associated geometry (hook 3.2) of the housing G of the connector (Fig. 11).

[0009] When actuated, the tab 2 is pressed closed, arrow 4 (Fig. 12). A hook 3.1 of the locking mechanism 3 on the tab 2 deflects about a pivot point 5 and locks into place. When the tab 2 is pulled by a movement, arrow 6, the hook 3.1 deflects again about the pivot point 5 and the locking mechanism 3 releases.

[0010] Due to the required locking of the tab 2 according to Fig. 12, the locking geometry of the tab 2 moves downwards (Fig. 13). This can lead to the locking geometry colliding with a contact 7 of the connector and the tab 2 not being able to lock.

[0011] When actuated again (arrow 4), the tab 2 is pressed closed. This causes the hook 3.1 to deflect around pivot point 5 and move downwards. However, locking in the end position is not possible if it collides with contact 7.

[0012] In practice, to disassemble contacts on tabs 2, the rusted or locked tab 2 is pushed back using a release tool 8, for example, a screwdriver, arrow 6 (Fig. 14, Fig. 15). This unlocking must be performed with the same force as the holding force of the lock 3, i.e., the holding force of the lock 3 must be overcome. For this purpose, the release tool 8 is usually inserted in an area 10 between the tab 2 and the contact 7 in order to push the tab 2 outwards. However, it cannot be ruled out that the tool 8 may collide with the contact 7 and damage it.

[0013] A further problem is shown in Figures 16 and 17. The elongation of the tab 2 that occurs when it is actuated can only be distributed along the elongated part of the tab 2. To prevent the tab 2 from breaking at the connection point 1 during actuation, a width 11 of the tab 2 in this area 10 must be very thin. This poses the risk that the stress or elongation occurring in the tab 2 at the connection point 1 will cause a white fracture or that the tab 2 may break at this point (break point 13). Furthermore, only a thin area 11 is available for injection molding during the injection process. The constriction 11 causes the injection mold to cool, and the remaining area of ​​the tab 2 is more difficult to fill during the injection molding process.

[0014] Furthermore, variations in dimensions occur during the manufacturing process, meaning that the height ha of the tab 2, and thus the height ha of the latch 3, can vary. Position 1 defines the minimum hook height ha, and position 2 defines the maximum hook height ha. However, a height variation of the hook 3.1 of the latch 3 can negatively affect the function of the latch 3 (Fig. 18).

[0015] As shown in Fig. 19, when the tab 2 is actuated, when the hook 3.1 has its maximum height hsmax, it must be compressed further, which leads to a significant increase in the actuating force.

[0016] With a minimum hook height hamin (Fig. 20), the undercut 12, i.e., the projection of the hook 3.1 to the locking mechanism 3, is minimized. However, this can cause the locking mechanism 3 to release more quickly under lower tensile stress than at a nominal hook height.

[0017] The invention is based on the objective of improving a known secondary locking tab with regard to its ease of use. In particular, the forces required for its actuation and positioning on the housing are to be reduced, and its attachment to the housing is to be ensured smoothly.

[0018] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0019] According to the invention, it is provided that the connection of the locking tab of the connector according to the invention to the housing is designed horizontally instead of vertically and / or that the locking tab is implemented in a curved shape instead of an elongated one.

[0020] In particular, the curved geometry or shape of the secondary locking tab allows it to be compressed with less force; that is, due to the changed geometry of the locking tab, operation can now be carried out without much effort.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, a wedge mechanism is provided as a locking device. The holding force of the locking device, through this wedge mechanism, is many times greater than that of known secondary locking tabs. The wedge mechanism consists of a specially shaped hook located at the free end of the secondary locking tab, which interacts with a hook, and in particular a projection, on the housing, such that the shaped hook of the locking device can wedge itself against the secondary locking tab in the housing.

[0022] Although dimensional variations cannot be ruled out in the manufacturing process of the secondary locking tab according to the invention, these no longer have a negative effect on the function of the locking mechanism due to the modified locking geometry.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the secondary locking tab is unlocked directly during the latching or locking process. Using a release tool, the secondary locking tab can be pulled downwards perpendicular to the locking force. The pulling force does not depend on the holding force of the lock, but rather on the wave design of the secondary locking tab. This wave design allows for lower release forces. Since the release tool no longer needs to be inserted into an area between the secondary locking tab and a contact, the risk of damaging the contact when opening the secondary locking tab is minimized or even eliminated.

[0024] In a preferred version, the wave design or curved shape is formed by a stylized "S". Alternative designs or shapes are also conceivable, which in turn achieve compression with less force.

[0025] The strain occurring when the secondary locking tab according to the invention is actuated is less than with conventional secondary locking tabs, since the resulting stress can be distributed over a larger area. This reduces the strain and thus the possibility of white fracture or breakage of the secondary locking tab at the connection point due to strain in the secondary locking tab. The secondary locking tab can also be made thicker, thus facilitating the filling of the remaining area of ​​the secondary locking tab. This allows for a wider selection of materials for a component (connector) with the secondary locking tab. For example, the use of glass fiber-reinforced plastics becomes possible.

[0026] The geometry of the secondary locking tab according to the invention ensures that the locking geometry no longer migrates downwards, thus fundamentally preventing a collision with a contact of the connector.

[0027] Furthermore, due to the curved shape of the secondary locking tab according to the invention, the delta in assembly force or holding force is significantly lower in the event of dimensional variations in the height of the secondary locking tab and thus in the height of the detent compared to known secondary locking tabs. The wedging mechanism of the locking device supports these dimensional variations because, at a minimum hook height and low tensile stress, the pivot point is now located at the hook, and the secondary locking tab wedges itself in place.

[0028] The secondary locking tab according to the invention achieves the following:

[0029] - improved ratio of actuation force to holding force (low assembly force, high holding force), - easier actuation from the detent to the pre-detent position (unlocking) during contact disassembly,

[0030] - a reduction in the risk of cracking or white fracture of the secondary locking tab,

[0031] - an optimization of the filling behavior during the manufacturing of the component with a secondary locking tab (plastic injection molding process),

[0032] - a reduced impact of the actuating force / holding force of the secondary locking tab in the event of manufacturing-related dimensional variations,

[0033] - increased operating force (maximum hook height, at position 2),

[0034] - a reduced holding force (minimal hook height, at position 1) as well as.

[0035] - no risk of collision of the secondary locking tab with a correctly inserted contact and

[0036] - No risk of contact damage during contact disassembly.

[0037] A secondary locking tab for a connector with a housing is proposed, wherein the connection of the locking tab is designed according to the invention such that the connection can be attached horizontally to the housing of the connector and / or the locking tab has a wave design, preferably a curved shape. The secondary locking tab comprises a locking mechanism, wherein a hook of the locking mechanism is located at the free end of the secondary locking tab and interacts with a further hook of the locking mechanism, which can be attached to the upper region of the housing. The locking mechanism is designed such that it can also engage a projection of the housing of the connector. This allows a so-called wedge mechanism to be realized.The hook located at the free end of the secondary locking tab has an upper area that functionally interacts with the hook on the housing, and a lower area with which the hook, and thus the locking mechanism, can be supported against the projection of the housing.

[0038] An embodiment of a secondary locking tab and a connector with a secondary locking tab according to the invention, comprising a housing with at least one contact chamber, preferably several contact combs, wherein a contact partner is inserted and primarily locked in each contact chamber, is shown and described in Figures 1 to 10.

[0039] “21” refers to the connection of a locking tab (also referred to simply as tab) to a housing G22 of a connector not shown in detail.

[0040] The reference to “22” indicates that the tab according to the invention is designed in a curved shape, in particular in the S-shape shown.

[0041] “23” refers to a locking mechanism (also known as snap-fit, connection or latching) of the free end of the tab 12 with its associated geometry of the housing G22 of the connector.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a secondary locking tab 22 (hereinafter referred to as the tab) according to the invention for a connector (not shown in detail). The tab 22 is mounted horizontally on a housing G22 of the connector. The tab 22 has a curved shape or geometry, which is, for example, modeled on a kind of stylized S. Due to the curved shape of the tab 22, the actuation of the tab 23 can be carried out without requiring much force. The holding force of the latch 23 is many times greater than that of known latches or locks due to the wedge mechanism.

[0043] Reference numeral 23 denotes a locking mechanism (also referred to as a connection, snap, or latch) of the free end of the tab 22 with its associated geometry of the housing G22 of the connector. A hook 23.1 of the locking mechanism 23 is designed such that the locking mechanism 23 can act as a wedging mechanism. The hook 23.1 of the locking mechanism 23, which has a shaped form, is located at the free end of the tab 22. Another hook 23.2 of the locking mechanism 23 is attached to the upper region of the housing G22 of the connector. For locking, the locking mechanism 23 preferably engages an existing projection G1 of the housing G22 of the connector. During locking, the shaped hook 23.1 of the tab 22 engages with its upper end 23.1.1 behind the hook 23.2 of the locking mechanism 23 on the housing G22. With its lower end 23.1.2, the hook 23.1 can rest against the projection G1 of the housing G22 when locking.

[0044] Figures 2 and 3 show an exemplary sequence of actions. When actuated, the tab 22 is pressed closed (arrow 4). Since the hook 23.1 itself does not move downwards in its front area (arrow 24), there is no collision with a contact 27 of the connector located inside the housing G22. A locking mechanism (23) is thus enabled. When the tab 22 is pulled (6), a pivot point 25 is located at the hook 23.1, and the tab 22 wedges itself in place, preventing the locking mechanism 23 from disengaging.

[0045] When unlocking the tab 22, particularly for contact disassembly, the tab 22 is pressed downwards at its rear section 22.1. A recess 20 is preferably located between the rear section 22.1 and the hook 23.1 to assist in the unlocking action. Due to the curved shape of the tab 22, it is compressed with minimal force, thus releasing the latch or locking mechanism.

[0046] The release of the tab 22 can be carried out directly at or near the locking mechanism 23. Here, for example, using a release tool 8, which preferably fits into the recess 20, the tab 22 can be pulled downwards (arrow 26) perpendicular to the locking force. The pulling force does not depend on the holding force of the locking mechanism, but rather on the wave design of the tab 22. This allows for lower release forces. During release, the tab 22 is pressed downwards at its rear section 22.1 (or at its free end). Due to the curved shape of the tab 22, it is compressed with minimal force, and the locking mechanism 23 is released (Fig. 4).

[0047] Figure 5 shows one method of contact disassembly using the release tool 8. Because the release of the tab 22 is performed directly at or on the locking mechanism 23, the release tool 8 no longer needs to be inserted into an area between the tab 22 and the contact 27. Instead, the tool 8 can be integrated into the area 20 of the tab 22. Therefore, there is no longer a risk of damaging the contacts 27 when opening the tab 22.

[0048] The strains occurring in the tab 22 during actuation are reduced due to the curved shape of the tab 22, as the resulting stress is distributed over a larger area 29 (Fig. 6). This means that the strain occurring during actuation is realized over a larger area 29 at the connection 21 of the tab 22. Therefore, the strain in this area is significantly lower.

[0049] Due to the reduced elongation, the tab 22 can be made thicker, thus facilitating the filling of the remaining area of ​​the tab 22 (Fig. 7). Specifically, the tab 22 can have a greater width 30 than known tabs 2, since the elongation occurs over a larger area 29 during actuation. This also results in improved filling behavior during the injection molding process.

[0050] The housing G22 can be manufactured using an injection molding process. The vertical connection 21 to the housing G22 does not pose any further problem.

[0051] Dimensional variations typically occur during the manufacturing process. The height of the tab (2) 22 can also be subject to variations. These variations in the height of the tab (2) 22 generally affect the height of the detent or locking mechanism. Because the curved shape (wave design) of the tab 22 allows it to be compressed with less force, the effect of dimensional variations on its function is barely noticeable; that is, the difference in assembly force or holding force is significantly lower in the case of dimensional variations. Fig. 8 shows manufacturing-related dimensional deviations that can lead to different heights. Item 2 shows a maximum hook height, and item 1 shows a minimum hook height (see also Fig. 18).

[0052] When actuated, the tab 22 must be compressed further when the hook 23.1 is at its maximum height. Due to the curved shape of the tab 22, less force is required for compression (arrow 32), and the actuating force increases only slightly (Fig. 9). At minimum hook height, the undercut 31, the projection of hook 23.1 to the locking mechanism 23, is minimized. However, since the pivot point 25 is located at hook 23.1 and the tab 22 wedges itself in place (Fig. 20), the detent between the locking mechanism 23 and the locking mechanism does not open under lower tensile stress. Thus, the holding force remains the same as at the nominal hook height.

[0053] A secondary locking tab 22 is provided for a connector, wherein a connection 21 of the locking tab 22 is designed such that the connection 21 can be connected horizontally to a housing G22 of the connector. The connection 21 is no longer vertical, and the locking tab 22 is no longer elongated. Additionally, the secondary locking tab 22 can have a curved shape. The combination of both features is preferred but not necessary for the function of the secondary locking tab 22.

[0054] Furthermore, a locking mechanism 23 is provided, wherein a hook 23.1 of the locking mechanism 23 is located at the free end of the secondary locking tab 22 and interacts with another hook 23.2 of the locking mechanism 23, which can be attached to the upper region of the housing G22 of the connector. The locking mechanism 23 is designed such that the locking mechanism 23 can engage a projection G1 of the housing G of the connector via the hook 23.1.

[0055] The hook 23.1 has an upper end 23.1 and a lower end 23.1.2, which allows the hook 23.1 of the locking device 23 to engage, among other things, the projection G1 in the form of a wedge mechanism.

[0056] A recess is provided between the hook 23.1 and the upper area 22.1 of the secondary locking tab 22, which can assist or simplify the unlocking of the secondary locking tab 22, especially during contact disassembly.

[0057] Reference symbol list

[0058] 1 connection

[0059] 2 Secondary locking tab, tab

[0060] 3 Locking, snapping, connection, latching

[0061] 3.1 Hook

[0062] 3.2 Hook

[0063] 4 Arrow

[0064] 5 pivot point

[0065] 6 Arrow

[0066] 7 Contact

[0067] 8. Release tool, e.g. screwdriver

[0068] 10 area

[0069] 11 Width

[0070] 12 Undercut

[0071] 13 Fracture point

[0072] G Housing

[0073] 21 Connection

[0074] 22 Secondary locking tab, tab

[0075] 22.1 rear area

[0076] 23 Locking, snapping, connection or latching 23.1 Hook, 23.1.1 upper end, 23.1.2 lower end

[0077] 23.2 hooks

[0078] 24 Arrow

[0079] 25 Pivot point

[0080] 2:6 Arrow

[0081] 27 Contact

[0082] 29 area

[0083] 30 width

[0084] 31 Undercut

[0085] 32 Arrow

[0086] G22 housing

[0087] G1 lead

Claims

Secondary locking tab for a connector Patent claims 1. Secondary locking tab (22) for a connector with a housing (G22), characterized in that a connection (21) of the locking tab (22) is designed such that the connection (21) can be connected horizontally to the housing (G22) of the connector and / or the locking tab (22) has a wave design, preferably a curved shape.

2. Secondary locking tab (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that a locking mechanism (23) is provided, wherein a hook (23.1) of the locking mechanism (23) is located at the free end of the secondary locking tab (22) and interacts with a further hook (23.2) of the locking mechanism (23), which can be attached to the upper area of ​​the housing (G22).

3. Secondary locking tab (22) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism (23) is designed such that the locking mechanism (23) can engage a projection (G1) of the housing (G22) of the connector.

4. Secondary locking tab (22) according to claim 3, characterized in that the hook (23.1 ) has an upper end (23.1.1 ) and a lower end (23.1.2) whereby a wedging mechanism can be formed which can interact with parts of the housing (G22).

5. Secondary locking tab (22) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the unlocking of the secondary locking tab (22) is designed such that the unlocking can be carried out directly at or on the locking mechanism (23).

6. Secondary locking tab (22) according to claim 5, characterized in that the unlocking is designed such that the unlocking can be carried out by pressing on the hook (23.1 ) on the secondary locking tab (22).

7. Secondary locking tab (22) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the secondary locking tab (22) is designed such that the secondary locking tab (2) can be made thicker (30) in a region (29) and filling the remaining region of the secondary locking tab (22) is made possible.

8. Secondary locking tab (22) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a recess (20) is provided between the hook (23.1 ) of the locking mechanism (23) and an upper area (22.1 ) of the secondary locking tab (22), through which the unlocking of the secondary locking tab (22) can be supported and / or simplified.

9. Connector comprising a housing (G22) with at least one contact chamber, preferably several contact chambers, wherein a contact partner is inserted and primarily locked in each contact chamber, with a secondary locking tab (22) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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