Lockable plug connector

Abstract

The invention provides a lockable plug connector, comprising, a first connector and a locking mechanism, wherein, the first connector comprises an interface and a mounting flange for mounting the first connector to a surface, particularly to a sheet metal or a wall side of a housing, wherein the interface of the first connector is configured to establish a plug connection with an interface of a second connector thereby establishing a lockable plug connection between the first connector and the second connector, the locking mechanism is configured to mechanically secure the first connector with the second connector if the interface of the first connector and the interface of the second connector has established the lockable plug connection.

Description

[0001] Lockable plug connector

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a lockable plug connector.

[0004] Rail transport systems are dynamic environments characterized by constant motion, vibration, and the presence of varying climatic conditions. The reliability of plug connections in such settings is crucial, not only for maintaining the integrity of electrical and communication systems but also to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of the rail network. Plug connections in trains, railway infrastructure or other publicly accessible technical facilities often suffer from the risk of tampering, which can lead to system failures, safety hazards, or unauthorized access to sensitive compartments, hence hard-wiring is often preferred in such situations.

[0005] It is the task of the invention to prevent this risk of tampering to improve the state of the art.

[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by a lockable plug connection according to claim 1 and a housing with the lockable plug connection according to claim 8. The invention also provides a bulkhead-mountable housing for industrial and / or railway applications according to claim 11.

[0007] Advantageous embodiments can be taken from the sub-claims, for example. The content of the claims is made the content of the description by express inclusion.

[0008] The invention provides a lockable plug connector, comprising, a first connector and a locking mechanism, wherein, the first connector comprises an interface and a mounting flange for mounting the first connector to a surface, particularly to a sheet metal or a wall side of a housing, wherein the interface of the first connector is configured to establish a plug connection with an interface of a second connector thereby establishing a lockable plug connection between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the first connector or second connector preferably comprises a plug-status indicator, which indicates a proper locking between the interface of the second connector and the interface of the first connector, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to mechanically secure the first connector with the second connector if the interface of the first connector and the interface of the second connector has established the lockable plug connection, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured such that it is not possible to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing.

[0009] The plug connection is established namely if the first connector and the second connector are connected together.

[0010] The lockable plug connector can comprise the second connector.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment the interface of the first connector is a socket and the interface of the second connector is a plug, wherein the interface of the first connector is configured to receive the interface of the second connector and establishing the lockable plug connection, or the interface of the second connector is configured as a socket and the interface of the first connector is a plug, wherein the interface of the second connector is configured to receive the interface of the first connector and establishing the lockable plug connection. The interface can be configured for data and / or current transmission and / or power transmission.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment the mounting flange of the first connector is oriented towards the direction of the second interface of the second connector. In a mated state of first connector and the second connector the first connector and the second connector can oppose or adjoin each other. This enables that the first connector can be located within or outside of the housing, the first connector is or can be attached to.

[0013] In another embodiment the locking mechanism is:

[0014] - an automatic locking mechanism which is configured to lock the interface of the second connector in place after the lockable plug connection between the interface of the second connector and the interface of the first connector occurred; or

[0015] - a bow fastener which is configured to mechanically connect the first connector with the second connector; or

[0016] - a screw connection for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector; or

[0017] - a magnetic connection or electromagnetic connection for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector; or

[0018] - a pin locking mechanism comprising a locking pin and a snap-in plate, wherein the snap-in plate lock the locking pin to mechanically secure the first connector with the second connector if the interface of the first connector and the interface of the second connector has established the lockable plug connection; or

[0019] - a camshaft locking mechanism for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector.

[0020] In particular, the automatic locking mechanism can be an automatic bow fastener, an automatic magnetic connection or electromagnetic connection, or an automatic pin locking mechanism. These locking mechanism can lock the interface of the second connector in place after the lockable plug connection between the interface of the second connector and the interface of the first connector occurred without requiring an, although possible, additional activation.

[0021] Furthermore, the locking mechanism can comprise at least two different mechanism for mechanically securing the first connector with the second connector. These mechanisms can be at least one, in particular at least two, preferably different, of the following mechanisms:

[0022] - an automatic locking mechanism which is configured to lock the interface of the second connector in place after the lockable plug connection between the interface of the second connector and the interface of the first connector occurred;

[0023] - a bow fastener which is configured to mechanically connect the first connector with the second connector;

[0024] - a screw connection for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector;

[0025] - a magnetic connection or electromagnetic connection for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector;

[0026] - a pin locking mechanism comprising a locking pin and a snap-in plate, wherein the snap-in plate lock the locking pin to mechanically secure the first connector with the second connector if the interface of the first connector and the interface of the second connector has established the lockable plug connection;

[0027] - a camshaft locking mechanism for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector;

[0028] In one advantageous configuration of the invention, the locking mechanism is a camshaft locking mechanism with a camshaft. A camshaft is a machine element in the form of a rod on which at least one rounded projection, what is known as a “cam”, is fitted. The rod rotates about its own axis, as a result of which the cams fitted on it perform a longitudinal movement (perpendicular to the extension of the rod).

[0029] The axis of rotation of the camshaft is advantageously oriented parallel to the plug direction of the first connector, along which the lockable plug connection between the first connector and the second connector is established. The camshaft can thus be integrated in a space-saving manner in the connector. The first connector can preferably have an electric motor with which a rotational movement of the camshaft can be brought about. The electric motor can be supplied with power, for example, via conductors connected to the first connector. A power supply via a battery integrated in the first connector is also conceivable.

[0030] In one particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the first connector has a pin which projects in the plug direction. The camshaft runs at least partially in this pin. This means that the camshaft protrudes at least partially into the projecting pin. The pin is embodied here as a cuboid extension which can be plugged into a receiver, provided for this purpose, of the second connector. The second connector can have a receiver. In the plugged state, the pin and thus also the camshaft located therein of the first connector can penetrate into the receiver of the second connector.

[0031] The pin of the first connector preferably has at the end side at least one hole. The hole runs transversely to the direction of extension of the pin. A ball is arranged in the hole. Two corresponding holes are ideally present in the pin, which holes are arranged opposite one another and in which in each case a ball is arranged. The balls are preferably manufactured from steel or a hard plastic and serve to lock the first connector to the second connector. The precise mode of operation is explained in greater detail below.

[0032] The receiver of the second connector preferably has at least one hole which corresponds to the hole of the pin of the first connector. The receiver also preferably has two holes which, in the plugged state, are opposite in each case a hole of the pin.

[0033] The camshaft of the first connector is preferably in operative contact with the balls located in the pin and arranged in its holes. The respective ball can be pushed by a rotational movement of the camshaft at least partially into the hole located in the receiver of the second connector, as a result of which the first connector and the second connector can be locked to one another. The camshaft can have, in the region of the pin, a substantially oval or elliptical cross-section. This oval form can be understood as the “cam” of the camshaft already mentioned above with which the balls can be displaced transversely to the plug direction. If the diameter of the camshaft widens in the cross-sectional plane of the pin, the balls are driven at least partially out of the holes of the pin of the first connector into the holes of the recesses of the second connector. A pulling apart of the two connectors can thus be blocked by the balls. The connectors are locked to one another. If the diameter of the camshaft in the cross-sectional plane of the pin is reduced in size, the balls can move back into the holes of the pin, as a result of which the locking of the connectors is released. The connectors can thus be shifted from a locked into an unlocked state.

[0034] At the end which is distant from the pin, the camshaft can preferably be connected to the electric motor. In this region, the camshaft can preferably have a substantially oval or elliptical cross-section which can be regarded as the “cam”. This oval region can be perpendicular to the oval region in the pin. This means that, if the camshaft in the region of the pin within the cross-sectional plane of the connector has a large diameter, the diameter of the camshaft in the region of the electric motor becomes small and vice versa.

[0035] The camshaft can be regarded here as a rod with a total of two cams, a first cam in the region of the electric motor and a second cam in the region of the pin. Both cams are perpendicular to one another.

[0036] In one highly particularly advantageous variant of the invention, the first connector has at least two buttons, a first button and a second button.

[0037] The first button can be arranged in the region of the electric motor. The first button can be touched or activated by the camshaft if the first connector and the second connector are not locked to one another. In this case, the first cam of the camshaft is guided against a switch of the first button and thus activates it. The second button can preferably be arranged away from the electric motor in the direction of the pin of the first connector. The second button can be touched by a cam of the camshaft if the first connector and the second connector are locked to one another. In this case, the second cam of the camshaft is guided against a switch of the second button and thus activates it.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment the locking pin can be attached to the first connector or the second connector and the snap-in plate can be attached to the second connector or to the first connector in a quiver. The locking pin can bend back the snap-in plate while inserting the locking pin into the quiver towards the snap-in plate.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment the locking pin comprises a recess where the snap-in plate snaps into place when the interface of the first connector and the interface of the second connector has established the lockable plug connection respectively when the locking pin has inserted into the quiver until a certain depth.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment the interface of the second connector is detachably connectable to the interface of the first connector, wherein the first connector or second connector comprises a plug-status indicator, which indicates a proper locking between the interface of the second connector and the interface of the first connector.

[0041] In another embodiment the plug-status indicator is a mechanical and / or an electric indicator. In another preferred embodiment the plug-status indicator can be configured to collect and provide temperature information of the plug connector.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment the second connector or the first connector comprises at least one stop for depth limitation while connecting the interface of the second connector to the interface of the first connector. The invention also provides a housing with a lockable plug connector according to at least one of the previous embodiments and a housing, wherein the housing comprising an inner wall side and an outer wall side, wherein an opening is located between the inner wall side and the outer wall side, wherein the mounting flange of the first connector is attached to the inner wall side or the outer wall side of the housing, preferably covering the opening.

[0043] The features described in connection with the lockable plug connector according to the invention can also be used individually or in combination with the housing. This results in the same advantages that have already been described.

[0044] The interface of the first connector can be attached to the inner wall side or the outer wall side of the housing, preferably covering the opening.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment the lockable plug connection is a detachable connection which can be released by a tool, for example a screwdriver.

[0046] The Lockable plug connection is configured in way that it is not possible to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment the locking mechanism of the first plug connector is unlockable only from an inner side of the housing and / or with a special tool. The tool can be configured to access the second connector from outside to open the locking mechanism.

[0048] In another embodiment the first interface of the first connector is set back inside of the housing or protruding from the inner side of the housing to an outer side of the housing. The inner side of the housing is the free space surrounded by the housing.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment the second connector overlaps the first connector to prevent access to the first connector and protect the first connector against environmental influences. In another preferred embodiment the first connector and / or the second connector comprises a sealing, for sealing the first connector towards the second connector and / or the second connector towards the wall side of the housing.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment the first connector or the second connector can be a multi-part design. The mounting flange of the first connector can be attached to an outer wall of the housing and the interface of the first connector can be attached to the mounting flange to form the first connector.

[0051] The invention also provides a bulkhead-mountable housing for industrial and / or railway applications, comprising, a locking mechanism, a mounting flange of a first connector and an interface of a first connector for receiving an interface of a second connector, wherein the mounting flange of the first connector is arranged closer to one side of the interface of the first connector for receiving the interface of the second connector than to a side facing away from the interface of the first connector and / or the mounting flange is arranged on an inner wall side or outer wall side of a housing with the interface of the first connector for receiving the interface of the second connector, wherein the locking mechanism is configured such that it is not possible to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing.

[0052] The features described in connection with the lockable plug connector according to the invention and in connection with the housing according to the invention can also be used individually or in combination with the bulkhead- mountable housing. This results in the same advantages that have already been described.

[0053] The interface of the first connector can comprise a first end opposing to a second end. The first end can be configured to receive an interface of a second connector. The mounting flange can be part of the first end of the interface of the first connector or the mounting flange can be configured to be attached to the first end of the first interface of the first connector. A bulkhead-mountable housing is an enclosure designed which can be mounted on a wall of a housing. It can protect and supports electronic components, connectors, interfaces, mounting flanges and cables while allowing easy access for maintenance. These housings can comprise or can be made from durable materials such as metal or high-strength plastic to withstand harsh environments. The bulkhead-mountable housing can comprise gaskets or seals to protect against dust and moisture. The bulkhead-mountable housing can comprise a mounting flange or a bracket for secure attachment to the housing.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the first connector or the second connector comprises a plug-status indicator, which indicates a proper locking between the interface of the second connector and the interface of the first connector.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment the mounting flange is arranged on the inner wall side or the outer wall side of the housing with the interface of the first connector for receiving the interface of the second connector. Preferably a plane being a wall of the housing.

[0056] The invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. It shows:

[0057] - Figure 1 a lockable plug connector with a housing in an exploded view according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0058] - Figure 2 a lockable plug connector with a housing in a perspective view according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0059] - Figure 3 a lockable plug connector in a detailed view according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0060] - Figure 4 a lockable plug connector with a housing according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] Figure 1 illustrates a housing 200 with a lockable plug connector 100 comprising a first connector 110 and a locking mechanism, wherein, the first connector 110 comprises an interface 112 and a mounting flange 111 for mounting the first connector 110 to a surface, particularly to an outer wall side 220 of a housing. The first connector 110 can be a multi-part design, where the mounting flange 111 can be attached to the outer wall 220 and the interface 112 of the first connector 110 can be attached to the mounting flange 111.

[0062] The interface 112 of the first connector 110 is configured to establish a plug connection with an interface 121 of a second connector 120 thereby establishing a lockable plug connection between the first connector 110 and the second connector 120, the locking mechanism 130 is configured to mechanically secure the first connector 110 with the second connector 120 if the interface 112 of the first connector 110 and the interface 121 of the second connector 120 has established the lockable plug connection.

[0063] The housing 200 comprising an inner wall side 210 and an outer wall side 220, wherein an opening 230 is located between the inner wall side 210 and the outer wall side 220, wherein the mounting flange 111 of the first connector 110 is attached to the inner wall side 210 of the housing 200 covering the opening 230.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates the housing with a lockable plug connector 100 comprising a first connector 110 and a locking mechanism. The interface 112 of the first connector 110 and the interface 121 of the second connector 120 has established the lockable plug connection.

[0065] Figure 3 illustrates the housing 200 with the lockable plug connector 100 in an detailed view. The locking pin 131 is attached to the second connector 120 and the snap-in plate 132 is attached to the first connector 110 within a quiver. The locking pin 131 bends back the snap-in plate 132 while inserting the locking pin 131 to the snap-in plate 132. The locking pin 131 comprises a recess where the snap-in plate 132 snap into place when the interface 112 of the first connector 110 and the interface 121 of the second connector 120 has established the lockable plug connection. In order to release the locking pin 131 , the snap-in plate 132 can be manipulated via its latch. However, this latch can only be accessed through the opening 230 from the inner side of the housing 200, in particular by using a special tool. Thus, the lockable plug connection is configured in a way that it is not possible to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing 200.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates a housing 200 with a lockable plug connector 100 comprising a first connector 110 and a locking mechanism, wherein, the first connector 110 comprises an interface 112 and a mounting flange 111 for mounting the first connector 110 to a surface, particularly to an inner wall side 210 of a housing 200, wherein the interface 1 12 of the first connector 110 is configured to establish a plug connection with an interface 121 of a second connector 120 thereby establishing a lockable plug connection between the first connector 110 and the second connector 120, the locking mechanism 130 is configured to mechanically secure the first connector 110 with the second connector 120 if the interface 112 of the first connector 110 and the interface 121 of the second connector 120 has established the lockable plug connection. The locking mechanism 130 is a bow fastener which is configured to mechanically connect the first connector 110 with the second connector 120.

[0067] The locking mechanism 130 of Fig. 4 is unlockable only from the inside of the housing 200, since the locking mechanism 130 can only be reached from the inside of the housing 200 but not from the outside. Thus, it is not possible to unlock the locking mechanism 130 or to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing 200.

[0068] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Within the scope of the invention, all described and / or drawn features can be combined with one another as desired, unless otherwise indicated. Reference signs

[0069] Lockable plug connector 100

[0070] First connector 110

[0071] Mounting flange 111

[0072] Interface 112

[0073] Second connector 120

[0074] Interface 121

[0075] Locking mechanism 130

[0076] Locking pin 131

[0077] Snap-in plate 132

[0078] Housing 200

[0079] Inner wall side 210

[0080] Outer wall side 220

[0081] Opening 230

Claims

Claims:1 . Lockable plug connector (100), comprising, a first connector (110) and a locking mechanism (130), wherein, the first connector (110) comprises an interface (112) and a mounting flange (111 ) for mounting the first connector (110) to a surface, particularly to a sheet metal or a wall side, of a housing (200), wherein the interface (112) of the first connector (110) is configured to establish a plug connection with an interface (121 ) of a second connector (120) thereby establishing a lockable plug connection between the first connector (110) and the second connector (120), wherein the first connector (110) or second connector (120) preferably comprises a plug-status indicator, which indicates a proper locking between the interface (112, 121 ) of the second connector(120) and the interface of the first connector (110), wherein the locking mechanism (130) is configured to mechanically secure the first connector (110) with the second connector (120) if the interface (112) of the first connector (110) and the interface(121 ) of the second connector (120) has established the lockable plug connection, and wherein the locking mechanism (130) is configured such that it is not possible to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing (200).

2. Lockable plug connector (100) according to claim 1 , wherein, the interface (112) of the first connector (110) is a socket and the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) is a plug, wherein the interface (112) of the first connector (110) is configured to receive the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) and establishing the lockable plug connection, or the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) is configured as a socket and the interface (112) of the first connector (110) is aplug, wherein the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) is configured to receive the interface (112) of the first connector (110) and establishing the lockable plug connection.

3. Lockable plug connector (100) according to one of the previous claims, wherein, the mounting flange (111 ) of the first connector (110) is oriented towards the direction of the second interface (121 ) of the second connector (120).

4. Lockable plug connector (100) according to one of the previous claims, wherein, the locking mechanism (130) is:- an automatic locking mechanism which is configured to lock the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) in place after the lockable plug connection between the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) and the interface (112) of the first connector (110) occurred; or- a bow fastener which is configured to mechanically connect the first connector (110) with the second connector (120); or- a screw connection for mechanically connecting the first connector (110) with the second connector (120); or- a magnetic connection or electromagnetic connection for mechanically connecting the first connector (110) with the second connector (120); or- a pin locking mechanism comprising a locking pin (131 ) and a snap-in plate (132), wherein the snap-in plate (132) lock the locking pin (131 ) to mechanically secure the first connector (110) with the second connector (120) if the interface (112) of the first connector (110) and the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) has established the lockable plug connection; or- a camshaft locking mechanism for mechanically connecting the first connector with the second connector.

5. Lockable plug connector (100) according to one of the previous claims, wherein, the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) is detachably connectable to the interface (112) of the first connector (110) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the first connector (110) or second connector (120) comprises a plug-status indicator, which indicates a proper locking between the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) and the interface (112) of the first connector (110).

6. Lockable plug connector (100) according to claim 5, wherein, the plug-status indicator is configured as a mechanical and / or an electric indicator.

7. Lockable plug connector (100) according to one of the previous claims, wherein, the second connector (120) or the first connector (110) comprises at least one stop for depth limitation while connecting the interface of the second (121 ) connector (120) to the interface (112) of the first connector (110).

8. Housing with a lockable plug connector (100), comprising, the lockable plug connector (100) according to at least one of the previous claims and a housing (200), wherein the housing (200) comprising an inner wall side (210) and an outer wall side (220), wherein an opening (230) is located between the inner wall side (210) and the outer wall side (220), wherein the mounting flange (111 ) of the first connector (110) is attached to the inner wall side (210) or the outer wall side (220) of the housing (200), preferably covering the opening (230).

9. Housing (200) according to claim 8, wherein, the locking mechanism (130) of the first plug connector (110) is unlockable only from the inner side of the housing (200).

10. Housing (200) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, the first interface (112) of the first connector (110) is set back inside of the housing (230) or protruding from an inner side of the housing (200) to an outer side of the housing (200).11 . Bulkhead-mountable housing for industrial and / or railway applications, comprising, a locking mechanism (130), a mounting flange (111 ) of a first connector (110) and an interface (112) of a first connector (110) for receiving an interface (121 ) of a second connector (120), wherein the mounting flange (111 ) is arranged closer to one side of the interface (112) of the first connector (110) for receiving the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120) than to a side facing away from the interface of the first connector (110) and / or the mounting flange (111 ) is arranged on an inner wall side (210) or outer wall side (220) of a housing (200) with the interface (112) of the first connector (110) for receiving the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120), wherein the locking mechanism (130) is configured such that it is not possible to release the lockable plug connection from outside of the housing (200).

12. Bulkhead-mountable housing, according to claim 11 , wherein, the mounting flange (111 ) is arranged on the inner wall side (210) or the outer wall side (220) of the housing (200) with the interface (112) of the first connector (110) for receiving the interface (121 ) of the second connector (120).

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