EP4066325B1 - Secondary locking apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a secondary locking device for a connector plug for locking a plug connection in its primary contacting position, comprising at least one secondary locking element with at least one locking pin for insertion into a connector housing. Furthermore, the invention relates to a connector housing part and a connector.

Plug connectors, contacting elements, pole connectors, receptacles, etc., in a wide variety of designs and variants are used to make contact or create detachable electrically conductive connections. Contact systems based on prismatic geometries for accommodating one or more contact pins have been developed, particularly but not exclusively for electrical contacting tasks in the higher power range.

High-voltage connectors are often designed with one or more plug contact pins and, in addition to reliable, detachable and durable contact, must also be protected against unintentional disconnection or disconnection caused by axial tensile loads.

In the prior art, bayonet or screw locks are often used as primary locking devices for circular connectors. These locking devices are usually permanently attached to the respective connectors and are supplemented by secondary locking devices to prevent accidental disconnection. In the prior art, locking devices are typically used as spring-like arrangements that engage with corresponding openings or catches, thereby locking two parts of a circular connector.

Circular connectors are also known, in which the plug connection is established via so-called bayonet locks. An alternative type of lock is a twist lock, which, similar to a bayonet lock, is attached to the plug connections in such a way that the connector pair is secured to a locking thread using a locking screw.

If prismatic, cubic, square or other connector geometries are selected, integrated or separate primary locking devices can be used, which can be supplemented by secondary locking devices.

Locks are particularly problematic when the lock is to be prevented from being released accidentally or improperly and/or from being pulled out while the connector is live. In the latter case, arcs can ignite, especially in high-voltage areas, which pose a safety risk and can be life-threatening.

In dynamic applications and when machines are subject to vibration, the problem can also arise that connector locks can become loose over time as a result of these mechanical vibrations and the connector is no longer reliably connected to the mating connector.

A well-known connector solution with primary and secondary locking is in the DE 10 2013 112 103 A1 presented. A plug of this connector comprises an inner assembly, an outer sleeve that is displaceably mounted relative to the inner assembly and at least partially encloses the inner assembly, and first locking means for locking the plug to an associated connector part when the plug is plugged onto the connector part, wherein the locking can be released by displacing the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly.

Such connectors, consisting of a plug and a connector part, are known as push-pull connectors. This name derives from their function. They can be connected by simply pushing the plug onto the connector part in one insertion direction ("push"). The connector part can be a socket or a second plug. During insertion, the locking elements of the plug and the connector part are locked together, preventing the connector from being disconnected by pulling on a cable connected to the plug, for example. To disconnect the connection, the outer sleeve of the plug is pulled in the opposite direction to the insertion direction ("pull"). This creates a relative movement between the outer sleeve and the inner assembly of the plug, unlocking the locking elements. If the outer sleeve is pulled further in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, the plug is released from the connector part.

With other types of connectors, an additional action must be performed to lock or unlock. Such an action could be, for example, lifting or pressing down a locking hook or an additional rotational movement of the outer sleeve, as is common with so-called bayonet connectors.

A disadvantage is that the connector can be accidentally released due to the simple unlocking process by pulling on the outer sleeve. Another disadvantage of the known push-pull connectors is that anyone with access to the connector can disconnect such a connector without any additional tools. Accidental, arbitrary, or unauthorized disconnection cannot be prevented with the known convenient push-pull connectors.

The solution is DE 10 2013 112 103 A1 that an additional locking element is provided which is displaceably mounted and can be brought into at least one stable locking position in which the displacement of the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly is blocked, and at least one stable release position in which the displacement of the outer sleeve relative to the inner assembly is released.

Additional locking elements designed as secondary locking for the primary locking must meet different requirements depending on the intended use, contacting task, electrical performance, or connector geometry. In particular, the secondary locking must support the plugging and locking situations in a clear position in the open or closed position, and if necessary, without intermediate positions between the two.

The DE 10 2016 208 673 A1 presents a connector with a latch for secondary locking of contact partners. The aim here is to ensure that the contact partner is properly secured in its contact chamber when the connector is plugged into a cooperating mating connector and the contact partner of the connector is brought together with the mating contact partner of the mating connector. For this purpose, the locking element is designed as a latch that can be moved relative to the contact carrier and is therefore a separate component from the contact carrier, wherein the latch can be moved one after the other in the direction of movement, corresponding to the number of contact partners. Contact securing element for the secondary locking and is designed to be movable between a pre-locking and a final locking position on the contact carrier.

The separate design of the locking element, namely the sliding latch, has the advantage that both the latch and the contact carrier to which it is attached can be manufactured separately, thus simplifying the production of these two components, especially when manufactured using a plastic injection molding process. Despite the simplified production, both components can be optimally coordinated with each other in terms of their geometry and resulting functionality.

The displacement of the latch with respect to the contact carrier has the advantage that a simple movement ensures that the latch, with its corresponding contact securing elements, secondary locks the contact partners in their respective inserted contact chambers. This can be achieved either by inserting a respective contact partner into its associated contact chamber and thereby primary locking, and then bringing the latch into operative connection with the contact carrier and subsequently moving it to thereby effect secondary locking. Alternatively, it is particularly preferred that the latch is already mounted on the contact carrier in a specific position, namely a pre-locking position, wherein in this pre-locking position of the latch it is possible to insert a contact partner into the contact chamber and primary lock it there. Once this has been done, the latch can be moved from its pre-locking position to its further position, in particular a final locking position, in order to thereby effect secondary locking of the contact partners in their contact chambers.

The DE 10 2017 204 166 A1 shows a connector with a one-piece or integrated secondary locking device. This connector comprises a male housing with a male nose, a plurality of male terminals, a female housing with a female locking area that slides over the male nose to be locked with the male nose in a mated state with the male housing, a plurality of female terminals that are aligned in the alignment direction in the female housing and coupled with the corresponding male terminals in the mated state, a CPA element (CPA = Connector Position Assurance) with a CPA locking area that is capable of to lock with the female locking portion at a connection securing position, and short-circuiting pieces provided in the female housing and short-circuiting the adjacent female terminals in the female housing in the unconnected state. Contact positions between the female terminals and the short-circuiting pieces and locking positions at which the female terminals are locked in the female housing are different from each other along a connection direction when viewed along that connection direction.

Another secondary locking device, designed as a separate component with positive locking, is used in the DE 10 2017 119 269 B3 A secondary locking mechanism is provided in the form of a housing position lock, whose locking kinematics are primarily rotational.

Disclosed is a contact housing with a plurality of electrical contact devices with a primary housing position lock for securing a plug-in position of the contact housing on/in a contact housing receptacle, and a secondary housing position lock for securing a securing position of the primary housing position lock, wherein the secondary housing position lock is connected in one piece or formed integrally with a region of the contact housing, wherein the secondary housing position lock can be moved from its unlocked position on/in the contact housing into its securing position on/in the contact housing, in which it secures the securing position of the primary housing position lock, wherein the secondary housing position lock can be pivoted by a rotational movement from its unlocked position into its securing position.

A secondary locking device designed as a separate component, designed as a CPA element, is used in the DE 20 2017 105 774 U1 The CPA element has spring clips and is preferably formed in one piece, in particular monolithically, or the spring clips are glued to the CPA element, for example. This secondary locking element is based on the latching hook principle, preferably with a rear grip. The CPA element can be positioned in a pre-locking position and a final locking position on the plug element. In this case, the pre-locking position is understood to mean a position of the CPA element on the plug element before the plug element is inserted into the mating plug element.

In this case, the final locking position refers to the position of the CPA element on the plug element after the plug element has been inserted into the mating plug element. The CPA element can only be moved from the pre-locking position to the final locking position when the mating plug element is engaged, which ensures that the plug element and the mating plug element are fully mated and thus locked.

The main locking element is movable in a first locking direction for locking with the plug element. The locking direction is generally understood to be a direction of movement of a locking element, for example a locking hook, in order to form a locking connection, in particular a rear engagement. The first locking direction is understood here to be a direction that is preferably oriented orthogonally to the plugging direction. In the pre-locking position, the CPA element is secured against displacement in the plugging direction by means of the at least one pre-locking element, as long as the mating plug element is not plugged in.

If secondary locking devices of the primary locking system are designed as integrated devices, particularly as internal devices within plug-in connections, it may be necessary to monitor the correct locking situation or to make it verifiable. For this purpose, DE 10 2017 125 193 A1 a connector and a method for testing a connector for a plug connection, comprising a contact carrier with at least one contact chamber accommodating a contact partner, wherein the contact partner is inserted in its contact chamber in a primary locked manner, wherein a locking tab is arranged with its fastening end pivotably on the contact carrier and forms a secondary locking for the at least one contact partner when the latter is inserted in its contact chamber in a primary locked manner.

With a proposed test plug, it is possible to check whether the locking tab is still in its open position, which does not yet effect secondary locking of the contact partner in its contact chamber, or whether the locking tab is already in the position that effects secondary locking of the contact partner in its contact chamber. A locking tab is provided, which has a crosspiece at its end facing away from the fastening end, which, together with the contact carrier, forms the secondary locking. A test plug is provided, which can be brought into operative connection with the connector and, if necessary, with the locking tab.

If the connector's contact carrier is brought into operative connection with the test plug, e.g., by plugging it in, the test plug can be used to test whether the locking tab is in its final locking position. If the locking tab is not, or not fully, in the final locking position or the pre-locking position, plugging the connector and test plug together allows the test plug to close the locking tab, i.e., bring it into its final locking position, thus ensuring secondary locking.

Known secondary locking devices for coaxial or right-angle connectors can be implemented as permanent or releasable connector position locks, CPA locking, or locking devices with one or more individual locking hooks between the CPA and the connector housing. These are typically offset from the center of the connector and act in the mating direction of the CPA. They only engage when central pressure is applied to the CPA.

If the secondary locking mechanism or connector position locking mechanism is displaced by offsetting the center or applying pressure or actuating force from one side, the secondary locking device may be tilted, with the result that the locking in the secondary locking position does not occur, does not occur completely, or only partially.

In order to at least partially counteract this tilting, slanting of the secondary locking device and thus incomplete or delayed locking, precise guidance of the secondary locking device relative to the housing of the connector and along its movement kinematics is required.

The solution provided in known connectors for avoiding intermediate positions in the movement path of the secondary locking device is implemented by a force accumulator, for example in the form of additionally tuned ribs that extend through an opening with an oversize. As a result, a defined resistance, a force increase, is generated over the locking movement path of the secondary locking device, so that a snap-in movement is generated as a result of the elastic restoring forces in the direction of movement of the locking position when overcoming the rib constriction. This supports the reliability of reaching the secondary locking position and reduces the risk of a slow creeping in or an intermediate latching position.

A secondary locking device according to claim 1 is in US 2007/037428 A1 Other secondary locking devices are known from EP 1 115 181 A1 and EP 3 490 077 A1 known.

The object of the invention is to further develop a secondary locking device for a primary locking system such that the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially reduced and the reliability of the secondary locking system is improved. The reliability-reducing intermediate position of the secondary locking device, the CPA element, is counteracted by the design according to the invention.

The teaching of the invention provides a secondary locking device for the primary locking of a plug connection in a push-button-like, mushroom-shaped configuration, which has a snap or ring snap connection that extends at least partially around the connector. This object is achieved by a secondary locking device according to claim 1 and a corresponding connector housing part according to claim 10.

The snap connection in the printhead-like secondary locking device is designed such that two end positions can be assumed in the form of two distinct switching positions: unlocked or locked. The snap geometry with a substantially force-locking connection exhibits self-guiding properties and/or self-centering properties in that the snap elements, at least in some areas, circumferentially form a partially arcuate or radially shaped rear engagement with their contact surfaces, which allows force-dependent displacements relative to one another.

Optionally, the invention provides for an additional guide element to further enhance the centering and/or guiding function. However, the push-button-like basic design provides considerable guidance and centering accuracy even without additional guide or centering elements.

The secondary locking device designed as a CPA element with a push-button-like shape can preferably be based on a plastic material and, due to the elastic material properties, supports a long service life and actuation load cycles because plastic materials have high deformation capabilities.

The geometries of the snap elements, both relative to each other and with regard to the force-locking connection, support the function of the energy storage device through the elastic restoring forces resulting from the spreading of the outer element by at least one beaded area of the inner snap element. The same applies to the actuation haptics, which provide the user with clear feedback that the locking position has been reached through its defined, clearly perceptible latching behavior. The haptic feedback effect can be enhanced by optionally provided sealing elements, as this conceals the additional friction of the sealing lips and reduces unwanted stopping or reduction of the snap movement into the locking position (so-called "slider creeping in").

The invention further advantageously supports the monitoring of the correct secondary locking position by making the correct end position in the locking position very easy to visually identify. In the end position, the push-button-like head of the secondary locking device rests against the associated connector housing. This externally visible situation can be easily detected visually by a user or an image processing system. Thus, the correct locking position of the secondary locking device can be monitored both visually and through haptic feedback.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung eines Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2a

die Seitenansicht eines Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in Verriegelungsposition;

Fig. 2b

die Schnittdarstellung A-A des Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in Verriegelungsposition gemäß Schnittlinienverlauf von Figur 2a;

Fig. 2c

die Schnittdarstellung A-A des Steckverbindersteckers in dreidimensionaler Abbildung mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in Verriegelungsposition gemäß Schnittlinienverlauf von Figur 2a;

Fig. 3a

die Seitenansicht eines Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in verriegelungsoffener Position;

Fig. 3b

die Schnittdarstellung B-B des Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in verriegelungsoffener Position gemäß Schnittlinienverlauf von Figur 3a;

Fig. 3c

die Schnittdarstellung B-B des Steckverbindersteckers in dreidimensionaler Abbildung mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in verriegelungsoffener Position gemäß Schnittlinienverlauf von Figur 3a;

Fig. 4

den Längsschnitt des Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 5

die Schnittdarstellung A-A des Steckverbindersteckers mit der erfindungsgemäßen Sekundärverriegelungsvorrichtung in Verriegelungsposition gemäß Schnittlinienverlauf von Figur 2a in vergrößerter Detailansicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the figures.

Fig. 1

a perspective exploded view of a connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention;

Fig. 2a

the side view of a connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking position;

Fig. 2b

the sectional view AA of the connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking position according to the section line of Figure 2a ;

Fig. 2c

the sectional view AA of the connector plug in three-dimensional illustration with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking position according to the section line of Figure 2a ;

Fig. 3a

the side view of a connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking open position;

Fig. 3b

the sectional view BB of the connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking open position according to the section line of Figure 3a ;

Fig. 3c

the sectional view BB of the connector plug in three-dimensional illustration with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking open position according to the section line of Figure 3a ;

Fig. 4

the longitudinal section of the connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 5

the sectional view AA of the connector plug with the secondary locking device according to the invention in the locking position according to the section line of Figure 2a in enlarged detailed view.

Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a connector plug 100 equipped with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention. The connector plug 100 of this exemplary embodiment is designed as an angled connector plug and is constructed by two connector housing parts 110, 120, which accommodate line contacts 101 and usually further connector elements on the inside or outside.

The primary component of the secondary locking device 1 is the secondary locking element, CPA element 10, whose structure and design is mushroom-shaped or push-button-shaped.

The secondary locking device 1 interacts with at least one connector housing part 110, 120 and can be coupled and preferably temporarily secured to the connector plug 100 via snap connections 11, 111. At least one locking pin 16 is provided to implement the secondary locking function. Optionally, at least one centering pin 15 and/or at least one coding pin 17 can be provided.

The movement kinematics of the secondary locking element, CPA element 10 of the secondary locking device 1, can, as selected here, follow a linear movement path axially parallel to the plug-in direction of the plug contacts 102. Other movement kinematics for secondary locking that deviate from the linear movement path and/or axially parallel orientation of this path are also encompassed and supported by the invention.

Figure 2a shows the side view of a connector plug 100 with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention in the locking position.

Figure 2b forms the sectional view AA of the connector plug 100 with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention in the locking position according to section line AA of Figure 2a The secondary locking position is assumed by the position of the secondary locking element, CPA element 10, in the end position along the locking kinematics and resting against at least one mechanical stop 18, 118.

The case shown here, where the stops 18, 118 both engage the front side of the snap-in connection elements 11, 111, is a special case, usually due to tolerances. Normally, the invention provides for one stop pair to have clearance on the front side and one to engage the block.

Figure 2c includes the sectional view AA of the connector plug 100 according to the section line of Figure 2a in three-dimensional illustration with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention in the locking position.

Figure 3a shows a side view of a connector plug 100 with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention in the unlocking position, i.e., in the position in which the secondary locking mechanism is unlocked. At least one gripping lug 19 can be provided on the push-button-shaped end of the secondary locking element 10 to improve the haptic properties, particularly when moving from the locked to the unlocked position.

Figure 3b forms the sectional view BB of the connector plug 100 with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention in the unlocking position according to section line BB of Figure 3a Due to the position of the secondary locking element, CPA element 10, in the open position along the locking kinematics, the secondary locking position is not assumed.

Figure 3c includes the sectional view BB of the connector plug 100 according to the section line of Figure 3a in three-dimensional illustration with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention in the unlocking position.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal section of the connector plug 100 with the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention. The snap connection 2, with its snap connection elements 11, 111, couples the CPA element 10 to a connector housing part 110. The mushroom-head or push-button-shaped upper side of the CPA element 10, with its CPA snap connection 11, practically encloses the snap connection 111 of the connector housing part 110 on the outside in a manner that practically fits over it. The seal 20 shown here, but optional, is located radially inside the snap connection 2.

Figure 5 comprises the sectional view AA of the secondary locking device 1 according to the invention with its snap connection 2 in the locking position according to the section line AA of Figure 2a in enlarged detailed view.

The snap connection 2 is essentially formed by the snap connection elements 11, 111 and can optionally be supplemented by at least one combination of stop surfaces 18, 118 to form a mechanical end stop for the defined end position of the secondary locking device 1 in the locking position. At least one snap connection bead 12, 112 is provided for each snap connection element 11, 111, each of which is bead-shaped or bulbous with a concave or convex contour and is coordinated with one another in a corresponding manner, so that in the snap-in position, the largely force-locking connection to establish the stable end stop and locking position with the corresponding snap connection element 111, 11 is supported.

The force-locking of the connection results from the elastic restoring forces of the connection in the inclined contour areas 13, 113 of the snap connection. The inclined resultant has a radial and an axial force component, so that a movement kinematics out of the locking position into the Figure 5 shown open position must overcome this locking force. As long as an acting axially acting unlocking force is smaller than the locking force of the snap connection 2, the secondary locking device 1 is held in the final locking position.

The elastic restoring forces in the snap connection 2 with the snap connection elements 11, 111 can be reinforced, increased in amount and/or the resultant can be influenced in its position by an optional seal 20, so that the locking force is increased.

The illustrated embodiment is realized with a circumferential, here also concentric, arrangement of the snap-in connection elements 11, 111. Deviating designs, for example, partially eccentric arrangements and, in particular, snap-in connection combinations along a pitch circle, radian section, and also multiple sections over the circumference, are encompassed by the invention.

In order to facilitate the locking kinematics and/or to reduce the axial forces acting on the seal 20 during the locking movement when a seal 20 is optionally used, threading bevels 14, 114 can be provided at least partially on at least one snap connection element 11, 111.

Reference symbol

1

Secondary locking device

2

Snap connection

10

Secondary locking element, CPA element

11

Element snap connection, CPA element snap connection

12

Snap connection bead

13

Snap connection bevel

14

Threading bevel, chamfer

15

Centering pin (optional)

16

locking pin

17

Coding pin (optional)

18

Stop surface

19

handle nose

20

seal

100

Connector plug

101

electrical line contact

102

electrical plug contact

110

first connector housing part

111

Housing snap connection

112

Snap connection bead

113

Snap connection bevel

114

Threading bevel, chamfer

118

Stop surface

120

second connector housing part

Claims (14)

1. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100), in particular an airbag plug connector for locking a plug connection in its primary contacting position, comprising at least one mushroom-shaped secondary locking element (10) having at least one locking pin (16) for introducing into a plug-connector housing (110), characterized in that the mushroom-shaped secondary locking element (10) has a push-button-shaped region having at least one ring snap connection (11) which is encircling in regions, or completely encircling, wherein the at least one ring snap connection (11) is formed so as to correspond to a housing snap connection (111) in such a way that the secondary locking element (10) can be fixed in the locking position.
2. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing in the locking position is a releasable connection and is largely force-fitting.
3. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ring snap connection (11) has at least one snap connection bead (12).
4. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ring snap connection (11) has at least one snap connection bevel (13).
5. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the at least one snap connection bead (12) and the at least one snap connection bevel (13) extend in the direction of the central axis of the secondary locking element (10).
6. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ring snap connection (11) has at least one threading bevel (13).
7. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the ring snap connection (11) has at least one detent face (18) for providing a defined mechanical end position in the locking position.
8. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a seal (20) is disposed so as to be adjacent to the ring snap connection (11).
9. Secondary locking device (1) for a plug-connector plug (100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the secondary locking element (10) is supplemented by at least one centring pin (15) and/or a coding pin (17).
10. Plug-connector housing part (110) for a plug connector (100) for receiving at least one electrical plug contact (102) and/or at least one electrical line contact (101), and connectible to a second plug-connector housing part (120), characterized in that the plug-connector housing part (110) has, adjacent to an opening for the secondary locking element (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9, at least one housing snap connection (111) which is designed so as to correspond to the ring snap connection (11) of the secondary locking element (10), so that a secondary locking device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 is able to be fixed in its locking position on the plug-connector housing part (110).
11. Plug-connector housing part (110) for a plug connector (100) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the housing snap connection (111) has at least one snap connection bead (112) and at least one snap connection bevel (113) so as to correspond to the ring snap connection (11).
12. Plug-connector housing part (110) for a plug connector (100) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the at least one snap connection bead (112) and the at least one snap connection bevel (113) extend outwards in the radial direction.
13. Plug-connector plug (100) for contacting an electrically conducting connection, having at least one plug-connector housing part (110) having a housing snap connection (111) according to one of Claims 10 to 12 for receiving a secondary locking device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9.
14. Plug-connector plug (100) for contacting an electrically conducting connection according to Claim 13, characterized in that the plug-connector plug (100) facilitates a plug connection deviating from the co-aligned position of the line outlets and preferably in a mutually orthogonal position.

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