WO2013123532A1 - Plug-in connector element with a clamping device for engaging in a recess of a counter element - Google Patents

Description

 CONNECTOR ELEMENT WITH A CLAMPING DEVICE FOR INTERMITTING IN ONE

 EXECUTION OF ANOTHER ELEMENT

The invention relates to a connector element according to the preamble of claim 1.

A connector element is part of a plug connection, for example a device plug connection.

Due to the different connector standards in many countries and the resulting logistical difficulties of the device manufacturer in the

Delivery, more and more separable device connection cables have prevailed through device plug connections. These allow the production of country-independent device variants where the correct device connection cable to the device is then packed shortly before delivery.

One disadvantage, however, is that when the device is plugged in and shattered, someone unintentionally disconnects the device connection cable from the device plug-in connector. This can lead to serious problems, especially in the medical field, but also in other applications, for example in a server.

For this purpose, fixing means for connectors have long been known, such as screws, brackets or snaps.

A disadvantage of connectors with known fixatives is that they are very cumbersome to use in a hard to reach position of the connector, so a position which offers little space and the user can only be achieved by one or two fingers. Be it by the additional space required for screw or headband, or by the cumbersome handling of snap closures, which must be pressed simultaneously when pulling out of the connector on the fixing.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a connector element of the type mentioned, with which the mentioned disadvantages can be avoided, and with which a secure mechanical connection of the connector is also possible in hard to reach positions while easy handling by the user. This is achieved by the features of claim 1 according to the invention.

This has the advantage that the connector element with a

Counter element can enter into a mechanically secured connection even in hard to reach positions, the mechanically secured connection is particularly easy to manufacture and solve. An inaccessible position of the

Plug connection can be, for example, within a system in which the position is accessible only with a few fingers or an elongated tool. Even in the home, for example, a device plug for household electronics at the rear be arranged difficult to access, be it in a cabinet arranged in a TV or music system or the computer of a PC, which is stowed under a table. By the at the

Sliding surface arranged locking element of the locking device, wherein the sliding surface is arranged outside the housing, a particularly compact design, can be provided, whereby the space requirement can be kept low. By the rotational movement for actuating the locking device can be dispensed with a spring preload and the like, whereby the

Movement of the user to insert or remove the user

Connector element and the operation of the locking device can be separated from each other, whereby the operability is significantly simplified compared to a snap connection. Furthermore, such a thing

trained connector element to be particularly robust and easy to manufacture.

The subclaims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

It is expressly referred to the wording of the claims, whereby the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description and are considered to be reproduced verbatim.

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only a particularly preferred embodiment is shown by way of example, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of a connector, wherein Connector element and counter element are separated from each other;

Fig. 2 shows the particularly preferred embodiment of the connector in a release position;

Fig. 3 shows the particularly preferred embodiment of the connector in the release position, wherein one half of the counter-element is not shown;

FIG. 4 shows the particularly preferred embodiment according to the illustration in FIG. 3, but in a locking position; FIG.

Fig. 5 shows the particularly preferred embodiment of the connector as a partial side section, wherein the connector element and counter element are separated from each other; and

Fig. 6 shows the particularly preferred embodiment of the connector according to the illustration in Fig. 4, but in the locked position.

Figs. 1 to 6 show a particularly preferred embodiment of a

Connector element 1 for connecting with a counter-counter element 2 to close contacts 3 and mating contacts 4 a line. The

Connector element 1 and the counter element 2 serve, by means of

Contacts 3 and mating contacts 4 a, in particular repeatable, releasable electrically conductive connector to produce. The contacts 3, for example, as a pen or as a knife, or as a respective recording or

Be formed contact bush for a pin or a knife, wherein the mating contacts 4 are formed such that when plugging the

Connector element 1 in the counter element 2, the contacts 3 and

Mating contacts 4 are brought into contact with each other. The contacts 3 may further be rigid or movable, in particular resilient.

The connector element 1 and / or the counter element 2 can in particular as a plug, particularly preferably device plug, and / or as a coupling, in particular device coupling, and / or as a socket, in particular

Appliance socket, be formed. In particular, the connector element may be formed as part of a device connection line, wherein a Device connection line is adapted to connect an electrical device to an electrical supply network.

But the connector element 1 can also for other forms of a

Plug connection may be provided. For example, the connector element 1 may be formed as a safety plug. The connector element 1 may be formed in particular as a plug, coupling or socket.

It is provided that the connector element 1 has a housing 5 with a sliding surface 6 arranged on the outside of the housing. The housing 5 can

in particular have a front part molded of plastic, in which the contacts 3, in particular in a contact holder, are arranged. The housing 5 may further be sprayed with plastic to achieve a mechanical strain relief. Furthermore, the housing 5 may be formed in particular in one piece. The sliding surface 6 of the connector element 1 is that surface of the housing 5, along which the connector element 1 in the mating operation in the

Counter element 2 slides. In the inserted state, the sliding surface 6 of the connector element 1 and a counter-opposing surface 9 of the

Counterelement 2 in contact, and provide substantially by means of frictional engagement for the mechanical connection of the connector element 1 and counter element 2. According to the illustrated particularly preferred embodiment, the

Sliding surface 6 to the outside and the opposite counter surface 9 of the counter element 2 inwards.

The sliding surface may in particular be parallel to an intended insertion direction. The plug-in direction is the direction in which the connector element 1 must be moved to connect or disconnect the connector.

In particular, it may further be provided that the housing 5 has a stop surface 14 on the front side. The stop surface 14 is in this case in particular normal to the insertion direction, and is in the fully inserted state of the

Connector 12 in contact with the counter element. 2

It is provided that on the housing 5 a Verriegelungsvorn ^' direction 7 is rotatably mounted, that the locking device 7 by a rotational movement can be switched between a locking position and a release position, that the locking device 7 comprises a arranged in the region of the sliding surface 6 locking element 8, and that in the locking position the

Locking element 8 for engaging in a recess 17 of the

Gegenelementes 2 protrudes from the sliding surface 6. In the locking position, the locking element 8 engages in the recess 17 of the counter-element 2, thereby preventing a release of the connector. In this case, the locking device 7 can be transferred by a rotational movement from the release position into the locking position, or vice versa. In the

Release position is the locking element 8 outside of the recess 17 of the counter-element 2, whereby the connector is released and can be solved. The locking element 8 can in this case be moved by a rotary movement of the Verriegetungsvorrichtung 7, and thereby predeterminable in the

Locking position or the release position can be spent. Due to the rotatable mounting of the locking device 7, in contrast to a snap connection with a resilient tongue and a locking projection having no bias, whereby the rotatably mounted

Locking device 7 has a high technical life.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the locking device 7 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation extending parallel to a direction of insertion provided. This can be prevented by a

Force parallel to the direction of insertion, ie a push or pull on

Connector element 1, the Verriegetungsvorrichtung 7 is moved because a force component parallel to the rotational axis does not trigger torque. This can be dispensed with an additional backup or spring preload.

Furthermore, in particular, a connector 12 comprising a

Connector element 1 and a counter-trained counter-element 2 may be provided for closing the contacts 3 and mating contacts 4 of a line, wherein the connector element 1 contacts 3 and a housing 5 having a sliding surface 6, wherein the counter-element 2 mating contacts 4 and a counter-sliding surface 6 trained Counter surface 9, wherein the

Connector element 1 according to the advantageous manner described here is formed, wherein the counter-element 2 has a recess 17 in the mating surface 9, and that in the locking position, the locking element 8 engages in the recess 17.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the locking element 8 has a substantially flat locking surface 18, and that the

Locking surface 18 substantially normal to a rotation axis of the

Locking device 7 extends. The locking surface 8 is in this case that surface of the locking element 8, which rests in the locking position and a tensile load in the insertion direction of the recess 1, and counteracts a release of the connector. By substantially flat and arranged normal to the axis of rotation locking surface 18, the

Locking device 7 even at a tensile load of the connector still be actuated, since in this case during the rotational movement, the locking element 8 along the locking surface 18 can slide.

According to the particularly preferred embodiment in Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, the connector element 1, the outer contour of a cold device coupling, in particular according to IEC-60320 C13, while the counter-element 2 essentially as oldgeräteeinbaustecker, in particular according to IEC-60320 C14, with a

Recess 17 may be formed in the mating surface 9.

The locking device 7 may particularly preferably comprise a shaft 13. Here, in particular, the locking element 8 as a in a

Direction expansive thickening of the shaft 13 is formed. This thickening may in particular be designed as a wing arranged on the shaft.

As a result, the desired effect can be achieved with simple means.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the locking element 8 is arranged completely in the release position within a recess 10 of the housing 5, and that the locking element 8 protrudes from the recess 10 in the locking position. In this case, this recess 10 may be formed in particular trough-shaped. As a result, only minor changes to a conventional connector element 1 are necessary to achieve the desired effect. Characterized in that the recess 10 formed trough-shaped is, the tightness of the housing, for example against water, not negatively influenced by the additional locking device 7.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the shaft 13 is arranged completely in the recess 10.

In Fig. 1. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the locking device 7 of the particularly preferred embodiment is shown in the release position. Here, the locking element 8 is formed as arranged on the shaft 13 wings, wherein the wing in the release pitch in a direction parallel to the local sliding surface 6, ie to the plane which of the sliding surface 6 in the region of

Locking element 8 is clamped, points. That's it

Locking element 8 is disposed completely in the recess 10 and does not protrude beyond the sliding surface 6. As a result, the locking element 8 does not engage in the recess 17 of the counter surface 9, whereby the connector can be easily made and released in the release position. in the locking position of the particularly preferred embodiment of a connector element 1, which is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, the shaft 13 is rotated relative to the release position, in particular by an angle of substantially 90 °, which is why the locking element 8 from the recess 10th and thus also protrudes from the sliding surface 6. The direction in which the

Locking element 8 has, is normal to the local sliding surface 6. That means that the locking element 8 from the shaft 13 to the adjacent counter-surface 9 has. This allows the locking element 8 in the recess 17 of

Intervene counter surface 9.

Particularly preferably, it can further be provided that the

Locking device 7 a, in particular manually operable,

ßetätigungselement 11 for switching between the release position and the locking position comprises. As a result, it is easy to switch between the release position and the locking position.

In particular, it can be provided that the locking element 8 with the

Actuator 11 is at least indirectly firmly connected. This can be a direct power transmission from the actuator 11 to the

Locking element 8 can be achieved. This allows the

Locking device 7 are particularly simple but robust.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the locking device 7 comprises a shaft 13, and that the shaft 3 is rigidly connected to the locking element 8 and the actuating element 11. This can be one on the

Actuator 11 acting force by means of the shaft 13 directly on the

Locking element 8 are transmitted, whereby the locking device 7 can be made particularly simple and robust.

It can preferably be provided that the actuating element 11 as

pivotable plate is formed. This pivotable plate may be referred to as an actuating wing, in particular, the actuating element 11 may be fixedly connected to the shaft 13, whereby a pivoting of the

Actuating element 11 leads to a rotation of the shaft 13 and ultimately to a corresponding pivoting of the locking element 8. Alternatively, the actuating element 11 may also be designed as a rocker switch.

In particular, it may be provided that the actuating element 11 is arranged in part in the recess 10, wherein an actuatable part of the actuating element 11 is arranged outside the recess.

Here, the actuatable part of the actuating element 11 only slightly, for example, up to 3 mm, protrude from the recess 10, whereby the

Actuator 1 mainly by means of a tool, such as a screwdriver is actuated. It can thereby be prevented that the locking device 7 is transferred unintentionally or by unauthorized persons into the release position, since a tool is required for switching.

In this case, it may in particular be provided that the actuatable part of the

Actuating element 11 is formed substantially T-shaped. As a result, a tool can grip better, causing a continuous slipping from

Actuator 11 can be prevented. Alternatively it can be provided that the actuatable part of the

Actuating element 11 so far protrudes from the depression that an operation with the bare hand is possible, for example by the actuatable part of the

Actuator 1 1 protrudes for more than 3 mm from the recess.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the housing 5 a

Snap device is formed, and that the latching device fixes the actuating element 11 in the locking position. The snap-in device can be designed in particular as a resilient flap with a latching extension. When the actuating element 1 is brought into the locking position, the actuating element 1 engages in the latching device, wherein the actuating element 11 is held by means of the latching extension. The

Snap-in device can engage behind an edge of the actuating element 11 or 11 by a recording of the actuating element

Pass through the actuating element 1 1. To solve the fixation can

Betätigungsetement 11 are brought back from the latching device, wherein the tab is pushed back with the latching extension of the actuating element 11. By means of the snap-in device, it is easy to provide an additional safeguard that the locking device 7 in the

Locking position remains.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the locking device 7 is integrally formed. This means that locking element 8,

Betätigungsetement 11 and shaft 13 forms an integral unit. As a result, the locking device 7, and connected to the

Connector element 1 can be very simple and designed with a few items. Furthermore, a low susceptibility to misuse and high availability of the connector element 1 can be achieved.

According to the particularly preferred embodiment can be provided that the recess 10 is formed as a groove which extends in the insertion direction and is open in the region of the stop surface 14. The recess has an open

Storage area, which is located between the areas where the

Locking element 8 or the actuating element 11 are provided for arrangement. Furthermore, according to the particularly preferred embodiment provided be in the storage area 15, the recess 10 narrows outwardly, ie the surface of the housing 5, wherein the constriction of the recess 10 is formed such that the actuating element eleventh for assembly

can be pushed through, but while the shaft 13 is secured by the constriction against falling out through the constriction.

Furthermore, it can be provided according to the particularly preferred embodiment that in the recess 10 in the region of the stop surface 14, an end piece 16 is arranged, in particular pressed. The tail 16 secures the

Locking device 7 against falling out in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the end piece 16 may have a recess, in which a mandrel of the shaft 13 can be stored. As a result, a connector element 1 can be made particularly simple, since for the locking device 7 and the storage of these only two other parts compared to a conventional

Connector element 1 are required.

The locking device 7 may be formed substantially of metal or plastic. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that the entire locking device 7 is made of a material, for example metal or high-strength plastic.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the connector element 1 comprises a sealing element. The sealing element is arranged in the connected state of the connector element 1 and counter element 2 between the connector element 1 and counter element 2, in particular in that region of the sliding surface 6, which is not encompassed by the counter element, that protrudes from the counter element 2. The

Sealing element may in particular as a substantially annular

Be formed plastic element. This allows a splash-proof connector 12 can be achieved, the tightness through the

Locking device 7 can be better protected, since unintentional release of the connector, and thus the tightness is prevented.

Claims

PATENT APPLICATIONS 1. Connector element (1) for connecting to a counter-counter element (2) to close contacts (3) and mating contacts (4) of a line, wherein the connector element (1) has a housing (5) with a sliding surface arranged on the outside of the housing (6 ), characterized in that on the housing (5) a locking device (7) is rotatably mounted, that the locking device (7) by a rotational movement between a Locking position and a release position is switchable, that the Locking device (7) comprises in the region of the Gleitf pool (6) arranged locking element (8), and in that in the locking position, the locking element (8) for engaging in a recess (17) of the Gegenelementes (2) protrudes from the sliding surface (6). 2. Connector element according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device (7) is rotatably mounted about a parallel to an intended insertion direction extending axis of rotation. 3. Connector element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking element (8) has a substantially flat locking surface (18), and in that the locking surface (18) in the Substantially normal to a rotational axis of the locking device (7) extends. 4. Connector element according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the release position, the locking element (8) is arranged completely inside a recess (10) in the housing (5), and in that locking element (8) protrudes from the recess (10). 5. Connector element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking device (7), in particular manually operable, actuating element (11) for switching between the Release position and the locking position includes. 6. Connector element (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking element (8) with the actuating element (1 1) is at least indirectly fixedly connected. 7. Connector element (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized characterized in that the locking device (7) comprises a shaft (13), and that the shaft (13) is connected to the locking element (8) and the Actuator (11) is rigidly connected. 8. Connector element (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the actuating element (11) is designed as a pivotable plate. 9. Connector element (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that on the housing (5) has a latching device is formed, and that the latching device in the locking position the Actuator (11) fixed. 10. Connector element (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking device (7) is integrally formed. 11. Connector (12) comprising a connector element (1) and a counter-shaped counter-element (2) for closing the contacts (3) and mating contacts (4) of a line, wherein the connector element (1) contacts (3) and a housing (5) a sliding surface (6), wherein the Counter-element (2) mating contacts (4) and a counter-surface (9) of the same sliding surface (6) formed, characterized in that the connector element (1) is designed according to one of claims 1 to 10, that the counter-element (2) has a recess (17) in the mating surface (9), and in that in the locking position, the locking element (8) in the Recess (17) engages.