PLUG CONNECTOR AND PLUG CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A plug connector for interlocking with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction. The plug connector includes: a plug connector housing configured to accommodate at least one contact element; a lever assembly swivelable between a first position and a second position; a cover; and a CPA including at least one blocking element. In the second position, the lever assembly is releasably latched to a latching structure. The CPA is situated at the cover, and is displaceable between an unblocking position and a blocking position along a displacement direction. The CPA includes a blocking element which in the blocking position of the CPA prevents a displacement of the latching structure for releasing the latch between the lever assembly and the latching structure.

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. A plug connector for interlocking with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction, the plug connector comprising: a plug connector housing configured to accommodate at least one contact element; a lever assembly that is swivelable between a first position and a second position; a cover situated at the plug connector housing; a connector position assurance (CPA) that includes at least one blocking element; wherein: in the second position, the lever assembly being releasably latched to a latching structure, the CPA is situated at the cover, the CPA is displaceable between an unblocking position and a blocking position along a displacement direction, the CPA includes a blocking element which, in the blocking position of the CPA, prevents a displacement of the latching structure for releasing the latch between the lever assembly and the latching structure, the blocking element and the cover are configured to cooperate with each other in such a way that a displacement of the CPA from the unblocking position into the blocking position is a function of a position of the lever assembly, and in the first position of the lever assembly, the CPA not being movable from the unblocking position into the blocking position, the lever assembly includes an unlocking element, in the second position of the lever assembly, the unlocking element moving the blocking element transversely with respect to the displacement direction, so that the CPA is movable into the blocking position.

10. The plug connector as recited in claim 9, wherein: the blocking element is elastically reversibly deflectable transversely with respect to the displacement direction and includes a blocking structure, a counterstructure that cooperates with the blocking structure in a form-fit manner being provided at the cover, the counterstructure blocking a displacement of the CPA into the blocking position when the CPA is in the unblocking position and the CPA is moved in the direction of the blocking position and the blocking element is not deflected, during a deflection of the blocking element transversely with respect to the displacement direction, the blocking structure and the counterstructure no longer cooperating and becoming disengaged, and a displacement of the CPA into the blocking position being possible.

11. The plug connector as recited in claim 9, wherein the counterstructure includes a first surface that faces the CPA, and has a first surface normal that extends essentially along the displacement direction, the first surface, starting from a base, protruding into a displacement path of the blocking structure when the blocking element is not deflected, the blocking structure including a second surface having a second surface normal, the second surface normal being tilted away from the base, viewed along the displacement direction, by a first angle with respect to the first surface normal, the first angle being in a range of between 2° and 15°.

12. The plug connector as recited in claim 9, wherein the unlocking element is a journal which protrudes from the lever assembly, and which in the second position of the lever assembly deflects the blocking element transversely with respect to the displacement direction, when the CPA is in the unblocking position.

13. The plug connector as recited in claim 9, wherein the blocking element includes a nose structure that protrudes transversely with respect to the displacement direction, and that protrudes into a trajectory of the unlocking element when the lever assembly moves from the first position into the second position, the nose structure including in particular a run-on slope for the unlocking element.

14. The plug connector as recited in claim 11, wherein the counterstructure includes a third surface that faces away from the CPA and that has a third surface normal extending at a second angle between 30° and 60° with respect to the displacement direction, the blocking structure including a fourth surface that faces the CPA and that has a fourth surface normal, the fourth surface normal extending essentially in parallel to the third surface normal, the fourth surface being configured as a run-on slope for the unlocking element of the lever assembly.

15. The plug connector as recited in claim 9, wherein the CPA includes a central element, the blocking element being an arm that protrudes from the central element, essentially along the displacement direction, the arm being elastically reversibly deflectable transversely with respect to the displacement direction, the arm in an area of its free end including a nose structure that protrudes transversely with respect to the displacement direction and that protrudes into a trajectory of the unlocking element when the lever assembly moves from the first position into the second position, the nose structure including a run-on slope for the unlocking element.

16. A plug connector assembly, comprising: a plug connector for interlocking with a mating plug connector along an insertion direction, the plug connector including: a plug connector housing configured to accommodate at least one contact element, a lever assembly that is swivelable between a first position and a second position, a cover situated at the plug connector housing; a connector position assurance (CPA) that includes at least one blocking element, wherein: in the second position, the lever assembly being releasably latched to a latching structure, the CPA is situated at the cover, the CPA is displaceable between an unblocking position and a blocking position along a displacement direction, the CPA includes a blocking element which, in the blocking position of the CPA, prevents a displacement of the latching structure for releasing the latch between the lever assembly and the latching structure, the blocking element and the cover are configured to cooperate with each other in such a way that a displacement of the CPA from the unblocking position into the blocking position is a function of a position of the lever assembly, and in the first position of the lever assembly, the CPA not being movable from the unblocking position into the blocking position, the lever assembly includes an unlocking element, in the second position of the lever assembly, the unlocking element moving the blocking element transversely with respect to the displacement direction, so that the CPA is movable into the blocking position; and the mating plug connector, the mating plug connector including a mating plug connector housing that is configured to accommodate at least one countercontact element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary specific embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting to the present invention, with reference to the figures.

[0064] FIGS. 1A and 1B show schematic illustrations of a plug connector assembly from the related art.

[0065] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a plug connector of a plug connector assembly, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIGS. 3A through 4B show various illustrations of a CPA and a cover of the plug connector from FIG. 2.;

[0067] FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic views of a lever assembly of the plug connector from FIG. 2 in different perspectives.

[0068] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an enlarged view of the blocking structure of the CPA and the counterstructure at the cover, prior to cooperation and during cooperation in the unblocking position of the CPA.

[0069] FIG. 7A shows a top view onto the cover and the CPA in the blocking position, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 7B shows an enlarged illustration of the blocking structure and the counterstructure from FIG. 7A, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] FIGS. 8A through 8C show illustrations of a plug connector during the operation of connecting the plug connector and the mating plug connector in various states, in each case as a side view and as a top view, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] FIGS. 9A through 9C show schematic illustrations of the cooperation of the unlocking element of the lever assembly from FIGS. 8A through 8C, during unlocking of the blocking element of the CPA in the unblocking position, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0073] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a schematic illustration of a plug connector assembly 100 from the related art in an unconnected state (FIG. 1A) and in a connected state (FIG. 1B). Plug connector assembly 100 includes a plug connector 1 with a plug connector housing 2, and a mating plug connector 60 with a mating plug connector housing 61. Plug connector 1 is suited or configured for interlocking with mating plug connector 60 along an insertion direction Z.

[0074] Mating plug connector housing 61 is configured to accommodate a plurality of countercontact elements 62, in the present case designed as pins or contact blades; only a single countercontact element 62 is illustrated here for reasons of clarity.

[0075] Plug connector housing 2 is configured to accommodate a plurality of contact elements 3, which in the present case are designed as socket contact elements, for example, and situated in contact chambers 10 in the interior of plug connector housing 2.

[0076] Plug connector 1 also includes a cover 5 at the side of plug connector housing 2 facing away from mating plug connector 60.

[0077] Plug connector 1 also includes a lever assembly 4 for reducing operating forces that occur during the plugging operation, lever assembly 4 being swivelable between a first position P1 (FIG. 1A) and a second position P2 (FIG. 1B). The swiveling from first position P1 into second position P2 takes place about an axis A, and defines a rotational direction D. First position P1 may also be referred to as an open position or unlocked position. Second position P2 may also be referred to as a closed position or locked position; in second position P2, lever assembly 4 is releasably latched to a latching structure 6 designed as a detent lug.

[0078] For better orientation, a Cartesian coordinate system is indicated, insertion direction Z being perpendicular to a direction Y, which in the present case corresponds to the direction of axis A. A longitudinal direction of plug connector housing 2 extends here along a direction X that extends perpendicularly with respect to the Y direction and also with respect to insertion direction Z.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a plug connector 1 of a plug connector assembly 100, details of plug connector 1 being described below, also with reference to FIGS. 3A through 5B.

[0080] FIG. 2 shows that plug connector 1 illustrated here, in contrast to plug connector 1 from FIGS. 1A and 1B, includes a CPA 20 with at least one blocking element 22 (cf. FIG. 3A, for example). Blocking element 22, strictly by way of example, may be designed as an arm 25, and may be situated, for example, at a central element 24. The central element may extend, for example, transversely with respect to the direction of extension of blocking element 22. In the installed state of plug connector 1, CPA 20 is situated at cover 5 and is displaceable (in the present case, slidable) between an unblocking position EL and a blocking position SL along a displacement direction V. CPA 20 includes a blocking element 21 (cf. FIG. 3A, for example) which in blocking position SL of CPA 20 prevents a displacement of latching structure 6 for releasing the latch between lever assembly 4 and latching structure 6, and in the present case thus prevents a displacement of latching structure 6 in the direction of cover 5. Blocking element 22 and cover 5 are designed to cooperate with one another in such a way that a displacement of CPA 20 from unblocking position EL into blocking position SL (from left to right in FIG. 3B, for example) is a function of a position of lever assembly 4 (cf. FIGS. 8A through 9C in this regard). In first position P1 of lever assembly 4, CPA 20 cannot be moved from unblocking position EL into blocking position SL. Lever assembly 4 (FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B) includes an unlocking element 7 which in the present case is designed as a journal 70 or pin, etc., in second position P2 of lever assembly 4, unlocking element 7 displacing blocking element 22, in particular transversely with respect to displacement direction V (in the present case, radially outwardly, viewed from the center of cover 5), so that CPA 20 is displaceable into blocking position SL. This radially outward displacement corresponds here to a displacement on the Y axis. However, a displacement along or opposite insertion direction Z may also be provided.

[0081] At its side facing cover 5, CPA 20 includes, as an example here, a first guide element 29 that extends along displacement direction V. At its side facing CPA 20, cover 5 includes, as an example here, a second guide element 30, with first and second guide elements 29, 30 being coupled to one another. In this exemplary embodiment, first guide element 29, strictly by way of example, includes a groove 31, and the second guide element includes a bar 32 that protrudes from cover 5 toward CPA 20.

[0082] Cover 5 here is fastened to plug connector housing 2 by clip connections, for example. The cover may also be manufactured as an injection-molded part, for example. It may, for example, be made of plastic or may contain plastic.

[0083] FIG. 3A shows that CPA 20 in the present case includes two blocking elements 22 which are designed in parallel to each other here as an example. Each blocking element 22 is designed to cooperate with cover 5 in such a way that a displacement of CPA 20 from unblocking position EL into blocking position SL is a function of a position of lever assembly 4 (cf. FIGS. 8A through 9C in this regard).

[0084] Each blocking element 22 is elastically reversibly deflectable transversely with respect to displacement direction V, and includes a blocking structure 23. Counterstructures 50 that cooperate with blocking structures 23, in the present case in a form-fit manner strictly by way of example, and that block a displacement of CPA 20 into blocking position SL are provided at cover 5. This blockage occurs when [0085] CPA 20 is in unblocking position EL and [0086] CPA 20 is moved in the direction of blocking position SL and [0087] blocking elements 22 are not deflected (in the present case, not deflected radially outwardly).

[0088] During a deflection of blocking elements 22 transversely with respect to displacement direction V (in the present case, radially outwardly), blocking structure 23 and counterstructure 50 no longer cooperate (cf. FIG. 9C, for example) and then become disengaged, and a displacement of CPA 20 into blocking position SL is made possible.

[0089] The geometric design and the cooperation of blocking structures 23 and respective counterstructures 50, illustrated here as an example, are also discussed below by way of example with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 6A, and 6B. The description is limited to a single pair made up of blocking structure 23 and counterstructure 50.

[0090] FIGS. 3B and 6A show that counterstructure 50 includes a first surface F1 that faces CPA 20 and that has a first surface normal N1 that extends essentially along displacement direction V. As described above, the direction of the surface normals is always indicated here along displacement direction V whenever possible. First surface F1, starting from a base 51, protrudes into displacement path VW (cf. also FIG. 6A) of blocking structure 23 when blocking element 22 is not deflected.

[0091] FIGS. 3A and 6A show that blocking structure 23 includes a second surface F2 having a second surface normal N2, second surface normal N2 being tilted away from base 51, viewed along displacement direction V, by a first angle α with respect to first surface normal N1. First angle α may be in a range between 2° and 15°, for example.

[0092] FIGS. 6A and 6B show the effect of the tilting of the two surface normals N1, N2 relative to one another. As long as first surface F1 is not yet in full contact with second surface F2, upon the first mechanical contact of the two surfaces F1, F2 with each other, the tilting acts as a run-on slope or run-up slope. Due to the direction of the tilting (first angle α), blocking element 22 is pushed in the direction of base 51 (in the present case, radially inwardly), and thus opposite to the unlocking direction (in the present case, radially outwardly). This prevents blocking elements 22 from “snapping” radially outwardly and CPA 20 being moved into blocking position SL due to an increasing pressure on CPA 20 along displacement direction V, even though lever assembly 4 is not in second position P2.

[0093] In this state acted on by force (FIG. 6B), the two surface normals N1, N2 extend in parallel.

[0094] It is clearly apparent in FIGS. 5A and 5B that two unlocking elements 7 are situated at lever assembly 4, and as an example are each designed here as a journal 70 that protrudes from lever assembly 4. In second position P2 of lever assembly 4, the two unlocking elements 7, 70 deflect blocking element 22 or respectively corresponding blocking elements 22 transversely with respect to displacement direction V, in particular when CPA 20 is in unblocking position EL.

[0095] In the present case, lever assembly 4 includes two lever arms 41 and a connecting element 42 that connects the two lever arms 41. Lever assembly 4 thus has the shape of an (upside-down) U.

[0096] It is clearly apparent in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B that blocking element 22 includes a nose structure 27 that protrudes transversely with respect to displacement direction V, and which protrudes into trajectory T of unlocking element 7 when lever assembly 4 moves from first position P1 into second position P2. To allow the radially outward deflection of blocking element 22 to take place easily, smoothly, and without jerking, in the present case nose structure 27 includes by way of example a run-on slope 28 for unlocking element 7, this run-on slope corresponding, as an example, to the nose bridge of nose structure 27.

[0097] Counterstructure 50 in the present case includes a third surface F3 by way of example which faces away from CPA 20 and has a third surface normal N3. Third surface normal N3 extends, for example, at a second angle β between 30° and 60° with respect to displacement direction V. Blocking structure 23 includes a fourth surface F4 that faces CPA 20 (i.e., points into a hemisphere opposite the insertion direction) and has a fourth surface normal N4, fourth surface normal N4 extending essentially in parallel to third surface normal N3. Fourth surface F4 may be configured as a run-on slope 28 for unlocking element 7 of lever assembly 4.

[0098] CPA 20 has a first thickness d1 transverse to displacement direction V. This first thickness d1 is formed in particular at blocking element 22 or at nose structure 27. For example, first thickness d1 is formed at that structure which interacts with unlocking element 7.

[0099] he counterstructure has a second thickness d2 transverse to displacement direction V. Second thickness d2 may, for example, be smaller than first thickness d1. First thickness d1 and second thickness d2 may be designed in such a way, for example, that in second position P2 of the lever assembly, unlocking element 7 comes into (mechanical) contact with nose structure 27 or with CPA 20 and effectuates a displacement of blocking element 22. However, at the same time, unlocking element 7 may swivel across counterstructure 50, since second thickness d2 has a correspondingly small design, so that the counterstructure does not protrude into the trajectory of unlocking element 7. For example, second thickness d2 may be at most 75%, preferably at most 50%, of first thickness d1. First thickness d1 of CPA 20 or of nose structure 27 or of blocking element 22 may be in a range, for example, between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example 2 mm or 3 mm.

[0100] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, CPA 20 has a comb-like or fork-like design, in the present case with two tines. For this purpose, CPA 20 includes a central element 24, each blocking element 22 being designed as an arm 25 that protrudes from central element 24 essentially along displacement direction V. Each arm 25 has a free end 26. In the present case by way of example, each arm 25 is elastically reversibly deflectable transversely with respect to displacement direction V, in the present exemplary embodiment, in each case radially outwardly, viewed from the center of the cover.

[0101] In the present case, each arm 25, by way of example in the area of its free end 26 (for example, for at least 60% of the length of arm 25, but in the present case, not at the outermost end of free end 26, but instead at approximately 85% to 90% of the length of arm 25), includes nose structure 27 that protrudes transversely with respect to displacement direction V. This nose structure protrudes into trajectory T of unlocking element 7 when lever assembly 4 moves from first position P1 into second position P2. Each nose structure 27 here includes a run-on slope 28 for unlocking element 7.

[0102] FIGS. 3B and 4A show that latching structure 6 is spaced apart from cover 5, the latch being releasable by displacing latching structure 6 in the direction of cover 5, in the present case for example approximately in the direction of insertion direction Z. It is understood that the spacing may also be designed, for example, as a distance from a bottom side of latching structure 6 to an imaginary extension of the cover surface. In blocking position SL of CPA 20, blocking element 21 of CPA 20, at least in sections, is situated between cover 5 and latching structure 6.

[0103] FIGS. 4A and 4B once again show in detail that at its side facing cover 5, CPA 20 includes a first guide element 29 that extends along displacement direction V. At its side facing CPA 20, cover 5 includes a second guide element 30, with first and second guide elements 29, 30 being coupled to one another.

[0104] FIG. 4B shows a bottom side of CPA 20. In this exemplary embodiment, first guide element 29, strictly by way of example, is a groove 31 and the second guide element is a bar 32 that protrudes from cover 5 toward CPA 20. It is understood that a reverse design is also possible. In that case, first guide element 29 would be a bar protruding toward cover 5, and second guide element 30 would be a groove. Lastly, even further designs of guide elements 29, 30 are possible, such as link structures, guide surfaces, balls of a ball bearing, etc.

[0105] In addition, two stop structures 52 are provided at cover 5. These are designed as journals or pins that protrude upwardly (opposite insertion direction Z), and are provided at both sides of second guide element 30. These stop structures 52 cooperate with central element 24 of CPA 20 (they engage, viewed here along the Y direction, with the area between arms 25 and central element 24) when the CPA has been displaced into blocking position SL. The stop structures stop the displacement of CPA 20, and haptically indicate to the installer that CPA 20 is in blocking position SL.

[0106] FIGS. 8A through 8C show various states during the interlocking of plug connector 1 and mating plug connector 60 to form a closed plug connection. Each subfigure illustrates a side view of plug connector 1 in the upper diagram, and a top view onto plug connector 1 in the lower diagram.

[0107] FIG. 8A shows a starting state. Plug connector 1 has, for example, just been placed on mating plug connector 60 (analogously to the situation in FIG. 1A, for example), and lever assembly 4 is in first position P1 and CPA 20 is in unblocking position EL.

[0108] FIG. 8B shows the state in which lever assembly 4 has been moved into second position P2, but CPA 20 is still in unblocking position EL. The plug connection is thus already closed (in its end position), and lever assembly 4 is already latched to latching structure 6. Unlocking elements 7, 70 of lever assembly 4 have already disengaged blocking elements 22 from counterstructures 50 (cf. the radially outwardly projecting arrows), so that CPA 20 in principle is ready to be moved into blocking position SL.

[0109] FIG. 8C shows the state in which CPA 20 has been transferred into blocking position SL by displacement along displacement direction V.

[0110] FIG. 9A schematically shows trajectories T of unlocking elements 7, 70 of lever assembly 4 during the displacement from first position P1 to second position P2.

[0111] FIG. 9B shows, in a sectional view, a state shortly before lever assembly 4 reaches second position P2. Unlocking elements 7, 70 are just contacting run-on slopes 28 of nose structure 27.

[0112] FIG. 9C shows, in a sectional view, a state in which lever assembly 4 has reached second position P2. Unlocking element 7, 70 here rests against first surface F1 of counterstructure 50. Unlocking elements 7, 70 have thereby pushed blocking element 22 or arm 25 radially outwardly (transversely with respect to displacement direction V), so that nothing now stands in the way of a displacement of CPA 20 along the displacement direction toward blocking position SL. If CPA 20 is now moved along displacement direction V, arm 25 once again elastically reversibly snaps radially inwardly after overcoming counterstructure 50, and with its fourth surface F4 then rests against third surface F3 of counterstructure 50 (FIG. 7B) (this applies for both arms 25 or blocking elements 22 of CPA 20) .

[0113] In this way, the correct interlocking of plug connector 1 and mating plug connector 60 may be haptically checked in an advantageously cost-effective and simple manner, and also as a modular concept (CPA 20 may be situated at arbitrary covers 5), for example in safety-relevant or nonsafety-relevant automotive applications or, for example, in safety-relevant or nonsafety-relevant aviation applications, and latching structure 6 may be secured against unintentional unlatching. In addition, an inadvertent early, misleading displacement of CPA 20 into blocking position SL is thus advantageously prevented.