Electrical connector and plug-in connection, high voltage system and method for locking an electrical plug-in connection

Abstract

An electrical connector has a connector housing, a securing element and an actuating element movable between a home position and a locking position and which is designed to lock the electrical connector with a corresponding electrical counterpart connector. The connector housing has a locking guide for guiding the securing element between an initial position, and a securing position, wherein the securing element engages with the actuating element so that the actuating element is locked in the locking position. The securing element has a latching tab and the locking guide has a first stop for the latching tab to block the securing element in the initial position. The actuating element has a releasing body which penetrates into a recess in the locking guide to displace the latching tab of the securing element, to release the securing element.

Claims

1. An electrical connector comprising: a connector housing having a locking safeguard, and the locking safeguard has a first stop and defines a recess; a securing element that is guided by the locking, safeguard of the connector housing and movable between an initial position and a securing position, the securing element further having a latching lug that communicates with the first stop of the locking safeguard to block the securing element in the initial position; an actuating element that is carried by the connector housing and is movable between a home position and a locking position in an arc of movement about a pair of pivot axles carried on opposing side portions of the connector housing, to lock the electrical connector to a corresponding electrical mating connector, and the actuating element has a release body, that enters the recess defined in the locking safeguard to displace the latching lug of the securing element relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard, so that the securing element may be displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position which is distal from the pair of pivot axles, and the securing position which is less distal from the pair of pivot axles; and the securing element, when in the securing position, blocks the actuating element in the locking position.

2. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein, the release body of the actuating element, is positioned to be pressed against the latching lug to displace the latching lug relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard to allow displacement of the securing element along the displacement path.

3. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a second stop carried by the locking safeguard, and the second stop is a loss prevention device for the securing element.

4. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 3 and further comprising: a third stop carried by the locking safeguard, and the third stop blocks the securing element in the securing position, and in particular blocks displacement of the securing element from the securing position back to the initial position.

5. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the latching lug has a side surface, and the side surface has a bevel and/or chamfer that faces away from the first stop of the locking safeguard when the securing element is in the initial position.

6. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a closure tab carried by the securing element; and the closure tab is at least partially received in a corresponding receiver of the actuating element when the securing element is in the securing position.

7. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and wherein, the securing element is guided in the locking safeguard by a rail guide.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: two latching lugs on the securing element; and two first stops on the locking safeguard for the two latching lugs; and two release bodies on the actuating element for displacing the two latching lugs.

9. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 8 and further comprising: a closure tab carried by the securing element; and the closure tab extends between the two latching lugs.

10. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a guide lug carried by the electrical mating connector; and the actuating element is realized as an actuating lever/link guide, and releasably engages with the guide lug carried by the electrical mating connector.

11. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a corresponding guide groove defined in the locking safeguard; and a guide web carried by the securing element; and the securing element is movably guided in the locking safeguard by the guide web that is movably guided by the corresponding guide groove.

12. An electrical plug-in connection comprising: an electrical connector; and an electrical mating connector; and the electrical connector has, a connector housing having a locking safeguard, and the locking safeguard has a first stop and defines a recess, a securing element that is guided by the connector housing and movable between an initial position and a securing position, the securing element further having a latching lug that communicates with the first stop of the locking safeguard to block the securing element in the initial position, an actuating element that is carried by the connector housing and is movable between a home position and a locking position, to lock the electrical connector to the electrical mating connector, and the actuating element has a release body, that enters the recess defined in the locking safeguard to displace the latching lug of the securing element relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard, so that the securing element is movable, along a displacement path, between the initial position and the securing position, and the securing element, when in the securing position, blocks the actuating element in the locking position; and the electrical mating connector corresponds to the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector has at least one guide lug, that acts in combination with the actuating element of the electrical connector and the actuation element is movable in an arc of movement between the home position and the locking position so that the electrical connector, starting from a pre-latching position, assumes a locking position with the electrical mating connector when the actuating element is moved through the arc of movement from the home position into the locking position; and a connector body of the mating connector, and the connector body is configured to receive a contact means therein; and shielding carried by the connector body; and the connector body is insertable into an opening defined in a housing part of a housing of an electronics unit; and the connector body comprises an inner connector body and an outer connector body and the inner connector body and the outer connector body are positioned on opposite sides of the housing part; and the inner connector body is fixed in the housing of the electronics unit, independently of the housing part; and fastening means connect the inner and outer connector bodies to each another in such a manner that the housing part is fixed between the inner and outer connector bodies.

13. The electrical plug-in connection as claimed in claim 12 and further comprising: toothing carried by the electrical connector, and the toothing is arranged on a single surface of the electrical connector around a central axis of the electrical connector; and mating toothing carried by the electrical mating connector, and the mating toothing is arranged on a single surface of the electrical mating connector around a central axis of the electrical mating connector and the mating toothing corresponds to the toothing of the electrical connector; and wherein the toothing and the mating toothing are in engagement with each other when the actuating element is in the locking position.

14. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12 and further comprising: two latching lugs on the securing element; and two first stops on the locking safeguard for the two latching lugs; and two release bodies on the actuating element for displacing the two latching lugs.

15. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 14 and further comprising: a closure tab carried by the securing element; and the closure tab extends between two latching lugs carried by the securing element.

16. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12 and further comprising: a guide lug carried by the electrical mating connector; and the actuating element is realized as an actuating lever/link guide, and releasably engages with the guide lug carried by the electrical mating connector.

17. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 12 and further comprising: a closure tab carried by the securing element; and the closure tab is at least partially received in a corresponding receiver of the actuating element when the securing element is in the securing position.

18. A high-voltage system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: an electrical connector, the electrical connector having, a connector housing having a locking safeguard, and the locking safeguard has a first stop and defines a recess, a securing element that is guided by the locking safeguard of the connector housing and movable between an initial position and a securing position, the securing element further having a latching lug that communicates with the first stop of the locking safeguard to block the securing element in the initial position, an actuating element that is carried by the connector housing and is movable between a home position and a locking position in an arc of movement about a pair of pivot axles carried on opposing side portions of the connector housing, to lock the electrical connector to the electrical mating connector, and the actuating element has a release body, that enters the recess defined in the locking safeguard to displace the latching lug of the securing element relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard, so that the securing element is displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position which is distal from the pair of pivot axles, and the securing position which is toward the pair of pivot axle, and the securing element, when in the securing position and positioned toward the pair of pivot axles, blocks the actuating element in the locking position; and a housing having a high voltage electronic unit; the housing having a housing part to which an electrical mating connector is fixed; and the electrical mating connector is configured for connection to the electrical connector.

19. A method for locking an electrical plug-in connection comprising the steps: providing an electrical connector, the electrical connector having, a connector housing having a locking safeguard, and the locking safeguard has a first stop and defines a recess, a securing element that is guided by the connector housing and movable between an initial position and a securing position, the securing element further having a latching lug that communicates with the first stop of the locking safeguard to block the securing element in the initial position, an actuating element that is carried by the connector housing and is movable between a home position and a locking position in an arc of movement about a pair of pivot axles carried on opposing side portions of the connector housing, to lock the electrical connector to the electrical mating connector, and the actuating element has a release body, that enters the recess defined in the locking safeguard to displace the latching lug of the securing element relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard, so that the securing element is displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position which is distal from the pair of pivot axles, and the securing position which is toward the pair of pivot axles, and the securing element, when in the securing position and positioned toward the pair of pivot axles, blocks the actuating element in the locking position; and providing a mating connector, the mating connector corresponding to the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector has a guide means, that acts in combination with the actuating element of the electrical connector as the actuating element is moved through the arc of movement between the home position and the locking position so that the electrical connector, starting from a pre-latching position, assumes a locking position with the electrical mating connector when the actuating element is moved from the home position into the locking position; positioning the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector in a pre-latching position, wherein the actuating element is positioned in the home position; moving the actuating element through the arc of movement from the home position into the locking position, wherein the actuating element acts in combination with the guide means of the electrical mating connector, and wherein the release body of the actuating element enters the recess defined in the locking safeguard and responsively displaces the latching lug of the securing element relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard so as to release displacement of the securing element from the initial position, into the securing position when the actuating element is in the locking position; and moving the securing element along a displacement path from the initial position, which is distal from the pair of pivot axles, into the securing position, which is toward the pair of pivot axles, so that the securing element engages with the actuating element so that the actuating element is blocked in the locking position.

20. An electrical plug-in connection comprising: an electrical connector; and an electrical mating connector; and the electrical connector has, a connector housing having a locking safeguard, and the locking safeguard has a first stop and defines a recess, a securing element that is guided by the connector housing and movable between an initial position and a securing position, the securing element further having a latching lug that communicates with the first stop of the locking safeguard to block the securing element in the initial position, an actuating element that is carried by the connector housing and is movable between a home position and a locking position, to lock the electrical connector to the electrical mating connector, and the actuating element has a release body, that enters the recess defined in the locking safeguard to displace the latching lug of the securing element relative to the first stop of the locking safeguard, so that the securing element is displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position and the securing position, and the securing element, when in the securing position, blocks the actuating element in the locking position; and the electrical mating connector corresponds to the electrical connector and the electrical mating connector has at least one guide lug, that acts in combination with the actuating element of the electrical connector and the actuation element is movable between the home position and the locking position so that the electrical connector, starting from a pre-latching position, assumes a locking position with the electrical mating connector when the actuating element is moved from the home position into the locking position; and toothing carried by the electrical connector, and the toothing is arranged on a single surface of the electrical connector and around a central axis of the electrical connector; and mating toothing carried by the electrical mating connector, and the mating toothing is arranged on a single surface of the electrical mating connector and around a central axis of the electrical mating connector that corresponds to the toothing of the electrical connector; and wherein the toothing and the mating toothing are in engagement with each other and the single toothing carrying surface of the electrical connector and the single toothing carrying surface of the electrical mating connector are immediately adjacent one another when the actuating element is in the locking position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the figures, elements that are functionally identical are denoted by the same references.

(2) FIG. 1 is an electrical plug-in connection, comprising a connector and a mating connector, in a perspective representation.

(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical mating connector, having an inner connector body, a housing part and an outer connector body.

(4) FIG. 3 is an embodiment of an electrical connector corresponding to the mating connector of FIG. 2, in a perspective representation.

(5) FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective detail view of a toothing of the connector, which is pressed together with a mating toothing of the mating connector.

(6) FIG. 5 shows the connector of FIG. 3 and the mating connector of FIG. 2, both in a perspective representation, in a pre-latching position.

(7) FIG. 6 shows the connector of FIG. 3 and the mating connector of FIG. 2, both in a perspective representation, in a locking position.

(8) FIG. 7 is a general representation of a high-voltage system housing of a high-voltage electronics unit, in particular a high-voltage battery and a high-voltage cable set, comprising an electrical mating connector and an assembled cable having a corresponding connector.

(9) FIG. 8 shows the connector of FIG. 3 inverted, with the actuating element and the locking safeguard, in a further perspective view.

(10) FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of the connector of FIG. 8 less the actuating lever.

(11) FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective representation of the detail X, of FIG. 9.

(12) FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective detail representation of an actuating lever of the connector.

(13) FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective representation of the detail XII of FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 13 is a perspective detail representation of a securing element of a connector, in a first view.

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective detail representation of the securing element of FIG. 13, in a second view.

(16) FIG. 15 is a perspective detail representation of the securing element of FIG. 13, in a third view.

(17) FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective partial section view of an electrical connector with a securing element inserted in an initial position inside the locking safeguard, with a plug-in connection not yet locked.

(18) FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective partial section view, similar to that of FIG. 16, showing the plug-in connection in a locked position.

(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective partial section view of an electrical connector with a securing element in a securing position.

(20) FIG. 19 is a partial section view of an electrical connector with a securing element in a securing position, showing a closure tab of the securing element, which is received in a corresponding receiver of the actuating element for the purpose of blocking the actuating lever.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(21) This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the Constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts.” (Article 1, Section 8).

(22) FIG. 1 shows a simplified embodiment of the electrical plug-in connection 1, comprising a connector 2 and a mating connector 3 that can be connected to the connector 2. In the exemplary embodiment the connector 2 is realized as a coupling, and the mating connector 3 as a pin header. However, the type of connector 2, or mating connector 3, is not important in the context of the invention.

(23) To aid illustration, FIG. 1 shows a state of the plug-in connection 1 in which the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 are not mechanically connected and are not yet in a pre-latching position.

(24) The connector 2 has an actuating element 4 that can move between a home position P.sub.0 and a locking position P.sub.1, and which in the exemplary embodiment is realized as an actuating lever 4. In the exemplary embodiment the actuating lever 4 has two side legs 4.1 that are connected to each other via a web 4.2 (c.f. FIGS. 1, 8 and 11). In principle, however, the actuating element may also be realized differently, for example as an actuating slide.

(25) In the unconnected state of the plug-in connection 1 of FIG. 1, the actuating lever 4 is in the locking position P.sub.1 to save space, and bears against the connector housing 5 of the connector 2. Before the plug-in connection 1 is mechanically connected, it is therefore necessary to move the actuating lever 4 into the home position P.sub.0.

(26) The actuating element 4, or the actuating lever 4, is designed to act in combination with a guide means 6 of the mating connector 3 in such a manner that the plug-in connection 1 assumes a locking position (cf. FIG. 6), starting from a pre-latching position (cf. FIG. 5), when the actuating element 4, or the actuating lever 4, is moved from the home position P.sub.0 into the locking position P.sub.1. In the exemplary embodiment the guide means 6 is realized as two guide lugs 6 that protrude laterally from the mating connector 3. To receive the guide lugs 6, the side legs 4.1 of the actuating lever 4 each define lateral recesses 7. In the exemplary embodiment the guide lugs 6 realize the link blocks of a link guide formed in combination with the actuating lever 4.

(27) The connector 2 has a toothing 9, and the mating connector 3 has a mating toothing 8, corresponding to the toothing 9 of the connector 2. The toothing 9 and the mating toothing 8 are in engagement with each other when the plug-in connection 1 is in the locking position (cf. FIG. 6).

(28) The toothing 9 and the mating toothing 8 are each arranged around a central axis A, B of the corresponding connector 2, 3. It has proven advantageous in this case to arrange the toothing 9 and the mating toothing 8 in each case only in the form of a partial ring around the central axis A, B of the respective connector 2, 3, as this allows a simplified structure of the electrical plug-in connection 1, while still ensuring a high level of vibration resistance. Clearly, however, a complete ring-shaped, or closed, arrangement of the toothing 9 and/or the mating toothing 8 is also possible.

(29) Also provided in the exemplary embodiment is guide 10 of the mating connector 3 that is realized in the form of a partial ring, and that is designed to enable connection of the mating connector 3 to the connector 2, which in the exemplary embodiment has/defines a 90 degree outlet. In this case, the mating toothing 8 of the mating connector 3 is arranged opposite the partially ring-shaped guide 10 with respect to the central axis A of the mating connector 3, and faces in the direction of the outlet of the connector 2 when the plug-in connection 1 is closed.

(30) FIG. 2 shows, in a more detailed representation, a further design of a mating connector 3 realized as a pin header. The mating connector 3 of FIG. 2 is suitable, in particular, for connection to the further connector 2 represented in FIG. 3, the features of which correspond substantially to those of the connector 2 of FIG. 1, for which reason no further description is provided for the same.

(31) The electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3 are suitable, in particular, for use in power electronics in the automotive or electronics sector.

(32) In the exemplary embodiment the electrical plug-in connection 1 is realized as a plug-in connection 1 for the high-voltage range, preferably as a component part of a high-voltage cable set, and this in turn preferably as a component part of a high-voltage system. However, the exemplary embodiment should not be understood as being limited to this.

(33) The electrical mating connector 3 has a multipart connector body, which in the exemplary embodiment is composed of an inner connector body 11 and an outer connector body 12. The inner connector body 11 is not represented in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6.

(34) As can be seen from FIG. 2, the inner connector body 11 accommodates a contact means 13. The contact means 13 may be connected to the inner connector body 11 in any manner. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the contact means 13 is inserted into the inner connector body 11 and is preferably hooked-in, or clipped-in, there with positive engagement.

(35) In the exemplary embodiment electric power connections 14 are provided in the form of terminal lugs to enable contacting of the contact means 13, for example to an electronics unit 15 (c.f. FIG. 7) described below.

(36) In the exemplary embodiment the electric power connections 14 are connected to inner conductor parts 16, which are designed to transmit electrical current to correspondingly realized inner conductor parts 17 (c.f. FIG. 1) of the connector 2.

(37) Any number of inner conductor parts 16, 17 and any geometries of the inner conductor parts 16, 17 may be provided.

(38) The contact means 13 may be designed to transmit electrical currents and/or data at any frequency and/or data rate. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the contact means 13 is suitable for the high voltage range for use with high voltages, in particular 220 volts and greater, preferably 400 to 1000 volts.

(39) In the exemplary embodiment the contact means 13 has a circular outer circumference. However, the contact means 13 can have any shape, for example, but not limited to, a square or rectangular. However, a circular outer circumference, in particular also a concentric, or symmetrical, structure of the contact means 13 has proven to be suitable.

(40) The inner conductor parts 16 of the contact means 13 may be realized in the form of plates (as represented in FIG. 2), or also realized as pin contacts and/or male contacts (as shown in FIG. 1). Other designs are also possible within the scope of the invention.

(41) The inner connector body 11 has an electromagnetic shielding 18. Electromagnetic interference signals can be generated, in particular by alternating currents and/or switching operations of a DC voltage, which can interfere with the electronics, e.g. in a motor vehicle, in particular the electronic controllers there, such as an engine controller. The exemplary embodiment shows a particularly suitable embodiment of the shielding 18. The shielding 18 has a cylindrical portion 19 and a plurality of shielding tabs 20 adjoining the cylindrical portion 19. The connector 2 is preferably realized in such a manner that it also has a shielding (not represented) that at least partially contacts the shielding tabs 20 radially. The shielding tabs 20 are preferably resilient, in order to establish a good connection to the shielding of the connector 2.

(42) In the exemplary embodiment, the shielding 18 is connected to the inner connector body 11. The inner connector body 11 and the shielding 18 are inserted together into an opening 21 defined in a housing part 22 of a housing 23.

(43) The housing 23 may accommodate an electronics unit 15 (c.f. FIG. 7). In the exemplary embodiment the electronics unit 15 is preferably realized as a high-voltage electronics unit, in particular as a high-voltage battery 15.

(44) A particularly advantageous connection of the inner connector body 11 with the housing 23, or the housing part 22, is achieved in that the inner connector body 11 is first fixed in the housing 23. Fixing may be effected in any manner. In the exemplary embodiment it is represented in general in FIG. 7 that the inner connector body 11 is fixed at screw-on points 24. The inner connector body 11 may be realized accordingly for this purpose (not represented in greater detail). It is advantageous if the inner connector body 11 is first fixed in the housing 23, and then the housing part 22 provided with the opening 21 is fitted, or the inner connector body 11 is inserted into the opening 21. For this purpose, the inner connector body 11 is fixed at a correspondingly suitable position in the housing 23, such that the opening 21 and the contact means 13 inserted into the inner connector body 11 are in concentric alignment with each other, such that the contact means 13 can enter the opening 21 outwardly from an interior of the housing 23.

(45) In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the housing part 22 is realized as a cover of the housing 23.

(46) When the inner connector body 11 has been inserted through the opening 21, the outer connector body 12 is then attached to an outer side of the housing part 22. This is shown in the exploded view of FIG. 2. The outer connector body 12 and the inner connector body 11 are fixed by fastening means 25 in such a manner that the housing part 22 is also fixed between the connector bodies 11, 12. In the exemplary embodiment the fastening means are realized as screw connections, in particular as threaded screws 25.

(47) In the exemplary embodiment it is further provided that the inner connector body 11 has at least two, and in the exemplary embodiment four, bushings 26 arranged symmetrically around a central axis A of the mating connector 3. In the exemplary embodiment the bushings 26 are realized as threaded bushings 26. The outer connector body 12 correspondingly has at least two through-holes 27, and in the exemplary embodiment four, arranged symmetrically around the central axis A of the mating connector 3.

(48) In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the housing part 22 has borings 28 that are in alignment with the threaded bushings 26, or the through-holes 27.

(49) Also provided in the exemplary embodiment are seals, in the form of O-rings 29, to seal off the borings 28 in the housing part 22. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the O-rings 29 are inserted into the threaded bushings 26. Preferably, the threaded bushings 26 have corresponding recesses for this purpose.

(50) Similarly, a seal 30 is likewise provided to seal off the opening 21. Used for this purpose in the exemplary embodiment is a sealing ring 30, which is positioned between the outer side of the housing part 22 and the outer connector body 12, and which extends around the opening 21 (represented only in FIG. 2).

(51) As can be seen from FIG. 2, the shielding tabs 20 and/or alternatively (but not represented) the cylindrical portion 19 of the shielding 18 have/has contact points 31, which are positioned in such a manner that the contact points 31 contact the housing part 22 in the region of the opening 21. Preferably, for this purpose the contact points 31 project radially beyond the shielding tabs 20. The contact points 31 establish a reliable electrical connection between the shielding 18 and the housing part 22, which is preferably realized so as to be electrically conductive, in particular as a sheet metal part, or also as a casting.

(52) As can be seen from FIG. 2, the connector bodies 11, 12 have a positioning means 32, in such a manner that the connector bodies 11, 12 can only be connected to each other in a defined orientation. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the positioning means 32 has at least one, and in the exemplary embodiment several, preferably three to four, positioning grooves 33, and positioning lugs 34 corresponding thereto.

(53) In the exemplary embodiment the positioning grooves 33 are realized on the inner connector body 11, and extend in the axial direction between two spacedly adjacent shielding tabs 20. The outer connector body 12 has corresponding positioning lugs 34, which, when the outer connector body 12 has been correctly attached to the inner connector body 11, are inserted into the corresponding positioning grooves 33 extending in the axial direction A. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the connector bodies 11, 12 can only be connected to each other in exactly one orientation.

(54) In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the electrical connector 2 realizes a coding means 35 (c.f. FIG. 2) with the electrical mating connector 3, in such a manner that the connector 2 and the mating connector 3 can only be connected to each other in a defined orientation. In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3 can only be connected to each other in exactly one orientation.

(55) A coding element 36 of the coding means 35 assigned to the outer connector body 12 is represented in FIG. 2, and a corresponding counterpart coding element 37, for receiving the coding element 36, is represented in FIG. 3. Such mechanical codings, for connecting electrical connectors 2 and electrical mating connectors 3 to each other, are known in principle from the prior art.

(56) FIG. 4 shows the toothing 9 and the mating toothing 8 in engagement with each other when the plug-in connection 1 is in the locking position. It may be provided in this case, as represented in the exemplary embodiment, that the toothing 9 and the mating toothing 8 are in positive and non-positive engagement, preferably elastically pressed into each other. It may be advantageous for this purpose if the teeth of the toothing 9 and the teeth of the mating toothing 8 taper outwards, the teeth of the toothing 9 and the teeth of the mating toothing 8 preferably differing in their pitch (different angles α and θ), which can advantageously enable pressing together.

(57) For better insertion of the toothing 9 into the mating toothing 8, the individual teeth of the toothing 9 and/or of the mating toothing 8 may have bevels or chamfers, as represented in FIG. 4.

(58) FIG. 5 shows the electrical plug-in connection 1 in a perspective, partially sectional view in the pre-latching position. FIG. 6 shows the electrical plug-in connection 1 in the locking position. It can be seen that the actuating element 4, or the actuating lever 4, of the connector 2, in the home position P.sub.0, is in engagement with the guide means 6, or with the two guide lugs 6, of the mating connector 3 when the plug-in connection 1 is in the pre-latching position. Upon the actuating lever 4 being actuated from the home position P.sub.0 (FIG. 5) into the locking position P.sub.1 (FIG. 6), the electrical plug-in connection 1 can be reliably and easily closed by means of the constrained guidance, or link guide, provided as a result. Owing to the physical lever arm, a strong compression of the toothing 9 in the mating toothing 8 can be achieved with the application of comparatively little force.

(59) The invention also relates to a high-voltage system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical plug-in connection 1 according to the above embodiments. In particular, as represented in FIG. 7, a housing 23 of a high-voltage unit, in particular a high-voltage battery 15, may be provided with a housing part 22, to which the mating connector 3 is fixed, and with a connector 2 for connection to the mating connector 3.

(60) FIG. 7 shows a basic structure of a high-voltage system comprising the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3. Also represented is the housing 23 that accommodates the electronics unit 15, which is preferably a high-voltage electronics unit, in particular a high-voltage battery 15. The high-voltage battery 15 is connected to the electrical power connections 14 of the electrical mating connector 3 via lines 38. The housing part 22 is preferably a cover of the housing 23. The electrical connector 2 is shown in FIG. 7 as part of an assembled cable 39, i.e. the assembled cable 39 comprises the electrical connector 2.

(61) FIG. 8 shows the electrical connector 2 according to the invention in an isometric overall view, and FIG. 9 shows a further view of the connector 2 with the actuating lever 4 hidden. The electrical connector 2 has a locking safeguard 40 on its connector housing 5 for guiding the securing element 41 (c.f. FIGS. 13 to 19), described below, between an initial position S.sub.0 (c.f. FIGS. 16 and 17) and a securing position S.sub.1 (c.f. FIGS. 18 and 19). The locking safeguard 40 is represented in enlarged form in FIG. 10, and its features are described in greater detail below.

(62) FIGS. 16 to 19 show the method according to the invention for locking the plug-in connection 1 in various states.

(63) FIG. 16 shows a sectional representation through the electrical connector 2 of FIG. 8 with a securing element 41 inserted into the locking safeguard 40. In FIG. 16, the securing element 41 is in the initial position S.sub.0. The actuating lever 4 is also visible and has not yet been fully closed, or brought into the locking position P.sub.1.

(64) The securing element is shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 in an isometric representation in various views, and has at least one latching lug 42, in this case two latching lugs 42. The latching lugs 42 are resiliently arranged at the ends of respective elastic webs 43. The combination of latching lug 42 and elastic web 43 may also be referred to as a latching hook.

(65) The locking safeguard 40 (c.f. inter alia FIG. 10) has at least one first stop 44, in this case two first stops 44, corresponding to the latching lugs 42, in order to initially block the securing element 41, at first in the initial position S.sub.0, in the direction of the securing position S.sub.1, as represented in FIG. 16.

(66) The actuating element 4 is shown in FIG. 11 in an isometric detail representation; FIG. 12 shows the enlarged detail XII for clearer illustration. The actuating element 4 has at least one release body, in this case two actuating collars 45, which are designed to enter into a recess 46 in the locking safeguard 40 and to displace the latching lugs 42 of the securing element 41 relative to the at least one first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40, in order to release the displacement path of the securing element 41, starting from the initial position S.sub.0, into the securing position S.sub.1, as represented in FIG. 17. In the exemplary embodiment the actuation collars 45 press directly against the latching lugs 42 to release the displacement path of the securing element 41, thereby bending the elastic webs 43 downwards.

(67) In the exemplary embodiment a rail guide is provided to guide the securing element 41 in the locking safeguard 40. For this purpose, the securing element 41 has two guide webs 47, which are guided in corresponding guide grooves 48 of the locking safeguard 40. (FIG. 10).

(68) As can be seen in FIG. 16, the locking safeguard 40 also realizes a loss prevention device for the securing element 41, and has two second stops 49 for this purpose.

(69) FIGS. 18 and 19, in two sectional views through the electrical connector 2, show the securing element 41 in the securing position S.sub.1. In the securing position S.sub.1, the securing element 41 is in engagement with the actuating element 4, or actuating lever 4, in such a manner that the actuating lever 4 is blocked in the locking position P.sub.1. As shown clearly in particular in FIG. 19, for this purpose the securing element 41 has a closure tab 50, which is at least partially received in a corresponding receiver 51 of the actuating lever 4 (c.f. in particular also FIG. 11 and FIG. 12) when the securing element 41 is in the securing position S.sub.1.

(70) Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment the locking safeguard 40 comprises two third stops 52, which are designed to initially block the securing element 41 in the securing position S.sub.1 in order to block the displacement path of the securing element 41 from the securing position S.sub.1 back into its initial position S.sub.0.

(71) In order that a deliberate unlocking, or a deliberate withdrawal, of the securing element 41, and ultimately also a release of the actuating lever 4, can nevertheless be achieved, the latching lugs 42 of the securing element 41 have a bevel 53, or chamfer, on their side surface that faces away from the at least one first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 in the initial position S.sub.0. The locking safeguard 40 can thus be reversible.

(72) Owing to the bevel 53, in the exemplary embodiment the securing element 41 can also, if necessary, be completely removed again from the locking safeguard 40, starting from the initial position S.sub.0.

(73) In particular, in order to be able to provide the fitter with feedback regarding a correctly secured plug-in connection 1, the securing element 41 additionally has an end stop 54, which, in the securing position S.sub.1, impinges against an end face of the locking safeguard 40.

OPERATION

(74) Having described the structure of my electrical connector 2 and plug-in connection 1, high voltage system and method for locking an electrical plug-in connection 1, its operation is briefly described.

(75) An electrical connector 2 is provided, the electrical connector 2 having, a connector housing 5, the conductor housing 5 having a locking safeguard 40, and the locking safeguard 40 has a first stop 44, and defines a recess 46, a securing element 41 that is guided by the connector housing locking safeguard 40 and movable between an initial position S.sub.0, and a securing position S.sub.1, the securing element 41 further having a latching lug 42 that communicates with the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 to block the securing element 41 in the initial position S.sub.0, an actuating element 4 that is carried by the connector housing 5 and is movable between a home position P.sub.0, and a locking position P.sub.1, to lock the electrical connector 2 to the electrical mating connector 3, and the actuating element 4 has a release body, which enters the recess 46 defined in the locking safeguard 40 to displace the latching lug 42 of the securing element 41 relative to the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40, so that the securing element 41 may be displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position S.sub.0 and the securing position S.sub.1, and the securing element 41, when in the securing position S.sub.1, blocks the actuating element 4 in the locking position P.sub.1; and providing an electrical mating connector 3, the electrical mating connector 3 corresponding to the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3 has a guide means 6, which acts in combination with actuating element 4 of the electrical connector 2 and the guide means 6 is movable between a home position P.sub.0 and a locking position P.sub.1 so that the actuating element 4, starting from a pre-latching position, assumes a locking position P.sub.1 with the electrical mating connector 3 when the actuating element 4 is moved from the home position P.sub.0 into the locking position P.sub.1; positioning the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3 in a pre-latching position, so that the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3 can be brought into a locking position P.sub.1; moving the actuating element 4 from a home position P.sub.0 into a locking position P.sub.1, wherein the actuating element 4 acts in combination with the guide means 6 of the electrical mating connector 3, and wherein the release body of the actuating element 4 enters the recess 46 defined in the locking safeguard 41 and responsively displaces the latching lug 42 of the securing element 41 relative to the first stop 46 of the locking safeguard 41 so as to release displacement of the securing element 41 from the initial position S.sub.0, into the securing position S.sub.1 when the actuating element 4 is in the locking position P.sub.1 and moving the securing element 41 from the initial position S.sub.0 into the securing position S.sub.1 so that the securing element 41 engages with the actuating element 4 so that the actuating element 4 is blocked in the locking position P.sub.1.

(76) It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising: a connector housing 5, the conductor housing 5 having a locking safeguard 40, and the locking safeguard 40 has a first stop 44, and defines a recess 46; a securing element 41 that is guided by the connector housing locking safeguard 40 and movable between an initial position S.sub.0, and a securing position S.sub.1, the securing element 41 further having a latching lug 42 that communicates with the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 to block the securing element 41 in the initial position S.sub.0; an actuating element 4 that is carried by the connector housing 5 and is movable between a home position P.sub.0, and a locking position P.sub.1, to lock the electrical connector 2 to a corresponding electrical mating connector 3, and the actuating element 4 has a release body, which enters the recess 46 defined in the locking safeguard 40 to displace the latching lug 42 of the securing element 41 relative to the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40, so that the securing element 41 may be displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position S.sub.0 and the securing position S.sub.1; and the securing element 41, when in the securing position S.sub.1, blocks the actuating element 4 in the locking position P.sub.1.

(77) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 wherein, the release body of the actuating element 4 is positioned to be pressed against the latching lug 42 to displace the latching lug 42 relative to the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 to allow displacement of the securing element 41 along the displacement path.

(78) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising a second stop 44 carried by the locking safeguard 40, and the second 44 stop is a loss prevention device for the securing element 41.

(79) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising a third stop 44 carried by the locking safeguard 40, and the third stop 44 blocks the securing element 41 in the securing position S.sub.1, and in particular blocks displacement of the securing element 41 from the securing position S.sub.1 back to the initial position S.sub.0.

(80) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 wherein the latching lug 42 has a side surface, and the side surface has a bevel and/or chamfer 53 that faces away from the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 when the securing element 41 is in the initial position S.sub.0.

(81) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising a closure tab 50 carried by the securing element 41; and the closure tab 50 is at least partially received in a corresponding receiver 51 of the actuating element 4 when the securing element 41 is in the securing position S.sub.1.

(82) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 wherein, the securing element 41 is guided in the locking safeguard 40 by a rail guide 10.

(83) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising two latching lugs 42 on the securing element 41; and two first stops 44 on the locking safeguard 40 for the two latching lugs 42; and two release bodies on the actuating element 4 for displacing the two latching lugs 42.

(84) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising a closure tab 50 carried by the securing element 41; and the closure tab 50 extends between the two latching lugs 42.

(85) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising a guide lug 6 carried by the electrical mating connector 3; and the actuating element 4 is realized as an actuating lever/link guide, and releasably engages with the guide lug 6 carried by the electrical mating connector 3.

(86) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical plug-in connection 1 comprising an electrical connector 2; and an electrical mating connector 3; the electrical connector 2 has, a connector housing 5, the conductor housing 5 having a locking safeguard 40, and the locking safeguard 40 has a first stop 44, and defines a recess 46, a securing element 41 that is guided by the connector housing 5 locking safeguard 40 and movable between an initial position S.sub.0, and a securing position S.sub.1, the securing element 41 further having a latching lug 42 that communicates with the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 to block the securing element 41 in the initial position S.sub.0, an actuating element 4 that is carried by the connector housing 5 and is movable between a home position P.sub.0, and a locking position P.sub.1, to lock the electrical connector 2 to the electrical mating connector 3, and the actuating element 4 has a release body, which enters the recess 46 defined in the locking safeguard 40 to displace the latching lug 42 of the securing element 40 relative to the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40, so that the securing element 41 may be displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position S.sub.0 and the securing position S.sub.1, and the securing element 41, when in the securing position S.sub.1, blocks the actuating element 4 in the locking position P.sub.1; and the electrical mating connector 3 corresponds to the electrical connector 2 and the electrical mating connector 3 has a guide means 6, which acts in combination with actuating element 4 of the electrical connector 2 and is movable between a home position P.sub.0 and a locking position P.sub.1 so that the actuating element 4, starting from a pre-latching position, assumes a locking position P.sub.1 with the electrical mating connector 3 when the actuating element 4 is moved from the home position P.sub.0 into the locking position P.sub.1.

(87) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical plug-in connection 1 comprising toothing 9 carried by the electrical connector 2; and mating toothing 8 carried by the electrical mating connector 3 that corresponds to the toothing 9 of the electrical connector 2; and wherein the toothing 9 and the mating toothing 8 are in engagement with each other when the actuating element 4 is in the locking position P.sub.1.

(88) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical plug-in connection 1 comprising a connector body of the electrical mating connector 3, and the connector body is configured to receive a contact means 13 therein; and shielding 18 carried by the connector body; and the connector body is insertable into an opening 21 defined in a housing part 22 of a housing 23 of an electronics unit 15; and the connector body comprises an inner connector body 11 and an outer connector body 12 and the inner connector body 11 and the outer connector body 12 are positioned on opposite sides of the housing part; 22 and the inner connector body 11 can be fixed in the housing 23 of the electronics unit 15, independently of the housing part 22; and fastening means 25 connect the inner and outer connector bodies 11, 12 to each another in such a manner that the housing part 22 is fixed between the inner and outer connector bodies 11, 12.

(89) It is a further object of the present invention to provide a high-voltage system, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical connector 2, the electrical connector 2 having, a connector housing 5, the conductor housing 5 having a locking safeguard 40, and the locking safeguard 40 has a first stop 44, and defines a recess 46, a securing element 41 that is guided by the connector housing locking safeguard 40 and movable between an initial position S.sub.0, and a securing position S.sub.1, the securing element 41 further having a latching lug 42 that communicates with the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40 to block the securing element 41 in the initial position S.sub.0, an actuating element 4 that is carried by the connector housing 5 and is movable between a home position P.sub.0, and a locking position P.sub.1, to lock the electrical connector 2 to the electrical mating connector 3, and the actuating element 4 has a release body, which enters the recess 46 defined in the locking safeguard 40 to displace the latching lug 44 of the securing element 41 relative to the first stop 44 of the locking safeguard 40, so that the securing element 41 may be displaced, along a displacement path, between the initial position S.sub.1 and the securing position S.sub.1, and the securing element 41, when in the securing position S.sub.1, blocks the actuating element 4 in the locking position P.sub.1; and a housing 23 having a high-voltage electronic unit 15; the housing 23 having a housing part 22 to which an electrical mating connector 3 is fixed; and the electrical mating connector 3 is configured for connection to the electrical connector 2.

(90) It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electrical connector 2 comprising a corresponding guide groove 48 defined in the locking safeguard 40; and a guide web 47 carried by the securing element 41; and the securing element 41 is movably guided in the locking safeguard 40 by the guide web 47 that is movably guided by the corresponding guide groove 48.

(91) In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language more or less specific as to the structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed, in any of its forms or modifications, within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.