DE102015107264A1 - High-temperature connector for connecting an electrical connection or signal line with a heater or a temperature sensor of an injection molding in an injection mold - Google Patents

Abstract

A high-temperature connector (10) for connecting an electrical connection or signal line (2) to a heating device (3) or a temperature sensor (4) of an injection molding nozzle (6) in an injection molding apparatus, has a first connecting element (20), the at least one electrical contact (24, 25) which forms a contact end (26, 27) and with its end (28, 29) opposite the contact end (26, 27) with the heating device (3) or the temperature sensor (4) Injection molding nozzle (6) is electrically connected, and a second connecting element (40) having at least one electrical contact (44, 45) which forms a contact end (46, 47) and with its to the contact end (46, 47) opposite End (48, 49) is electrically connected to the connection or signal line (2), wherein the connecting elements (20, 40) are connected to each other such that in an end position (E) of the connecting elements (20, 40), the contact ends (26, 27; 46, 47) of the electrical contacts (24, 25, 44, 45) are in electrical contact with each other. So that the connector can withstand thermal and mechanical stresses permanently and creates an always reliable electrical connection between the connection or signal line and the heating device or the temperature sensor with simple handling, the invention provides that between the first connection element (20) and the second Connecting element (40) is formed a locking device (60) which mechanically connects the connecting elements (20, 40) in the end position (E) that the locking device (60) has a locking element (64) on the second connecting element (40 ), and in that the locking device (60) has an actuating element (70) for the locking element (64), which is displaceably mounted on the second connecting element (40) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the locking element (64) by means of the actuating element (70) against a Restoring force (F1) is actuated such that the locking element (64) after reaching the end position (E) of the connecting elements (20, 40) and by moving the actuating element (70) in the second position (P2) with the first connecting element (20) is engageable, and wherein the locking element (64) is held by the actuating element (70) in this engaged position.

Description

The invention relates to a high-temperature connector for connecting an electrical connection or signal line to a heating device or a temperature sensor of an injection molding in an injection mold according to the preamble of claim 1.

Injection molding nozzles, in particular hot runner nozzles, are used in injection molding tools in order to supply a flowable material at a predetermined temperature under high pressure to a separable mold insert. They usually have a material tube with a flow channel that ends in a nozzle orifice. The latter forms a nozzle outlet opening at the end, which opens via a gate in the mold insert (mold cavity).

So that the flowable mass does not cool prematurely within the flow channel, an electrical heating device is provided on the outside of the material tube. This has at least one electrical conductor whose ends are connected via an electrical connection cable to a temperature controller. This supplies the heater with electrical power from a power source. For the control of the temperature controller, and thus for monitoring and controlling the temperature within the injection molding, a temperature sensor is used, which detects the temperature of the injection nozzle in selected areas and transmits a corresponding electrical signal to the temperature controller. The temperature sensor is connected via an electrical signal line to the temperature controller.

In order to be able to install and remove the injection molding nozzle at any time in the injection molding tool, for example in the event of a defect on the heating device or on the material pipe, an electrical plug connection is provided between the heating device and the connecting line and, if present, between the temperature sensor and the signal line. This usually has a first connecting element, which has at least one or two electrical contacts which form mutually spaced contact ends and which are electrically connected at their opposite ends to the contact with the heating device or the temperature sensor of the injection molding nozzle, and a second connecting element, the at least one or two electrical contacts which form mutually spaced contact ends and which are electrically connected at their opposite ends to the contact ends with the connection or signal line. Both connecting elements can be connected to one another in such a way that, in an end position of the connecting elements, the contact ends of the mutual electrical contacts are in electrical contact with one another.

In order for such a connector to withstand the prevailing at injection molding very high temperatures, sees DE 10 2010 035 013 A1 in that the ends of the electrical contacts opposite the contact ends and connected to a metal-sheathed connecting line are in a metal connecting sleeve and are embedded in an insulating compound or a metal oxide in such a way that the embedding fixes the electrical contacts in the connecting sleeve. In addition, to prevent accidental release of the connector, a locking device is formed between the connecting elements. This has a locking lug formed on the housing of the second connecting element, which latched in the end position of the connecting elements with a recess in a tongue of the first connecting element.

DE 10 2012 101 400 A1 used for locking the connecting elements also formed on the second connecting element latching element which engages during insertion of the second connecting element in the first connecting element in a latching groove which is formed in the first connecting element.

Thus, the connectors are indeed secured against unintentional disconnection of the fasteners. However, a reliable and permanently stable connection within the injection mold is thus not achieved. Rather, the electrical contacts can continue to solve each other by lateral movements and bending stresses of the connecting elements. In this case, in particular after reaching the operating temperature of the injection mold and during the Spritzgießvorgänge (the opening and closing of the train is usually jerky), contact problems occur that affect the electrical contact between the connecting elements.

The aim of the invention is to overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a high-temperature connector for connecting an electrical connection or signal line with a heater or a temperature sensor of an injection molding in an injection mold, the cost-effectively constructed by simple means and easy to handle. In particular, the plug connection is intended to permanently withstand thermal and mechanical stresses and to create an always reliable electrical connection between the connection or signal line and the heating device or the temperature sensor. The aim is also a simple and quick connection of Connecting elements during assembly of the injection molding nozzles in the tool.

Main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claims 1 and 16. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 15.

• • mit einem ersten Verbindungselement, das wenigstens einen elektrischen Kontakt aufweist, der ein Kontaktende bildet und der mit seinem zu dem Kontaktende gegenüberliegenden Ende mit der Heizvorrichtung oder dem Temperaturfühler der Spritzgießdüse elektrisch verbunden ist,
• • mit einem zweiten Verbindungselement, das wenigstens einen elektrischen Kontakt aufweist, der ein Kontaktende bildet und der mit seinem zu dem Kontaktende gegenüberliegenden Ende mit der Anschluss- oder Signalleitung elektrisch verbunden ist, und
• • wobei die Verbindungselemente derart miteinander verbindbar sind, dass in einer Endposition der Verbindungselemente die Kontaktenden der elektrischen Kontakte in elektrischem Kontakt zueinander stehen,

sieht die Erfindung vor, dass zwischen dem ersten Verbindungselement und dem zweiten Verbindungselement eine Verriegelungsvorrichtung ausgebildet ist, welche die Verbindungselemente in der Endposition mechanisch miteinander verbindet, wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung ein Riegelelement aufweist, das an dem zweiten Verbindungselement ausgebildet ist, wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung ein Betätigungselement für das Riegelelement aufweist, das auf dem zweiten Verbindungselement zwischen einer ersten Position und einer zweiten Position verschieblich gelagert ist, wobei das Riegelelement mittels des Betätigungselements entgegen einer Rückstellkraft derart betätigbar ist, dass das Riegelelement nach Erreichen der Endposition der Verbindungselemente und durch Verschieben des Betätigungselements in die zweite Position mit dem ersten Verbindungselement in Eingriff bringbar ist, und wobei das Riegelelement von dem Betätigungselement in dieser Eingriffsposition gehalten ist. In a high-temperature connector for connecting an electrical connection or signal line with a heater or a temperature sensor of an injection molding in an injection molding,

• Having a first connection element which has at least one electrical contact which forms a contact end and which is electrically connected at its end opposite the contact end to the heating device or the temperature sensor of the injection molding nozzle,
• • having a second connection element which has at least one electrical contact which forms a contact end and which is electrically connected at its end opposite the contact end to the connection or signal line, and
• Wherein the connecting elements can be connected to one another in such a way that, in an end position of the connecting elements, the contact ends of the electrical contacts are in electrical contact with one another,

the invention provides that between the first connecting element and the second connecting element, a locking device is formed which mechanically connects the connecting elements in the end position, wherein the locking device comprises a locking element which is formed on the second connecting element, wherein the locking device is an actuating element for the locking element, which is displaceably mounted on the second connecting element between a first position and a second position, wherein the locking element by means of the actuating element against a restoring force is actuated such that the locking element after reaching the end position of the connecting elements and by moving the actuating element in the second position can be brought into engagement with the first connecting element, and wherein the locking element is held by the actuating element in this engaged position.

In contrast to a simple locking the locking device ensures a permanently reliable mechanical connection between the connecting elements of the high-temperature connector, which can not be separated even with static and kinematic loads. Rather, the connecting elements and thus the electrical contacts within the connecting elements always remain in electrical contact, so that the necessary energy for the heater and to be transmitted signals of the temperature sensor are reliably and completely transmitted.

As soon as the connecting elements of the plug connection have reached their end position relative to one another and the actuating element reaches its second position on the second connecting element, the locking element is pressed down and engaged in the end position with the first connecting element, the actuating element counteracting the restoring force permanently pushes down. The restoring force in this case advantageously causes the actuating element is locked in its second position due to the resulting clamping force and can not move by itself. Thus, the actuator provides as a kind of blocking element for a permanently fixed connection between the connecting elements. Pulling the actuator back to the first position, the locking element is released again and it comes due to the restoring force with the first connecting element disengaged, so that the connecting elements can be detached from each other.

Another advantage of the connector according to the invention is that the actuating element not only actuates the locking element. It is also a handle for the connector, namely a handle for the second connector. If the latter is held on the actuating element and if the second connecting element is pushed into the first connecting element, first the connecting elements reach their end position. Once this is achieved, the actuator moves on the second connector from the first (rear) position to the second (front) position, whereby the locking device is activated. This is done in conjunction with the natural (hand) movement or in the thrust direction, whereby a one-hand operation is given, which greatly simplifies the handling of the high-temperature connector.

If, conversely, the second connecting element on the actuating element is pulled away from the first connecting element, first the actuating element shifts back into the first position and the locking element comes out of engagement with the first connecting element. Subsequently, you can pull out the second connecting element via the actuating element of the first connecting element. The connector dissolves, also by one-hand operation, ie the separate operation of additional locking or locking elements is neither provided nor necessary, which also significantly simplifies the structural design of the connector.

In an important embodiment of the invention it is provided that the locking element has an engagement portion which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the high-temperature connector with a width parallel to the width of the first connecting element and which engages in the engaged position along its width with the first connecting element. As a result, the high-temperature connector is not only secured against tensile stresses. Moreover, the locking element, which engages with the first connecting element with its wide engagement section, reliably prevents lateral pivoting or tilting movements of the connecting elements. Also, bending stresses of the connecting elements, which may for example result from the connecting line or the signal line are effectively prevented. The electrical contacts within the connecting elements remain permanently and reliably in electrical contact.

Contributes in particular to when the engagement portion exerts a force on the first connecting element in the engaged position, which acts at least partially in the direction of the second connecting element. This force not only prevents the fasteners from separating from each other. The force also prevents unwanted movements between the connecting elements and thus between the electrical contacts, especially due to the relatively wide contact surface, which finds the engagement portion in or on the first connecting portion. Lateral or bending stresses of the connector are effectively absorbed by the engagement portion and thus of the locking element and thus prevented.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the first connecting element is provided with an engagement edge for the engagement portion of the locking element. In this case, the engagement edge may be formed by a tab or edge, which is arranged on or on the first connection element. Additionally or alternatively, the engagement edge may also be formed by a recess in the first connection element.

Structurally, it is advantageous if the second connecting element has a connecting body and at its end facing away from the first connecting element has a housing portion, wherein the locking element is a spring element - preferably of a high-temperature spring steel - which is formed on the housing portion. The locking element can in this case be fixed at one end to the housing section of the second connecting element-for example by welding or gluing-while a main section and the free end of the locking element projects approximately obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the plug connection from the second connecting element. The locking element may be formed integrally with the housing portion of the second connecting element, if necessary.

Advantageously, the engagement portion of the locking element forms an end formed bend of the locking element. The locking element thus engages behind the first binding element and secures it to the second connecting element.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the actuating element is a sleeve which at least partially encloses the second connecting element, wherein the actuating element is preferably mounted longitudinally displaceable on the housing portion of the second connecting element. This facilitates the handling of the high-temperature connector and allows one-handed operation to connect the connecting elements of the connector with each other and to solve each other. Once the actuator has reached the second position, moreover, not only the locking element is secured. The sleeve also prevents the second connecting element can not expand or buckle, for example, if shear or bending forces act on the connector or the connecting cable. The second actuator preferably completely encloses the second connector perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the connector at at least one location, i. the sleeve forms a self-contained locking ring which is wrapped around the second connecting element. The longitudinally displaceably mounted sleeve thus reinforces the second connecting element.

The actuating element expediently surrounds the housing section in a form-fitting manner, as a result of which the actuating element is always guided in a reliable and precise manner on the second connecting element. The safety of the connector is significantly increased over conventional connectors. The actuating element is also mounted with the least possible movement play on the housing portion, which further contributes to the stability of the connector.

In order to always reliably secure the locking elements in the end position of the connecting elements in the engaged position with the first connecting element, the actuating element has a hold-down holding the locking element in the second position of the actuating element in the engaged position with the first connecting element. This creates a friction between the hold-down and the locking element, the Actuator fixed in the second position. On the other hand, if the actuating element returns to the first position by longitudinal displacement on the second connecting element, the holding-down device releases the locking element so that it can release the first connecting element again due to the restoring force. The connector can be solved quickly and conveniently.

In a further important embodiment of the high-temperature connector according to the invention it is provided that the actuating element has at least two brackets, which are at least partially in contact after reaching the end position of the connecting elements and after moving the actuating element in the second position with the first connecting element. As a result, the first connecting element is fixed in its position or position relative to the second connecting element and held in a kind of clamp. The actuator thus ensures not only the locking element in its locked position. There is an additional backup and positional fixation of the fasteners against lateral and bending stresses, i. Also, the brackets prevent the second connector from widening or buckling.

The brackets are advantageously formed opposite each other on the actuating element. They are further designed and arranged such that the first connecting element after reaching the end position of the connecting elements and after displacement of the actuating element in the second position non-positively and / or positively lies between the brackets. In this way, the strap effectively prevent tilting or twisting of the connecting elements relative to one another, so that the plug connection can no longer bend or shear off. Rather, an always stable and against mechanical loads solid connection is created.

The brackets may be rod-shaped or formed as flat elements. But you can also form a total of a U-bow or L-shaped figure.

Structurally, it is expedient if the straps are formed laterally on the actuating element, wherein the straps preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the connector. In addition, the straps are either fixed to the sleeve-like actuating element, for example by welding or gluing, or they are formed integrally with the actuating element.

Advantageously, the first connecting element has a sleeve-shaped plug housing, which accommodates the second connecting element in the end position at least partially positively.

According to yet another design of the high-temperature connector according to the invention, the connecting main part of the second connecting element is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in cross-section substantially T-shaped. In this case, the electrical contacts for the heater or the temperature sensor are preferably in the T-bar, while in the T-foot is another electrical contact for grounding.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the first connecting element has a coding tab, which engages in the end position of the connecting elements in a same shape Codierungsausnehmung in the second connecting element. As a result, a polarity reversal of the connecting elements can be effectively avoided. The coding recess is preferably formed in the housing section of the second connecting element. But you can also form the Codierungsausnehmung on the first connection element.

• • ein erstes Verbindungselement aufweist, das wenigstens einen elektrischen Kontakt aufweist, der ein Kontaktende bildet und der mit seinem zu dem Kontaktende gegenüberliegenden Ende mit der Heizvorrichtung oder dem Temperaturfühler der Spritzgießdüse elektrisch verbunden ist,
• • ein zweites Verbindungselement aufweist, das wenigstens einen elektrischen Kontakt aufweist, der ein Kontaktende bildet und der mit seinem zu dem Kontaktende gegenüberliegenden Ende mit der Anschluss- oder Signalleitung elektrisch verbunden ist, und
• • eine Verriegelungsvorrichtung aufweist, die zwischen dem ersten Verbindungselement und dem zweiten Verbindungselement ausgebildet ist und welche die Verbindungselemente in einer Endposition mechanisch miteinander verbindet,
• • wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung ein Riegelelement aufweist, das an dem zweiten Verbindungselement ausgebildet ist, und
• • wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung ein Betätigungselement für das Riegelelement aufweist, das auf dem zweiten Verbindungselement zwischen einer ersten Position und einer zweiten Position verschieblich gelagert ist, sind erfindungsgemäß folgende Verfahrensschritte vorgesehen:
• • Greifen des zweiten Verbindungselements an dem Betätigungselement und Fügen des zweiten Verbindungselements in Längsrichtung mit dem ersten Verbindungselement, wobei die Verbindungselemente in Längsrichtung der Steckverbindung derart miteinander verbunden werden, dass in einer Endposition der Verbindungselemente die Kontaktenden der elektrischen Kontakte in elektrischem Kontakt zueinander stehen,
• • Verschieben des Betätigungselements in Längsrichtung von der ersten Position in die zweite Position und Betätigen des Riegelelements mit dem Betätigungselement entgegen einer Rückstellkraft derart, dass das Riegelelement nach Erreichen der Endposition der Verbindungselemente und nach Erreichen der zweiten Position des Betätigungselements mit dem ersten Verbindungselement in Eingriff steht,
• • wobei das Riegelelement von dem Betätigungselement in dieser Eingriffsposition gehalten wird, und
• • wobei das Riegelelement die Verbindungselemente in der Endposition mechanisch miteinander verbindet.

In a method for joining the connecting elements of a high-temperature connector for connecting an electrical connection or signal line with a heater or a temperature sensor of an injection molding in an injection molding, wherein the high-temperature connector

• A first connecting element having at least one electrical contact which forms a contact end and which is electrically connected at its end opposite the contact end to the heating device or the temperature sensor of the injection molding nozzle,
• A second connecting element having at least one electrical contact which forms a contact end and which is electrically connected at its end opposite to the contact end with the connection or signal line, and
• A locking device which is formed between the first connecting element and the second connecting element and which mechanically connects the connecting elements in an end position,
• • wherein the locking device comprises a locking element which is formed on the second connecting element, and
• Wherein the locking device comprises an actuating element for the locking element, which is displaceably mounted on the second connecting element between a first position and a second position, the following method steps are provided according to the invention:
• Gripping the second connecting element on the actuating element and joining the second connecting element in the longitudinal direction with the first connecting element, wherein the connecting elements are connected to one another in the longitudinal direction of the plug connection such that in an end position of the connecting elements the contact ends of the electrical contacts are in electrical contact with one another,
• • Moving the actuating element in the longitudinal direction from the first position to the second position and actuating the locking element with the actuating element against a restoring force such that the locking element after reaching the end position of the connecting elements and after reaching the second position of the actuating element is engaged with the first connecting element .
• • wherein the locking element is held by the actuating element in this engaged position, and
• • wherein the locking element mechanically interconnects the connecting elements in the end position.

Thus, the high-temperature connector with only one hand can be quickly and conveniently operated by the second connector is detected on the actuator and handled with this. Once you have seized the second connector on the actuator, you put the fasteners into each other. Once these have reached their end position relative to each other, the actuator pushes further in the longitudinal direction until it reaches the locking element and presses down against the restoring force. The locking element thereby automatically engages with the first connecting element, namely as soon as the actuating element has reached its second position on the second connecting element. The actuator sure so not only the locking element in its locked position. It also reinforces the second connecting element, whereby the connector has a total of high security.

To release the connector, the actuator is first pulled from the second position back to the first position. In this case, the locking element releases due to the restoring force from its locked position. It releases the first connection element and the connection elements can be detached from one another.

The high temperature connector can therefore be operated and locked with one hand. The locking itself ensures an always reliable and high-strength connection between the connecting elements, wherein the actuating element additionally secures the second connecting element against expansion.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a high-temperature connector according to the invention for connecting a multi-pole electrical connection line with a heating device of an injection molding in an injection molding apparatus, with a first connecting element and a second connecting element, which are separated from each other;

2 a plan view of the second connecting element of 1 wherein the actuating element for the locking element is removed from the second connecting element;

3 the high temperature connector of 1 with the first connecting element and the second connecting element in an end position, wherein the actuating element for the locking element is in a first position;

4 the high temperature connector of 1 with the first connecting element and the second connecting element in the end position and in the locked position, wherein the actuating element for the locking element is in a second position;

5 an oblique view of the high-temperature connector of 4 ;

6 a bottom view under the first and the second connecting element of 1 wherein the connecting elements are separated from each other;

7 another embodiment of a high-temperature connector according to the invention for connecting a multi-pole electrical signal line with a temperature sensor of an injection molding in an injection molding, with a first connecting element and a second connecting element, which are separated from each other.

In the 1 generally with 10 designated high-temperature connector is for a (not shown) injection molding 6 designed, in particular for a hot runner nozzle, which is used in an (also not shown) injection molding apparatus. The hot runner nozzle 6 usually has a (not shown) material tube with a flow channel formed therein for the plastic mass to be processed. So that these within the Flow channel is maintained at a constant, predetermined temperature is on the outer circumference of the material tube, an electric heater 3 arranged, the (not shown) Heizleiterbahnen with a connecting cable 5 connected and via the high-temperature connector 10 and a connection cable 2 can be connected to a (not shown) temperature controller. The latter supplies the heater 3 - with closed plug connection 10 - With electric current from a (also not shown) current or voltage source.

The high temperature connector 10 for connecting the heater 3 with the electrical connection cable 2 has - like 1 further shows - two fasteners 20 . 40 , wherein a first connecting element 20 forms a socket, while a second connecting element 40 forms a plug which up to an end position E (see 3 to 5 ) is insertable into the socket.

The first connection element 20 has a sleeve or socket-shaped connector housing 22 that on an insulating body 23 is mounted. plug housing 22 and insulator 23 are over a pedestal 21 mechanically with the heater 3 connected. A more detailed illustration of this arrangement is the German patent application DE 10 2012 101 400 A1 , the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Inside the connector housing 22 are (in the embodiment of 1 ) two live electrical contacts 24 . 25 as well as a ground contact 30 trained (see also 6 ). Each of these contacts 24 . 25 . 30 has a contact end 26 . 27 . 31 inside the connector housing 22 spaced apart and arranged electrically isolated. The to the respective contact ends 26 . 27 opposite ends 28 . 29 the contacts 24 . 25 are with the connection cable 5 and about this with the heater 3 the injection molding nozzle 6 electrically connected. The ground contact 30 is like 6 shows - as a contact pin in the wall of the connector housing 22 integrated, this with a corresponding recess 32 is provided. The ground contact 30 is as well as the connector housing 22 made of metal and over the connector housing 22 and the pedestal 21 with a housing (not shown) of the hot runner nozzle 6 connected.

The second connection element 40 has a connection body 41 in the form of an insulating body. This insulator 41 is designed with respect to its geometry and its dimensions such that it with a small clearance play into the connector housing 22 of the first connecting element 20 can be inserted. The insulator 41 also sits with his the first connecting element 20 remote end in a housing section 54 made of metal, which in turn is end of a ferrule 55 is closed. The ferrule 55 provides a mechanical connection to the connecting cable 2 ago, for example, by crimping, so that the second connecting element 40 firmly with the connection line 2 connected is.

The connection body 41 has - in the embodiment of 1 - on its underside a narrower lower section 42 , whereby the connecting main part 41 is formed in cross-section approximately T-shaped. The housing section 54 is this with a corresponding recess 56 Mistake. When mating the fasteners 20 . 40 and when reaching the end position E is this lower paragraph 42 in the recess 32 of the connector housing 22 ,

One recognizes further in the 3 and 4 that the connector housing 22 of the first connecting element 20 and the housing section 54 of the second connecting element 40 have the same outer contour and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the connector 10 have the same dimensions. The length dimensions of connector housing 22 , Connecting body 41 and housing section 54 are also matched to one another such that upon reaching the end position E of the connecting elements 20 . 40 the connection body 41 completely from the connector housing 22 is included and that the latter and the housing section 54 flush with each other on the front side, ie between the connector housing 22 and the housing section 54 There is neither a gap nor a step.

Inside the connection body 41 are corresponding to the contacts 24 . 25 of the first connecting element 20 two live electrical contacts 44 . 45 as well as a ground contact 50 educated. Each of these contacts 44 . 45 . 50 has a contact end 46 . 47 which are inside the connection body 41 spaced apart and arranged electrically isolated. The to the respective contact ends 46 . 47 opposite ends 48 . 49 the contacts 44 . 45 are with the connecting cable 2 electrically connected. The ground contact 50 is also with the connection cable 2 connected, preferably with a metal braid in the cable sheath, which forms a grounding line.

If one executes the second connecting element designed as a plug or plug-in element 40 with the insulating body 41 in the connector housing 22 of the bushing formed as a first connecting element 20 and reach both fasteners 20 . 40 in the 3 to 5 shown end position E, get the mutual contact ends 26 . 27 . 46 . 47 the electrical contacts 24 . 25 ; 44 . 45 in electrical contact with each other. The same applies to the ground contacts 30 . 50 , wherein the preferably designed as a pin ground contact 30 from the bottom paragraph 42 of the insulating body 41 is recorded.

Between the first connection element 20 and the second connection element 40 is a locking device 60 formed, which are the two connecting elements 20 . 40 mechanically mechanically interconnected in the end position E such that, on the one hand, a good and secure contact arises, even at high thermal and mechanical load on the plug connection 10 is not compromised, and that on the other hand, the connection can be made with one hand and released again.

The locking device 60 for this purpose has a on the second connecting element 40 trained locking element 64 and one on the second connecting element 40 between a first position P1 and a second position P2 longitudinally displaceable mounted actuator 70 ,

The locking element 64 is preferably a flat spring element made of a high temperature resistant spring steel, with one end 65 on the housing section 54 of the second connecting element 40 is fixed, preferably by welding or gluing. How the particular 1 and 3 show is the spring element 64 obliquely to the longitudinal direction L employed, so that when bending down towards the main body 41 generates a restoring force F1. The locking element 64 also has at its end 65 opposite free end of an engagement portion 66 , which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the connector 10 with a width b parallel to the width B of the first connecting element 20 , in particular to the width B of the plug housing 22 , extends and in an engaged position along its width b with the first connecting element 20 engaged. The connector housing 22 of the connecting element 20 is this with a corresponding recess 35 and a corresponding engagement edge 36 provided, the (unspecified) width of the width b of the locking element 64 equivalent.

The engaging section 66 of the locking element 64 exercises - as in 4 to see - in the engaged position, a force F2 on the engagement edge 36 and thus on the first connection element 20 which at least partially in the longitudinal direction L and thus in the direction of the second connecting element 40 acts. The engaging section 66 of the locking element 64 in this case preferably forms an end bend of the locking element 64 ,

The actuator 70 is - as in the 3 and 4 shown - as a sleeve 71 formed, which the housing portion 54 of the second connecting element 40 encloses positively. The sleeve 71 sits here with the least possible movement on the housing section 54 and has a recess in its top 72 for the locking element 64 and on the bottom of a recess 73 for the lower paragraph 42 of the connection body 41 , At his the first connecting element 20 facing the end of the sleeve 71 is across the recess 72 a hold-down 74 formed in the form of a transverse web, preferably with the sleeve 71 is welded. The hold down 74 acts with the locking element 64 together and pushes this either against the spring force F1 in the direction of connecting main body 41 as soon as you get the actuator 70 from position P1 to position P2, or the hold-down 74 gives the locking element 64 free when the actuator 70 in the first position P1. An attack 57 on the housing section 54 defines the end position of the actuator 70 in position P1, leaving the sleeve 71 not from the second connection element 40 can slide down.

Once the fasteners 20 . 40 have reached their final position E and after the actuator 70 has been moved from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the locking element passes 64 with its engagement section 66 with the engagement edge 36 of the connector housing 22 and thus with the first connection element 20 engaged, wherein the locking element 64 against the spring force F1 of the hold-down 74 of the actuating element 70 is held in this engaged position. This will be the fasteners 20 . 40 pulled against each other and the connector housing 22 and the housing section 54 clamped against each other frontally.

One recognizes in the 1 and 3 that in the area of the recess 35 in the connector housing 22 for receiving or engaging the locking element 64 a tab 38 is formed, as well as the locking element 64 obliquely to the longitudinal direction L is employed, and that at this tab 38 the engagement edge 36 for the engaging section 66 of the locking element 64 is trained. Due to the inclination of the tab 38 increases the restoring force F1 of the locking element 64 , which leads to an improved latching or locking. At the same time, the static friction of the locking element increases 64 and the hold-down 74 when it is in position P2 above the locking element 64 is located so that the actuator 70 can not accidentally or unintentionally move back to position P1.

On the actuator 70 are also two side brackets 80 formed after reaching the end position E of the connecting elements 20 . 40 and after moving the actuator 70 in the second position P2 with the connector housing 22 of the first connecting element 20 stay in contact. The temples 80 - In the embodiment of 1 there are two - are opposite each other on the actuator 70 educated. They clamp the connector housing in position P2 22 as a clip force and / or positive fit between them, so that the first connecting element 20 no longer with respect to the second connecting part 40 cant or twist. The mechanical stability of the connector is thus significantly increased again.

7 shows another embodiment of the high-temperature connector according to the invention 10 ' , This is also for a (not shown in detail) injection molding 6 designed, in particular for a hot runner nozzle, which is used in an (also not shown) injection molding apparatus. The plug connection 10 ' of the 7 serves to connect an electrical signal line 2 with a temperature sensor 4 the injection molding nozzle 6 , The operation of this connector 10 ' basically corresponds to the previously described embodiment, wherein like reference numerals designate the same components. However, here are the fasteners 20 . 40 reversed, ie the second connection element 40 , which is designed as a plug and the locking element 64 and the actuator 70 carries is with the temperature sensor 4 connected while the first connection element 20 as a socket to the signal line 2 connected.

Moreover, in this embodiment, on the first connecting element 20 , in particular on the connector housing 22 a coding tab 90 formed in the end position E of the connecting elements 20 . 40 in a same shape Codierungsausnehmung 92 engages the side in the housing portion 54 of the second connecting element 40 is trained.

The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways. So you can check the functionalities of the fasteners 20 . 40 swap it by the first connector 20 forms a plug, while the second connecting element 40 forms a socket which receives the plug in itself. Instead of two current-carrying contacts 24 . 25 ; 44 . 45 can be inside the fasteners 20 . 40 only one single contact (with or without ground contact) can be provided. Also conceivable is the formation of a multi-pin connector with more than two contacts. The connection body 41 can - as in 7 shown - rectangular in cross-section, ie the lower paragraph 24 for the inclusion of the ground contacts can be omitted. The spring element 64 can be integral with the housing section 54 be educated.

It can be seen that a high temperature connector 10 for connecting an electrical connection or signal line 2 with a heater 3 or a temperature sensor 4 an injection molding nozzle 6 in an injection molding apparatus, a first connecting element 20 that has at least one electrical contact 24 . 25 that has a contact end 26 . 27 forms and with his to the contact end 26 . 27 opposite end 28 . 29 with the heater 3 or the temperature sensor 4 the injection molding nozzle 6 is electrically connected, and a second connecting element 40 that has at least one electrical contact 44 . 45 that has a contact end 46 . 47 forms and with his to the contact end 46 . 47 opposite end 48 . 49 with the connection or signal line 2 is electrically connected, wherein the connecting elements 20 . 40 be connected to each other in such a way that in an end position E of the connecting elements 20 . 40 the contact ends 26 . 27 ; 46 . 47 the electrical contacts 24 . 25 ; 44 . 45 in electrical contact with each other. So that the connector can withstand thermal and mechanical stresses permanently and creates an always reliable electrical connection between the connection or signal line and the heating device or the temperature sensor with simple handling, the invention provides that between the first connection element 20 and the second connection element 40 a locking device 60 is formed, which the connecting elements 20 . 40 in the end position E mechanically interconnects that the locking device 60 a locking element 64 that at the second connecting element 40 is formed, and that the locking device 60 an actuator 70 for the locking element 64 having, on the second connecting element 40 is slidably mounted between a first position P1 and a second position P2, wherein the locking element 64 by means of the actuating element 70 against a restoring force F1 is actuated such that the locking element 64 after reaching the end position E of the connecting elements 20 . 40 and by moving the actuating element 70 in the second position P2 with the first connecting element 20 engageable, and wherein the locking element 64 from the actuator 70 is held in this engaged position

All resulting from the claims, the description and the drawing features and advantages, including structural details, spatial arrangements and Process steps, can be essential to the invention, both for themselves and in various combinations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

b

Width (engaging section)

B

Width (first connecting element)

e

end position

F1

Restoring force

F2

force

L

longitudinal direction

P1

first position

P2

second position

1

injection molding

2

Connection or signal line

3

heater

4

temperature sensor

5

connection cable

6

injection molding

10, 10 '

High-temperature connector

20

first connecting element

21

base

22

plug housing

23

insulator

24

electric contact

25

electric contact

26

Contact end

27

Contact end

28

opposite end

29

opposite end

30

mass contact

31

Contact end

32

recess

35

recess

36

engaging edge

38

flap

40

second connecting element

41

Connection main part

42

lower paragraph

44

electric contact

45

electric contact

46

Contact end

47

Contact end

48

opposite end

49

opposite end

50

mass contact

54

housing section

55

ferrule

56

recess

57

attack

60

locking device

64

locking element

65

The End

66

engaging portion

70

actuator

71

shell

72

recess

73

recess

74

Stripper plate

80

hanger

90

encoding tab

93

Codierungsausnehmung

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010035013 A1 [0005]
• DE 102012101400 A1 [0006, 0044]

Claims (16)

High temperature connector ( 10 ) for connecting an electrical connection or signal line ( 2 ) with a heating device ( 3 ) or a temperature sensor ( 4 ) an injection molding nozzle ( 6 ) in an injection molding apparatus, • with a first connecting element ( 20 ), which has at least one electrical contact ( 24 . 25 ) having a contact end ( 26 . 27 ) and that with his to the contact ( 26 . 27 ) opposite end ( 28 . 29 ) with the heating device ( 3 ) or the temperature sensor ( 4 ) of the injection molding nozzle ( 6 ) is electrically connected, with a second connecting element ( 40 ), which has at least one electrical contact ( 44 . 45 ) having a contact end ( 46 . 47 ) and that with his to the contact ( 46 . 47 ) opposite end ( 48 . 49 ) with the connection or signal line ( 2 ) is electrically connected, wherein the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) are connectable to each other such that in an end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) the contact ends ( 26 . 27 ; 46 . 47 ) of the electrical contacts ( 24 . 25 ; 44 . 45 ) are in electrical contact with each other, characterized in that between the first connecting element ( 20 ) and the second connecting element ( 40 ) a locking device ( 60 ) is formed, which the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) in the end position (E) mechanically interconnects, • that the locking device ( 60 ) a locking element ( 64 ), which on the second connecting element ( 40 ), and • that the locking device ( 60 ) an actuating element ( 70 ) for the locking element ( 64 ), which on the second connecting element ( 40 ) is displaceably mounted between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein the locking element ( 64 ) by means of the actuating element ( 70 ) is actuated against a restoring force (F1) such that the locking element ( 64 ) after reaching the end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) and by moving the actuating element ( 70 ) in the second position (P2) with the first connecting element ( 20 ) is engageable, and wherein the locking element ( 64 ) of the actuating element ( 70 ) is held in this engaged position. High-temperature connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking element ( 64 ) an engaging portion ( 66 ), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the high-temperature connector ( 10 ) having a width (b) parallel to the width (B) of the first connecting element ( 20 ) and in the engaged position along its width (b) with the first connecting element ( 20 ) is engaged. High-temperature connector according to claim 2, characterized in that the engaging portion ( 66 ) in the engaged position a force (F2) on the first connecting element ( 20 ), which at least partially in the direction of the second connecting element ( 40 ) acts. High-temperature connector according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first connecting element ( 20 ) with an engagement edge ( 36 ) for the engaging section ( 66 ) of the locking element ( 64 ) is provided. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second connecting element ( 40 ) a connection body ( 41 ) and at its first connecting element ( 20 ) facing away from a housing section ( 54 ), wherein the locking element ( 64 ) is a spring element which on the housing portion ( 54 ) is trained. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the engaging portion ( 66 ) an end formed bend of the locking element ( 64 ) is or forms. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating element ( 70 ) is a sleeve, which the second connecting element ( 40 ) at least partially encloses. High-temperature connector according to claim 7, characterized in that the actuating element ( 70 ) longitudinally displaceable on the housing portion ( 54 ) of the second connecting element ( 40 ) is stored. High-temperature connector according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the actuating element ( 70 ) a hold-down ( 74 ), which the locking element ( 64 ) in the second position (P2) of the actuating element ( 70 ) in the engaged position with the first connecting element ( 20 ) and the locking element ( 64 ) in the first position (P1) of the actuating element ( 70 ) releases. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the actuating element ( 70 ) at least two brackets ( 80 ), which after reaching the end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) and after moving the actuating element ( 70 ) in the second position (P2) with the first connecting element ( 20 ) are in contact at least in sections. High-temperature connector according to claim 10, characterized in that the bracket ( 80 ) lying opposite each other on the actuating element ( 70 ) are formed and that the first connecting element ( 20 ) after reaching the end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) and after moving the actuating element ( 70 ) in the second position (P2) positively and or positively between the brackets ( 80 ) lies. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the first connecting element ( 20 ) a sleeve-shaped connector housing ( 22 ), which the second connecting element ( 40 ) receives in the end position (E) at least partially positive fit. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the connecting body part ( 41 ) of the second connecting element ( 40 ) is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) in cross-section substantially T-shaped. High-temperature connector according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the first connecting element ( 20 ) a coding tab ( 90 ), which in the end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) in an identical coding recess ( 92 ) engages in the second connection element. High-temperature connector according to claim 14, characterized in that the coding recess ( 92 ) in the housing section ( 54 ) of the second connecting element ( 40 ) is trained. Method for joining the connecting elements of a high-temperature connector ( 10 ) for connecting an electrical connection or signal line ( 2 ) with a heating device ( 3 ) or a temperature sensor ( 4 ) an injection molding nozzle ( 6 ) in an injection molding apparatus, wherein the high-temperature connector ( 10 ) • a first connecting element ( 20 ) having at least one electrical contact ( 24 . 25 ) having a contact end ( 26 . 27 ) and that with his to the contact ( 26 . 27 ) opposite end ( 28 . 29 ) with the heating device ( 3 ) or the temperature sensor ( 4 ) of the injection molding nozzle ( 6 ) is electrically connected, • a second connecting element ( 40 ) having at least one electrical contact ( 44 . 45 ) having a contact end ( 46 . 47 ) and that with his to the contact ( 46 . 47 ) opposite end ( 48 . 49 ) with the connection or signal line ( 2 ) is electrically connected, and • a locking device ( 60 ), which between the first connecting element ( 20 ) and the second connecting element ( 40 ) is formed and which the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) mechanically interconnected in an end position (E), wherein the locking device ( 60 ) a locking element ( 64 ), which on the second connecting element ( 40 ), and wherein the locking device ( 60 ) an actuating element ( 70 ) for the locking element ( 64 ), which on the second connecting element ( 40 ) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) is displaceably mounted, characterized by the following method steps: • gripping the second connecting element ( 40 ) on the actuating element ( 70 ) and joining the second connecting element ( 40 ) in the longitudinal direction (L) with the first connecting element ( 20 ), wherein the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the connector ( 10 ) in such a way that in an end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) the contact ends ( 26 . 27 ; 46 . 47 ) of the electrical contacts ( 24 . 25 ; 44 . 45 ) are in electrical contact with each other, • shifting the actuating element ( 70 ) in the longitudinal direction (L) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) and actuation of the locking element ( 64 ) with the actuating element ( 70 ) against a restoring force (F1) such that the locking element ( 64 ) after reaching the end position (E) of the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) and after reaching the second position (P2) of the actuating element ( 70 ) with the first connecting element ( 20 ), wherein the locking element ( 64 ) of the actuating element ( 70 ) is held in this engaged position, and • wherein the locking element ( 64 ) the connecting elements ( 20 . 40 ) in the end position (E) mechanically interconnects.

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