DE102022131105A1 - CONNECTOR WITH AT LEAST ONE LIGHTING ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR ILLUMINATING A CONNECTOR WITH AT LEAST ONE LIGHTING ELEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) for forming a plug connection in a plugging direction (X) with a mating plug connector in order to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals, wherein the plug connector (1) has a plug housing part (100) with a plug region (110) in which a first plug section (111) for implementing a first operating function of the plug connector (1) and a second plug section (112) for implementing a second operating function of the plug connector (1) are arranged on a plug side (S) of the plug connector (1) to form a plug face (110G), wherein the plug connector (1) comprises at least one lighting element (210, 220) which is arranged within the plug region (110) and is configured to illuminate the first plug section (111) and/or the second plug section (112) at least in sections. The invention further relates to a method for illuminating a plug connector (1).

Description

The present invention is in the field of electromobility and relates to a connector for forming a plug connection with a mating connector in order to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals. The connector comprises at least one lighting element in order to illuminate the plug area of the connector. The present invention further relates to a method for illuminating a connector with at least one lighting element.

In the field of electromobility, electrical energy and/or electrical signals are transmitted to a vehicle battery of an electrically powered vehicle (electric vehicle), for example from a charging station or a so-called wall box of a charging station, via a charging cable and via a plug connection between a connector and a mating connector. The connector is arranged as a charging socket (short: charging socket) on the electric vehicle and the mating connector in the form of a charging plug is arranged on the charging cable. The plug connection between the connector and the mating connector is realized by a plugging process by hand and thus manually.

In order to properly carry out the plug-in process prior to a charging process for the transfer of electrical energy to the vehicle battery, for example in difficult lighting conditions or especially in the dark, effective lighting systems would be desirable and necessary in order to achieve a reliable and safe plug connection.

For example, a large number of vehicle charging sockets available on the market do not have integrated search lighting. In some cases, external lighting devices are used near the vehicle charging sockets to illuminate the vehicle charging sockets when required by operating them accordingly. However, this requires a certain amount of effort and is sometimes very cumbersome.

Various approaches to illuminating connectors in the field of electromobility in order to make charging processes safer are known from the prior art patent literature.

From the German disclosure document No. EN 10 2017 222 514 A1 A charging socket system for an electrically powered motor vehicle is known. The charging socket system comprises a charging socket with a power connection and a display for showing information about the charging process, for example in bar form. Two white, crescent-shaped light elements in the form of LEDs are arranged on both sides of the power connection as lighting. The lighting is intended to help a user to identify the power connection and to correctly insert and lock a charging plug into the charging socket.

The European patent specification No. EP 3 629 425 B1 relates to a contact housing for a charging socket of a motor vehicle and a method for producing a charging socket of a motor vehicle. A lighting device is attached to the contact housing and is supplied with light by a light guide. A receiving opening is provided for the light guide, which is located outside the plug interface. The charging socket can have several of these lighting devices and light guides.

In the German disclosure document No. EN 10 2014 100 640 A1 A charging socket with a housing is described, with a plug-in element provided in the housing. A lighting module is placed on the outside of the housing and attached to the side of the housing. The lighting module has a base body with a slightly crescent-shaped front side and two light exit surfaces provided at a distance from one another.

The European patent specification No. EP 3 584 105 B1 relates to a charging and/or tank flap module for a motor vehicle and a device for illuminating the charging and/or tank flap module and for displaying the current charging and/or tank level of the energy storage device on the motor vehicle. The device comprises a housing in which a circuit board with two lighting means in the form of light-emitting diodes is accommodated.

From the German patent specification No. EN 10 2018 129 122 B4 A charging connector with a scattering element for emitting and/or receiving light is known, which is arranged on the handle portion of the housing of the charging connector.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a connector for transmitting electrical energy and/or electrical signals, which is characterized by an improved lighting function, which enables safer handling and operation with a mating connector, especially in difficult lighting conditions, especially in the dark. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for illuminating a connector.

The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 13. Further embodiments and applications of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a plug connector for forming a plug connection in a plugging direction with a mating plug connector in order to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals, preferably in at least one operating state, wherein the plug connector has a plug housing part with a plug region in which a first plug section for implementing a first operating function of the plug connector and a second plug section for implementing a second operating function of the plug connector are arranged to form a plug face on a plug side of the plug connector, wherein the plug connector comprises at least one lighting element which is arranged within the plug region and is configured to illuminate and/or form at least sections of the first plug section and/or the second plug section.

The plug connector according to the present invention is preferably a charging plug connector in the form of a charging socket (short: charging socket) for an electrically driven vehicle (electric vehicle). The at least one operating state preferably comprises a charging process for transmitting electrical energy to an electric vehicle, i.e. to the vehicle battery of the electric vehicle. The first plug section can be designed to transmit electrical energy in the form of direct current in order to implement a first operating function of the plug connector. The second plug section can be designed to transmit electrical signals and/or electrical energy in the form of alternating current in order to implement a second operating function of the plug connector.

According to the invention, improved illumination of the plug-in area, i.e. of the first plug-in section and/or the second plug-in section, is achieved with the at least one lighting element which is arranged in the plug-in area or within the plug-in area. Both the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section can have respective contact elements with known functions for implementing the above-mentioned operating functions.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section are arranged adjacent to one another, and that the at least one lighting element is arranged at a transition between the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section, and/or the at least one lighting element forms and/or defines a transition between the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section, at least in sections.

Both the first plug section and the second plug section are formed from walls and/or wall sections in connection with cavities and contact elements. The at least one lighting element can itself be part of the walls and/or wall sections. Preferably, the at least one lighting element can be arranged and/or formed in the transition between the first plug section and the second plug section. This ensures that both plug sections can be illuminated at the same time, which leads to safer handling of the plug connector and sometimes the mating plug connector in the form of a charging plug.

It is possible that the plug-in area on the plug-in side is configured for essentially positive-locking and/or essentially force-locking reception of the at least one light element in the plug-in direction. This can be achieved by forming a plug-in, press-in and/or snap-in connection. This can ensure, for example, simple assembly and disassembly of the at least one light element in the housing of the plug connector.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the plug connector has a cover housing part on the plug side with a recess for delimiting the plug face or for delimiting the plug face in the circumferential direction, wherein the cover housing part is configured to cover the at least one lighting element in the plug direction at least in sections, preferably flush and/or completely, in order to illuminate the first plug section and/or the second plug section from at least one direction perpendicular to the plug direction. The cover housing part can further optimize the lighting function of the plug connector in that the light waves spread out in a defined space by covering corresponding points or sides of the at least one lighting element, preferably perpendicular to the plug direction. Furthermore, the cover housing part can be used to securely mount the at least one lighting element in the plug direction.

The cover housing part can be essentially plate-shaped and/or essentially flat. Additionally or alternatively, the plug-in direction, the recess is characterized by a figure-eight-shaped recess contour. Additionally or alternatively, the cover housing part on the plug-in side can be made at least in sections from an opaque material.

It is possible that the cover housing part is configured for detachable mounting on the plug-in area, preferably configured to form a plug-in, snap-in and/or screw connection with the plug-in housing part. In other words, the cover housing part can be designed to be detachable on the plug-in area, i.e. mountable on respective surfaces and/or walls. The recess in the cover housing part preferably serves to enable access to the first plug-in section and/or to the second plug-in section.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least one lighting element has a V-shaped, wedge-shaped, trapezoidal or sickle-shaped contour in a cross-sectional view in the plugging direction, and/or that the at least one lighting element is at least partially bowl-shaped and/or at least partially elastically deformable. The at least one lighting element can be designed to be flexible in terms of geometric design, i.e. to be individually adaptable to the respective needs of the respective plug connector.

It is possible for the at least one lighting element to comprise a lighting body which is made of a light-conducting and/or light-permeable material, and/or for the at least one lighting element to comprise a contact pin which is configured for contacting a light source and/or transmitting light waves from the light source to the lighting body of the at least one lighting element. The lighting body can be designed to be geometrically flexible.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the luminous element in the plug-in section adjoins an inner wall of the plug housing part in the plug-in direction and/or the contact pin at least penetrates the inner wall in the plug-in direction. The luminous element, which preferably functions as a diffuser body, makes it possible to place the light source at a different location in the housing of the plug connector than at that of the luminous element. Light waves from a light source can be guided to the luminous element via the contact pin.

It is possible for the plug connector to comprise at least one light source for supplying the at least one light element with light waves, wherein the at least one light source is arranged on a side of the plug housing part opposite the plug side and an inner wall of the plug housing part is arranged between the plug side and the at least one light source to limit the plug area of the plug direction. The at least one light source can be arranged inside the plug housing part of the plug connector and is thus located in a protected location.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the plug connector comprises a first lighting element and a second lighting element, wherein the first lighting element and the second lighting element are arranged opposite one another and/or spaced apart from one another within the plug-in area in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction, preferably at least in sections between the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section, and/or that the first lighting element and the second lighting element are arranged and/or formed substantially symmetrically to one another with respect to a center plane which runs in the plug-in direction and divides the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section.

By providing two lighting elements at corresponding locations in the plug-in area, a further improved illumination of the plug-in area and thus of the first plug-in section and the second plug-in section can be achieved.

It is possible for the first lighting element and/or the second lighting element to form a guide section in the plug-in direction for the mating connector. In other words, the first lighting element, preferably the lighting body, and/or the second lighting element, preferably the lighting body, can be designed as a separate and/or integrated component of a wall or a wall section of the first plug-in section and/or the second plug-in section. It is thus possible for a section or a zone of the plug housing part to be designed as a luminous part or as a luminous zone within the plug-in area.

The present invention relates, according to a second general aspect, to a method for illuminating a connector, preferably a connector as disclosed herein, wherein the connector has a plug housing part with a plug region in which, in order to form a plug face on a plug side of the A first plug-in section for implementing a first operating function of the plug-in connector and a second plug-in section for implementing a second operating function of the plug-in connector are arranged in the plug-in region of the plug-in connector, wherein the plug-in connector comprises at least one luminous element which is arranged within the plug-in region and illuminates the first plug-in section and/or the second plug-in section at least in sections.

The present invention relates, according to a third general aspect, to a vehicle, preferably an electric vehicle, with at least one connector as disclosed herein.

In order to avoid repetition, features directed purely to the device of the connector according to the invention and/or disclosed in connection therewith should also be deemed to be disclosed in accordance with the method and be claimable, and vice versa.

The previously described embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

• 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel des Steckverbinders gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in einer Explosionsansicht, wobei ein Abdeckgehäuseteil des Steckverbinders ausgeblendet ist;
• 2 ein Abdeckgehäuseteil des Steckverbinders aus 1;
• 3 den Steckverbinder aus 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;
• 4 den Steckverbinder aus 1 in einer Frontansicht;
• 5 den Steckverbinder aus 1 in einer Frontansicht;
• 5A den Steckverbinder aus 5 in einer ersten Schnittansicht (Schnitt A-A in 5);
• 5B den Steckverbinder aus 5 in einer zweiten Schnittansicht (Schnitt B-B in 5), wobei das Steckgehäuseteil des Steckverbinders ausgeblendet ist.

Show it:

• 1 a first embodiment of the connector according to the present invention in an exploded view, wherein a cover housing part of the connector is hidden;
• 2 a cover housing part of the connector made of 1 ;
• 3 the connector 1 in a perspective view;
• 4 the connector 1 in a front view;
• 5 the connector 1 in a front view;
• 5A the connector 5 in a first sectional view (section AA in 5 );
• 5B the connector 5 in a second sectional view (section BB in 5 ), whereby the plug housing part of the connector is hidden.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified in the figures with the same reference numerals. For their explanation, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the figures serves to further illustrate or clarify and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

1 shows a first embodiment of the connector 1 according to the present invention in an exploded view with the cover housing part 400 hidden (see 2 ). In addition, other components and elements of the connector 1, such as load contact elements, are hidden for the sake of clarity.

The connector 1 is configured to form a plug connection in a plug direction X with a mating connector in order to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals, preferably in at least one operating state. The connector 1 is designed as a charging connector and preferably as a charging socket (short: “charging socket”). The connector 1 is arranged on an electrically driven vehicle (electric vehicle). In other words, the connector 1 is configured for mounting on an electric vehicle.

In or during a charging operating state (charging process), the plug connector 1 is preferably used to charge the electric vehicle, i.e. the vehicle batteries of the electric vehicle. In this case, the plug connector 1 forms a plug connection with the mating connector as a mobile charging connector (charging plug). The mating connector is in turn connected to a charging column or to a so-called wall box of a charging station via a charging cable. The electric vehicle with the vehicle batteries and the charging station are not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The mating connector is also not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

The connector 1 is preferably specified according to the IEC 62196-2 standard or according to the IEC 62196-3 standard or is preferably based at least partially on the requirements of the IEC 62196-2 or IEC 62196-3 standard. The connector 1 can be designed and/or specified according to the known Combined Charging System (CCS) connector system standard as a so-called Combo 2 charging connector (“Type 2 charging connector”). In an alternative embodiment of the connector 1, this can also be designed as a so-called Combo 1 charging connector (“Type 1 charging connector”). be trained according to US standards and/or specifications.

Alternatively, it is possible that the connector 1 is designed and/or specified according to another standard or another specification, for example according to the so-called “CHAdeMO standard” or according to the so-called “ChaoJi stacked specification”, or at least based thereon.

The plug connector 1 comprises a plug housing part 100, which is configured, among other things, for assembly and thus for detachable attachment to the electric vehicle. The plug housing part 100 can be formed in one part or in multiple parts. The plug housing part 100 is made of an insulating material and thus of an insulating material with inherent electrical insulating properties and resulting insulation capabilities. The insulating material can preferably be based on a plastic. The plug housing part 100 can be produced, for example, by at least one casting process and/or by at least one injection molding process with an insulating material. It is additionally or alternatively possible for the plug housing part 100 or parts in the form of walls and/or wall sections to be produced by at least one sintering process and/or by at least one 3D printing process.

The plug housing part 100 comprises a plug region 110 in which a first plug section 111 for implementing a first operating function of the plug connector 1 and a second plug section 112 for implementing a second operating function of the plug connector 1 are arranged to form a plug face 110G on a plug side S of the plug connector 1. The first plug section 111 is preferably used for charging using direct current and for this purpose comprises a first contact element and a second contact element (hidden in the figures). A charging voltage in the form of a direct voltage applied to the contact elements of the first plug section 111 during a charging process can, for example, be in a range from 400 volts to 800 volts. In other words, the contact elements of the first plug section 111 are designed as so-called load contact elements for transmitting electrical energy in the form of direct current to an electric vehicle during a charging process. The plug connector 1 can preferably be configured for a rapid charging process with high charging power (so-called “high power charging”). The first plug-in section 111 is formed in addition to the contact elements by corresponding walls and/or wall sections of the plug-in housing part 100. The first plug-in section 111 extends inside or within the plug-in area 110 in the plug-in direction X up to a defined length to an inner wall 101 of the plug-in housing part 100 (see the sectional view in 5A) .

The second plug section 112 is used to transmit electrical signals, to provide a protective conductor function and/or to charge an electric vehicle using alternating current and for this purpose comprises and/or houses respective contact elements at the corresponding locations (PE contact element, pilot contact element (“Control Pilot/CP”), proximity contact element (“Proximity Pilot/PP”), AC phase 1 contact element, AC phase 2 contact element, AC phase 3 contact element, AC neutral contact element). In other words, the contact elements of the second plug section 112 are arranged analogously to the contact elements of the first plug section 111 in corresponding cylindrical cavities which are defined and/or formed by respective walls and/or wall sections of the plug housing part 100. The contact elements of the second contact section 112 are hidden in the figures. Analogous to the first plug-in section 111, the second plug-in section 112 also extends inside or within the plug-in area 110 in the plug-in direction X up to a defined length to an inner wall 101 of the plug-in housing part 100 (see the sectional view in 5A) .

As already described, both the first plug-in section 111 and the second plug-in section 112 are formed by corresponding walls and/or wall sections and associated cavities and/or recesses of the plug housing part 100 together with the respective contact elements.

As can be seen from the illustration in 1 and the representations in the further 3 to 5A The first plug-in section 111 and the second plug-in section 112 are arranged adjacent to one another and/or adjacent to one another. In other words, the first plug-in section 111 flows smoothly into the second plug-in section 112 via corresponding cavities or recesses, so that in a view in the plug-in direction X, sections and thus end faces of the inner wall 101 of the plug housing part 100 are visible as the boundary wall of the plug-in area 110 and thus of the first and second plug-in sections 111 and 112.

According to the invention, the connector 1 comprises at least one lighting element 210, 220 and preferably, as is the case in the present embodiment, two lighting elements 210 and 220.

Both the first lighting element 210 and the second lighting element 220 are arranged within or in the plug-in area 110. Both the first lighting element 210 and the second lighting element 220 are each configured to illuminate the first plug-in section 111 and/or the second plug-in section 112 at least in sections and also to form and/or delimit them at least in sections, which will be described in more detail below.

The lighting element 210 comprises the lighting body 211 and the contact pin 212. The lighting body 210 is made of a light-conducting and/or light-permeable material. In other words, the lighting body 211 functions as a diffuser body and is used to emit light rays to illuminate the first and second plug-in sections 111 and 112. The contact pin 212 is also made of a light-conducting and/or light-permeable material and is configured to make contact with a light source 310 and/or transmit light waves from the light source 310 to the lighting body 211 of the lighting element 210. The lighting body 211 and the contact pin 212 are preferably formed as a single part and thus integrally in one piece (materially bonded) with one another in order to ensure optimal transmission of light waves from the light source 310. The lighting element 210 can preferably be formed on the basis of a light-conducting plastic.

The luminous body 211 of the luminous element 210 is at least partially bowl-shaped. The luminous body 211 also has a prism-shaped or wedge-shaped design.

The second lighting element 220 can be designed analogously to the first lighting element 210. The second lighting element 220 therefore also comprises a lighting body 221 and a contact pin 222.

The plug-in area 110 is configured on the plug-in side S of the plug connector 1 for the essentially form-fitting and/or essentially force-fitting reception of the lighting elements 210, 220 in the plug-in direction X. For this purpose, the inner wall 101 of the plug housing part 100 has correspondingly positioned and/or aligned through holes (not marked in the figures), for example in the form of through bores, which extend in the plug-in direction X through the thickness of the inner wall 101 and through which the contact pins 212 and 222 can be inserted for reception. The diameter of the through holes and the outer diameter of the contact pins 212 and 222 can be dimensioned in relation to one another in such a way that in the assembled state of the connector 1, in which the lighting elements 210 and 220 are integrated in or within the plug-in area 110, a press connection is formed at least in sections between the respective contact pin 212, 222 and the respectively associated through hole. In 5A the contact pin 222 of the lighting element 220, shown in section, which extends through a provided through hole in the inner wall 101 of the plug housing part 100 in the plug direction X and is received therein, is visible.

In an alternative embodiment of the connector 1, it is possible for the lighting elements 210, 220 to be fastened in or within the plug-in area 110, for example by means of a detachable snap-in connection. Alternatively, screw connections would also be possible.

In addition to the light source 310 for the first light element 210, the further, second light source 320 is assigned to the second light element 220. The first light source 310 is preferably designed as a light-emitting diode (LED). Analogous to the first light source 310, the second light source 320 is also preferably designed as a light-emitting diode (LED). Both the first light source 310 and the second light source 320 are arranged on a plate-shaped and/or flat support structure in the form of a circuit board 300.

The generation of light waves takes place by means of the light sources 310 and 320, which are forwarded via the contact pins 212 and 222 to the respective luminous bodies 211 and 221 and emitted from these into the cavities of the first plug section 111 and/or the second plug section 112 in order to thus illuminate the plug area 110, that is to say preferably the first plug section 111 and the second plug section 112.

2 shows a cover housing part 400 of the connector 1 from 1 . The cover housing part 400 is arranged on the plug-in side S of the plug-in connector 1 on the plug-in connector 1, i.e. on the outer end faces of the plug-in area 110. The cover housing part 400 can be detachably mounted on the plug-in housing part 100, i.e. detachably fastened, for example by means of a plug connection in the plug-in direction X and at least one screw connection with the plug-in housing part 100 (not shown in the figures).

The cover housing part 400 comprises a recess 410 for limiting the plug face 110G in the circumferential direction.

The cover housing part 400 can be analogous to the plug housing part 100 as described above be designed and/or manufactured from an insulating material. Further properties of the cover housing part 400 can be seen from the other figures, which are described below.

3 shows connector 1 from 1 in a perspective view. The cover housing part 400 is arranged on the plug housing part 100.

Due to the representation in 3 one can see the end faces of the inner wall 101 of the plug housing part 100 directed or arranged towards the plug-in area 110. Furthermore, the formation of the lighting element 220 and here the lighting body 221 in the plug-in section 110 is shown. The lighting body 221 forms the plug-in area 110, i.e. the first plug-in section 111 and the second plug-in section 112, at least in sections. In other words, the first lighting element 210, i.e. the first lighting body 211, and the second lighting element 220, i.e. the second lighting body 221, form a guide section in the plug-in direction X for the mating connector.

The arrangement of the lighting elements 211 and 221 in the appropriate position and the corresponding design according to the invention ensure improved illumination of the first plug section 111 and the second plug section 112. Illumination can be implemented in the plug connector 1 precisely where it is most critical in terms of safety.

From the presentation in 3 as well as the other figures, it can further be seen that the first lighting element 210 and the second lighting element 220 are arranged substantially symmetrically to one another and/or are substantially symmetrically formed with respect to a defined and/or definable center plane which runs in the plug-in direction X and divides the first plug-in section 111 and the second plug-in section 112.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the first lighting element 210 and the second lighting element 220 are arranged within the plug-in area 110 in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction X substantially opposite one another and/or spaced apart from one another.

Furthermore, the lighting elements 210, 220 and preferably the lighting bodies 211 and 212 are arranged within the plug-in area 110 in a transition between the first plug-in section 111 and the second plug-in section 112.

4 shows connector 1 from 1 in a front view, i.e. in the direction of the plug-in direction X.

Viewed in the plug-in direction X, the recess 410 of the cover housing part 400 is characterized by an eight-shaped contour 410K depending on and/or for forming the first and second plug-in sections 111 and 112 (see the dot-dash line). The luminous bodies 211 and 221 of the luminous elements 210 and 220, which are in 4 are shown in dashed lines for a more detailed illustration, are completely covered by the design of the cover housing part 400 in the plug-in direction X and/or flush with the respective plug-in section 111 and 112. Light waves transmitted by the light sources 310 and 320 by means of the contact pins 212 and 222 can thus be emitted in an optimized manner via the luminous elements 211 and 221 into the first plug-in section 111 and/or into the second plug-in section 112. In this view, it can be seen that the luminous elements 211 and 211 have a wedge-shaped contour in a cross-section when viewed in the plug-in direction X.

5 shows connector 1 from 1 in a front view with the two sections AA and BB, which are shown and described to illustrate the invention in more detail.

5A shows connector 1 from 5 in a first sectional view, that is, in the sectional view of section AA in 5 .

The second light element 220 with the light body 221 and the contact pin 222, which is accommodated in the through hole of the inner wall 101 and whose free end contacts the second light source 320, i.e. the light-emitting diode 320, is clearly visible. The cover housing part 400 fixes or sometimes supports the light body 221 in the plug-in direction X after a projection of the cover housing part 400 contacts the light body 221. Furthermore, it can be seen from this view that the light body 221 is not completely or entirely solid, but has a cavity or a recess.

The second light source 320 and also the first light source 310 are arranged on a side of the plug-in housing part 100 opposite the plug-in side S, so that the inner wall 101 of the plug-in housing part 100 is arranged between the plug-in side S and the light sources 310 and 320 to delimit the plug-in area 110 in the plug-in direction X.

Out of 5A It is also apparent that the luminous body 221 of the luminous element 220 is adjacent to the front side of the inner wall 101 facing the plug-in side S. This provides illumination of the plug-in area 110, i.e. the plug-in sections 111, 112 up to the end of the plug-in area 110 in the plug-in direction X.

5B shows connector 1 from 5 in a second sectional view, i.e. in the sectional view of section BB in 5 , wherein the plug housing part 100 of the connector 1 is hidden, so that the cover housing part 400 is shown in connection with the second light element 220, the circuit board 300 and the light source 320.

With the connector 1 as disclosed herein, the method according to the invention for illuminating the plug-in area 110 can be implemented.

By positioning two lighting elements 210 and 220 in the tapered region of the plug face 110G between the first plug section 111 and the second plug section 112, wherein the first lighting element 210 and the second lighting element 220 further define or delimit the first plug section 111 and the second plug section 112 at least in sections, a plug connector 1 can be provided according to the present invention which is characterized by improved illumination of the plug area 110 and thus by increased safety during handling, especially in difficult lighting conditions.

It is understood that the plug connector 1 according to the invention comprises further components and elements that are not shown in the figures, such as a hinged lid or a plug for closing the first and/or the second plug section 111 and 112, as well as an energy source or a connection for supplying the light sources 310 and 320 with electrical energy. The plug connector 1 can also have a light sensor in the plug area 110, which is configured to detect the light conditions surrounding the plug area 110 and to activate the first light source 310 and/or the second light source 320 depending on the detected light conditions. The light sensor can alternatively also be arranged outside the plug area 110.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. The present invention preferably also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

List of reference symbols

1

Connectors

100

Plug housing part

101

Inner wall (boundary wall)

110

Plug-in area

110G

Plug-in face

111

first plug section

112

second plug section

210

Light element

211

Luminaires

212

Contact pin

220

Light element

221

Luminaires

222

Contact pin

300

circuit board

310

Light source

320

Light source

400

Cover housing part

410

Recess

410K

Recess contour

S

Plug-in side

X

Plug direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102017222514 A1 [0006]
• EP 3629425 B1 [0007]
• DE 102014100640 A1 [0008]
• EP 3584105 B1 [0009]
• DE 102018129122 B4 [0010]

Claims (13)

Plug connector (1) for forming a plug connection in a plugging direction (X) with a mating plug connector in order to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals, wherein the plug connector (1) has a plug housing part (100) with a plug region (110) in which a first plug section (111) for implementing a first operating function of the plug connector (1) and a second plug section (112) for implementing a second operating function of the plug connector (1) are arranged on a plug side (S) of the plug connector (1) to form a plug face (110G), wherein the plug connector (1) comprises at least one lighting element (210, 220) which is arranged within the plug region (110) and is configured to illuminate the first plug section (111) and/or the second plug section (112) at least in sections. Connector (1) to Claim 1 , wherein the first plug-in section (111) and the second plug-in section (112) are arranged adjacent to one another, and wherein the at least one lighting element (210, 220) is arranged at a transition between the first plug-in section (111) and the second plug-in section (112), and/or wherein the at least one lighting element (210, 220) forms a transition between the first plug-in section (111) and the second plug-in section (112) at least in sections. Connector (1) to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the plug-in region (110) on the plug-in side (S) is configured for the positive and/or non-positive reception of the at least one lighting element (210, 220) in the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector (1) has on the plug side (S) a cover housing part (400) with a recess (410) for delimiting the plug face (110G) in the circumferential direction, wherein the cover housing part (400) is configured to cover the at least one lighting element (210, 220) in the plug direction (X) at least in sections, preferably flush and/or completely, in order to illuminate the first plug section (111) and/or the second plug section (112) from at least one direction perpendicular to the plug direction (X). Connector (1) to Claim 4 , wherein the cover housing part (400) is plate-shaped and/or flat, and/or wherein in the plug-in direction (X) the recess (410) is characterized by an eight-shaped recess contour (410K), and/or wherein the cover housing part (400) on the plug-in side (S) is formed at least in sections from an opaque material. Connector (1) to Claim 4 or 5 , wherein the cover housing part (400) is configured for detachable mounting to the plug-in area (110), preferably for forming a plug-in, snap-in and/or screw connection with the plug-in housing part (100). Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lighting element (210, 220) has a V-shaped, wedge-shaped, trapezoidal or sickle-shaped contour in a cross-sectional view in the plugging direction (X), and/or wherein the at least one lighting element (210, 220) is at least partially bowl-shaped and/or at least partially elastically deformable. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one lighting element (210, 220) comprises a luminous body (211, 221) which is made of a light-conducting and/or light-permeable material, and/or wherein the at least one lighting element (210, 220) comprises a contact pin (212, 222) which is configured for contacting a light source (310, 320) and/or transmitting light waves from the light source (310, 320) to the luminous body (211, 221) of the at least one lighting element (210, 220). Connector (1) to Claim 8 , wherein the luminous body (211, 221) in the plug-in section (110) in the plug-in direction (X) adjoins an inner wall (101) of the plug-in housing part (100) and/or the contact pin (212, 222) at least penetrates the inner wall (101) in the plug-in direction (X). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) comprises at least one light source (310, 320) for supplying the at least one light element (210, 220) with light waves, wherein the at least one light source (310, 320) is arranged on a side of the plug housing part (100) opposite the plug side (S) and an inner wall (101) of the plug housing part (100) is arranged between the plug side (S) and the at least one light source (310, 320) for delimiting the plug area (110) in the plug direction (X). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (1) has a first light element element (210) and a second lighting element (220), wherein the first lighting element (210) and the second lighting element (220) are arranged opposite one another and/or spaced apart from one another within the plug-in region (110) in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction (X), preferably at least in sections between the first plug-in section (111) and the second plug-in section (112), and/or wherein the first lighting element (210) and the second lighting element (220) are arranged and/or formed symmetrically to one another with respect to a center plane which runs in the plug-in direction (X) and divides the first plug-in section (111) and the second plug-in section (112). Connector (1) to Claim 10 , wherein the first lighting element (210) and/or the second lighting element (220) forms a guide section in the plug-in direction (X) for the mating connector. Method for illuminating a plug connector (1), preferably a plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector (1) has a plug housing part (100) with a plug region (110) in which a first plug section (111) for implementing a first operating function of the plug connector (1) and a second plug section (112) for implementing a second operating function of the plug connector (1) are arranged to form a plug face (110G) on a plug side (S) of the plug connector (1), wherein the plug connector (1) comprises at least one lighting element (210, 220) which is arranged within the plug region (110) and illuminates the first plug section (111) and/or the second plug section (112) at least in sections.