# US 11,444,413 B2 · Plug and socket device

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- Number: US 11,444,413 B2
- Document ID: US11444413B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/976,124
- Filed: 2019-08-27
- Published: 2020-12-31
- Granted: 2022-09-13
- Earliest claimed: 2018-09-13
- Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
- Applicants: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
- Inventors: Josef Poemmerl
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11444413B2

## CPC

- H01R 13/641: by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
- H01R 13/6691: {with built-in signalling means (H01R13/717 takes precedence)}
- H01R 13/7031: {Shorting, shunting or bussing of different terminals interrupted or effected on engagement of coupling part, e.g. for ESD protection, line continuity}
- H01R 13/03: characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
- H01R 13/7175: {Light emitting diodes (LEDs)}
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS

## Abstract

A plug and socket device includes a plug, which can be inserted in a socket. The plug or the socket has a detection unit designed to detect the correct positioning of the plug in the socket. The detection unit has a switching element designed to be mechanically activated when the plug is correctly positioned.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A plug and socket device, comprising:
a socket;
a plug that is insertable into the socket, wherein
the plug or the socket has a detection unit that is designed to detect correct positioning of the plug in the socket,
the detection unit comprises a switching element that is designed to be mechanically activated in an event of correct positioning,
the detection unit further comprises an electrical circuit,
the switching element is a crimping contact,
the switching element is configured so as to close the electrical circuit when activated,
the switching element is configured to be closed by mechanical pressure which acts on the switching element as a result of a plug connection between the plug and the socket, and
the detection unit is configured to detect whether the plug is inserted completely into the socket.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The plug and socket device according to claim 1, wherein
the switching element is designed to connect two lines of the electrical circuit.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The plug and socket device according to claim 1, wherein
the circuit is designed as a film.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The plug for insertion into the socket in the plug and socket device according to claim 1.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The socket for receiving the plug in the plug and socket device according to claim 1.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The plug and socket device according to claim 1, wherein
the electrical circuit is an RFID transponder.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The plug and socket device according to claim 6, wherein
the RFID transponder has an antenna, and
the switching element is designed to supply the antenna with power in an activated state.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The plug and socket device according to claim 7, wherein
the RFID transponder is designed to transmit a signal to a reader via the antenna in an electrically closed state.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The plug and socket device according to claim 8, wherein
the signal contains information about a positioning of the plug in the socket and/or further information about the plug and/or the socket.