DE102011103345B3 - Connector bridge for a hinged 3-pin connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A plug bridge (1) for an electrical device plug (2) with a three-core connection cable (7), which consists of an insulating body (10) for receiving and fixing a phase conductor pin (4), a neutral conductor pin (5) and an earth conductor pin (3a, b, c) is constructed, is characterized in that the earth conductor pin is pivotably arranged in the insulating body in such a way that the earth conductor pin in an operating position runs parallel to and at a first distance (A1) from a plane (E) spanned by the phase conductor pin and the neutral conductor pin, protrudes far enough from the plug bridge and the device plug to be inserted into the socket and is connected to the corresponding line connections of the connection cable at its connection points (12) which are to be connected to the connection cable of the device and are located inside the contour of the device plug, and that the earth conductor pin in a rest position pivoted in relation to the operating position n runs at a second distance (A2) from the plane which is smaller than the first distance (A1). Such a 3-pin foldable or pivotable plug bridge is particularly easy to install by the manufacturer when producing the final device connector.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a connector bridge for an electrical appliance plug for connecting electrical appliances, in particular household appliances, to a socket of an AC mains, wherein the appliance plug is formed as a unit by connected to the tail of a three-wire connection cable for the device, molded in an injection mold connector bridge, the In turn, from a dimensionally stable insulating body for receiving and fixing a phase conductor pin, a neutral conductor pin and a Erdleiterstiftes is constructed, wherein the phase and the neutral conductor in their cross-section corresponding contours of the insulating in one and the same operation with the injection of the insulator with or. are injected, the phase and the neutral pin on the one hand far enough to the plug bridge and the connector plug to be inserted into the socket, and on the other hand at her with the connection cable of the device z u connecting, lying in the interior of the contour of the device connector electrical connection points are connected to the corresponding cable connections of the connecting cable.

Such a connector bridge is described for example in DE 10 2009 049 369 A1 ,

They are used in particular in Great Britain and in the English-speaking world, but also in India or South Africa. The special feature of this plug is that the Erdleiterstift serves as a mechanical unlocking when plugging the device plug into the socket of the power or power supply network. This Erdleiterstift is longer than the phase and Nulleiterstifte, and only with the insertion of this Erdleiterstiftes, it is possible that the other two pins can be inserted functionally.

According to the British standard BS1363, phase conductors and neutral conductors in the United Kingdom are rectangular with the dimensions 3.98 × 6.35 × 17.7 mm (+/- 0.08 × 0.13 × 0.5 mm), with the connector 9 , 35 mm (+/- 0.15 mm) must be isolated. The earth conductor pin is to be mounted in the middle over the two other pins at a distance of 22.23 mm (+/- 0.13 mm). This pin is also rectangular perform, in the dimensions 3.975 × 7.93 × 22.73 mm (+/- 0.08 × 0.13 × 0.5 mm), but without insulation. Other dimensions may apply in other countries.

In addition to the mechanical fuse described above, the current device connectors for reasons of electrical safety made of molded or injection-molded plug bodies, in the interior of the electrical connection between the connecting cable for the device to be connected on the one hand and the connection or plug pins for the socket are encapsulated , In general, the cable can not be disconnected from the plug. Various connection aids facilitate the secure connection of the cable. The plug pins can be connected on the plug side both via crimp and rivet contacts.

Starting from standardized constructions, as in DE 198 01 896 C1 and DE 100 51 348 C2 have been described, among other things, tried by the milling and plastic fill the otherwise massive pins, material savings, such as in DE 10 2007 009 422 A1 shown.

Despite various developments in the field of materials used, all known plugs of this type have a rather unpleasant for the user disadvantage: they are quite clunky due to the plug shape. While laptops and notebooks are flatter and flatter today, the plugs can not follow because of the design of the sockets. Even today, the bulky power plugs no longer fit into popular laptop cases.

In other areas, the plug shape is a hindrance, such as when the device cable is to be rolled up in the device. In such a case, the plug must remain outside the device or the recording would have to be designed to be large.

GB 2 436 899A describes a device plug with a retractable plastic pin, which triggers the mechanical release in the socket, so that the phase and neutral can contact. After use, the plastic pin can be folded at two joints, so that the plug is relatively flat in the folded state and thus also fits into narrow pockets or device housing. However, this plug does not meet the latest requirements due to the two-pole design, which now requires a grounding of the housing for most devices because of changed EMC regulations. However, the dimensions of the folding mechanism also allow no execution with a folding pin of conductive material, since the joints would have too low current carrying cross-sections. Moreover, the one in the GB 2 436 899A described device connector constructed from a variety of items, which complicates the assembly and thus made expensive.

Object of the invention

Object of the present invention is in contrast to introduce a 3-pin folding or swiveling connector bridge that is as easy as possible to install by the confectioner in the production of the final device connector.

Brief description of the invention

This object is achieved in a surprisingly simple as well as effective manner in that the Erdleiterstift is arranged in the insulating such pivoting that the Erdleiterstift in an operating position parallel to and at a first distance from a plane defined by the phase conductor pin and the neutral conductor pin plane, opposite the connector bridge and the device plug protrudes far enough to be inserted into the socket, and connected at its to be connected to the connection cable of the device, located inside the contour of the device connector connection points with the corresponding line terminals of the connection cable, and that the Erdleiterstift in a relative to the operating position pivoted rest position extends in a relation to the first distance smaller second distance to the plane.

The plug-in bridge according to the invention has a pivotable Erdleiterstift compared to commercially available plug bridges. When the appliance plug is to be put into use, the earth conductor pin is unfolded so that it is in the position prescribed by the national standard (in Great Britain BS1363) relative to the phase or neutral conductor. As a result, the Erdleiterstift on the one hand actuate the release in the socket and on the other hand fulfill its function as ground contact. After use, the Erdleiterstift is pivoted to a rest position. As a result, the outer shape of the folded device plug is flat enough to easily stow the plug, for example, in laptop cases or device housings.

Preferred embodiments of the invention

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the connector bridge according to the invention, the pivoting is carried out from the operating position to the rest position and back about an axis of rotation which is parallel to the respective axis of the phase conductor pin and the neutral conductor pin. This allows a particularly simple pivoting movement.

A development of this embodiment is characterized in that the pivoting movement from the operating position to the rest position about the axis of rotation precedes a linear displacement movement of the Erdleiterstifts from a locked operating position. This prevents accidental folding away of the Erdleiterstifts. In particular, when the plug is inserted into the socket, the ground wire pin can not be folded without removing the plug from the socket.

The preceding embodiments may be developed such that the Erdleiterstift is approximately Z-shaped with an elongated plug pin, which can engage in the operating position in the socket, with an about the rotation axis rotatable elongated guide pin, the longitudinal axis parallel to and at a distance from the longitudinal axis the connector pin extends, and with a connecting part which connects the connector pin and the guide pin rigidly together and keeps each other at a distance. This shape allows a simple and compact way folding the Erdleiterstiftes.

In this context, it may be considered advantageous if the guide pin has an annular sliding contact. Since the guide pin is rotated during pivoting, a good electrical contact is ensured by the ring shape.

This embodiment, in turn, can be developed such that the guide pin has a locking section at its end facing away from the connecting part. This prevents accidental pivoting of the Erdleiterstiftes. This construction is particularly material-saving.

Alternatively, an embodiment in which an elongated locking element is provided which extends parallel to the guide pin away from the connecting part and at its end facing away from the connecting part has a locking shoulder for engagement in a rigidly connected to the insulating abutment. Again, the Erdleiterstift is secured against accidental pivoting. In this embodiment, the actuation path of the unlocking is short, which proves to be very user-friendly.

In a further development of such embodiments, a cover made of electrically insulating plastic is provided, which is inserted before the encapsulation in the connector bridge and the encapsulation during the Erdleiterstift in the region of the guide pin and optionally the locking portion against injection molding material. The moving parts of the plug bridge must not be sprayed with and must therefore be kept free.

A further advantageous development is characterized in that the cover element an actuating device for actuating the locking portion or the locking element. As a result, the user comes only with the cap, but not with the housing interior in touch.

It is also advantageous if an electrical fuse is provided against excessive current flow, which is sealed by the cover during injection molding against injection molding compound. The fuse should be interchangeable in case of doubt, so the fuse should not be injected with.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the cover is shaped so that it fixes all electrical connection points and seals during injection molding against injection molding compound. Thus, the connection points are fixed and secured against falling out. The confectioner only has to connect and re-inject the cable strands of the connection cable.

In a further embodiment, the cover is made of a plastic, the color of which differs optically well recognizable from that of the insulating body and / or the Umspritzmasse of the plug.

Also advantageous is an embodiment of the connector bridge according to the invention, which is characterized in that the second distance is less than 0.35 times the first distance, preferably less than a quarter of the first distance. In this case, the Erdleiterstift no longer protrudes beyond the connector housing in the rest position. Such a device plug is particularly flat and can be easily transported or stowed away.

It is particularly advantageous if the phase neutral conductor and earth conductor pin are each designed as folding pins, in particular as a folding pin with insertion bevels whose surfaces are made entirely of sheet metal. Folding pens have a high material savings compared to solid metal pens. However, at least in the UK, it is expected that the chamfers will also be made completely of metal and will not have any plastic surfaces.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and the drawings. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those listed further can be used individually or in any combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as exhaustive enumeration, but rather have exemplary character for the description of the invention.

Drawing and detailed description of the invention

Show it:

1a a spatial schematic representation of a connector with a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in operating position;

1b a spatial schematic representation of a connector with a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in pulled-out position;

1c a spatial schematic representation of a connector with a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in rest position;

2a a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in operating position;

2 B a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in the pulled-out position;

2c a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in rest position;

3a a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in operating position from a different direction than 2a ;

3b a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in pulled-out position from a different direction than 2 B ;

3c a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in rest position from a different direction than 2c ;

4 a partially cut a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention with the Erdleiterstift in the operating position;

5 a spatial schematic representation of a Erdleiterstifts invention;

6a a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention without Erdleiterstift and with removed cap;

6b as 6a but from a different angle;

7 a spatial schematic representation of a fuse holder according to the invention with a latched fuse;

8th an enlarged spatial schematic representation of a locking element according to the invention.

1a shows a spatial schematic representation of a device plug 2 with a connector bridge according to the invention 1 with the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c in operating position. The appliance plug 2 is expressly intended for connection with 3-wire connection cables 7 , The connector bridge according to the invention with its insulating body 10 is installed in the appliance plug.

The Erdleiterstift 3a , b, c consists of a connector pin 3a , a guide pin 3c , which is inside the plug bridge 1 is arranged (not visible in 1a ) and a connecting part 3b that the connector pin 3a and the guide pin 3c rigidly connecting and keeping each other at a distance.

The phase 4 and neutral pin 5 are spaced from the Erdleiterstift 3a , b, c arranged and have a device plug-side insulation 6 on. Both phase 4 and neutral 5 So also the connector pin 3a can be designed as folding pins or as solid material pins.

The phase 4 and Nulleiterstift 5 clamp a plane E, to which the connector pin 3a in the operating position of Erdleiterstiftes 3a , b, c has the distance A1.

If the appliance plug 2 plugged into a socket, the fuse holder 9 can not be achieved without removing the device plug from the socket.

In the operating position, the Erdleiterstift can not be pivoted about the axis of rotation d, he is locked. To unlock, the actuator must 8th be pressed.

In 1b is the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c unlocked and pulled out of the operating position.

In 1c is the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c pivoted about the axis of rotation in the rest position. The connector pin 3a now has only the smaller distance A2 to the plane E. The guide pin 3c is partly visible in the resting position.

2a shows a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention 1 with the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c in operating position. The phase 4 and Nulleiterstift 5 are each firmly in the insulating body 10 injected. A cap 11 covers the inside of the plug bridge 1 protects and protects the parts in front of the injection molding compound during the overmolding process.

On one side of the connector bridge 1 are the connection points 12 for connection of the 3-wire connection cable 7 angordnet.

The phase 4 and Nulleiterstift 5 clamp a plane E, to which the connector pin 3a in the operating position of Erdleiterstiftes 3a , b, c has the distance A1.

in 2 B is the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c unlocked and pulled out of the operating position.

In 2c is the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c pivoted about the rotation axis d in the rest position. The connector pin 3a now has only the smaller distance A2 to the plane E. The guide pin 3c is partly visible in the resting position.

3a shows the same as 2a but from a different angle. Here's the riveting 13 of the phase conductor pin 4 with the busbar 14 leading to the connection points 12 leads, good to see.

In 3b is the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c unlocked and brought forward. This is the locking element 15 partially visible.

In 3c is the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c pivoted to the rest position. The parallel arrangement of locking element 15 and guide pins 3c in the embodiment shown is clearly visible.

4 shows a partially cut a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention 1 with the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c in operating position.

The guide pin 3c is in contact with a sliding contact 16 , This allows the pivoting of the Erdleiterstifts 3a , b, c, without the risk of tearing off a connecting wire.

The fuse 17 WINS in the holder 9 and gets through the cap 11 Protected against injection molding compound during the encapsulation.

The locking element 15 has a locking shoulder 18 on, with it in a first counter bearing 19 intervenes. To unlock the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c must be the actuator 8th are pressed, which in turn pushes the locking shoulder so far from the anvil that the engagement is terminated and the Erdleiterstift 3a , b, c so far from the jumper 1 can be pulled, that the pivoting can take place in the rest position. A second counter bearing 20 for the locking shoulder 18 prevents complete removal of the earth conductor pin 3a , b, c.

5 shows a spatial schematic representation of a Erdleiterstifts invention 3a , b, c with connector pin 3a , Connecting part 3b and guide pins 3c , The locking element 15 , which is parallel to the guide pin 3c extends and the locking shoulder 18 is also visible.

The 6a and 6b show in each case a spatial schematic representation of a connector bridge according to the invention from different angles 1 without earth conductor pin 3a , b, c and with removed cap 11 ,

Particularly good in these representations of the sliding contact 16 and the busbars 14 to see. One of the busbars 14 is interrupted and has round contacts at the interruptions 21 on, which are spaced apart from each other so that the fuse contacts 22 the fuse 17 the electrical connection between the round contacts 21 manufactures.

7 shows a spatial schematic representation of a fuse holder according to the invention 9 with locked fuse 17 and the two fuse contacts 22 ,

8th shows an enlarged spatial schematic representation of a locking element according to the invention 15 , The locking element 15 engages in the operating position with the locking shoulder 18 in the counter bearing 19 one. When the latch is released and the connector pin 3a , b, c is pulled out, the locking shoulder engages 18 after a few millimeters into the second counter bearing 20 and thus prevents complete removal of Erdleiterstiftes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug link

2

connectors

3a

Connector pin

3b

connecting part

3c

spigot

4

Phase conductor pin

5

Neutral pen

6

insulation

7

Connection cable (3-core)

8th

actuator

9

fuse holder

10

insulator

11

cap

12

interchanges

13

clinch

14

busbars

15

locking element

16

sliding contact

17

fuse

18

locking shoulder

19

First counter bearing

20

Second counter bearing

21

round contacts

22

fuse contacts

e

level

d

axis of rotation

Claims (12)

Connector bridge ( 1 ) for an electrical appliance plug ( 2 ) for connecting electrical appliances, in particular domestic appliances, to a socket of an AC mains, wherein the appliance plug ( 2 ) as a unit by the with the tail of a three-wire connection cable ( 7 ) connected to the device, molded in an injection mold connector bridge ( 1 ) is formed, which in turn consists of a dimensionally stable insulating body ( 10 ) for receiving and fixing a phase conductor pin ( 4 ), a neutral conductor pin ( 5 ) and a Erdleiterstiftes ( 3a , b, c), wherein the phase and the neutral conductor pin ( 4 . 5 ) in their cross section corresponding contours of the insulating body ( 10 ) in one and the same operation with the injection of the insulating body ( 10 ) are injected or injected, wherein the phase and the neutral conductor pin ( 4 . 5 ) on the one hand opposite the plug bridge ( 1 ) and the device plug ( 2 ) protrude far enough to be inserted into the socket, and on the other hand, at its 7 ) of the device, inside the contour of the device plug ( 2 ) electrical connection points ( 12 ) with the corresponding cable connections of the connection cable ( 7 ), characterized in that the Erdleiterstift ( 3a , b, c) in the insulating body ( 10 ) is arranged so pivotable that the Erdleiterstift ( 3a , b, c) in an operating position parallel to and at a first distance (A1) from one through the phase conductor pin ( 4 ) and the neutral conductor pin ( 5 ) spanned plane (E), opposite the plug bridge ( 1 ) and the device plug ( 2 ) protrudes far enough to be inserted into the socket, and at its end with the connection cable ( 7 ) of the device, inside the contour of the device plug ( 2 ) ( 12 ) is connected to the corresponding line terminals of the connection cable, and that the Erdleiterstift ( 3a , b, c) in a relative to the operating position pivoted rest position in one opposite the first distance (A1) smaller second distance (A2) to the plane (E). Plug bridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting from the operating position to the rest position and back about an axis of rotation (d), which is parallel to the respective axis of the phase conductor pin ( 4 ) and the neutral conductor pin ( 5 ) runs. Connector bridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivoting movement from the operating position to the rest position about the axis of rotation (d) a linear displacement movement of the Erdleiterstifts ( 3a , b, c) precedes a locked operating position. Plug bridge according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the earth conductor pin ( 3a , b, c) is approximately Z-shaped with an elongated plug pin ( 3a ), which can engage in the operating position in the socket, with an about the axis of rotation (d) rotatable elongated guide pin ( 3c ), whose longitudinal axis parallel to and at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the connector pin ( 3a ), and with a connecting part ( 3b ), the plug pin ( 3a ) and the guide pin ( 3c ) rigidly connected and keeps each other at a distance. Plug bridge according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide pin ( 3c ) at its the connecting part ( 3b ) facing away from a locking portion. Plug bridge according to claim 4, characterized in that an elongated locking element ( 15 ) is provided, which parallel to the guide pin ( 3c ) from the connection part ( 3b ) extends away and at its the connecting part ( 3b ) facing away from a locking shoulder for engagement in a rigid with the insulating body ( 10 ) connected abutment ( 19 ) having. Plug bridge according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a cover ( 11 ) is provided of electrically insulating plastic, which before the encapsulation in the connector bridge ( 1 ) is inserted and during Umspritzvorgang the Erdleiterstift ( 3a , b, c) in the region of the guide pin ( 3c ) and optionally the locking section seals against injection molding compound. Plug bridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the cover element ( 11 ) an actuating device ( 8th ) for actuating the locking portion or the locking element ( 15 ) having. Plug bridge according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that an electrical fuse ( 17 ) is provided against too high current flow, which from the cover ( 11 ) is sealed during injection molding against injection molding compound. Plug bridge according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the cover ( 11 ) is shaped so that it has all the electrical connection points ( 12 Fixed and seals during injection molding against injection molding compound. Plug bridge according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the cover ( 11 ) is made of a plastic whose color is different from that of the insulating body ( 10 ) and / or the Umspritzmasse of the plug visually recognizes good recognizable. Connector bridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A2 <0.35 A1, preferably A2 ≤ 0.25 A1.

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