DE102016120002A1 - Contact insert for a connector part - Google Patents

Abstract

A contact insert (2, 4) for a connector part (1, 3) comprises a frame part (20) having a plug-in portion (200) for plug-in connection with a further connector part (3, 1), at least one on the plug portion (200) arranged electrical contact element (211, 411) and on the frame part (20) arranged grounding element (22) to which a protective line (25) can be connected. In addition, a contacting device (23) arranged on the earthing element (22) is provided, which has a housing (230) with a plug-in opening (231) for inserting the protective line (25) and a spring element (26) arranged on the housing (230) for locking the protective line (25) in the plug-in opening (231) and for contacting the protective line (25) with the grounding element (22). In this way, a contact insert for a connector part is provided, which allows easy connection of a protective line.

Description

The invention relates to a contact insert for a connector part according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a contact insert comprises a frame part which has a plug-in section for plug-in connection with a further plug connector part, at least one electrical contact element arranged on the plug-in section and a grounding element arranged on the frame part, to which a protective line can be connected.

Such a contact insert can be used, for example, in a plug housing of a connector part and in this way enables plug housing to be equipped with completely different contact inserts and thus to provide individual plug-in faces adapted to a specific use on the connector part. In this case, one or more electrical contact elements are arranged on the plug portion of the frame part, which engage with an associated, further connector part with contact elements of the further connector part electrically contacting in connecting the connector part, so that an electrical connection between the connector parts is made.

About the earthing element can be done in this case generally plugging in the connector parts grounding between the connector parts, so that the connector parts are in the plugged state at the same grounding potential. In this case, for example, the frame part can also be earthed via the grounding element, if this is made of an electrically conductive (metal) material.

At one of the DE 295 20 008 U1 known connector part, a connector insert has a plurality of rows of contact elements. The contact insert can be used in a mounting housing, which is attached to a mounting wall.

From the DE 10 2007 013 536 B3 a grounding element (referred to as PE metal part) is known, which serves for fastening a contact insert, for example in a connector housing and has a so-called PE screw connection for connecting a protective line.

From the DE 10 2010 017 717 A1 is known a contact insert with a frame part and a contact module insertable therein. On the frame part, a connection device for connecting a protective conductor is arranged, which has a connecting arm with a screw connection.

At one of the EP 0 882 318 B1 known contact insert are a variety of contact modules in a designated frame frame part used. Some of the modules can also be used to connect protective cables to the so-called PE contact (PE stands for "protective earth"). These contact modules are designed as screw connections.

Conventionally, it has been primarily intended to form a connection for connecting a protective line as a screw connection. This allows a reliable, mechanically strong connection of the protective line with the contact insert, but may be subject to restrictions in handling. Thus, under certain circumstances, when the contact insert is inserted into an associated housing of a connector part, a screw connection may no longer be easily accessible, which may necessitate securing a protective line into the housing prior to insertion of the contact insert. In addition, attaching a plurality of protective lines requires the attachment of the protective lines to the (a) screw connection and the simultaneous fixing of the protective lines by tightening a screw.

Object of the present invention is to provide a contact insert for a connector part available that allows easy connection of a protective line.

This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, the contact insert has a contact element arranged on the grounding element, which has a housing with a plug-in opening for inserting the protective line and a spring element arranged on the housing for locking the protective line in the plug-in opening and for contacting the protective line with the grounding element.

The connection of the protective line to the grounding element on the frame part thus takes place via a spring force connection. For connecting the protective line to the grounding element, the protective line can be inserted in a simple, convenient manner with a (stripped) wire end in the insertion opening of the housing of the contacting device and thereby passes into the region of the spring element which locks the protective line in the housing and contacting the Protective line causes the grounding element. To connect thus (only) an insertion of the protective line is required. The locking and contacting the protective line with the grounding element can advantageously be done automatically, without further operating steps to set the Protective line to the grounding element are required.

The spring element has, in one embodiment, a clamping leg, which is in case of plugged into the plug-in protective line with the protective line in abutment. About the clamping leg, the locking of the protective line in the housing of the contacting device, wherein for contacting the protective line to the grounding element of the clamping leg is formed, for example, to push the protective line against a contacting portion of the grounding element and thus bring the protective line in electrical contact with the grounding element.

Upon insertion of the protective line into the plug-in opening of the housing, the protective line acts on the clamping leg of the spring element and deflects it preferably resiliently such that the locking of the protective line is effected in the housing under contact with the grounding element. The clamping leg is movably arranged in the housing for this purpose.

In addition to the clamping leg, the spring element, in one embodiment, a holding leg, via which the spring element is held on the housing. The retaining leg can for example be bent over to the clamping leg and fixed between housing sections of the housing such that the spring element is fastened to the housing via the retaining leg. Upon insertion of the protective line into the plug-in opening of the housing, the protective line acts on the clamping leg and moves the clamping leg to the holding leg with elastic deformation of the spring element, so that the protective line is held under prestress in the housing of the contacting device.

The connection of the protective line with the contacting device is preferably detachable. For this purpose, the contacting device, for example, have an unlocking, which can be actuated to release the protective line and, for example, has an arm with which the Entsperrelement acts on actuation of the spring element. The unlocking element can be actuated, for example, by a tool, for example a screwdriver, and pressed into the housing of the contacting device for actuation. As a result, the unlocking acts with his arm on the clamping legs of the spring element and pushes them out of contact with the protective line, so that the locking of the protective line is removed in the housing and the protective line can thus be pulled out of the plug opening.

In one embodiment, the housing of the contacting device can have two (separate) plug-in openings for inserting two protective lines and two spring elements for locking the protective lines in the plug-in openings. The contacting device thus provides two slots for connecting two protective lines, wherein basically also conceivable and possible, even more slots, e.g. three or four slots, to connect more than two protection lines. In this way, multiple protective lines can be connected in a simple, convenient manner with reliable electrical contact with the grounding element and with reliable mechanical support to the contacting device.

Each spring element may in this case be designed as described above and in particular have a clamping leg for locking and contacting the protective line.

The earthing element has, for example, a contact lug for grounding contact with the further connector part. The Kontaktierungsfahne, for example along a connecting direction, along which the connector parts are to be connected to each other, be extended to the frame part, so that the Kontaktierungsfahne runs when plugged connecting the connector part with the other connector part on an associated contact portion on the other connector part and thereby a connection between the Connector parts for common ground manufactures.

The contact insert may be modular. For example, it may be provided that one or more modular contact modules can be attached to the frame part, which may be formed, for example, as a rectangular receiving frame, to provide the frame part modular with contact modules and thus to create an individual contact insert for a connector part. Each contact module can in this case have one or more insertion openings for insertion of electrical lines and can also have one or more contact elements for contacting with an associated further connector part. For example, a plurality of slots (offset from one another transversely to the connecting direction in each case) can be provided on the frame part, into which a plurality of contact modules can be inserted.

A contact module to be attached to the frame part can be designed such that a line is to be inserted into a plug-in direction in a plug-in opening of the contact module. Preferably, in this case, the protective line along the Plug-in direction into the insertion opening of the contacting device, so that the connection of the protective line to the contacting device of the grounding element takes place in the same direction as the connection of other electrical lines to the insertion openings of the contact module. The connection of the electrical lines to the contact module can also be done via spring connections, so that protection lines as well as other lines (for example, for data transmission or to provide an electrical supply) can be infected in a simple, possibly also automatable manner to the contact insert.

The contact insert can for example be used on a connector part, wherein such a connector part may have a connector housing in which the contact insert is received. Such a connector housing may be connected to an electrical cable having a plurality of lead wires. It is also conceivable and possible, however, to use such a contact insert, for example on a mounting housing on a control cabinet or other electrical equipment.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht zweier Steckverbinderteile, die steckend entlang einer Verbindungsrichtung miteinander verbunden werden können;
• 2 eine Ansicht zweier Kontakteinsätze der Steckverbinderteile;
• 3 eine Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Kontakteinsatzes, der ein Rahmenteil, daran angeordnete Erdungselemente und eine Kontaktierungseinrichtung zum Anschließen einer Schutzleitung an eines der Erdungselemente aufweist;
• 4 eine gesonderte Ansicht eines Erdungselements mit einer Kontaktierungseinrichtung;
• 5A eine Ansicht eines Kontakteinsatzes eines Steckverbinderteils in verbundenem Zustand mit einem Kontakteinsatz eines weiteren Steckverbinderteils;
• 5B eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A gemäß 5A; und
• 6 eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B gemäß 4.

The idea underlying the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures. Show it:

• 1 a schematic view of two connector parts, which can be connected to each other in a connecting direction along a connecting direction;
• 2 a view of two contact inserts of the connector parts;
• 3 a view of an embodiment of a contact insert, which has a frame part, disposed thereon grounding elements and a contacting device for connecting a protective line to one of the grounding elements;
• 4 a separate view of a grounding element with a contacting device;
• 5A a view of a contact insert of a connector part in the connected state with a contact insert of another connector part;
• 5B a sectional view taken along the line AA according to 5A ; and
• 6 a sectional view taken along the line BB according to 4 ,

1 shows a schematic view of two connector parts 1 . 3 running along a connection direction e can be connected with each other in a sticky manner. Each connector part 1 . 3 has a connector housing 10 . 30 on, in each case a contact insert 2 . 4 taken with arranged thereon contact elements. Via a cable outlet 11 . 31 is each a cable 12 . 32 to the connector housing 10 . 30 connected and inside the connector housing 10 . 30 with the contact elements of the respective associated contact insert 2 . 4 electrically connected.

It should be noted at this point that the present invention can be used not only in connector parts with manually operated connector housings, but also, for example, in electrical equipment, such as a cabinet, provided connectors can be used in which a contact insert, for example, on a device wall, For example, a control cabinet wall is set.

An embodiment of two along the connecting direction e plugged together to be connected contact inserts 2 . 4 shows 2 , Each contact insert 2 . 4 has a frame part 20 . 40 in the form of a rectangular frame into which a contact module 21 . 41 is used. On the frame part 20 . 40 is a plug-in section 200 . 400 formed, wherein the plug portion 200 the one, first contact insert 2 forms a socket into which the plug-in section 400 of the frame part 40 of the other contact insert 4 can be inserted.

Each contact module 21 . 41 has a plurality of insertion openings 210 . 410 on, in the electrical lines 24 (please refer 3 ) for electrical contact with contact elements 211 . 411 can be inserted in the form of contact pins or contact sockets. In an interconnected state are the contact elements 211 the one, first contact insert 2 with the associated contact elements 411 the other, second contact insert 4 engaged, so that an electrical contact between the contact inserts 2 . 4 is effected.

To every frame part 20 . 40 In principle, one or more contact modules can be used, so that at the contact inserts 2 . 4 individual contact arrangements for the formation of an individual mating face can be created. In the illustrated embodiment, (exactly) is a contact module 21 . 41 fit into the frame part 20 . 40 inserted and latching with the frame part 20 . 40 connected. It is also possible, however, several (smaller) contact modules side by side in the frame part 20 . 40 to arrange.

On both sides of the frame part 20 . 40 are earthing element 22 . 42 arranged, on the one hand, via fastening elements 220 . 420 a mechanical fixing of the contact insert 2 . 4 on the associated connector housing 10 . 30 allow and on the other a protective contact between the contact inserts 2 . 4 provide. Each earthing element 22 . 42 is about support sections 221 . 421 on its associated frame part 20 . 40 supported, in this way (if the frame part 20 . 40 made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metal material) is also the frame part 20 . 40 may be involved in the grounding.

At the respectively assigned plug-in section 200 . 400 extend contact flags 222 . 422 (please refer 5B in synopsis with 2 ) of the grounding elements 22 . 42 when plugging the contact inserts 2 . 4 accumulate on each other and thereby an electrical contact between the grounding elements 22 . 42 the two contact inserts 2 . 4 produce.

At the in 2 illustrated embodiment of conventional contact inserts 2 . 4 are at the grounding elements 22 . 42 contacting devices 23 ' . 43 ' provided in the form of screw terminals for connecting protective lines.

In contrast, in the in 3 to 6 illustrated embodiment of a contact insert 2 on a grounding element 22 a contacting device 23 arranged, which is a housing 230 with two plug-in openings 231 for plugging protective cables 25 (please refer 6 ) and connecting the protective lines 25 by plugging contact allows.

The contacting device 23 points as shown in the sectional view according to 6 apparent, two in the housing 230 edged and held spring elements 26 on, each one of the plug openings 231 assigned. Each spring element 26 has a clamping leg 260 on, which is in the area of the spring element 26 associated plug-in opening 231 extends into it and for locking and contacting one in the plug-in opening 231 plugged protective line 25 serves. To the clamping leg 260 is a holding thigh 261 bent over between housing sections 233 of the housing 230 is framed so that over the retaining leg 261 the spring element 26 in the case 230 is fixed.

The clamping leg 260 is in the case 230 movable, under elastic deformation to the holding leg 261 , When plugging in a protective line 25 presses a (stripped) wire end 250 the protective line 25 on the clamping leg 260 and push it aside so that the wire end 250 on the clamping leg 260 can slide over and over the end of the clamping leg 260 elastic against a contacting section 223 of the grounding element 22 is pressed. By the (acting like a barb) clamping leg 260 is the protective line 25 in the plug-in opening 231 locked when the protection line 25 with the wire end 250 (completely) into the plug-in opening 231 is plugged in. The protective line 25 is about the spring element 26 thus on the one hand mechanically on the contacting device 23 held and on the other by elastic pressure of the clamping leg 260 in flat contact with the contacting section 223 of the grounding element 22 ,

The connection of the protective line 25 with the contacting device 23 is solvable. This is every plug opening 231 an unlocking element 27 assigned in an unlocking hole 232 of the housing 230 displaceable is such that by pressure on the unlocking 27 (eg by means of a tool) the unlocking element 27 with a body 270 in the unlocking opening 232 slides and with one of the body 270 protruding arm 271 on the clamping leg 260 acts so that it is out of contact with the wire end 250 the protective line 25 is pressed. The protective line 25 can thus from the associated plug-in opening 231 be pulled out.

At the in 3 to 6 illustrated embodiment is only on a grounding element 22 of the contact insert 2 a contacting device 23 arranged (in 3 shown on the left). Conceivable and possible, of course, also, in addition to the other grounding element 22 (in 3 right) such a contacting device 23 provided.

About the contacting device 23 is a connection of a protective line 25 to the assigned grounding element 22 in a simple manner by plugging in one of the plug openings 231 possible. How out 3 can be seen, corresponds to the plugging direction S into which the protective lines 25 in the plug-in openings 231 are to be inserted, the plugging direction S , in which also the other electrical lines 24 in the plug-in openings 210 of the contact module 21 of the contact insert 2 are to be inserted. Connecting the protective cables 25 can thus be the same as for the other electrical lines 24 take place, if necessary, even when already enclosed in a receiving housing contact insert 2 . 4 ,

5 A and 5B show a view of the contact insert 2 in a connected state with the contact insert 4 within the contact insert 4 associated connector housing 30 (the contact insert 2 is without connector housing 10 shown). As seen from the sectional view of the two contact inserts 2 . 4 according to 5B can be seen, both have contact inserts 2 . 4 to each one grounding element 22 . 42 a contacting device 23 . 43 on, so that for both contact inserts 2 . 4 the connection of protective lines 25 in a sticking way with reliable mechanical connection and electrical contact is possible. The contacting device 43 at the contact insert 4 is the same as above for the contacting device 23 of the contact insert 2 described constructed.

As well as out 5B it can be seen, are in the connected state, the contact lugs 222 . 422 the earthing elements 22 . 42 contacting each other in plant. When plugging in, the contact flags run 222 . 422 on each other and thus provide an electrical contact for common grounding of the contact inserts 2 . 4 to disposal.

The idea underlying the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can in principle also be realized in a completely different kind of way.

At a contacting device for contacting with an associated grounding element, one or more insertion openings may be provided for connecting one or more protective lines. For example, Such a contacting device may have only one insertion opening. However, it is also conceivable and possible to provide more than two plug-in openings for connecting more than two protective lines to such a contacting device.

In the illustrated embodiment, exactly one contact module is attached to the associated frame part of a contact insert. It is also conceivable and possible, however, to use several contact modules next to each other to provide different contact elements for creating an individually adapted mating face in the frame part of the contact insert.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

connector part

10

plug housing

11

cable outlet

12

electric wire

2

contact insert

20

Frame part (module frame)

200

plug-in section

21

contact module

210

plug openings

211

contact elements

22

Earthing element (PE sheet)

220

fastener

221

support section

222

Kontaktierungsfahne

223

contacting section

23, 23 '

contacting

230

casing

231

plug-in opening

232

Entsperröffnung

233

housing sections

24

cables

25

protection line

250

core end

26

spring element

260

clamping leg

261

holding leg

27

unlocking

270

body

271

poor

3

connector part

30

plug housing

31

cable outlet

32

electric wire

4

contact insert

40

module frame

400

plug-in section

41

contact module

410

plug openings

411

contact elements

42

Earthing element (PE sheet)

420

fastener

421

support section

422

Kontaktierungsfahne

43, 43 '

contacting

e

connection direction

S

plug-in direction

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 29520008 U1 [0005]
• DE 102007013536 B3 [0006]
• DE 102010017717 A1 [0007]
• EP 0882318 B1 [0008]

Claims (12)

Contact insert (2, 4) for a connector part (1, 3), comprising - a frame part (20) having a plug-in portion (200) for plug-in connection with a further connector part (3, 1), - at least one on the plug portion (20) 200) arranged electrical contact element (211, 411) and - on the frame part (20) arranged earthing element (22) to which a protective line (25) can be connected, characterized by a to the grounding element (22) arranged contacting device (23), a housing (230) having a plug-in opening (231) for inserting the protective line (25) and a on the housing (230) arranged spring element (26) for locking the protective line (25) in the plug opening (231) and for contacting the protective line (25) with the grounding element (22). Contact insert (2, 4) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the spring element (26) has a clamping limb (260) which is in contact with the protective line (25) when the protective line (25) is inserted in the plug-in opening (231). Contact insert (2, 4) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the clamping leg (260) is adapted to press the protective line (25) against a contacting portion (223) of the grounding element (22). Contact insert (2, 4) according to Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that the clamping leg (260) to the housing (230) is movable. Contact insert (2, 4) according to one of Claims 2 to 4 , characterized in that the spring element (26) has a holding leg (261), via which the spring element (26) on the housing (23) is held. Contact insert (2, 4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacting device (23) has an unlocking element (27) which can be actuated to release the protective line (25) from the plug-in opening (231). Contact insert (2, 4) according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the unlocking element (27) has an arm (271) with which the unlocking element (27) acts on the spring element (26) when actuated. Contact insert (2, 4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (230) of the contacting device (23) has two insertion openings (231) for inserting two protective lines (25) and two spring elements (26) for locking the protective lines (23). 25) in the insertion openings (231). Contact insert (2, 4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grounding element (22) has a contact lug (222, 422) for grounding contact with the further connector part (3, 1). Contact insert (2, 4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a contact module (21) arranged on the frame part (20), which has at least one plug-in opening (210) for inserting at least one electrical line (24) in a plug-in direction (S) , Contact insert (2, 4) according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the protective line (25) in the insertion direction (S) in the insertion opening (231) of the contacting device (23) can be inserted. Connector part (1, 3) with a contact insert (2, 4) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images