DE102018002124A1 - Plug connector with light function - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a connector, comprising: a housing comprising a translucent luminous element, wherein the luminous element comprises an amorphous plastic; a receptacle for receiving and contacting a complementary connector, wherein the receptacle is at least partially surrounded by the housing; and at least one illumination means configured to emit light through the light-emitting element. The present application further relates to a system comprising a connector having an outer housing and a cavity, wherein the connector is disposed in the cavity.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector, in particular a connector with light function.

The invention is in the field of connector technology. Connectors are used, for example, for connecting electrical conductors. In particular, plug connectors are used for electrically contacting and / or connecting communication lines or data lines and / or for supplying electrical power to electrical and / or electronic devices and / or components. To produce a plug connection, a plug connector and a corresponding counterpart or a complementary plug connector are connected, wherein the plug connections are usually detachable. There are numerous types and designs of connectors, in particular, many connectors are described in standards. Connectors relate to many areas of application, for example the transmission of electrical analog or digital data signals, or the transmission of current or voltage as an energy source.

In environments with reduced light or in dark or dark areas, connecting connectors is difficult. In an arrangement of several, possibly different and / or close together connectors, z. As in a cabinet or on a connection area for peripherals, the correct connector is first to determine to make the desired connector with the counterpart or complementary connector and / or separate.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to simplify the manufacture and / or separation of connectors.

This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a connector comprising a housing comprising a translucent luminous element, wherein the luminous element comprises an amorphous plastic; a receptacle for receiving and contacting a complementary connector, wherein the receptacle is at least partially surrounded by the housing; and at least one illumination means, wherein the illumination means is configured to emit light through the illumination element.

The connector according to the invention may be a male connector or a female connector. A connector complementary to the connector according to the invention is preferably formed in the opposite embodiment. For example, if the connector designed in male version, a complementary connector know a male version of the corresponding female version and vice versa. Thus, the connector may for example have a socket, a coupling, a plug or a built-in connector. For example, the connector may include a plug, so that a complementary connector has a socket. The connector may also be designed for wire-to-wire, board-to-wire and device connectors.

The housing is not limited in its shape and material composition. A potentially suitable material could include a metal, a polymer or a composite. Any combination of multiple materials may also be used for the housing. The material composition of the housing may affect one or more housing properties, e.g. Shielding ability, electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, heat resistance, strength, rigidity, elasticity, hardness and / or corrosion. The housing is not limited to a specific shape. Rather, the housing may have any geometry, wherein the shape, for. B. cylindrical or rectangular and can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical. Further, a male end can be defined on the housing of the connector, which allows access to a receptacle for a complementary connector disposed therein. Furthermore, the housing includes an opening for a cable that carries one or more conductors that may be intended to be connected to a complementary connector. Advantageously, the housing provides protection for arranged inside the housing elements.

Translucent defines in the present case the property of allowing light to pass at least partially. Light rays can thus traverse the light element. In particular, it may be possible for light rays to pass from the interior of the housing through the luminous element into the exterior of the housing, so that the luminous element advantageously enables a plug-in and / or identification aid of the connector. Furthermore, the luminous element may have certain optical properties, for. B. a certain refractive power and / or transmittance spectral light components. Advantageously, the light-emitting element can serve as a diffuser to define the light striking the light-emitting element and / or to scatter it in an undefined manner. The luminous element is partially or completely made of an amorphous Made of plastic. Amorphous plastics have a good transparency, so that the luminous element advantageously has a particularly good light-transmissive area. Furthermore, the amorphous plastic can be made transparent in color, so that there is advantageously a certain color rendering when the lighting element is illuminated.

The receptacle provides an interface that preferably allows electrical connection of one or more electrical conductors to one or more electrical conductors of a complementary connector. The receptacle can also be configured for connecting optical waveguides. The receptacle may comprise electrical contacts for transmitting electrical signals. For example, it can be designed as RJ, USB, BNC, RCA, VGA, DVI, HDMI, SATA, or coax recording, although the recording does not necessarily have to comply with a standard or known type. Preferably, the receptacle is designed in the form of a socket or alternatively in the form of a plug. The receptacle is preferably completely housed in the housing and can be contacted by a plug-in end. It may also protrude partially out of the housing, and further a portion of the receptacle may extend through the male end in the housing. At the insertion end a suitable sized for receiving opening is preferably arranged, with this opening and thus the insertion can be located in particular on the light itself.

The connector is in an operating state as soon as the at least one illumination means emits light. If an electric lighting device is used, this is the case if it is supplied with sufficient electrical energy. The use of non-electric lighting is possible. The illumination means may be configured to emit visible and / or invisible light to the human eye. Preferably, the illumination means is positioned so that it can emit light through the light emitting element. This can be done both by direct and / or indirect irradiation of the luminous element. In this sense, direct irradiation means that a light beam emitted by the illumination means hits the luminous element unhindered and uninfluenced, and this happens. Indirect means in this sense that emitted by the illumination means light beam after deflection and / or deflection and / or reflection and / or transmission by another element, for. B. by a lens or optical fiber, hits the luminous element and this happens. Furthermore, the illumination means can be an integral part of the luminous element.

Advantageously, the connector by the combination of lighting means and lighting element provides a lighting function that serves as a plug-in aid for easier, safer and faster connection to a complementary connector. The light function can also serve as an identification aid to detect the connector faster and / or assign. In principle, the illumination means can be configured as desired and / or driven. Advantageously, the connector can function in the operating state as a light source or light source. Furthermore, it may be possible to provide the lighting function of the connector with arbitrary and / or changing colors. This means that the illumination means can emit visible light of any color to the human eye. Advantageously, this allows a certain state and / or changes in state of the connector, and / or a connected to the connector, complementary connector display. Furthermore, a predetermined state and / or state changes of one or more electrical and / or electronic devices and / or components may be displayed, which are connected to the connector and / or with a plug connector connected to the complementary connector.

For example, the lighting element can shine in the unplugged state of the connector, in particular the illumination means can emit white light and thus serve the luminous element as an identification aid of the connector and / or as an insertion aid. When plugged in, the color of the light may change, e.g. For example, the illumination means may glow green and / or the intensity of the emitted light may be lower, in particular it is possible that the illumination means will not continue to light, i. that it goes out. Thus, it may be indicated that a more complementary connector is properly connected to the connector, i. is plugged. It is also possible that in an unplugged state the illumination means is red and / or e.g. with high intensity and in an unmated condition the illuminator is green and / or e.g. shines with low intensity.

The amorphous plastic preferably comprises a jet-crosslinked and / or chemically crosslinked plastic.

The radiation crosslinking of the amorphous plastic can be carried out by means of electron, beta and gamma rays. Thus, the amorphous plastic has a defined molecule crosslinking. The jet crosslinking process makes it possible to specifically adjust the properties of the amorphous plastic after it has been formed, wherein in particular an improvement in the mechanical, thermal and / or chemical capacity can be achieved. Advantageously, the plastic property can be tailored to the particular application and environmental conditions of the connector. Furthermore, there is an increased reproducibility and by the renunciation of expensive high-performance plastics as a raw material and a cost savings.

Preferably, the amorphous plastic has heat resistance for temperatures T in the range of about 100 ° C ≤ T ≤ 200 ° C, more preferably about 100 ° C ≤ T ≤ 250 ° C, and most preferably about 100 ° C ≤ T ≤ 300 ° C.

If the connector and in particular the amorphous plastic exposed to temperatures in the above ranges, the amorphous plastic withstands these temperature loads and is not adversely affected. Advantageously, resulting from the heat resistance of the amorphous plastic, improved heat resistance and improved mechanical properties at high temperatures. Furthermore, the connector and in particular the amorphous plastic is thus suitable for temperature stresses that occur in reflow soldering. Advantageously, the connector can be mounted first and then undergo a reflow soldering without the connector, in particular the amorphous plastic, is adversely affected by the temperatures occurring in a reflow soldering.

Preferably, the recording is a USB-3 type C recording.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors are widely used hardware interfaces, especially for data transmission. Advantageously, a recording designed for USB 3.1 enables data transfer rates of up to 5 Gb / s (USB 3.1 Gen 1), preferably of up to 10 Gb / s (USB 3.1 Gen 2). Furthermore, a type-C design allows a twist-proof production of the connector.

Preferably, the housing further comprises a base member, wherein the lighting element is detachably arranged on the base member.

The person skilled in the art can select any material or material combination for the base element. Advantageously, both the light-emitting element and the base element can be replaced by the detachable arrangement, for. B. because of a necessary repair or desired property change of one of these components. The detachable arrangement can be done for example via a force and / or positive connection, with z. B a clip, snap, screw, by plugging and / or magnetic connection.

Preferably, the base member is made by die casting and / or the base member comprises a plurality of components.

Advantageously, the base element consists of a metallic material. A die-cast base element provides higher electromagnetic shielding capability, higher temperature resistance, and better mechanical properties at higher temperatures than the amorphous plastic of the luminous element and improved chemical resistance. Preferably, the die casting used to make the base member is based on a zinc alloy. Furthermore, the base element can be designed in several parts. This advantageously allows easier accessibility into the connector housing interior and easier assembly of the connector.

Preferably, the luminous element comprises an LED.

Advantageously, LEDs are inexpensive, reliable and compact illumination means. Further, depending on the embodiment, an LED may emit visible light and / or invisible light, such as infrared light, to the human eye, and / or generate light of a variably adjustable wavelength A. The emissive wavelengths λ are preferably in the range of 400 nm ≦ λ ≦ 750 nm, and / or in the range of 700 ≦ λ ≦ 1000 nm.

Preferably, the illumination means is arranged on a printed circuit board, wherein preferably the lighting means is powered by means of the printed circuit board.

The person skilled in the art is not limited in his choice for the type of printed circuit board and the layout of the lines and / or circuits arranged thereon. The illumination means may be electrically connected to the circuit board, preferably by one or more solder joints. As a result, the lighting means can advantageously be electrically supplied and / or controlled via a circuit on the printed circuit board. The lighting means can also be supplied and / or controlled electrically only via the receptacle. Furthermore, the printed circuit board can be electrically contacted with the receptacle so that electrical signals can be transmitted between the printed circuit board and the receptacle. Furthermore, the circuit board may have one or more electrical contacts, which are each connected to an electrical conductor, for. As a wire, these electrical contacts simultaneously with one or more of the circuit board arranged lines and / or circuits can be in electrical connection.

Preferably, the housing comprises a housing coding.

By housing coding of the connector according to the invention can only be connected to a complementary connector having a correspondingly complementary housing coding. The person skilled in the art is not limited in the design and arrangement coding on the housing interior and / or exterior. Advantageously, thereby the production of unwanted connectors can be avoided. Furthermore, an advantageous identification aid for the plug connector advantageously results in corresponding cooperation with the lighting means. Furthermore, in cooperation with the illumination means, the orientation for a complementary connector with complementary housing coding can be displayed, thus providing an improved connector aid.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a connector and an outer housing having a cavity, wherein the connector is disposed in the cavity. The system, or its individual components, may be freely combined with the aspects and / or features listed above. The system according to the invention allows a user to combine a connector with an outer housing, so that the connector and the outer housing are positively or positively connected.

According to the invention, the outer housing can be locked with a connector. For this purpose, the outer housing has a cavity, which at least partially has a shape complementary to the connector.

Preferably, the outer housing has an opening to the cavity. The opening connects the cavity to an external environment of the connector.

Preferably, the opening is complementary to the luminous segment of the connector. The opening may be formed such that a side wall of the outer housing comprises the luminous segment flush.

The outer housing preferably has at least one front and / or rear fixing element on an inner side, wherein the at least one front and / or rear fixing element extends from the inside of the outer housing in a direction directed toward the cavity. A direction directed to the cavity faces away from an inner side of the outer housing. A direction directed to the cavity may be substantially a direction perpendicular to a wall portion on the inside of the outer housing.

Preferably, the outer housing has at least one projection element, wherein the at least one projection element is used for coding and / or latching the outer housing with a corresponding element. The outer housing can be used to lock a connector to a corresponding element, such as a bezel, a housing or a chassis.

Preferably, the at least one housing wall surrounds the cavity, wherein the housing wall is translucent and / or opaque. Alternatively, the housing wall may adjoin the opening and / or surround, or circumscribe, or circulate.

• 1: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinders entsprechend einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 2: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Leuchtelements des Steckverbinders aus 1 entsprechend einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 3: eine Untersicht des Gehäuses des Steckverbinders aus 1 mit demontiertem Leuchtelement,
• 4: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Basiselements des Steckverbinders aus 1 in Explosionsdarstellung,
• 5: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Aufnahme und einer daran angeordneten Leiterplatte entsprechend einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 6: eine perspektivische Schnittansicht eines Längsschnitts durch den Steckverbinder aus 1,
• 7: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinders entsprechend einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 8: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines komplementären Außengehäuses für den Steckverbinder der weiteren Ausführungsform der 7,
• 9: eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinders der weiteren aus der Ausführungsform aus 7 innerhalb des komplementären Außengehäuses der 8,
• 10: einen Querschnitt durch eine perspektivische Ansicht des gedrehten Steckverbinders aus 7, der in dem Außengehäuse aus 8 eingefasst ist, und
• 11: einen Längsschnitt durch eine perspektivische Ansicht des gedrehten Steckverbinders aus 7, der von dem Außengehäuse aus 8 eingefasst ist.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
• 2 : A perspective view of a lighting element of the connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention,
• 3 : a bottom view of the connector housing 1 with dismantled luminous element,
• 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of the base member of the connector from 1 in exploded view,
• 5 FIG. 2: a perspective view of a receptacle and a printed circuit board arranged thereon in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
• 6 a perspective sectional view of a longitudinal section through the connector 1 .
• 7 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
• 8th FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a complementary outer housing for the connector of the further embodiment of FIG 7 .
• 9 a perspective view of the connector further from the Embodiment from 7 within the complementary outer casing of the 8th .
• 10 : A cross section through a perspective view of the rotated connector 7 made in the outer casing 8th is enclosed, and
• 11 : A longitudinal section through a perspective view of the rotated connector 7 from the outer casing 8th is enclosed.

1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector according to the invention 1 in assembled condition. The connector 1 is designed and intended to be electrically connected to a, not shown, complementary connector. The connector 1 has a connector housing, which is a lighting element 2 and a base element 3 includes. The light element 2 , which comprises an amorphous plastic, has at least partially transparent properties, so that light at least partially the light-emitting element 2 can happen. It may, for example, be fully or partially transparent and / or have a coloring. Preferably, the luminous element consists 2 made of an amorphous plastic. In particular, the lighting element 2 also act as a light guide and introduced therein and / or incident light rays by reflection effects at least partially in the luminous element 2 be distributed, so that a substantially uniformly distributed light intensity over the luminous element 2 established. The basic element 3 may be designed in several parts and include any materials, wherein it preferably comprises a die-cast product or a die-cast product, whereby the base member higher thermal loads, preferably up to 300 ° C, withstands. light element 2 and base element 3 are releasably connected by a positive connection by the detent openings 22a . 22b the side segments 21a . 21b arranged on the light element 2 , with the locking lugs 31a . 31b arranged on the base element 3 , interlock, taking the forms of the detent openings 22a . 22b and the detents 32a . 32b are limited only in that they are complementary to each other. In principle, any type of detachable connection could be used, such. B. snap, clip, or screw. The detachable connection allows for easy removal and repair and / or replacement of the lighting element 2 , In principle, the lighting element 2 integral part of the basic element 3 is.

A recording 7 of the connector 1 is positioned inside the connector housing and at a male end 9 of the luminous element 2 arranged. The recording 7 is thus of the connector housing or of lighting element 2 and base element 3 surrounded protectively. At the end of the insertion 9 There is an opening, the access to the recording 7 allows for recording 7 can be electrically connected to a complementary receptacle. The photograph shown in the figures 7 is a USB 3.1 gene 1 Type-C socket female, preferably a USB 3.1 gene 2 Type-C female socket. In principle, the recording 7 be designed arbitrarily. For example, it can be designed as RJ, USB, BNC, RCA, VGA, DVI, HDMI, SATA, or Coax recording, with the recording 7 does not necessarily have to comply with a standard or known type. Furthermore, the recording 7 be executed male and / or female. Consequently, the recording 7 have both a male and female form.

Opposite the spit 9 includes the connector housing on the base member 3 a cable opening 38 , Through the cable opening 38 extends through an opening in the housing interior a cable 6 in which one or more veins 67 can be enclosed.

About the cable 6 is preferably the for the lighting means 80 required energy provided.

2 shows a perspective view of the luminous element 2 of the connector 1 , The light element 2 includes side segments 21a . 21b and a light segment 23 , The light segment 23 is hollow and includes an opening in the longitudinal or plug-in opening, which is a spigot 9 Are defined. The insertion end 9 is suitable, preferably fitting, to the recording 7 dimensioned. As a longitudinal or plug-in direction is the direction to understand in the one with the connector 1 complementary connector with the receptacle 7 Connected to the connector 1 and connect the complementary connector with each other. The light segment 23 comprises an amorphous plastic, and thus has translucent properties, so that light at least partially the luminous segment 23 can happen. For example, the luminous segment can be fully or partially transparent and / or have a coloring. In particular, the luminous segment 23 Also act as a light guide and introduced and / or incident light rays can at least partially by reflection effects in the light segment 23 be distributed so that a substantially uniformly distributed light intensity over the light segment 23 established.

The side segments 21a . 21b are parallel to each other on the light segment 23 arranged right and left and extend in the longitudinal direction. The side segments 21a . 21b have continuous latching openings 22a . 22b on, the complementary to the locking lugs 32a . 32b at the base element 3 accomplished are. The side segments 21a . 21b can be made of any material. For example, the side segments 21a . 21b the same amorphous plastic as the luminous segment 23 or consist of the same amorphous plastic. The side segments 21a . 21b can be spread apart to the lighting element 2 at the base element 3 to assemble. In particular, the side segments 21a . 21b in comparison to the light segment 23 consist of another, any material that has defined elasticity properties to the simplest possible and safe installation of the light-emitting element 2 sure.

3 shows a view from below of the connector housing 1 with disassembled light element 2 , The basic element 3 is made in two parts, with in 2 a projection on the lower part 30 of the base element shows. The light element 2 has side segments 21a . 21b on, which extend in the longitudinal direction or in the insertion direction. As a longitudinal or plug-in direction is the direction to understand in the one with the connector 1 complementary connector with the receptacle 7 Connected to the connector 1 and connect the complementary connector with each other. The side segments 21a . 21b have continuous latching openings 22a . 22b on, in the assembled state, each with one of the locking lugs 32a . 32b aligned and interlocked. The locking lugs 32a . 32b are on the side surfaces 31a . 31b at the base element 3 , By an elastic spreading of the side segments 21a . 21b These can be over the locking lugs 32a . 32b be arranged so that the lighting element 2 with the base element 3 is completely connectable. The release of the light element 2 from the base element 3 is done by re-spreading the side segments 21a . 21b so that the latching openings are released from the latching lugs and the lighting element 2 can be removed. Instead of the locking lugs 32a . 32b can also fix other elements on the base element 3 be attached, which allow a detachable connection. Basically, for the connection of lighting element 2 and base element 3 include any type of positive and / or non-positive connection.

The light element 2 has one of the shank end 9 outgoing longitudinally extending through opening, so that when assembled connector 1 the recording 7 from the spit 9 into the base element 3 extends. Preferably, the recording ends 7 before or with the insertion end 9 , so the inclusion of lighting element 2 and base element 3 is surrounded protective and not from the light element 2 protrudes.

The basic element 3 the present embodiment of the connector 1 is described in more detail below by three sections: recording section A , Middle section M , Cable guide section K ,

The base member encloses in the receiving section A together with the light element 2 the recording 7 (not shown). Consequently, the receiving portion A to the luminous element 2 towards an opening and is hollow. Likewise, the center section M and the cable guide section include K Cavities, wherein the receiving portion A from the middle section M through a non-continuous partition 42 is limited (see 6 ). The recording section A has a smaller outer width than that of the middle section M on, so that these sections are graduated by a paragraph. The paragraph forms for the light element 2 a stop. At the bottom are the light element 2 and the base element 3 so flush coupled together so that a substantially flat floor surface 35 results. In contrast, the top has a heel as the luminous element 2 and the receiving section A a lower height than the middle section M have (see 1 . 3 . 5 ).

On the floor surface 35 is in the middle section M a cuboid projection element 36 attached, with the long cuboid side closer to the insertion end 6 is located, has a chamfer. Two other identically shaped projection elements 34a . 34b are on the side surfaces 33a . 33b of the middle section M arranged.

The cable guide portion K has a circular central part 41 on, the right and left triangular ridges 37a . 37b which also on the middle section M issue. The circular middle part 41 includes a in the middle section M extending circular cable opening 38 , The cable opening 38 leads the cable 6 in the hollow middle section M of the base element 3 ,

4 shows an exploded perspective view of the two-part base element 3 of the connector 1 , The basic element 3 includes a top 50 and a lower part 30 , The recording 7 gets on the ledges 40a . 40b positioned so that the recording 7 at least partially from the cavity of the receiving portion A is surrounded. An intermediate wall 42 limits the receiving section to the rear. The partition 42 , consisting of two wall segments 42a . 52a defining a rectangular opening (see 6 ).

The one in the middle section M Located cavity essentially serves the habitation and supply of electrical wires and / or wires, extending through a cable opening 38 extend to the admission 7 and / or a circuit board 8th to be electrically connected to them.

The cable management section K has a circular cable opening 38 in the mounted state from the end of the cable lug section K to the cavity of the middle section M extends. The circular opening results from each an inner semi-circular plane 39 . 59 in top part 50 and lower part 30 , Consequently, a cable from the outside into the interior of the base member 3 be guided. Basically, the feeding of a cable into the base element 3 not limited to a circular opening. Rather, it may have any opening shape, so that any cable shapes can be performed inside the housing, such. B. flat cable.

On the outer side surfaces 33a . 33b of the lower part 50 are projection elements 34a . 34b positioned and have a chamfer towards the insertion end 9 drops. The outer dimensions of the receiving section A are chosen so that the top surface 55 of the middle section M not with the top surface 52 the receiving section A is flush. As a result, the base member includes a staircase-like offset at the top. The side surfaces 31a . 31b the receiving section A are compared with the side surfaces 33a . 33b of the middle section M arranged closer to the housing interior, so that there is a lateral offset of the respective side surfaces to each other. The lateral offset results as already described in a stop for the lighting element 2 , The top surface 55 of the middle section M further comprises a projection element 56 , the same as the projection element 36 of the lower part is. The projection elements 34a . 34b . 36 . 56 and / or the offset of recording section A to center section M may form a housing coding. For this purpose, the projection elements 34a . 34b . 36 . 56 lock the connector with a corresponding element, wherein the latch can be made detachable or non-detachable. A locking of the projection elements, or the offset of the receiving portion A , with a corresponding element, such as a diaphragm, a housing or a chassis, may be formed such positive or non-positive that the projection elements, or the offset of the receiving portion A , form with the corresponding element a locking device, or a locked device. Such a locking device is also referred to as coding. In a housing coding, the corresponding element, in which the projection elements or the offset of the receiving portion A latched, receiving and / or engaging elements, which are complementary to the projection elements, or the offset of the receiving portion A are designed. According to the invention, a complementary connector has a correspondingly inverted housing coding. The housing coding, ie all projection elements and staggered housing sections, are to be considered as optional features.

top 50 and lower part 30 are connected together in the assembled state by pins and complementary holes. The connection of shell 50 and lower part 30 may be solvable or insoluble, for. B. upper part 50 and lower part 30 also be glued together. The top 50 includes 4 pens 60 . 61 . 62 . 63 which are positioned along a contact surface to the lower part and extend perpendicularly in the direction of the lower part. Corresponding to the position and diameter of the pins 60 - 63 the lower part has openings 41a . 41b . 43a . 43b on top so that the top 50 and lower part 30 positively and / or non-positively connected to each other. For multi-part design of the base element 3 are any other forms of non-positive and / or positive connection of the sub-elements conceivable. The advantage of the multi-part design of the connector housing is that at first all components which are to be arranged at least partially in the interior of the connector housing, positioned and / or can be fixed to one of the housing part elements to subsequently by positioning and / or fixing the other housing part elements the Close connector housing. This allows a simplification of the assembly of the connector by easier accessibility into the connector housing interior.

5 shows the picture 7 of the connector 1 including a printed circuit board arranged thereon 8th and one on the circuit board 8th arranged lighting means 80 , The recording 7 is a USB 3.1 gene 2 Type-C female socket and includes a receiving housing 70 and a contact body arranged therein 71 having a plurality of electrical contact pins. From the outer periphery of the receptacle four holders extend 73 - 76 vertically upwards. The circuit board 8th points to the holders 73 - 76 complementary openings 83 - 86 on, so the circuit board 8th is arranged in a predefined position on the receptacle. Furthermore, the holders and openings may be dimensioned such that the printed circuit board 8th at the reception 7 is releasably fixed.

On the circuit board 8th is an LED as a means of lighting 80 arranged. The person skilled in the art is not limited in the choice and number of illumination means, and the illumination means or illuminants preferably comprise non-thermal radiators. The positioning of the LED 80 is chosen so that the of the LED 80 emitted rays at least partially directly to the light element 2 meet and this can happen. In a contact area 81 are located on the top and bottom of the circuit board 8th one or more electrical contact surfaces configured and provided by the cable 6 electrically contact led electrical leads. Furthermore, these electrical contact surfaces via printed conductors of the printed circuit board 8th with the electrical contacts in the connection area 82 be connected. About these electrical contacts in the connection area 82 there is a connection between the printed circuit board 8th and recording 7 , preferably with the contact pins of the contact body 71 , Consequently, electrical signals between the contact pins of the contact body 71 and the electrical contact surfaces in the contact area 81 over the circuit board 8th be transmitted. Furthermore, the LED 80 to one or more electrical contacts in the contact area 81 tethered, so the LED 80 over one in the cable 6 led line is energized. In principle, it may also be possible that the LED 80 via an electrical connection to the contact pins of the contact body 71 is energized.

Further, the circuit board may include one or more (integrated) circuits for USB data transmission and / or control and / or supply of the lighting means 80 serve, with one or more of these circuits with the recording 7 can be in electrical connection.

6 shows a schematic representation of a section in the longitudinal direction through the connector 1 , The mounted light element 2 and the receiving section A together form a closed cavity. The cavity in the luminous element 2 and in the recording section A are preferable to the recording 7 , the circuit board 8th and the lighting means 80 appropriately sized. In this cavity, the recording extends 7 from the partition 42 until the end of the insertion 9 , The circuit board 5 with LED 80 is also in the cavity of luminous element 2 and recording section A arranged and extends through an opening in the partition 42 into the cavity of the middle section M , The two wall segments 42a . 52a form the partition 42 , in which a suitably sized opening for the circuit board 8th is introduced.

Through the cable opening 38 at the end of the cable management section K extends the cable 6 along the semi-circular planes in the interior of the cable guide section K until or just before the cavity of the middle section M , From there extend in the cable 6 guided veins 67 via a support element 68 down to the circuit board 8th More specifically, to the electrical contact surfaces in the contact area 81 , The support element 68 has one groove for each vein 66 which provides a guiding and fixing function. The wires are stripped at their ends so that each wire has a contact area in the contact area 81 the circuit board 8th electrically contacted. About one or more of the veins 67 Preferably, the electrical supply of the recording and the illumination means is provided. Preferably, via one or more of the wires 67 also the electrical signals participating in a data transmission are conducted.

7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector 1' , This embodiment can preferably be used where accidental locking, locking, jamming, rubbing or snagging of the connector with external elements in its environment is to be avoided. The basic element 3 ' has no projection elements. Individual features of the various embodiments can be freely combined.

The connector 1' can be designed so that at least one surface of the receiving portion A and / or the middle section M and / or the cable management section K and / or lighting element 2 ' and / or the light segment 23 ' is smooth. For example, the top surface 55 of the central portion M comprise a smooth surface. Also, other or other surfaces of the base member 3 ' be designed as smooth surfaces. By smooth surfaces, for example, a hooking of the connector with surrounding cables or other devices can be restricted, reduced, avoided or prevented. Smooth defines a property of a surface, according to which it is at least partially flat. Smooth, alternatively, defines a property of a surface that causes relatively low friction when an external body resting on the surface is moved by force on the surface.

The smooth surface can be effectively cleaned using ordinary cleaning utensils from dust and / or impurities. The smooth surface allows for simplified care of the connector, as well as the use of the connector in a dusty atmosphere and / or in dirt-prone areas, such as an industrial production plant. The smooth surface may consist of a material with self-cleaning or repellent properties. Preferably, the smooth surface of a dust, water, and / or dirt repellent material.

The connector 1' can be molded from a plastic. In particular, the material of the smooth surface may comprise a plastic. A plastic can be a plastic, a polymer, a resin, an elastomer, a thermoset, a thermoplastic or mixtures thereof. The skilled person is not limited in the choice and the composition of the plastic. According to the invention, the material of a smooth surface preferably comprises an amorphous plastic, more preferably an insulating, amorphous plastic, and most preferably an insulating, amorphous, translucent plastic.

The connector 1' includes a light segment 23 ' at the light element 2 ' , The light segment 23 ' includes at least one outer wall, wherein the outer wall may consist of a plurality of outer wall sections. The outer wall sections may have at least partially smooth surfaces. The outer wall sections may adjoin one another at angled edges. The outer wall of the luminous segment 23 ' may represent an inverted package coding to an external element, such as a housing, a bezel, a chassis, etc. According to the invention allows the outer wall of the luminous segment 23 ' an advantageous, stabilizing, non-positive and / or positive locking of the luminous segment 23 ' with a corresponding element.

The top surface 52 ' the receiving section A and / or the outer wall portions and / or angled edges of the receiving portion A , may be substantially to the outer wall portions and / or angled edges of the luminous segment 23 ' correspond. The outer wall portions and / or angled edges of the receiving portion A may be an inverted case encoding of the receiving portion A to an external element.

The light segment 23 ' , or at least an outer wall portion of the luminous segment 23 ' , and / or an angled edge of the luminous segment 23 ' , may be translucent. According to the invention, the luminous segment comprises 23 ' , or at least an outer wall portion of the luminous segment 23 ' , and / or an angled edge of the luminous segment 23 ' , a translucent material that is responsible for the emitted light rays of the illuminant 80 is translucent. The use of a translucent material allows the emitted light rays to exit the luminous segment 23 ' , This allows the light segment 23 ' of the connector 1' an illumination, or a lighting effect its environment.

The light segment 23 ' , or at least an outer wall portion of the luminous segment 23 , and / or an angled edge of the luminous segment 23 ' , may be designed such that light of different color is emitted from the luminous segment and / or at least a coloring effect of the emitted light in the visible light spectrum is effected. The light segment 23 ' , or at least an outer wall portion of the luminous segment 23 ' , and / or an angled edge of the luminous segment 23 ' , may also include various materials that produce a variety of coloring effects from the illumination source 80 emitted light effect.

The light segment 23 ' can be designed such that a focusing of the illumination means 80 emitted light rays at the angled edges takes place. According to the invention, the edges may be designed in such a way that that of the illumination means 80 emitted light is scattered when hitting the edge and / or diffracted and / or broken.

light element 2 ' has side segments 21a ' . 21b ' and detent openings 22a and 22b on, with the locking lugs 32a . 32b of the base element 3 ' mesh and the light element 2 ' positive and / or non-positive with the base element 3 ' connect. Preferably, the side segments 21a ' and 21b ' of the luminous element 2 ' a flattening 24a ' . 24b ' in the front, for recording 7 oriented, area of the side segment 21a ' . 21b ' on the light segment 23 ' exhibit. The flattening 24a ' . 24b ' can consist of a translucent material. Preferably, the flattening 24a ' . 24b ' made of a translucent material, which causes a light scattering or diffraction or refraction of light. Most preferred is the flattening 24a ' . 24b ' of a translucent material, which is a light scattering or light diffraction or refraction of light of the emitted light rays of the illuminant 80 causes.

The cable management section K of the connector 1' has a multi-sided cable management housing, or middle part 41 ' , on which a cable opening 38 ' surrounds. By arranging the cable guide section K around the cable opening 38 ' gets at a cable 6 a strain relief causes.

The middle part 41 ' may have one or a plurality of adjoining webs on its lateral sides 37a ' . 37b ' exhibit. The adjoining bridges 37a ' . 37b reinforce the structure of the middle section 41 ' and thereby provide a stabilized cable routing. A front part of an adjacent bridge 37a ' . 37b ' may be flush with, or adjacent to, a surface and / or edge of the center section M lie. A rear, for cable opening 38 ' located, part of an adjoining footbridge 37a ' . 37b ' may be flush with, or adjacent to, a surface and / or edge of the cable management section K lie.

According to the invention, the webs 37a ' . 37b ' have a base surface, which is preferably triangular, wherein the base surfaces may also have other shapes. Above the base can the webs 37a ' . 37b ' a material layer have, wherein the base surface may be a portion of the material layer. This layer of material can have the same height and / or thickness at any point. However, the material layer may also be on the front part of the web 37a ' . 37b ' which is flush with, or adjacent to, a surface and / or edge of the central portion M is present, have a smaller width than at a rear, the cable opening 38 ' located, section of the jetty 37a ' . 37b ' , The higher width of the bars 37a ' and 37b ' on to the cable opening 38 ' directed end stabilizes the cable guide portion K in addition and protects cables 6 against external influences, such as pressure or shocks.

8th shows an outer casing 90 for the connector 1' the second embodiment, wherein the outer housing 90 also as outer housing for the connector 1 can be configured. The outer housing 90 encloses a cavity in its interior, the cavity for receiving a connector 1 . 1' serves. The outer housing 90 can with the connector 1 . 1' be detachably or permanently connected. By using the outer case 90 can be a connector 1' , 1 are protected from harmful external influences. In addition, the outer housing provides 90 an additional insulating function ready. In addition, an outer housing allows 90 in the case of damage or destruction a low-cost replacement by a user. The outer housing 90 may be an adapter, the adapter may be used for example in the automotive sector or an industrial application.

The outer housing 90 may at least partially consist of a material comprising a plastic. A plastic may comprise a plastic, a polymer, a resin, an elastomer, a thermoset, a thermoplastic, or mixtures thereof. The skilled person is not limited in the choice and the composition of the plastic. The material may be translucent or opaque. Preferably, the material comprises an insulating, amorphous plastic. The material of the outer housing 90 is not limited to the materials mentioned, but can be determined by a person skilled in the art. The outer housing 90 can be one-piece or multi-part, for example, a cast or different castings designed.

The outer housing 90 has a variety of housing surfaces 95 on. A housing surface may have one or more projection elements 96a . 96b . 94a . 94b have, which protrude from the housing surface. The projection elements 96a . 96b . 94a . 94b can be used for latching and / or fixing the outer housing 90 with a corresponding element, such as a shutter, a housing or a chassis (not shown) are brought. The shape of the projection elements can be chosen freely by a person skilled in the art. According to the invention, the projection elements 96a . 96b . 94a . 94b be dimensioned in shape and dimension so that a housing encoding with, for example, a corresponding element is formed. Alternatively, the housing surfaces 95 also be designed without projection elements and / or at least comprise a smooth surface.

A front end of the outer casing 90 has at least one housing wall 92 on. The at least one housing wall 92 comprises, or encloses, or borders, or circulates, or circumscribes an opening 97 , The housing wall 92 may consist of at least one round housing wall section (not shown) and / or of a plurality of straight housing wall sections. With a plurality of straight sections, the housing wall sections may adjoin each other at angled edges. The opening 97 is complementary to the shape of the luminous element 2 ' of the connector 1' , By means of the opening 97 can the housing wall 92 flush with the light element 2 ' of the connector 1' adjoin.

The housing wall 92 can be designed so that no light can be passed through them. In this way, a light beam of the emitted light of the illumination means 80 exclusively in one for admission 7 extend direction, wherein an occurrence of stray light is reduced, or prevented altogether.

Alternatively, the housing wall 92 be translucent, to allow ambient lighting, or illumination. Further alternatively, only a single housing wall sections of the housing wall 92 be translucent, with other housing wall sections are opaque. As a result, when using the outer housing 90 a partial illumination of the environment in definable directions are made possible.

Opposite to the opening 97 is at a rear end of the outer housing 90 a round support element 98 arranged. The support element 98 has an opening through which a part of the cable 6 (not shown). The support element 98 can be flexible or rigid and serves to guide and / or support the cable 6 , The cable 6 extends through the support element 98 and the cable opening 38 ' in the interior of the connector 1 . 1' , The support element 98 which essentially comprises a cylindrical wall, may be one or within the cylindrical wall several omissions 99 exhibit. The omissions 99 may preferably form continuous openings and / or take a variety of forms. The omissions 99 increase the structural flexibility of the support element 98 ,

The inner geometry, or internal geometry, of the outer housing 90 is complementary to the outer geometry, or outer geometry, of the connector 1' , 1 formed. 8th shows an outer housing with a connector to a 1' complementary internal geometry.

The at least one housing wall 92 can on one side facing the cavity one or more front fixing 91a . 91b have, leading to one or more detents 32a . 32b of the connector 1 . 1' correspond. Corresponding means that the front fixing elements 91a . 91b to the locking lugs have such a complementary shape that a latching, or entanglement, or locking is made possible by an engagement of the front Fixierlemente and locking lugs and the connector 1 . 1' with the outer casing 90 preferably can be fixed positively and / or non-positively. The front fixing elements 91a . 91b In particular, a fixation possibility for the luminous element 2 . 2 ' Offer. Advantageously, this arrangement results in a strain relief of the connector housing from the lighting element 2 . 2 ' ,

In addition, on the lateral insides of the outer casing 90 rear fixing elements 93a . 93b , which may have a cuboid basic shape are located. The rear fixing elements 93a . 93b point one to the recesses 65a . 65b (please refer 7 ) of the connector 1 . 1' complementary shape. The rear fixing elements 93a . 93b can in the recesses 65a . 65b the housing of the connector 1 . 1' engage, with a low-displacement, stabilizing fixation arises.

9 shows a perspective view of a connector 1' inside an outer casing 90 , The connector 1' is in the outer casing 90 edged. The side walls 92 enclose the light segment 2 ' and the receiving section A ,

10 shows a cross section through a perspective view of a rotated connector 1' in an outer casing 90 is caught. The view shows an example of the locking of the outer housing 90 with the connector 1' , A cable 6 or cable wires are not shown. The rear fixing elements 93a . 93b grab in the recesses 65a . 65b and lock the outer housing 90 with the connector 1' , The front fixing elements 91a . 91b on the inside of the outer housing 90 form a latching with locking lugs 32a . 32b ,

11 shows a longitudinal section through a perspective view of a turned connector 1' inside an outer casing 90 , A cable 6 or cable wires are not shown.

The described connectors 1 . 1' , or the housing 90 are not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, the individual features of the described connector and / or the housing can be freely combined with each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Connectors

2

light element

3

base element

6

electric wire

7

admission

8th

circuit board

9

spigot

21a, 21b

side segments

22a, 22b

latching openings

23

light segment

24a, 24b

flattening

30

lower part

31a, 31b

faces

32a, 32b

locking lugs

33a, 33b

faces

34a, 34b

projection members

35

floor area

36

projection member

37a, 37b

web

38

cable opening

39

semicircular plane

40a, 40b

Afford

41

midsection

42

partition

42a

wall segment

41a, 41b, 43a, 43b

openings

50

top

52

Cover surface of the receiving portion

52a

wall segment

55

cover surface

56

projection member

57a, 57b

Stege

59

semicircular plane

60, 61, 62, 63

pencils

65a, 65b

recesses

68

support element

66

Groove (s)

67

Core (s)

70

receiving housing

71

Contact body

73, 74, 75, 76

holder

80

lighting means

81

contact area

83

connecting area

90

outer casing

91a, 91b

front fixing elements

92

housing wall

93a, 93b

rear fixing elements

94a, 94b

projection members

95

housing area

96a, 96b

projection members

97

opening

98

support element

99

omission

Claims (15)

Connector (1) comprising: a housing comprising a translucent luminous element (2), wherein the luminous element (2) comprises an amorphous plastic; a receptacle (7) for receiving and contacting a complementary connector, wherein the receptacle (7) is at least partially surrounded by the housing; and at least one illumination means (80) configured to emit light through the light-emitting element (2). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the amorphous plastic comprises a jet-crosslinked plastic and / or a chemically crosslinked plastic. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amorphous plastic has a heat resistance for temperatures T in the range of about 100 ° C ≤ T ≤ 200 ° C, more preferably from about 100 ° C ≤ T ≤ 250 ° C, and most preferably about 100 ° C ≤ T ≤ 300 ° C. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (7) comprises a USB 3.1 type C recording. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a base element (3) and the luminous element (2) on the base element (3) is detachably arranged. Connector after Claim 5 wherein the base member (3) is made by die casting and / or has a plurality of components. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the illumination means (80) comprises an LED. Connector according to one of Claims 7 in that the illumination means (80) is arranged on a printed circuit board (8), wherein preferably the illumination means (80) is energized by means of the printed circuit board (8). Connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a housing coding. System comprising: - A connector (1,1 ') according to any one of the preceding claims and - An outer housing (90) with a cavity, wherein the connector (1,1 ') is arranged in the cavity. System after Claim 10 wherein the outer housing (90) has an opening (97) to the cavity. System after Claim 11 , wherein the opening (97) is complementary to the luminous segment (2, 2 ') of the connector (1, 1'). System according to one of Claims 10 to 12 wherein the outer housing (90) has on an inner side at least one front and / or rear fixing element (91a; 91b; 93a; 93b), the at least one front and / or rear fixing element (91a; 91b; 93a; 93b) extending from the inside of the Outer housing (90) extends in a direction to the cavity direction. System according to one of Claims 10 to 13 wherein the outer housing (90) has at least one projection element (94a; 94b; 96a; 96b), wherein the at least one projection element (94a; 94b; 96a; 96b) is designed for coding and / or latching the outer housing with a corresponding element. System according to one of Claims 10 to 14 wherein at least one housing wall (92) surrounds the cavity and wherein the housing wall (92) is translucent and / or opaque.

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