DE102019002345A1 - Closing cap for closing a connector socket, system consisting of a connector socket and a universal closing cap, and method for closing a connector socket - Google Patents

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a universal closure cap (10) for closing a connector socket (40), in particular for closing a push-pull connector socket (40), comprising: a wall (12) which has a receiving space (14) for a contacting area (44) of the plug connector socket (40); wherein, when the closure cap (10) is plugged in, the contacting area (44) is at least partially arranged in the receiving space (14) and the wall (12) at least partially the connector socket (40) is inserted; andwherein the wall (12) is designed in such a way that, in the plugged-in state, the wall (12) is at least partially positively connected to a shielding contact (46) of the plug connector socket (40).

Description

The invention relates to a universal closure cap for closing a connector socket, a system consisting of a connector socket and a universal closure cap, and a method for closing a connector socket by means of a universal closure cap.

The invention is in the field of connector technology, in particular in the field of connector protection technology or sealing cap technology. Modern connector systems, such as a push-pull connector system, consist of a connector socket or socket and an associated connector that can be inserted into the connector socket. In the separated state of the connector socket and / or connector, it is desirable to protect both the connector socket and the connector from dirt and moisture. For this purpose, sealing caps are known which close a connector socket and / or a connector.

Known sealing caps, which are suitable for closing a connector socket and in particular a push-pull connector socket, use the connection mechanism provided for the connector. However, this connection mechanism causes damage to the housing of the connector socket when plugging in and unplugging or when attaching and removing the closure cap. Furthermore, the plugging and unplugging of the closure cap into the connector socket requires a disproportionately high expenditure of force, since the connection mechanism of the connector is used.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a universal closure cap for closing a connector socket, which prevents damage to the connector socket by attaching and removing the closure cap and which is convenient to use.

This object is achieved by the subjects of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

• eine Wand, welche einen Aufnahmeraum für einen Kontaktierungsbereich der Steckverbinder-Buchse bereitstellt;
• wobei in einem gesteckten Zustand der Verschlusskappe, der Kontaktierungsbereich zumindest abschnittsweise in dem Aufnahmeraum angeordnet ist und die Wand zumindest abschnittsweise in die Steckverbinder-Buchse eingeführt ist; und
• wobei die Wand derart ausgebildet ist, dass im gesteckten Zustand die Wand zumindest abschnittsweise formschlüssig mit einem Abschirmungskontakt der Steckverbinder-Buchse verbunden ist.

One aspect of the invention relates to a universal closing cap for closing a connector socket, in particular for closing a push-pull connector socket, comprising:

• a wall that provides a receiving space for a contact area of the connector socket;
• wherein, when the closure cap is plugged in, the contacting area is arranged at least in sections in the receiving space and the wall is inserted at least in sections into the plug connector socket; and
• wherein the wall is designed in such a way that, in the plugged-in state, the wall is at least partially positively connected to a shielding contact of the connector socket.

The connector socket and in particular the push-pull connector socket are preferably designed to be connected to a connector or push-pull connector. The direction in which the connector is connected to the connector socket or the direction in which the connector and / or the sealing cap is inserted into the connector socket is defined as the “insertion direction” for the present disclosure.

Connector sockets are preferably provided on devices such as test devices in order to connect them to a connector or push-pull connector. For this purpose, the plug connector socket can have a housing which can be connected to the device. For example, the housing of the plug connector socket can be screwed to a connection panel of the test device.

The housing of the connector socket preferably has an essentially hollow cylindrical shape, the cylinder axis or the central axis of the housing lying parallel to the insertion direction of the connector socket when the connector socket is connected to a corresponding connector. The state when the connector socket is connected to a corresponding connector is referred to in the context of the present disclosure as the “connected state”.

The contacting area of the connector socket can be arranged inside the housing, so that the housing surrounds or includes the contacting area at least in sections along the insertion direction or the cylinder axis of the housing.

Furthermore, the contacting area can have contact elements in order to establish or enable an (electrical) connection with a connector-side contacting area. The contacting area preferably has a cylindrical shape, the cylinder axis or central axis of the contacting area running parallel to the insertion direction when the connector socket is connected to a corresponding connector. The cylinder axis of the contacting area and the cylinder axis of the housing preferably lie on top of one another.

Furthermore, the contacting area and the housing can be designed together in one piece or in multiple pieces as separate elements.

The shielding contact is preferably designed to be (electrically) connected to a shielding or a shielding contact of the plug connector in the connected state. The shielding contact is preferably arranged between the contacting area and the housing. The shielding contact can enclose the contacting area at least in sections along the cylinder axis of the contacting area. Furthermore, the housing can be designed in such a way that the housing encloses or encompasses the shielding contact along the cylinder axis of the housing.

According to the invention, the closure cap for closing the connector socket is plugged onto or into the connector socket. In the context of the present disclosure, this state is referred to as the “mated state”.

The closure cap is preferably designed in such a way that the wall of the closure cap in the plugged-in state is arranged at least in sections between the contacting area of the connector socket and the housing of the connector socket. Furthermore, the wall extends in the inserted state along the insertion direction. In this case, the wall can have a connection section at an end lying in the insertion direction, which connection section is designed to be positively connected to the shielding contact of the connector socket in the inserted state.

The wall is preferably designed essentially as a hollow cylinder or has a hollow cylindrical shape. The receiving space essentially corresponds to the internal volume of the hollow-cylindrical wall. Furthermore, in the inserted state, the cylinder axis of the wall lies on the cylinder axis of the housing of the connector socket or on the cylinder axis of the contact area of the connector socket. At the end of the wall lying in the insertion direction, the closure cap has an opening into which the contacting area of the connector socket is inserted when the closure cap is inserted into the connector socket. When plugged in, the opening and the direction of insertion are orthogonal to one another. Furthermore, in the plugged-in state, the contacting area of the connector socket is at least partially enclosed or encompassed by the wall.

The wall is preferably designed in such a way that, in the plugged-in state, the wall engages behind an undercut arranged on the shielding contact. The undercut is preferably provided at an end of the shielding contact that is opposite to the insertion direction. Furthermore, the connecting section provided on the wall can be designed to engage behind the undercut in the plugged-in state.

By reaching behind the undercut through the wall or the connecting section, a user receives haptic feedback when inserting the closure cap into the connector socket, which signals to the user that the closure cap has assumed the intended closure position in the connector socket. In addition, reaching behind enables the closure cap to be held securely in the connector socket. I.e. the locking cap is held securely in the connector socket by the shielding contact reaching behind and cannot detach itself from it. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the closure cap does not have any further connecting mechanisms which are used to connect the closure cap to the plug connector socket. In particular, the closure cap has no further connection mechanisms which a plug connector uses to be connected to the plug connector socket. As a result, damage to the housing of the connector socket when the closure cap is inserted into the connector socket can be reduced or avoided.

The wall preferably has on its outside or inside a projection running around the wall in the circumferential direction, which projection is designed to engage behind the undercut in the plugged-in state. In other words, the projection is directed radially inwards or radially outwards, starting from the wall. The inside of the wall corresponds to the side that points in the direction of the cylinder axis. The outside of the wall corresponds to the side that points away from the cylinder axis. In other words, the inner side corresponds to the inner side of the hollow-cylindrical wall and the outer side corresponds to the outer side of the hollow-cylindrical wall.

The wall preferably has a circumferential wall on the outside or inside arranged recess, which is designed to accommodate the undercut in the inserted state. In particular, the connecting section can consist of the projection and the recess, the projection being arranged after the recess in the insertion direction. The recess in the wall is preferably designed to run around in the circumferential direction of the wall.

In an embodiment in which the projection and the recess are arranged on the inside of the wall, the connecting section preferably has a larger inner diameter than the receiving space of the wall, which lies or is arranged in front of the connecting section in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the receiving space has an inner diameter which is suitable for receiving the contacting area. The larger inside diameter of the connecting section makes it possible to introduce the contacting area of the plug connector socket more easily into the receiving space, since the contacting area can be more easily threaded into the connecting section due to the larger inside diameter. Furthermore, the connecting section has a smaller outer diameter than the section of the wall which is arranged in front of the connecting section in the insertion direction. As a result, the closure cap can advantageously be inserted into the plug connector socket more easily, since when the closure cap is inserted, the connecting section with the smaller outer diameter is inserted into the plug connector socket first.

The closure cap preferably has a base which closes an opening in the wall located at an end opposite the insertion direction. In other words, the base closes an opening in the wall which is arranged at an end of the wall opposite to the insertion direction. Furthermore, in the plugged-in state, the base can rest against the plug socket. The base preferably has a cavity which is a continuation of the receiving space. The base preferably has a stop which extends radially outwardly from the wall on the circumferential side, the stop striking the plug-in connector socket in the plugged-in state of the closure cap. In other words, the stop limits the depth of insertion of the closure cap into the connector socket.

The base preferably has grip elements which enable a user to simply insert the closure cap into the connector socket or remove it from it.

The universal sealing cap preferably has a protection class of at least IP51, particularly preferably of at least IP68.

In the plugged-in state, the wall is preferably arranged at least in some areas between a sealing element of the connector socket and the shielding contact. In particular, in the plugged-in state, the connecting section of the closure cap or the wall can be arranged between the sealing element and the shielding contact. The sealing element of the connector socket can for example be designed as an O-ring seal and be arranged on the inside of the housing of the connector socket or inside the housing. Thus, in the plugged-in state, the closure cap can advantageously protect the contacting area of the connector socket from dirt and moisture.

• - einen in der Steckerverbinder-Buchse angeordneten Kontaktierungsbereich, und
• - ein den Kontaktierungsbereich zumindest abschnittsweise umgebenden Abschirmungskontakt; und wobei die Verschlusskappe aufweist:
• - eine Wand, welche einen Aufnahmeraum für den Kontaktierungsbereich bereitstellt;

wobei in einem gesteckten Zustand der Verschlusskappe, der Kontaktierungsbereich zumindest abschnittsweise in dem Aufnahmeraum angeordnet ist und die Wand zumindest abschnittsweise in die Steckverbinder-Buchse eingeführt ist; und
wobei die Wand derart ausgebildet ist, dass im gesteckten Zustand die Wand zumindest abschnittsweise formschlüssig mit dem Abschirmungskontakt verbunden ist.Another aspect of the invention relates to a system consisting of a connector socket, in particular a push-pull connector socket, and a universal sealing cap for closing the connector socket, the connector socket having:

• - A contacting area arranged in the plug connector socket, and
• - A shielding contact surrounding the contacting area at least in sections; and wherein the closure cap comprises:
• - A wall which provides a receiving space for the contact area;

wherein, when the closure cap is plugged in, the contacting area is arranged at least in sections in the receiving space and the wall is inserted at least in sections into the plug connector socket; and
wherein the wall is designed in such a way that, in the plugged-in state, the wall is connected to the shielding contact in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections.

Furthermore, the connector socket and the closure cap can be developed as above.

• zumindest abschnittsweises Einführen einer Wand einer universellen Verschlusskappe in die Steckverbinder-Buchse derart, dass ein Kontaktierungsbereich der Steckverbinder-Buchse zumindest abschnittsweise in einem durch die Wand bereitgestellten Aufnahmeraum angeordnet ist; und
• Herstellen einer formschlüssigen Verbindung zwischen der Wand und einem in der Steckverbinder-Buchse angeordneten Abschirmungskontakt.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for closing a connector socket, in particular a push-pull connector socket, by means of a universal closure cap, comprising:

• at least partially introducing a wall of a universal closure cap into the connector socket in such a way that a contact area of the connector socket is arranged at least in sections in a receiving space provided by the wall; and
• Establishing a form-fitting connection between the wall and a shielding contact arranged in the connector socket.

Furthermore, the connector socket and the closure cap of the aforementioned method can be developed as above.

• 1: eine Querschnittsansicht durch eine Verschlusskappe,
• 2: eine Perspektivansicht einer Verschlusskappe,
• 3: eine Querschnittsansicht einer Steckverbinder-Buchse, und
• 4: eine Querschnittsansicht einer Verschlusskappe, welche in eine Steckverbinder-Buchse eingesteckt ist.

The invention is described in more detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:

• 1 : a cross-sectional view through a closure cap,
• 2 : a perspective view of a closure cap,
• 3 : a cross-sectional view of a connector socket, and
• 4th : a cross-sectional view of a closure cap which is inserted into a connector socket.

1 and 2 each show a closure cap 10 for closing a connector socket 40 (please refer 3 and 4th ) and especially for closing a push-pull connector socket 40 . It shows 1 the cap 10 in a cross-sectional view and 2 shows a perspective view of the closure cap 10 . The cap 10 shows a wall 12 which is formed essentially as a hollow cylinder. It encloses the wall 12 a substantially cylindrically shaped receiving space 14th , which is designed to have a contacting area 44 (please refer 3 and 4th ) the connector socket 40 and in particular the push-pull connector socket 40 record.

The central axis or cylinder axis A of the receiving space 14th lies parallel to an insertion direction A of the closure cap 10 . In the context of the present disclosure, the “insertion direction” refers to the direction in which the closure cap 10 when used properly in the connector socket 40 is introduced or plugged in. Furthermore, within the scope of the present disclosure, the term “plugged-in state” is understood to mean a state in which the closure cap 10 into the connector socket 40 is inserted or introduced to the connector socket 40 to close properly.

It also defines the wall 12 a first opening 16 , which is arranged horizontally in the insertion direction A. The first opening 16 is arranged orthogonally to the insertion direction A when plugged in. Starting from the first opening 16 shows the wall 12 opposite to the insertion direction A lying a connecting section 18th , a middle section 20th and a base 22nd or a base section 22nd on. In other words, the connecting section 18th is in the direction of insertion A after the base section 22nd or the base 22nd arranged and the middle section 20th is between the connecting section 18th and the base 22nd or the base section 22nd arranged. The recording room 14th can move against the direction of insertion into the base 22nd or in the base section 22nd extend into it. The base 22nd or the base section 22nd are also designed to accommodate the receiving space 14th to limit or close at an end opposite the insertion direction. In other words, the recording room 14th is only through the first opening 16 accessible.

The connecting section 18th is also designed to provide a shield contact 46 (please refer 3 and 4th ) the connector socket 40 to reach behind. The connecting section 18th in particular has a projection 24 which is plugged in, one on the shield contact 46 arranged undercut 48 (please refer 3 and 4th ) engages behind. The lead 24 is on the wall 12 or at the connecting section 18th arranged on the inside in the circumferential direction and extending from the wall 12 radially inwards. Furthermore, the connecting section 18th a recess 26th on, which is designed to be the undercut 48 of the shield contact 46 record. The recess 26th is arranged on the inside in the circumferential direction of the wall. Furthermore, the inside diameter is in the area of the projection 24 smaller than the inner diameter in the area of the recess 26th . The one through the ledge 24 and the recess 26th formed connecting portion 18th is designed in particular to be with the shield contact 46 the connector socket 40 to be positively connected when the closure cap 10 into the connector socket 40 is plugged in.

Furthermore, the middle section 20th the Wall 12 an inner diameter which is suitable, the contacting area 44 record. The inside diameter of the connecting section is advantageous 18th larger than the inner diameter of the central section 20th making it easier to use the contact area 44 the connector socket 40 in the recording room 14th to introduce.

Furthermore, the outer diameter of the connecting portion is 18th smaller than the outer diameter of the central section 20th . This makes it easier when inserting the sealing cap 10 into the connector socket 40 who have favourited Closing Cap 10 or the wall 12 the cap 10 in the connector socket 40 insert or plug in.

The moreover one is on the outside of the wall 12 the transition from the middle section 20th to the base 22nd or to the base section 22nd as a stop 28 formed, the stop 28 is designed to be plugged into the connector socket 40 and in particular to an end face 50 the connector socket 40 to post. Furthermore, is the face 50 orthogonal to the insertion direction A or to the cylinder axis A of the housing 42 educated. As a result, the middle section 20th has a smaller outer diameter than the base 22nd or the base section 22nd . Furthermore, the middle section 20th have a constant outer diameter and a constant inner diameter along the extension direction A.

Furthermore, the base 22nd or the base section 22nd grip elements on the outer circumference 30th on, which enable a user to close the cap 10 conveniently into the connector socket 40 insert or insert and / or remove.

3 Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector socket 40 . The connector socket 40 is particularly as a push-pull connector socket 40 formed, which can be connected to a push-pull connector (not shown). The connector socket 40 consists of a housing 42 , which is formed essentially as a hollow cylinder. In particular, the housing 42 designed to be connected to a device. For example, the connector socket 40 be connected to a test device (not shown) by screwing. The connector socket 40 one on the housing 42 outer circumference arranged thread 52 have, which is designed to be the housing 42 by means of a suitable fastening means 54 , for example a nut, to be screwed to the device. In the case 42 there is a contact area on the inside 44 arranged, which has a substantially cylindrical shape. The contact area 44 is designed to be connected to a connector-side contacting area (not shown) of a complementary connector when the connector is connected to the connector socket 40 connected is. This can be done in the contacting area 44 one or more contact elements 56 be provided, which are designed to produce electrical contact with the connector-side contacting area.

The central axis or cylinder axis A of the housing 42 and the central axis or the cylinder axis A of the contacting area 44 are essentially parallel to the insertion direction A. Furthermore, the central axis or cylinder axis A of the housing are located 42 and the central axis or cylinder axis A of the contact area 44 on each other. Furthermore, the housing 42 designed to the contacting area 44 to enclose at least in sections. In the case 42 is inside between the housing 42 and the contact area 44 a shield contact 46 arranged. The shield contact 46 encloses the contacting area at least in sections in the insertion direction 44 .

Furthermore, the shield contact 46 an undercut on its outer peripheral side 48 on which in the inserted state with the connecting section 18th the closure cap is positively connected. Furthermore is the shield contact 46 designed to contact a shield of a connector when the connector with the connector socket 40 connected is. The undercut 48 is designed in particular as a bulge or projection which is on the outer circumferential side of the shielding contact 46 is arranged.

Furthermore, the connector socket 40 a sealing element 58 on, which is arranged on the inside of the housing. In particular, the sealing element 58 the shield contact 46 arranged opposite and spaced from this. As in 3 shown is the sealing element 58 designed as an O-ring seal.

The mated state of the cap 10 and connector socket 40 will now be made with reference to FIG 4th explained. 4th shows the in the connector socket 40 inserted sealing cap 10 . This state corresponds to the plugged state described above. When plugged in, the cap engages behind 10 the undercut 48 the connector socket 40 . When inserting the cap 10 into the connector socket 40 is created by reaching behind the undercut 48 a haptic feedback that signals to the user that the cap 10 securely into the connector socket 40 is plugged in.

Furthermore, the smaller outer diameter of the connecting section enables 18th compared to the larger outer diameter of the central section 20th easier threading or insertion of the closure cap 10 in the housing 42 the connector socket 40 .

Furthermore, the housing 42 a connecting element inside 60 which engages a complementary connection mechanism of a connector when the connector socket 40 and the connector are connected to each other. The connecting element 60 can, for example, as a groove on the inner circumference of the housing 42 be trained.

As the cap 10 does not have a connecting mechanism, which in the connecting element 60 engages, closes the connector socket 40 through the cap 10 no damage to the inside of the housing.

Furthermore, the larger inner diameter of the connecting section enables 18th compared to the smaller inner diameter of the middle section 20th that the contacting area 44 easier in the recording room 14th the cap 10 can be introduced. Furthermore, the connecting section is in the mated state 18th between the sealing element 58 and the shield contact 46 , whereby the contact area can be protected from dirt and moisture.

Furthermore, the stop is in the inserted state 28 on the face 50 of the housing 42 on, causing a further insertion of the cap 10 is prevented in insertion direction A.

List of reference symbols

10

Sealing cap

12th

wall

14th

Recording room

16

first opening

18th

Connection section

20th

Middle section

22nd

Base or base section

24

head Start

26th

Recess

28

attack

30th

Handle elements

40

Connector socket or push-pull connector socket

42

casing

44

Contact area

46

Shield contact

48

Undercut

50

Face

52

thread

54

Fasteners

56

Contact element

58

Sealing element

60

Connecting element

A.

Insertion direction / cylinder axis

Claims (10)

Universal closure cap (10) for closing a connector socket (40), in particular for closing a push-pull connector socket (40), comprising: a wall (12) which provides a receiving space (14) for a contacting area (44) of the connector socket (40); wherein, when the closure cap (10) is plugged in, the contacting area (44) is arranged at least in sections in the receiving space (14) and the wall (12) is inserted at least in sections into the connector socket (40); and wherein the wall (12) is designed in such a way that, in the plugged-in state, the wall (12) is at least partially positively connected to a shielding contact (46) of the connector socket (40). Universal sealing cap (10) Claim 1 wherein the wall (12) is essentially hollow-cylindrical and the receiving space (14) essentially corresponds to the inner volume of the hollow-cylindrical wall (12). Universal sealing cap (10) Claim 1 or 2 wherein the wall (12) is designed in such a way that in the mated state the wall (12) engages behind an undercut (48) arranged on the shielding contact (46). Universal sealing cap (10) Claim 3 , further comprising a circumferential projection (24) which is arranged on the outside or inside of the wall (12) and is designed to engage behind the undercut (48) in the inserted state. Universal sealing cap (10) Claim 3 or 4th , further comprising a circumferential recess (26) on the outside or inside of the wall (12), which recess is designed to receive the undercut (48) in the plugged-in state. Universal closure cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a base (22) which closes an opening in the wall (12), the base (22) resting against the plug connector socket (40) in the plugged-in state. Universal closure cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the universal closure cap (10) has a protection class of at least IP51, preferably of at least IP68. Universal closure cap (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the plugged-in state the wall (12) is arranged in areas between a sealing element (58) of the connector socket (40) and the shielding contact (46). System consisting of a connector socket (40), in particular a push-pull connector socket, and a universal sealing cap (10) for closing the connector socket (40), the connector socket (40) having: - A contacting area (44) arranged in the plug connector socket (40), and - A shielding contact (46) surrounding the contacting area (44) at least in sections; and wherein the closure cap (10) comprises: - A wall (12) which provides a receiving space (14) for the contacting area (44); wherein, when the closure cap (10) is plugged in, the contacting area (44) is arranged at least in sections in the receiving space (14) and the wall (12) is inserted at least in sections into the connector socket (40); and wherein the wall (12) is designed in such a way that in the plugged-in state the wall (12) is at least partially connected to the shielding contact (46) in a form-fitting manner. A method for closing a connector socket (40), in particular a push-pull connector socket, comprising: Insertion of a wall (12) of a universal closure cap (10) at least in sections into the connector socket (40) in such a way that a contact area (44) of the connector socket (40) at least in sections in a receiving space (12) provided by the wall (12). 14) is arranged; and Establishing a form-fitting connection between the wall (12) and a shielding contact (46) arranged in the connector socket (40).

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