DE102020133899A1 - Connector and method of manufacturing a connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) with a housing (2) and a plug face (3) for connecting a mating connector in a plugging direction (X) for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals via at least two plug contact elements (5, 6), wherein the housing (2) has at least one channel (7, 8) which is provided for receiving an electrical component (9, 10) with at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B), wherein the at least one channel (7 , 8) is designed at least in sections for the spatial change of the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) relative to one another. The invention also relates to a method for producing a connector (1) and an arrangement with a connector (1).

Description

The invention relates to a connector for transmitting electrical signals and/or electrical energy and a method for producing a connector. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement of a connector and a mating connector.

In the course of digital transformation, processes, plants and systems for the industrial manufacture of products need to be equipped with the appropriate information and communication technology for intelligent digital networking.

So-called RJ connectors (“registered jack”/standardized socket) according to US specifications are known from the prior art for connecting, for example, cables to circuit boards. These include connectors that are colloquially referred to as "RJ45 sockets" or "RJ4 sockets". Their housings have integrated light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The LEDs light up in the colors green and yellow, for example, and indicate the status of the connection.

When an RJ45 socket is arranged on a circuit board, the LEDs are arranged more or less parallel to the surface of the circuit board in the upper area of the housing of the RJ45 socket so that they are not covered and their visibility is therefore guaranteed. So that the LEDs can be connected to electrical conductors on the circuit board with their respective two characteristic connection contact elements ("cathode connection" and "anode connection") during assembly of the RJ45 socket on the circuit board, plastic deformation of the corresponding protruding areas or end sections of the connection contact elements is required through a bending process. The areas or end sections of the connection contact elements are bent in the direction of the circuit board and thus in the plug-in direction.

In order to be able to cope, for example, with the high or at least increasing volume of data and thus volume of information arising during the manufacture of products, higher transmission rates are required. This places certain demands on cables and their electrical conductors and, above all, on connectors. One technology that is used is the so-called Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) technology with single-pair cables, ie cables with two electrical conductors (wires) and a transmission rate of, for example, up to IGBit/s.

Connector housings, ie sockets for an SPE connection, must be designed to be space-saving and therefore have a relatively narrow plug-in face compared to the RJ45 socket, for example. An arrangement of electrical components such as light-emitting diodes in the housing of the socket in the area of a plug, which is intended for connection to the socket, would restrict their visibility. The plug would more or less cover the LEDs and the LEDs would not be able to indicate the status of the connection, or at least not satisfactorily. Therefore, the light-emitting diodes must be arranged in the appropriate place. On the other hand, however, a space-saving design of such a socket should continue to be ensured, in which simple assembly of the components and elements and in particular the light-emitting diodes is also ensured.

In the German patent DE 10 2014 204 484 B3 discloses an electrical connector having two spaced apart guide channels, each with an elongate contact element extending through each guide channel. The elongate contact elements are spatially spaced apart from one another by a sliding wedge-shaped spreader body, which also has two retaining channels through which one of the elongate contact elements protrudes.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an electrical plug connector with at least one electrical component, preferably a semiconductor component, and a spatially compact housing, the accommodation of the at least one electrical component in the housing being improved, preferably simplified. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing an electrical plug connector with at least one electrical component, preferably a semiconductor component, which is characterized by simpler assembly of the at least one electrical component.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further exemplary embodiments and applications of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the invention relates to a plug connector, preferably a socket, with a housing and a plug face for the connection, preferably detachable connection, of a mating plug connector, preferably a plug, in a plugging direction for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals via at least two plug-in contact elements, the housing having at least one channel which is provided for receiving and/or guiding an electrical component, preferably a semiconductor component, with at least two connection contact elements, the at least one channel being used at least in sections for spatial modification, preferably dimensionally stable deformation of which at least two connection contact elements are formed and/or configured relative to one another, preferably at least when the electrical component is accommodated in the at least one channel.

Accordingly, for example, an electrical connector with a housing can be provided which, with regard to the installation of electrical components (preferably semiconductor components) with at least two wire-shaped terminal contact elements extending in one direction, which are preferably arranged spaced apart essentially parallel to one another before installation or insertion. is improved. The electrical component and in particular the connection contact elements of the electrical component do not have to be modified in a complex manner, that is to say deformed or aligned, before they are installed or inserted in order to subsequently insert them into the housing for accommodation.

The electrical plug connector can also be designed, for example, for connection, preferably electrical and/or mechanical connection, to a circuit board. The fastening of the at least two terminal contact elements of the electrical component on a circuit board can preferably include a material connection, for example a soldered connection.

The connector and the mating connector can preferably form a releasable form-fitting connector, at least in sections.

It is possible for the plug connector to have exactly two plug contacts for transmitting electrical energy and/or electrical signals. Such a connector can, for example, according to the single-pair Ethernet (SPE) standard, be connected to cables that comprise only two or exactly two electrical conductors (wires).

The at least one channel can be designed and/or configured to accommodate the electrical component at least in sections in a form-fitting manner and/or essentially without play. The at least one channel can be designed and/or configured to change the shape of the at least two connection contact elements, preferably elastically or resiliently, with a correspondingly selected material. In other words, the at least one channel in the form of a guide channel can change the course of the at least two connection contact elements and thus their shape and their position in relation to one another.

It is possible that the at least one electrical component can also include an electronic component, preferably a semiconductor component, or is designed as such, preferably according to the respective standards. The at least one electrical component can be configured essentially cuboid or essentially cube-shaped, at least in sections. The electrical component can preferably be a light-emitting diode with two pin-shaped and/or narrow connection contact elements (also referred to as “contact pins”) that are spaced apart from one another and protrude away from the light-emitting diode.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the spatial change includes an increase in the distance and/or a superimposition and/or a crossing of the at least two connection contact elements with respect to one another.

The mentioned possibilities of the spatial change can also be associated with a permanent and/or dimensionally stable deformation of the at least two connection contact elements.

It is also possible, at least in sections, to reduce the distance between the at least two connection contact elements.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one channel extends at least in sections essentially in the plugging direction of the plug contact elements, preferably with a substantially constant cross section and/or with a continuously changing cross section, and/or that the at least one channel extends outside of a Plug-in section, which comprises at least the at least two plug-in contact elements, is arranged.

As a result, a narrow and/or compact construction of the plug connector can be ensured, for example. The at least one channel can thus form contact surfaces and/or guide surfaces of corresponding wall sections for at least one connection contact element of the at least two connection contact elements.

It is possible for the at least one channel to be bifurcated at least in sections, preferably in the insertion direction, and at least has at least two channel arms, the at least two channel arms preferably being arranged at a distance from one another and/or extending at a distance from one another.

As a result, for example, two connection contact elements of an electrical component can each be guided separately in one and the other channel arm through the housing of the plug connector. In other words, a channel arm can preferably be provided in each case for receiving a connection contact element in each case.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the at least two channel arms, preferably essentially in the insertion direction, extend at least in sections essentially parallel to one another and/or change their respective cross section, preferably change continuously.

This ensures, for example, that no collision with a section of the housing takes place during the insertion of an electrical component into a channel and thus its two connection contact elements into the housing of the plug connector. It is thus possible, for example, to prevent the at least two connection elements and thus the electrical component from jamming or “getting stuck”.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that at least one channel arm, preferably essentially in the insertion direction, tapers at least in sections and/or is funnel-shaped at least in sections and/or runs in a curve at least in sections.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that a first channel arm and a second channel arm, preferably the associated second channel arm, extend essentially in or at an angle to the plug-in direction, at least in sections lying at an angle to one another and/or offset to one another.

This requires, for example, guiding the respective terminal contact element of an electrical component through the first and the second channel arm at or to defined positions, at least in the housing of the plug connector.

It is possible for the at least one channel, preferably essentially in the plug-in direction, to have at least one wedge-shaped or V-shaped section or wall section of the housing, at least in sections, for widening the at least two connection contact elements, with the at least one wedge-shaped section or wall section of the housing preferably being in a view, preferably in a sectional view, at least in sections having a symmetrical or an asymmetrical contour or cross section.

As a result, for example, the at least two connection contact elements can be guided in a defined manner in at least one channel.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the at least one channel penetrates the housing from an outside of the connector to an opposite outside of the connector, preferably in the insertion direction from the connector face to a connection side of the at least two connection contact elements.

The at least one channel can preferably be designed as a passage which penetrates the housing or penetrates the housing, preferably penetrating without barriers for at least one connection contact element.

It is possible for the electrical component to be accommodated or accommodated at least in a form-fitting manner, at least in sections, in the at least one channel or in a section of the at least one channel.

Furthermore, the electrical component can be fixed in the at least one channel by means of a material connection, for example an adhesive connection.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the electrical component, as already mentioned, is designed as a light-emitting diode (LED) and/or the at least two connection contact elements are wire-shaped and/or flexible, preferably made of a metallic material or a metallic material alloy are.

In other words, the at least two connection contact elements can be designed to be longer, pin-shaped and/or rod-shaped compared to their associated electrical component. In the case of light-emitting diodes, the two connection contact elements are also referred to as "contact pins".

It is possible for the electrical component to be in the form of a capacitor or a sensor, for example. It is possible for the at least two connection contact elements to be designed to be dimensionally stable and bendable.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the at least two connection contact elements extend essentially parallel to one another when they are not received in the at least one channel, i.e. before being inserted into the at least one channel, and are designed to be spatially changed at least in sections in the received state are.

The at least two connection contact elements can preferably be provided at least in sections for attachment to a circuit board. The attachment can include a material connection, such as a soldered connection.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that one end section of each of the at least two connection contact elements is curved, preferably plastically deformed, and is preferably detachably fixed in sections by at least one clamping element or at least one latching element on the housing, preferably on a connection side of the at least two connection contact elements.

An end section preferably comprises a free end of a terminal contact element.

For example, the end section, preferably the pin-shaped end section, can be bent by approximately 90° relative to an adjacent area or section of a connection contact element, which is preferably arranged in the at least one channel.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the housing has a first channel for accommodating a first electrical component with at least two connection contact elements and a second channel for accommodating a second electrical component with at least two connection contact elements, the first channel and the second channel are spaced apart, preferably outside of a plug-in section, which comprises at least the at least two plug-in contact elements for the transmission of electrical energy and / or electrical signals.

According to a second general aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a connector, preferably a connector as disclosed herein, with a housing and a plug face for connecting a mating connector in a plugging direction for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals via at least two plug contact elements, wherein the housing has at least one channel, which is provided for receiving an electrical component with at least two connection contact elements, wherein the at least one channel is designed to spatially change the at least two connection contact elements at least in sections during insertion, preferably at least up to the reception of the electrical component in the at least one channel.

The inclusion of the electrical component in the at least one channel can preferably include an end position of the electrical component in the housing of the connector.

According to a third general aspect, the invention relates to an arrangement with a plug connector, preferably a socket, as disclosed herein, and a mating plug connector, preferably a plug, with the plug connector preferably being fastened to a printed circuit board.

In order to avoid repetition, features that are purely aimed at the socket outlet according to the invention and/or that are disclosed in connection therewith should also apply as disclosed in accordance with the method and be claimable and vice versa.

The exemplary embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another as desired. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

• • 1A eine Vorderansicht (Hauptansicht) eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders gemäß der Erfindung (mit einem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement);
• • 1B eine Schnittansicht (Schnitt A-A in 1A) des Steckverbinders zusammen mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und einem aufzunehmenden zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 2A eine Vorderansicht (Hauptansicht) des ersten Beispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und zumindest teilweise aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 2B eine Schnittansicht (Schnitt B-B in 2A) des Steckverbinders zusammen mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem teilweise aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 3A eine Vorderansicht (Hauptansicht) des ersten Beispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 3B eine Schnittansicht (Schnitt C-C in 3A) des Steckverbinders zusammen mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 4A eine Vorderansicht (Hauptansicht) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 4B eine Schnittansicht (Schnitt D-D in 4A) des Steckverbinders zusammen mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht (Schnittansicht) des Gehäuses des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders;
• • 6A eine Vorderansicht (Hauptansicht) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 6B eine Rückansicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 6C eine Draufsicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 6D eine Seitenansicht (Seitenansicht von rechts in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 6E eine Seitenansicht (Seitenansicht von links in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 7A eine perspektivische Ansicht (von rechts in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 7B eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht (von rechts in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 8A eine perspektivische Ansicht (von links in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 8B eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht (von links in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 9A eine Untersicht des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 9B eine perspektivische Ansicht (von links in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 9C eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht (von links in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 9D eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht (von rechts in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 9E eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht (von rechts in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 6A) des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels des Steckverbinders mit dem aufgenommenen ersten elektrischen Bauelement und dem aufgenommenen zweiten elektrischen Bauelement;
• • 10A eine Draufsicht auf das erste elektrische Bauelement;
• • 10B eine perspektivische Ansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 10C eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 10D eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 11A eine Untersicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 11B eine perspektivische Ansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 11C eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 11D eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 10A;
• • 12A eine Vorderansicht (Hauptansicht) eines weiteren elektrischen Bauelements;
• • 12B eine Seitenansicht (Seitenansicht von rechts in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 12A) des elektrischen Bauelements aus 12A;
• • 12C eine Seitenansicht (Seitenansicht von links in Bezug auf die Vorderansicht in 12A) des elektrischen Bauelements aus 12A;
• • 12D eine Rückansicht des elektrischen Bauelements aus 12A.

Show it:

• • 1A a front view (main view) of a first embodiment of the connector according to the invention (with a recorded first electrical component);
• • 1B a sectional view (section AA in 1A) the connector together with the received first electrical component and a second electrical component to be received;
• • 2A a front view (main view) of the first example of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and at least partially recorded second electrical component;
• • 2 B a sectional view (section BB in 2A) the connector together with the received first electrical component and the partially received second electrical component;
• • 3A a front view (main view) of the first example of the connector with the picked up first electrical component and the picked up second electrical component;
• • 3B a sectional view (section CC in 3A) the connector together with the received first electrical component and the received second electrical component;
• • 4A a front view (main view) of the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 4B a sectional view (section DD in 4A) the connector together with the received first electrical component and the received second electrical component;
• • 5 a perspective view (sectional view) of the housing of the first embodiment of the connector;
• • 6A a front view (main view) of the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 6B a rear view of the first embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 6C a plan view of the first embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 6D a side view (side view from the right with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 6E a side view (side view from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 7A a perspective view (from the right with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 7B Another perspective view (from the right with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 8A a perspective view (from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 8B Another perspective view (from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 9A a bottom view of the first embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 9B a perspective view (from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 9C Another perspective view (from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 9D Another perspective view (from the right with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 9E Another perspective view (from the right with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) the first exemplary embodiment of the connector with the recorded first electrical component and the recorded second electrical component;
• • 10A a plan view of the first electrical component;
• • 10B a perspective view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 10C a further perspective view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 10D a further perspective view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 11A a bottom view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 11B a perspective view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 11C a further perspective view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 11D a further perspective view of the electrical component 10A ;
• • 12A a front view (main view) of another electrical component;
• • 12B a side view (side view from the right with respect to the front view in Fig 12A) of the electrical component 12A ;
• • 12C a side view (side view from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 12A) of the electrical component 12A ;
• • 12D a rear view of the electrical component 12A .

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are identified in the figures with the same reference symbols. For their explanation, reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplary embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures serves for the purpose of further illustration or clarification and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

1A shows a front view (main view) of an embodiment of the connector according to the invention 1.

The connector 1 is designed as a socket and includes a housing 2. The housing 2 is made of an insulating material, preferably a plastic. On an outside of the connector 1 on the housing 2 includes a mating face 3. The mating face 3 is in the in 1 connector 1 shown is relatively narrow and thus designed to save space.

The plug-in face 3 comprises a plug-in section 4, which is designed and/or configured to form a detachable plug-in connection with a mating plug-in connector in the form of a plug (not shown in the figures). The plug-in section 4 includes two plug-in contact elements 5, 6 for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals. The connector 1 in 1A is preferably based on a connector according to the so-called Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE) standard. It is possible that the connector 1 is also based on a connector of a different standard, which includes more than two plug-in contact elements 5, 6 for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals. The plug-in face 3 has an essentially rectangular cross-section, preferably in this front view. Analogous to the reference to a standard presented above, the mating face 3 can therefore also have a different cross section. Overall, the housing 2 is essentially cuboid, which can be seen above all when viewed together with other figures.

The housing 2 of the connector 1 also includes a first channel 7 and a second channel 8 for receiving an electrical component 9, 10, such as a light-emitting diode. The channels 7, 8 are preferably formed integrally in one piece with or in the housing 2. The first channel 7 and the second channel 8 are arranged outside of the plug-in section 4 in order to ensure, for example, the visibility of light-emitting diodes 9, 10 as accommodated electrical components, even if a mating connector in the form of a plug forms a plug-in connection with the plug-in connector 1.

The housing 2 can be formed, for example, by at least one casting process and/or at least one injection molding process and optionally characterized by at least one further machining process.

The first channel 7 accommodates, at least in sections, a first electrical component 9 in the form of a light-emitting diode in a form-fitting manner. The light-emitting diode 9 essentially has a cuboid configuration and is accommodated essentially without play in a section, preferably a section facing the connector face 3, of the first channel 7. The light-emitting diode 9 comprises two connection contact elements 9A and 9B, the free ends of which are visible on a further connection side of the connector 1, preferably in relation to a circuit board (not shown in the figures). The end sections with the free ends of the two connection contact elements 9A, 9B of the light-emitting diode 9 are primarily located on the outside or connection side of the housing 2 of the connector 1 opposite the mating face 3 and protrude at least in sections into a further connection side of the housing 2, which is preferably used for fastening of the connector 1 is provided or formed on a circuit board.

1B shows a sectional view of connector 1 (section AA in 1A) together with the recorded light-emitting diode 9 with the end sections of the terminal contact elements 9A, 9B bent outside of the housing 2 on the outside 12 of the connector 1 opposite the plug-in face 3, which represents a terminal side. As already described, the end sections of the two connection contact elements 9A, 9B are intended for attachment to a board on which the connector 1 can be attached. The attachment to the circuit board preferably includes a material connection, such as a soldered connection, between a section of a respective electrical conductor of the circuit board (not shown in the figures) and the respective end section of the connection contact element 9A, 9B. The end sections of the terminal contact elements 9A, 9B are releasably attached to the housing 2, at least in sections, for example via clamping elements or latching elements 14 of the housing 2.

The arrow marked with X marks the insertion direction of a mating connector, i.e. a plug into the plug-in section 4 of the connector 1 to form a detachable plug-in connection in order to supply electrical energy and/or electrical signals via the two plug-in contact elements 5, 6 in the plug-in section 4 of the plug connector 1 transfer. The mating connector is preferably connected to an end portion of a cable having two electrical conductors (wires) (not shown in the figures). In the illustrated embodiment of the connector 1, the plug-in direction X thus runs in the longitudinal extension of the housing 2 of the connector 1.

From the presentation in 1B also shows that the second channel 8 is designed as a passage and thus the housing 2 penetrating. The same also applies to the first channel 7 . Both the first channel 7 and the second channel 8 point or extend at least in sections along the insertion direction X or essentially in the insertion direction X with an essentially constant cross-section at least in sections. Furthermore, the first channel 7 and the second channel 8 extend at least in sections with a constantly changing cross section, which will be described in detail below. From the synopsis of 1A and 1B shows that the first channel 7 and the second channel 8 outside of the plug-in section 4, which comprises the at least two plug-in contact elements 5, 6, is arranged.

The second channel 8 is forked, preferably essentially in the insertion direction X, and comprises two channel arms 8A, 8B. The fork, ie the wedge-shaped section 11 for forming the two channel arms 8A, 8B of the second channel 8 is formed in the middle area of the housing 2, of which the tip of the wedge-shaped section 11 points in the direction of the connector face 3.

Due to the wedge-shaped section 11, the two channel arms 8A, 8B are arranged at least in sections spaced apart from one another in the housing 2 and extend, preferably essentially in the insertion direction X, essentially parallel to one another.

Also contains 1B the representation of a second electrical component 10 in the form of the light-emitting diode 10, which is intended to be accommodated in the second channel 8 of the housing 2 of the connector 1. The light-emitting diode 10 comprises two wire-shaped or rod-shaped connection contact elements 10A, 10B, which are also referred to as “little contact pins”.

Both the connection contact elements 9A, 9B of the light-emitting diode 9 and the connection contact element elements 10A, 10B of the light-emitting diode 10 can be made of a metallic material or preferably of a metallic alloy which is dimensionally stable and bendable. The light-emitting diode 10 is received in the course of assembly, that is to say the production of the connector 1, by insertion into the second channel 8 in the connector 1, which is described in more detail below and with reference to further figures.

2A shows a front view (main view) of the first example of the connector 1 with the first electrical component 9 accommodated, i.e. the light-emitting diode 9 in the first channel 7 and the second electrical component 10, i.e. the light-emitting diode 10, which is already in contact with its connection contact elements 10A , 10B is at least partially in the second channel 8 of the housing 2, which mainly consists of 2 B emerges. Are clearly recognizable in the in 2A shown view, the terminal contact element 9A of the light-emitting diode 9, which is located in the first channel arm 7A of the first channel 7, and the terminal contact element 10A of the light-emitting diode 10, which is located in the first channel arm 8A of the second channel 8.

2 B shows a sectional view (section BB in 2A) of the connector 1 together with the recorded light-emitting diode 9 and the partially recorded light-emitting diode 10. The representation of the light-emitting diode 10 makes it clear that the second channel 8 is configured and/or designed to spatially change the two connection contact elements 10A, 10B of the light-emitting diode 10, preferably to deform, in particular during or during the insertion of the light-emitting diode 10 in the second channel 8 of the housing 2 of the connector 1. In other words, the two connection contact elements 10A, 10B are widened by the second channel 8 and in particular by the wedge-shaped section 11 to form the two channel arms 8A, 8B of the second channel 8, so that their distance mutually increased, preferably increased steadily in the area of the wedge-shaped section 11 . The second channel 8 is thus designed and/or configured as a guide channel and preferably as a deformation channel in relation to the two connection contact elements 10A, 10B of the light-emitting diodes 10 .

the 3A and 3B now show a state in which the light-emitting diode 10 is also accommodated in the housing 2 by the assembly, ie by insertion into the second channel 8 up to an end position. 3A 1 shows a front view (main view) of the first example of the connector 1 with the light-emitting diodes 9, 10 in the area of the first and second channel 7, 8. 3B shows a sectional view (section CC in 3A) of connector 1.

The light-emitting diode 10 with its connection contact elements 10A, 10B is now accommodated in the housing 2, preferably in a form-fitting manner and essentially without play. A respective end section with a free end of the connection contact elements 10A, 10B now protrudes more or less on the connection side 12 in the insertion direction X from the housing 2. Both the first connection contact element 10A and the second connection contact element 10B are now in a state of spatial change, that is Deformation with corresponding bending or deformation sections within the second channel 8/the channel arms 8A, 8B, resulting from the insertion process for receiving the light-emitting diode 10 in the second channel 8.

4A shows again a front view (main view) of the first exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 1 with the light-emitting diodes 9, 10 accommodated, the curved end sections with the free ends of the connection contact elements 10A, 10B of the light-emitting diode 10 now being next to the curved end sections with the free ends of the connection contact elements 9A, 9B of the light-emitting diode 9 are visible. This also shows clearly 4B with a sectional view (section DD in 4A) of the connector 1 together with the recorded light-emitting diodes 9, 10.

The respective end portions of the terminal contact elements 9A, 9B; 10A, 10B are each bent by about 90 to the adjacent sections located in the channels 7, 8 and are held releasably fastened at least in sections on the connection side 12 by clamping elements 14 or latching elements 14, which are formed on the housing 2.

5 shows a perspective sectional view of the housing 2 of the first embodiment of the connector 1 with the course and extension of the second channel 8 in the housing 2 essentially in the plugging direction X. It is clear from this that the two connection contact elements 10A, 10B of the light-emitting diode 10 through the second channel 8 are correspondingly widened in particular by the wedge-shaped section 11 and guided and bent or at least deformed in the respective channel arm 8A, 8B. A continuously tapering cross section at least in sections of at least one channel arm 8A thus forms sloping surfaces or wall sections, which contribute to the deformation of the corresponding terminal contact element 10A. The first channel 7 can be designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical to the second channel 8 .

6A shows a front view (main view) of the first exemplary embodiment of the connector 1 with the light-emitting diodes 9, 10 and thus the connector face 3. 6B shows a rear view of the connector 1 from 6A with the connection side 12 of the connector 1 with the emerging from the housing 2 end portions of the terminal contact elements 9A, 9B; 10A, 10B of the light-emitting diode 9 and 10. The connecting contact element 9B of the light-emitting diode 9 emerges from the channel arm 7B. The connection contact element 9A of the light-emitting diode 9 emerges from the channel arm 7A. The connection contact element 10A of the light-emitting diode 10 emerges from the channel arm 8A. The connection contact element 10B of the light-emitting diode 10 emerges from the channel arm 8B. The end portions of all terminal contact elements 9A, 9B; 10A, 10B, as already described, are bent through about 90° and each extend in the same direction.

The mutually associated channel arms 7A, 7B of the first channel 7 for the light-emitting diode 9 and the mutually associated channel arms 8A, 8B of the second channel 8 for the light-emitting diode 10 each have a different exit or opening on the connection side 12 of the housing 2 position than the position of the respective terminal contact elements 9A, 9B; 10A, 10B of the respective light-emitting diode 9, 10 before it is introduced and accommodated in the respective channel 7, 8, with which a spatial change in the respective terminal contact elements 9A, 9B; 10A, 10B during their insertion into the housing 2.

6C shows a plan view of the first embodiment of the connector 1 with the recorded light-emitting diodes 9, 10. The 6D and 6E each show a side view (side view from the right and from the left with respect to the front view in Fig 6A) of the first exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 1 with the incorporated light-emitting diodes 9, 10.

the 7A until 9E each show a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 1 with the light-emitting diodes 9, 10 accommodated therein.

10A shows a top view of the light-emitting diode 10 with its connection contact elements 10A, 10B in a correspondingly spatially changed state, i.e. in a bent or deformed state at least in sections, which - apart from the bending of the end sections by approx of the housing 2 is caused.

the 10B until 11D 10 show further views of the light-emitting diode 10 for more detailed illustration 10A .

the 12A until 12D 13 show different views of a further electrical component 13 in the form of a light-emitting diode 13 with two connection contact elements 13A, 13B in a correspondingly spatially altered, ie bent or deformed, state. The two connection contact elements 13A, 13B are offset relative to one another in relation to the light-emitting diode 13 in edge regions of the light-emitting diode 13 or are connected to it. The light-emitting diode 13 can also be accommodated in the second channel 8 of the housing 2 of the plug connector 1 as an alternative to the light-emitting diode 10 .

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the idea of the invention and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the invention also claims protection for the subject-matter and features of the subclaims independently of the claims referred to.

Reference List

1

connector

2

Housing

3

mating face

4

mating section

5

plug contact element

6

plug contact element

7

channel

7A

canal arm

7B

canal arm

8th

channel

8A

canal arm

8B

canal arm

9

electrical component/light-emitting diode

9A

terminal contact element

9B

terminal contact element

10

electrical component/light-emitting diode

10A

terminal contact element

10B

terminal contact element

11

wedge shaped section

12

connection side

13

led

13A

terminal contact element

13B

terminal contact element

14

locking element

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was 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.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102014204484 B3 [0007]

Claims (16)

Plug connector (1) with a housing (2) and a mating face (3) for connecting a mating connector in a plugging direction (X) for the transmission of electrical energy and/or electrical signals via at least two plug contact elements (5, 6), the housing ( 2) has at least one channel (7, 8) which is provided for receiving an electrical component (9, 10) with at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B), the at least one channel (7, 8) having at least is designed in sections for the spatial change of the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) in relation to one another. Connector (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the spatial change comprises an increase in the distance and/or a superimposition and/or a crossing of the at least two terminal contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) with respect to one another. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the at least one channel (7, 8) extends at least in sections in the plug-in direction (X) of the plug-in contact elements (5, 6), preferably with a constant cross-section and/or with a constantly changing cross-section, and/or outside of a plug-in section (4), which comprises at least the at least two plug-in contact elements (5, 6) is arranged. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel (7, 8), preferably in the plugging direction (X), is forked at least in sections and has at least two channel arms (7A, 7B; 8A, 8B), wherein preferably the at least two channel arms (7A, 7B; 8A, 8B) are arranged at a distance from one another. Connector (1) according to claim 4 , wherein the at least two channel arms (7A, 7B; 8A, 8B), preferably in the insertion direction (X), extend at least in sections essentially parallel to one another and/or change their respective cross section. Connector (1) according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein at least one channel arm (7A, 7B; 8A, 8B), preferably in the insertion direction (X), tapers at least in sections and/or is funnel-shaped at least in sections and/or runs in a curve at least in sections. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding Claims 4 until 6 , wherein a first channel arm (7A, 8A) and a second channel arm (7B, 8B), preferably the respectively associated second channel arm (7B, 8B), are at least partially inclined to one another and/or to one another in or at an angle to the insertion direction (X). extend offset. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel (7, 8), preferably in the plugging direction (X), for widening the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) at least in sections at least one wedge-shaped section ( 11), wherein the at least one wedge-shaped section (11) preferably has a symmetrical or an asymmetrical contour in a view, preferably in a sectional view (AA, ..., D-D), at least in sections. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one channel (7, 8) penetrates the housing (2) from an outside of the connector (2) to an opposite outside of the connector (2), preferably in the plug-in direction (X) from the mating face (3) to a connection side (12) of the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component (9, 10) can be accommodated in a section of the at least one channel (7, 8) at least in a form-fitting manner or is accommodated in a form-fitting manner. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component (9, 10) is designed as a light-emitting diode and/or the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) are wire-shaped and/or flexible, preferably made of a metallic material or a metallic material alloy. Plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) extend essentially parallel to one another when not accommodated in the at least one channel (7, 8) and at least in sections when accommodated are formed spatially changed. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one end section of each of the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) is curved, preferably plastically deformed, which is preferably partially supported by at least one clamping element or at least one latching element on Housing (2) is releasably attached, preferably on a connection side (12) of the at least two connection contact elements (9a, 9B; 10A, 10B). Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) has a first channel (7) for receiving a first electrical component (9) and a second channel (8) for receiving a second electrical component (10), wherein the first channel (7) and the second channel (8) are arranged at a distance from one another, preferably outside a plug-in section (4) which comprises at least the at least two plug-in contact elements (5, 6). Method for producing a plug connector (1), preferably a plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with a housing (2) and a mating face (3) for connecting a mating connector in a plugging direction (X) for the transmission of electrical energy and/or or electrical signals via at least two plug-in contact elements (5, 6), the housing (2) having at least one channel (7, 8) which is used to accommodate an electrical component (9, 10) with at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A , 10B) is provided, wherein the at least one channel (7, 8) is designed to spatially change the at least two connection contact elements (9A, 9B; 10A, 10B) during insertion, at least in sections. Arrangement with a connector (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 until 14 and a mating connector, the connector (1) preferably being fastened to a printed circuit board.

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