EP1246314A1 - Multipole connector device - Google Patents

Abstract

A multipole plug-in device has a casing (1) and contact elements (2) in the casing for transferring electric power. Supplementary contact devices (3) transmit information. A coupling (4) with mating contact elements (5)/supplementary mating contact devices (6) links to the casing. The supplementary contact devices fit in an insert (7) that slides on-axis against the casing.

Description

The invention relates to a multi-pole plug device, with contact elements arranged in a housing for electrical power transmission, further with additional contact units for information transfer, and with a Couplable with the housing with contact counter elements and / or additional contact counter units, the Additional contact units in a compared to the housing in Essentially axially displaceable insert are arranged.

The multi-pole plug device is usually part of it a connector assembly, it being the Multi-pole plug device optionally around a plug or a socket can act. Accordingly, it is Housing designed as a plug housing or socket housing. The contact elements are regularly in the housing inserted contact pins or contact sockets. The additional contact units can be used as leaf spring contacts be designed as in the context of DE 196 13 793 A1 to be discribed. But there are also additional contact units conceivable in the form of optical fiber couplings, the optical signals for information transmission transport.

Electrical power is mostly provided via the contact elements transfer that in the kilowatt range or just below lie. Because of the associated tensions (mostly 220 V or 380 V) are the contact elements appropriate distance from each other to electrical Avoid flashovers. Such connectors are part of the European standard EN 60309-1 or 60309-2 described in detail.

In contrast, the additional contact units or additional contact counter-units serve usually to do information electrically and / or to transmit optically. This is usually enough Low voltages (e.g. 9, 12 or 18 V) low currents. The transmitted electrical power are mostly in the milliwatt range.

The state of the art has proven itself in principle however, in terms of upward and downward compatibility, there is room for improvement. This is especially true with a view to the DE 296 17 113 U1, DE 34 28 922 C2 and DE 35 37 944 C2. Because in all cases it is necessary to have special Adjustments to the connector and / or an associated one Make socket to the additional information transfer to be able to represent at all.

A multi-pin connector of the type described Structure is described in the context of DE 195 42 166 A1. Here is a housing with contact elements arranged in it realized for electrical power transmission. Further there are additional contact units in the form of Light guides, which serve to transmit information. The additional contact units are in one compared to the Housing essentially axially displaceable insert added.

This insert or light head can be compared to that associated connector even define an air gap without that the functioning should be impaired (cf. Column 2, lines 30 to 43). Add to that the light head or use in his sublime position at the Information transfer is not subject to fixation. That likes be unproblematic when transmitting light waves, leads to problems with wired information transmission. - Here the invention seeks to remedy the situation create.

The invention is based on the technical problem to develop such a multi-pin connector so that flawless information transfer is guaranteed, regardless of the type of this Information transfer. In addition, the multi-pole Plug device to be suitable for a appropriately equipped connector (for additional Information transfer) also a conventional socket Can be used and vice versa, that is compatibility given in both directions up and down is. This is particularly true with a view to the EN standards 60309-1 and 60309-2 apply. The same should of course also for correspondingly designed sockets.

To achieve this object, the invention proposes Generic multi-pin connector that the Use as an open-ended housing with at least one flexible wall area is formed. Usually two come flexible wall areas for use.

As a rule, these flexible wall areas are above projecting radial projections arranged so that the use in an information transmission while maintaining of its diameter in a holding and guiding opening a correspondingly modified coupling added becomes. It is immersed in the holding and guiding opening enclosed process completely inside the insert on. The radial extensions on the flexible wall areas overlap a collar surrounding the axial opening.

In contrast, the flexible wall areas of the insert are used a pure power transmission using a standard coupling of which surrounds the opening of the axial bore Collar inside with reduced diameter of the insert crowded on his head, so use in the Axial bore is sunk.

With the housing, the standard coupling or connect the modified coupling. The stake increases an information transmission against a housing base raised position and dives into the (modified) Clutch on. At the same time, the additional contact units connected to the auxiliary contact counter units. In contrast, the use of a pure power transmission without additional information transfer compared to the bottom of the case.

The use in an axial bore in the Housing bottom led. The opening of this axial bore covers with the level of the case bottom, i.e. the case bottom level. As a rule, the relevant application is used in the held sublime position. This is ensured by a spring that between a foot of the insert and a bottom of the axial bore is clamped.

Based on the knowledge that the contact elements at conventional multi-pin connectors usually Arranged in the manner of a circle, the invention proposes before, the insert and the axial bore in the center to arrange the housing. Because there is enough space here Available to the insert in question and the axial bore to be able to record. There are electrical insulation problems also not to be feared at this point.

The use is usually a head side open cylinder housing with a bottom Foot against which the clamped spring rests. Further is the use - as described - with at least one flexible Wall area equipped. Usually found however two (or more) opposite flexible wall areas, which in the transition from the sublime position of the Insert in its recessed position from one the opening the collar surrounding the axial bore while reducing the diameter of the application are pushed inside. With in other words, the collar surrounding the axial bore provides for the insert inserted into the axial bore its diameter is reduced during this process.

The corresponding forces are mostly from an as Standard coupling designed coupling for pure power transmission applied. Because if this clutch with the associated housing is merged up to Closed entry openings for the contact elements Front surface of the standard coupling against the head of the insert and pushes the entire insert axially into the axial bore on. As long as the standard coupling is in this position remains in the housing, the insert is also recessed in its Position determined in the case back. That happens against the force of the spring between the foot of the insert and the bottom of the axial bore.

However, if the standard coupling is removed from the housing the insert moves by the force of the spring out of the axial bore and (again) takes its raised one Position opposite the case back. Along with this the diameter of the insert increases again to its normal size.

On the other hand, a modified clutch comes as a clutch combined power and information transfer to Use, the use remains unchanged and consistent in this sublime position. This is ensured by an or several radial extensions on the flexible wall area or areas, which the collar surrounding the axial bore spread. At the same time takes a holding and guiding opening used in the modified coupling Maintaining its diameter, preferably form-fitting.

To take advantage of its sublime in the submerged Being able to transfer position is both an effort as well as the collar surrounding the axial opening adapted to each other and sliding along each other Bevels equipped. In addition, the Use in the area of its bottom one the case bottom of the Have housing-facing outer stop ring, which in the raised position of the insert against the collar strikes and the travel of the spring between the ground the use and the reason of the axial bore determines the raised position of the insert.

A multi-pole plug device is always according to the invention provided, each compatible upwards and downwards is designed. That is, one with the invention Equipped plugs can use both a standard coupling as well as a modified clutch. This is exactly the same as the one described Socket able to connect to a conventional one Coupling in a plug or a modified Clutch to be able to enter. As soon as the respectively modified Coupling is used, the use is automatic held in its sublime position and in the Coupling locked as it were. This fact poses sure that the necessary counterforces are built up, thus the additional contact units and additional contact counter units can be easily connected to each other. Usually there are pins and associated sleeves for use. In addition, however, are special fiber optic connectors and couplings are also conceivable.

As soon as a standard coupling with the described plug device connected, the stake goes into its sunk Position over and can therefore have no effect the then (exclusively) electrical power transmission to take.

It should be emphasized that the concept of information transfer is to be understood in general and in Basically every transmission via fiber optic on this Site includes as well as a transmission of electrical Low power signals. It can also be Act control signals, charging currents, etc.

As part of the theory of invention, the specially designed Use in the case of information transfer, as it were fixed, so that a perfect and reproducible contact between the additional contact units and additional contact counter units given is. This contacting is regardless of whether light waves, electrical currents etc. This information is held by. In this context the modified clutch described is used.

Nevertheless, the known insert can then be sunk in the housing if modified instead of the previously described A standard coupling is used. It will a practically double functionality of the application achieved with a given fixation option.

Fig. 1a und 1b

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer als Stecker ausgeführten erfindungsgemäßen Steckvorrichtung in Frontansicht (vgl. Fig. 1a) und in Rückansicht (vgl. Fig. 1b),

Fig. 2

einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch die Fig. 1a, 1b mit eingesetzter Standardkupplung,

Fig. 3a und 3b

den Gegenstand nach Fig. 2 für den Fall, dass eine modifizierte Kupplung eingesetzt wird,

Fig. 4a, 4b

den erfindungsgemäßen Einsatz in verschiedenen Funktionsstellungen und

Fig. 5

eine Variante der Steckvorrichtung in Gestalt einer Buchse mit erfindungsgemäßen Einsatz.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of a drawing illustrating only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

1a and 1b

2 shows a perspective view of a plug device according to the invention, designed as a plug, in a front view (see FIG. 1 a) and in a rear view (see FIG. 1 b),

Fig. 2

1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through FIGS. 1a, 1b with the standard coupling inserted,

3a and 3b

2 for the case that a modified clutch is used,

4a, 4b

the use according to the invention in various functional positions and

Fig. 5

a variant of the plug device in the form of a socket with insert according to the invention.

A multipole plug device is shown in the figures, the basic structure of a housing 1, in which in the context of the embodiment five contact elements 2 for electrical power transmission are arranged. With these contact elements 2 it is within the scope of the representations according to FIG. 1 to 4 around contact pins 2, while the variant in FIG this point shows contact sockets 2 '. The structure the connector shown follows the regulations in DIN EN 60309 and is for currents from 60 amps to Suitable for 125 amps. This is the contact pin 2 '' or the contact socket 2 '' ', each by one Ground contact.

In addition to the contact elements 2 for electrical power transmission additional contact units 3 can be seen, for the transmission of information, for the transmission of control pulses, Serve code commands etc. Basically you can at this point also the connector or coupling of optical fibers are used.

With the respective housing 1, a coupling 4 can be connect that corresponding to the contact elements 2 Contact counter elements 5 takes. In the same way are in the coupling 4 additional contact counter units 6 are provided, those with the additional contact units 3 in the context of the embodiment make an electrical connection. at this clutch 4 is consequently a modified one Coupling (see Fig. 3a and 3b). This modified Coupling 4 is both for the transmission of electrical power capable of information as well. - It's against the clutch 4 'shown in Fig. 2 as a standard clutch 4 'executed and only leaves contact counter elements 5 recognize. Because the additional contact counter units are missing 6. Consequently, the standard coupling 4 'serves only the electrical Power transmission.

The additional contact units 3 are pins 3, while the additional contact counter-units 6 as associated Plug sleeves 6 are executed. Of course, the Coupling 4 or 4 'instead of the contact counter elements 5 in Shape of receptacles 5 also equipped with contact pins his. It is also within the scope of the invention that respective coupling 4, 4 'with additional contact counter-units 6 equip in the form of pens. That makes a comparison 3a, 3b with the representation in Fig. 5 immediately clearly where exactly such a clutch (not shown) 4, 4 ', with contact counter elements 5 in the form of contact pins and additional contact counter-units 6 in shape of pens is used.

The additional contact units 3 are arranged in an insert 7, which is the subject of FIGS. 4a, 4b. This Insert 7 is axially displaceable relative to the housing 1 and regularly takes one against a case back 8 raised position, as shown in particular in FIGS. 1a and 3b can be seen. The insert 7 protrudes on the head side the additional contact units arranged inside it or pins 3 to electrical arcing with the contact elements 2 to prevent.

In the raised position, the insert 7 can be modified Immerse clutch 4 as a comparison of Fig. 3a and 3b makes it immediately clear. For this purpose, the modified coupling 4 with a holding and guide opening 9 equipped. Since the insert 7 is cylindrical in shape is executed, the holding and guide opening 9 around a cylinder jacket indentation the insert 7 positively receives.

However, if a standard coupling 4 'is used, then the insert 7 in its axial bore 10 in the housing bottom 8 inserted, namely in the axial direction A (see FIG. 2). At the same time, one experiences between a foot or floor 11 of the insert 7 and a base 12 of the axial bore 10 clamped Spring 13 a bias.

To insert 7 into the sunk shown in Fig. 2 The standard clutch 4 'serves to transfer the position except for insertion openings 14 for the contact elements 2 has an otherwise closed front surface 15. Against this closed front surface 15 comes a head 16 of the Insert 7 to the system, so that the insert 7 in total Axial direction A when inserting the standard coupling 4 'in the axial bore 10 is sunk. In this process flexible wall areas 17 of the insert 7 each pushed inside (see the transition from Fig. 4a to Fig. 4b).

It can be seen from FIGS. 4a, 4b that two are located opposite one another flexible wall areas 17 in the form of the Bottom 11 molded longitudinal springs are realized. This flexible wall areas or longitudinal springs 17 are from a opening 18 of collar 18 surrounding axial bore 10 pushed inside, as indicated by arrows in Fig. 4b is. This reduces the diameter of the insert 7 on his head 16 hand in hand. In this way it is Insert 7 able to the collar 18 in the housing 1 with its projecting radial attachments 19 on the flexible To be able to pass wall areas 17. That realizes one particularly clearly in FIG. 2. The one shown there Position is maintained as long as the standard clutch 4 'is inserted into the housing 1.

As soon as the standard coupling 4 'is removed, however the insert 7 is supported by the force of the spring 13 again from its lowered position to the raised position move back. Hence the plugging and Pulling out a standard coupling 4 'is not hindered.

On the other hand, a modified clutch 4 according to the Fig. 3a, 3b use, the insert 7 remains in its raised Position opposite the housing base 8. Ensure this not only the holding and guiding opening 9 in the modified Coupling 4, but also the radial extensions 19 on the flexible wall areas or springs 17 of the insert 7. Because these radial extensions 19 overlap the collar 18, which provided the end of the axial bore 10 Opening enclosing itself with the case bottom level covers.

When inserting the modified coupling 4, the remains Insert 7 in its raised position without diameter reduction, because the holding and guiding opening 9 the insert 7 positively and one of the holding and guide opening 9 enclosed extension 20 completely dips inside the insert 7. Between this extension 20 and the walls of the holding and guiding opening 9 the insert 7 is thus clamped and held, so to speak. At the same time, those in the extension 20 provide Additional contact counter-units 6 or 6 sleeves for one electrical connection with the additional contact units or Pins 3. Since there is no reduction in diameter, can the flexible wall areas 17 with their radial extensions 19 are held on the collar 18 and bring the necessary Opposing forces when contacting the additional contact units 3 with the additional contact counter units 6 on.

So that the insert 7 easily in its lowered position can be transferred if a standard coupling 4 'in the Housing 1 is inserted, each are bevels 21, 22 on the one hand at the insert 7 and on the other hand in the area the collar 18 provided. Finally, an outside ensures Stop ring 23 in the area of the bottom 11 of the insert 7 for the definition of the raised position of the insert 7. Because this stop ring 23 strikes in this Position from below against collar 18.

Claims (10)

Multi-pole plug-in device, with contact elements (2) for electrical power transmission arranged in a housing (1), further with additional contact units (3) for information transmission, and with a coupling (4, 4 ') that can be connected to the housing (1) with contact counter elements (5) and / or additional contact counter-units (6), wherein the additional contact units (3) are arranged in an insert (7) that is essentially axially displaceable relative to the housing (1), characterized in that the insert (7) is designed as a housing which is open on the head side and has at least one flexible wall region (17). Plug device according to claim 1, characterized in that the insert (7) is guided in an axial bore (10) in the housing base (8), the opening of which coincides with the housing base level. Plug device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the insert (7) is held in its raised position by means of a spring (13) clamped between its base (11) and a base (12) of the axial bore (10). Plug device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the insert (7) and the axial bore (10) are arranged in the center of the housing (1). Plug device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insert (7) is designed as a cylinder housing which is open on the head side and has a base (11) designed as a base (11) and two opposite flexible wall areas (17). Plug device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flexible wall area (17) during the transition from a raised to a recessed position of the insert (7) from a collar (18) surrounding the opening of the axial bore (10) while reducing the diameter of the Insert (7) is pushed inwards. Plug device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the insert (7) facing the housing base (8) has an outside stop ring (23) which abuts the collar (18) in a raised position. Plug device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the coupling (4, 4 ') is designed as a standard coupling (4') for pure power transmission with a front surface (15) closed except for insertion openings (14) for the contact elements (2) , Plug device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the coupling (4, 4 ') is designed as a modified coupling (4) for combined power and information transmission and for this purpose a holding and guiding opening (9) receiving the insert (7) ) having. Plug device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the holding and guiding opening (9) preferably receives the insert (7) while maintaining its diameter.

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