EP1981127A2 - Connector, in particular for circuit boards - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (1) has two connector parts (2,3). One of the connector parts is a socket part and another connector part is a pin part. The locking device is locked in a locking position of the connector parts coupled together against unintentional releasing and is moved, particularly sliding in a holding device of two connector parts. The locking device and holding device are arranged in the rows of the contact connected with each other between two of the contacts.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

Connectors of the aforementioned type are known from DE 202 01 609 U1 known. In general, the state of the art is further on the DE 195 35 836 A1 as well as on the G 93 11 457.5 directed. To call are also the DE 295 13 997 U1 and the DE 34 40 043 ,

The generic state of the art has proven itself. However, it is desirable to further optimize the connector in terms of its structure, in particular its compactness and functionality.

The invention solves this problem by the subject matter of claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention provides according to claim 1 a connector, in particular printed circuit board connector, having a first connector part and a second connector part, wherein the one of the connector parts preferably a socket part and the other of the connector parts is a pin part, and at least one locking device, which in a locking position the two mutually coupled connector parts against unintentional release secures and which is movable in a holding device of the second connector part, in particular displaceable and / or pivotable, wherein the connector parts preferably each have a plurality arranged in at least one row, to be joined together contacts in the region of their mating faces, and wherein the Locking device and the holding device is arranged in the at least one row of the contacts to be connected to each other between two of the contacts.

Preferably, the locking device is designed as a locking slide, which secures the two mutually coupled connector parts against unintentional release in a locking position and which is guided in a guide housing of the first connector part and slidable in an insertion channel of the second connector part, which forms the holding device of the second connector part, wherein the at least one locking slide is arranged with the guide housing of the one connector part and the introduction channel of the corresponding second connector part in the series of contacts to be connected between each two of the contacts.

Particularly advantageously, the at least one locking slide and the guide housing of a connector part and the insertion channel of the corresponding second connector part are each arranged in the middle of the row of contacts to be joined together. In this way, it is even possible that only a single locking slide and only a single guide housing and only a single insertion channel are provided on the connector parts.

The connector according to the invention further preferably basically uses the one simple construction of the locking of the generic state of the art DE 202 01 609 U1 and their advantage of an extremely simple intuitive and tool-free operation. By relocating the interlock between the terminals, the number of interlocks can even be reduced to just one. The central, in particular symmetrical (or asymmetrical) arrangement of the at least one lock instead of the peripheral arrangement of the locks as in the prior art makes it possible to a second lock dispense and couple the connector parts together with just one lock. As a result, less space is required for the same functionality or allows greater functionality with the same space. The operability is also improved so that the lock can be operated with one hand. In this case, the locking device and / or one of the further functional elements between two of the two contacts is arranged such that it / it interrupts the straight line L, which connects the two contacts adjacent to the locking device directly.

According to a further variant, which is to be regarded as a development and also as an independent invention, a connector is provided in connection with the features of the preamble of claim 1, wherein in the region of at least one locking device and / or the holding device (in particular in these devices ) Further, mutually corresponding functional elements are arranged.

According to this invention, further functional elements, in particular contacts, are thus accommodated in the region of the latch, which are coupled and decoupled by plugging together the connector parts or brought into and out of functional position.

Thus, the further task is solved to make better use of the space of the connector. This solution can on the one hand be used with connectors of the type described above with a "central" locking slide. "It is also suitable for other connectors of the generic type.

Preferably, in the area - in particular within - at least one locking slide as the locking device and / or at least one associated insertion channel as the holding device, the further, mutually corresponding functional elements are arranged.

According to a variant of this invention serving as the functional elements electrically conductive contacts are closed and separated from each other.

According to a further variant of this invention, serving as the functional elements, the light-conducting elements are interconnected and separated from each other.

According to a third variant of this invention, non-contacting elements acting by means of magnetic, capacitive or inductive fields, such as reed contacts or the like, are activated or deactivated.

In this way, the installation space on the printed circuit board connector is used optimally, since the space otherwise used alone for the locking is now used for at least one or more additional functional elements, in particular contacts.

According to another variant of this invention, electromagnetic or electromechanical elements serving as the functional elements are e.g. closed and separated.

The particular application "printed circuit board connector" describes the generic name of the invention, which, however, an application in other applications should not be excluded, such. as a wall feedthrough in a device or a ladder-conductor connection, e.g. is mounted on a mounting rail. The invention and its subclaims include, in addition to the combination of a component for the connection of conductors and a counterpart for the printed circuit board connection described by way of example also these and other application variants. This includes, for example, the combinations of two components with conductor connection described here for a so-called flying connection or coupling or the combination of two components with printed circuit board connection for the connection of two printed circuit boards. All components in the plug-in area can also be implemented in inverted (socket strip for solder connection or pin strip for conductor connection) or hermaphroditic design.

According to a further variant of this invention, electromechanical (magnetic / inductive or thermoelectric) movable elements are actuated such that a release of the lock during this period of operation is not possible or effectively prevented.

Further features of the invention are the subject of further subclaims.

Figur 1a-d eine

Draufsicht, eine Seitenansicht und zwei Schnittansichten eines ersten Steckverbinders, wobei die Schnittansichten einmal den verriegelten und einmal den entriegelten Zustand wiedergeben;

Figur 2a-d

eine Draufsicht, eine Seitenansicht und zwei Schnittansichten eines zweiten Steckverbinders, wobei die Schnittansichten einmal den verriegelten und einmal den entriegelten Zustand wiedergeben; und

Figur 3a-d eine

Draufsicht, eine Seitenansicht und zwei Schnittansichten eines dritten Steckverbinders, wobei die Schnittansichten einmal den verriegelten und einmal den entriegelten Zustand wiedergeben; und

Fig. 4a -

deine perspektivische Ansicht und drei Schnittansichten eines vierten Steckverbinders, wobei die Schnittansichten das Zusammenstecken, den verriegelten Zustand und den nicht verriegelten Zustand wiedergeben.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it:

Figure 1a-d a

Top view, a side view and two sectional views of a first connector, wherein the sectional views once the locked and once the unlocked state;

Figure 2a-d

a plan view, a side view and two sectional views of a second connector, wherein the sectional views once the locked and once the unlocked state; and

Figure 3a-d a

Top view, a side view and two sectional views of a third connector, wherein the sectional views once the locked and once the unlocked state; and

Fig. 4a -

your perspective view and three sectional views of a fourth connector, wherein the sectional views reproduce the mating, the locked state and the unlocked state.

In the Figures 1 - 3 is denoted by the reference numeral 1 a total of a connector consisting of a first connector part 2 and a second connector part 3, wherein the two connector parts 2 and 3 can be secured by locking slide 4 in the coupled state against unintentional loosening.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is in the first connector part 2 to a so-called female part and the second connector part 3 to a so-called male or male part, in which case the first connector part 2, ie the female part, a guide housing 5 with a guide channel 5a Recording and sliding guide of only one locking slide 4 are formed.

In the second connector part 3, ie in the pin part, are still to be described constructive measures taken to fix the relative to the connector part 2 movable locking slide 4 in a locking position can. These measures include an insertion channel or guide channel 10 for the locking slide 4. It should be expressly noted at this point that here, of course, a reversal is possible, d. h., That the locking slide 4 is guided in corresponding guide channels of the pin member 3 and the socket part 2 has corresponding configurations for the locking of the locking slide 4.

The connector is designed as a printed circuit board connector for contacting a printed circuit board 25.

For this purpose, a connector part 3 is arranged on the printed circuit board 25. It has four arranged in a row pin contacts 26 which are designed to be angled with one of its ends soldered to the circuit board 25, where they contact tracks, and with its other end a part of the mating contacts of the mating face of the second connector part 3 Form coupling with the mating face of the other connector part 2.

On the first connector part 2, however, socket contacts (not visible here) are arranged, which contact the contacts 26 of the second connector part 3 in the assembled state and which are provided with terminals 27, here by way of example screw, for connecting outgoing conductor (not shown here). Also, the terminals 27 are arranged in a row.

The connector parts each have a housing 28, 29, wherein the only one (shown and preferred) or the two or more (not shown) locks - especially the locking slide 4 and the corresponding guide channel 5 - not laterally outside next to the row of the coupling contacts is / are arranged but in the row between each two of the contacts to be coupled together of the two connector parts 26 and 27th

This arrangement will be particularly good from the Fig. 1a and 1b clear. Here is the number of contacts to be joined together the mating faces of the two connector parts 2, 3 straight. It is four by way of example. In this case, it makes sense to arrange the lock with its elements 4 and 5 centrally in the row of contacts from the contacts 26, so that on both sides towards the same - here two - the contacts are arranged.

In this case, the number of locks or the locking slide 4 and guide channels 5a, 10 can be reduced to only a single one of these elements, since the lock is arranged optimized so that it optimally absorbs forces that can act on the connector ,

This is one of the inventions realized. It is optimized by another invention.

According to this invention, further functional elements are arranged in the region of the locking.

With regard to the measure to associate the locking slide further functional elements, it should be noted that a locking of the two connector parts 2 and 3 relative to each other may optionally be performed with two or more locking slides 4. In this case, only one or more or all or all locking slides can be assigned to these further functional elements, in particular contacts. However, this further invention can also be applied if two locking slides are arranged laterally next to the row of contacts to be connected to the connector parts.

In the Figures 1-3 is denoted by the reference numeral 6, the coupling plane between the two connector parts 2 and 3 and their mating faces.

As can be clearly seen from the drawings, the guide channels 5a and 10 run perpendicular to the said coupling plane 6, so that correspondingly the locking slide or slides 4 are displaceable perpendicular to the coupling plane 6.

Each locking slide 4 is provided at its end facing the second connector part 3 with a provided with a locking cam 7, resilient tongue 8. The locking projection 7 is seen to the free end face of the tongue 8 with an obliquely sloping inlet bevel 9.

The resilient tongue 8 with the locking cam 7 is the insertion channel 10 of the second connector part 3 opposite, through which the locking cam 7 and a part of the resilient tongue 8 for the purpose of locking the two connector parts 2 and 3 in the second connector part 3 can be inserted until the Latching cams 7, the guide channel 5 end surrounding the end face 11 engages behind. This position is clear Figure 1d ,

The resilient tongue 8 is formed on an actuating bracket 12 of the locking slide 4, wherein the actuating bracket 12 is outside the respective guide channel 5 of the first connector part 2 and is provided for ease of operation on its side facing away from the guide channel 5 top, for example, with ribs 13. As an alternative to these ribs, other means for improving the operation may also be provided here, for example molded knobs or the like.

By pressing the operating bar 12, the resilient tongue 8 can be pressed with the locking cam 7 so far down that the locking cam 7 is brought out of its locking position out into a position in accordance with a pushing back of the locking slide 4 in the release position Figure 1c allows this backward displacement is carried out by simultaneous pressure on the actuating bracket 12, as well as a shift. By shifting back then the complete locking slide 4 can again in its release position according to Figure 1c to be brought.

In the locked state, at least one stop cam 17 adjacent to the actuating bow 12 and located at the end of the locking slide 4 facing away from the coupling plane 6 bears against the boundary wall 16.

In this case, the displacement of the locking slide 4 is determined by the length of the boundary wall 16, abut the alternately the bracket portion 12a and the stop cam 17.

The locking slide 4 may expediently be provided in the region opposite the boundary wall 16 with a stop cam 17, which then abuts in the locked state on one of the boundary wall 16 opposite side wall 18 of the guide housing 5.

In the locked state, the locking slide 4 preferably ends flush with the end faces of the guide housing 5.

In its central region of the locking slide 4 is preferably provided with a running in the direction of displacement through hole 20.

This through-hole 20 can be used for an optional locking screw or alternatively here for another electrical functional element such as a contact 21, which contacts another functional element such as a mating contact 22 on the other connector part when pushing together or plugging the two connector parts.

The contacts 21, 22 may be formed as a female contact and as a pin contact or hermaphrodites contact pair not shown here, of which the socket contact exemplifies the contact 21 and the pin contact exemplifies the mating contact 22 on the other connector part ( Fig. 1 )

The functional elements may also be the elements 23, 24 of a reed contact, consisting of magnetically actuated contacts, for example, on the circuit board or in the space of a flange and a permanent magnet in the movable part of the locking device or vice versa ( Fig. 2 ).

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use as a functional element a plunger on the locking slide 4 or the locking slide itself as a plunger to two contacts such as sheets or pins 14, 15 close to the corresponding connector part 3 ( Fig. 3 )

The locking slide has the advantage that the locking state is visually recognizable from the position of the locking slide 4.

The other functional elements, which are integrated in the lock, in particular also allow electrical monitoring of the locking function by a higher-level control and monitoring system. It is also conceivable to change the state visually or acoustically, e.g. with a LED directly on the connector. It is advantageous that may be waived by the other contacts, if necessary, to separate further cable connections, since the connector further integrated contacts, e.g. for control purposes.

It is also conceivable, e.g. by using a plurality of at least one contact chamber with at least two electrically separate auxiliary contacts to use the at least one or the other (auxiliary) contacts for other purposes, such as control contacts or as contacts for a data or supply line, for. a bus, which also includes the other to be connected to the connector parts (if necessary, further connections to the circuit board or to the outside are formed on the connector parts, which can be designed in any technique such as push-in or the like.).

The locking slide 4 is here exemplified in one piece from a resilient material, preferably made of plastic.

To Fig. 4 is denoted by the reference numeral 1 turn the connector, which consists of the first connector part 2 and the second connector part 3, wherein the two connector parts 2 and 3 can be secured by a locking device 4 in the coupled state against unintentional release.

The locking device 4 of Fig. 4 also secures in a locked position ( Fig. 4c ) the two interconnected connector parts 2, 3 against unintentional release and is movable in a holding device of the second connector part 3. The holding device is designed as a latching edge 30 in the insertion channel 10. The locking device 4 is preferably displaceable relative to this connector part 2 on the first connector part preferably between two of the contacts but arranged pivotably on this connector part. In turn, it has a tongue 8, at the free end of a latching hook or locking cam 7 is formed, which in turn preferably also has an inlet slope 9.

The tongue 8 is further connected in a spaced-apart from the latching hook region via a web 31 with the second connector part 2. To the tongue 8, an actuating bracket 12 is further formed, which is configured and arranged so that by pressing the operating bar 12 perpendicular to the insertion direction X, the tongue 8 with the latching hook / cam 7 is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X movable or pivotable ,

When pushing together the two connector parts 2, 3 ( Fig. 4a ) the inlet bevel 9 first touches the latching edge 30, as a result of which the tongue 8 is deflected ( Fig. 4d ), until the locking cam 7, the latching edge 30 finally engages latching further pushing the two connector parts 2, 3. In this position, the two connector parts 2, 3 are secured against unintentional pulling apart ( Fig. 4c ).

By pressure on the operating bar 12 can (corresponding to Fig. 4b ) the tongue 8 with the locking cam 7 are pivoted out of the locking position, so that the two connector parts 2, 3 can be pulled apart again.

The other optional functions of the preceding figures can also be realized in this embodiment.

reference numeral

Connectors

1

connector part

2

connector part

3

locking slide

4

guide housing

5

guide channel

5a

coupling plane

6

locking cams

7

tongue

8th

run-in slope

9

introduction channel

10

face

11

actuating bow

12

ribs

13

sheets

14, 15

stop cam

17

boundary wall

16

Side wall

18

Through Hole

20

Contact

21

countercontact

22

elements

23.24

circuit board

25

pin contacts

26

connections

27

casing

28.29

catch edge

30

web

31

Claims (19)

Connector (1), in particular printed circuit board connector, with a) a first connector part (2) and a second connector part (3), wherein one of the connector parts is preferably a female part and the other of the connector parts is preferably a pin part, b) and at least one locking device (4), which secures the two mutually coupled connector parts (2, 3) against unintentional loosening in a locking position and which is movable, in particular displaceable and / or pivotable in a holding device of the second connector part (3), c) wherein the connector parts (2, 3) each have a plurality of preferably arranged in at least one row, to be interconnected contacts in the region of their mating faces,
characterized in that d) the locking device and the holding device is arranged in the at least one row of the contacts to be connected to each other between two of the contacts. Connector (1), in particular printed circuit board connector, characterized in that the locking device is designed as a locking slide (4) which secures the two mutually coupled connector parts (2, 3) against unintentional release in a locking position and in a guide housing (5) the first connector part (2) is guided and in an insertion channel (10) of the second connector part (3) is displaceable, which forms the holding device of the second connector part, wherein the at least one locking slide (4) with the guide housing (5) of a connector part ( 2) and the introduction channel (10) of the corresponding second connector part (3) is arranged in each case between two of the contacts in the row of contacts to be connected to each other. Connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one locking slide (4) and the guide housing (5) of a connector part (2) and the insertion channel (10) of the corresponding second connector part (3) respectively in the middle of the series arranged to be connected to each other contacts. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that only a single locking slide (4), only a single guide housing (5) and only a single insertion channel (10) are provided on the connector parts. Connector (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further, mutually corresponding functional elements are arranged in the region of the at least one locking device and / or the holding device. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (4) and / or one of the further functional elements between two of the two contacts is arranged such that it / the line (L) interrupts, which are the two contacts adjacent to the locking device connects directly with each other. Connector (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the further, mutually corresponding functional elements are arranged in the locking device and / or the holding device. Connector (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that further, mutually corresponding functional elements are arranged in the region of at least one locking slide as the locking device and / or at least one associated insertion channel as the holding device. Connector according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the further functional elements per connector part as one or more further electrically conductive contacts (21, 22) are formed. Connector according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the further functional elements are designed as components (23, 24) of a reed contact. Connector according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the further functional elements are designed as light-conducting contacts. Connector according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that the further functional elements comprise two conductive contacts (14, 15) on the one of the connector parts (3), which by the locking slide (4) or an element on the locking slide (4) Mating the two connector parts are connected together. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the functional elements in a through hole (20) in the locking slide (4) is arranged. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the functional elements in the insertion channel (10) of the second connector part (3) is arranged. Connector according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the further functional elements are designed as electromechanically acting elements. Connector according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the further functional elements are designed as electromagnetically acting elements. Connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electromechanically (magnetic / inductive or thermo-electric) movable elements are provided, which are actuated such that a release the locking during this period of operation is not possible or effectively prevented. Connector according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the locking device has a relative to the first connector part (2) pivotable locking cam (7) which is locked when pushing the two connector parts latching on the second connector part (3) , Connector according to one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the locking device comprises a tongue (8), at the free end of a latching hook or latching cam (7) is formed, which preferably has an inlet slope (9) in which the tongue (8) is connected in a region spaced from the latching hook via a web (31) with the second connector part (2) and wherein on the tongue (8) an actuating bracket (12) is formed, which is configured and arranged is that by pressing on the actuating bow (12) perpendicular to the insertion direction X, the tongue with the locking cam (7) is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction movable or pivotable.

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