EP2016649B1 - Plug connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (10) for the detachable connection of a number of cable pairs (97, 98) with a conductor cross-section of more than 10 mm2, in particular, for the supply of the welding current in welding robots, wherein individual contact elements (52, 60), with a conducting connection to the cables (97, 98), may be plugged into an insulated plug housing (11) with a clipping action and are detachably held in the plug housing (11) or terminal housing (12), the clipping action of the contact elements (52, 60) in the housings (11, 12) being achieved by an elastic deformation of the housings (11, 12). Manipulation is facilitated in that the housing (11, 12) is made from a material of such a hardness that the plugging in and exchange of contact elements can be achieved without the use of tools.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of electrical connectors. It relates to a connector according to the preamble of claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

In robotics, especially in industrial welding robots, comparatively large currents in the range of 100 A and more must be guided from the base of the robots along the robot arm to the devices (welding tools, etc.) attached to the end of the robot arm. For this purpose, cabling with the appropriate conductor cross sections (typically 10-50 mm ² ) are used, which are guided along the robot arm and to the Connecting points (especially at the base and at the end of the arm) are equipped with appropriate connectors.

For use in welding robots already plug connectors series TSB / TSS (primary circuit connectors for welding transformers) are offered by the applicant, in which individual contacts in the form of sockets and corresponding pins with the stripped cable ends electrically connected by screw or crimp and then into corresponding (cylindrical ) Insulating housings (see MC Roboticline 07.2001 (ex Ho7b), 2001, pages 18, 19 and 31). For this purpose, according to installation instructions MA 200 special tools are needed to push the individual contacts sitting at the cable ends in the holes provided in the insulating housings and possibly push out again during repair work (p 41-44 of the above-mentioned catalog).

The known connectors for the primary circuit of welding transformers in the field of welding robots have proven themselves in practice. For the installation and removal of the individual contacts, however, special tools (pencil installation tool, pencil removal tool socket installation tool, socket removal tool, etc.) are required, which need not be held only at the place of assembly / disassembly, but also require special handling of the insulating in their use. Since in welding robots due to the pulse-like welding currents and the associated magnetic fields, the associated cables are exposed to pulsed mechanical loads, the cables must be replaced frequently in a continuous operation of the robot in the industrial environment. In this case, it is desirable that such an exchange can be carried out easily and quickly, as well as in confined spaces.

Furthermore, new types of robots are being used to relocate the cables or wiring harnesses previously routed outside the robot arms for the supply and control into the interior of the arms, in order to obtain possible solutions To prevent collisions of the harnesses with arranged in the vicinity of the pivoting range of the robot objects and thus also to simplify the programming. By laying the cables in the interior of the robot arm, the simplified assembly / disassembly of the connectors becomes even more important in cramped conditions.

In addition, the connectors should be as tight as possible in the field of contact in the inserted state, as well as in the field of cable entry (degree of protection IP67).

Furthermore, it is desirable to be able to secure the plug connection in the inserted state against accidental unplugging in a simple manner, and to be able to fix the connector at the place of use easily.

From the GB 969 827 is a connector known, which can connect a plurality of cable pairs together. However, the design is detrimental to durability and longevity in many mating cycles.

The GB 2,144,929 , the US 6,419,519 and the WO 2004/017466 also show such connectors, in which usually similar disadvantages, such as the above, go out.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a connector for the application described, which avoids the disadvantages of previous connectors, and can be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled without special tools and in tight spaces.

The object is solved by the entirety of the features of claim 1. The essence of the invention is in the inventive connector in an insulating plug housing and / or an insulating socket housing individual contact elements, which are conductively connected to the cables, snap and keep interchangeable in the connector housing or socket housing, wherein the engagement of the contact elements is achieved in the housings by an elastic deformation of the housing, and wherein the housing made of a material having a hardness, which allows insertion and replacement of the contact elements without the aid of tools. The material of the housing is so "soft" enough to press the cables located at the ends and equipped with locking devices single contacts without special tools, ie, only by hand, against a certain resistance in the holes provided in the housings and possibly also to pull out again. The "softness" of the material depends on the design of the locking mechanism, which determines the size of the necessary elastic deformation.

According to the invention, the plug housing and / or the socket housing are integrally formed and made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the contact elements in the plug housing and / or socket housing are arranged parallel to each other in a plane, and that in the housings each three contact elements are arranged side by side.

It is particularly advantageous in terms of mechanical stability and tightness, when cable sleeves for receiving the ends of the cables connected to the contact elements are arranged on the plug housing and / or socket housing, and if releasable fastening means are provided, by means of which the cables are fixable in the cable grommets ,

Preferably, the attachment means each comprise a cable strain relief clamp which, by external pressure on the cable grommets, clamps the cables in the cable grommets, the cable strain relief clips each consisting of a top and a bottom, comprising the cable grommets from opposite sides and connectable to each other, and the cable grommets as spaced parallel adjacent hollow cylinder are formed, and the upper part and the lower part of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern is formed in each case as across the cable grommets extending beams, which on the cable grommets facing side is equipped with recesses for adaptation to the cable grommets.

In particular, the upper and lower parts of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern for connection with each other aligned bores, wherein the upper and lower parts of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern are connected by means of fastening screws which extend through the holes, and exert external pressure on the cable grommets.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern and thus the entire connector is screwed by means of mounting screws on a base.

A further embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the plug housing and the socket housing can be secured by a plugged in the assembled state of the connector in the housing securing bracket against pulling the plug, wherein the securing bracket preferably comprises an elongated base plate, of which at the ends In one direction pins protrude vertically, and in the housings through holes are provided, in which the securing bracket with the pins can be inserted.

For the application, it is particularly favorable if the pins are slotted at the free ends and have locking heads, with which they engage at the outlet of the through holes, and if recessed grips are formed on the securing bracket, by means of which the securing bracket can be pulled without tools from the housings , In particular, the securing bracket is integrally formed and manufactured as an injection molded part from a plastic.

The Kabelzugentlastungsklammern are preferably made of a plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced polyamide.

In order to achieve an even better sealing and clamping, it is advantageous if the cable grommets taper slightly conically inside towards the outlet, and if the recesses are also slightly conical.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the housing housing at a distance parallel to each other, slightly conical bushing receiving portions are arranged, which receive the contact sockets of the female contact elements; on the connector housing corresponding Berührschutze are arranged which receive the female receptacle sections when the connector is plugged together. Preferably, sealing beads are formed to increase the tightness of the female receiving portions outside.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the housings for receiving the contact elements each have connection chambers, that in each case a latching lug is formed with a latching groove behind in the insertion direction, and that in each case a holding groove on the contact elements for interacting with the latching lug and the latching groove and a locking collar is provided. To facilitate insertion while the locking collar on the insertion has an oblique edge.

To further improve handling can be formed on the housings recessed grips for pulling the housing.

In order to enable the use of the connector in cables with different outer diameter, it is advantageous if the cable grommets are divided into two sections arranged one behind the other in the insertion direction, wherein the inner diameter of the outer portion is greater than the inner diameter of the other portion.

According to another embodiment, upper part and lower part of the cable strain relief brackets are guided against each other by means of guide pins, wherein preferably the guide pins for unambiguous orientation of the parts are coded to each other.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if mutually matching coding elements are provided on the strain relief clamp and on the associated plug or socket housing, which ensure a clear orientation of the strain relief clamp to the associated plug or socket housing.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung eine zusammengesteckte Steckverbindung (ohne Kabel) gemäss einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

die Steckverbindung aus Fig. 1 in der Draufsicht von oben;

Fig. 3

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das Buchsengehäuse der Steckverbindung aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung den Längsschnitt durch das Buchsengehäuse aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung das Steckergehäuse der Steckverbindung aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 6

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung den Längsschnitt durch das Steckergehäuse aus Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

den Längsschnitt durch ein weibliches Kontaktelement, welches in das Buchsengehäuse aus Fig. 3 herausnehmbar eingesetzt werden kann;

Fig. 8

den Längsschnitt durch ein männliches Kontaktelement, welches in das Steckergehäuse aus Fig. 5 herausnehmbar eingesetzt werden kann;

Fig. 9

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von oben gesehen den Sicherungsbügel aus Fig. 1 zur Sicherung der zusammengesteckten Steckverbindung aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 10

den Sicherungsbügel aus Fig. 9 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von unten gesehen;

Fig. 11

in zwei Teilfiguren (a) und (b) die Seitenansicht des Sicherungsbügels aus Fig. 9 und den Schnitt in einer durch zwei Stifte gehenden Schnittebene;

Fig. 12

in zwei Teilfiguren (a) und (b) eine perspektivische Vorder- und Rückansicht des Oberteils der Kabelzugentlastungsklammer aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 13

in zwei Teilfiguren (a) und (b) eine perspektivische Vorder- und Rückansicht des Unterteils der Kabelzugentlastungsklammer aus Fig. 1

Fig. 14

Ober- und Unterteil einer Zugentlastungsklammer analog zu Fig. 12 und 13 mit kodierten Führungsstiften und Kodierungselementen für das Zusammenwirken mit dem Steckergehäuse aus Fig. 15;

Fig. 15

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung ein Steckergehäuse analog zu Fig. 5 mit zusätzlichen Kodierelementen für das Zusammenwirken mit der Zugentlastungsklammer aus Fig. 14; und

Fig. 16

einen Längsschnitt durch eine vollständig montierte und zusammengesteckte Steckverbindung gemäss einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it

Fig. 1

in a perspective view of a plugged connector (without cable) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

the plug connection Fig. 1 in the top view from above;

Fig. 3

in a perspective view of the socket housing of the connector Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

in a perspective view of the longitudinal section through the socket housing Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

in a perspective view of the connector housing of the connector Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6

in a perspective view of the longitudinal section through the connector housing Fig. 5 ;

Fig. 7

the longitudinal section through a female contact element, which in the socket housing Fig. 3 removable can be used;

Fig. 8

the longitudinal section through a male contact element, which in the connector housing Fig. 5 removable can be used;

Fig. 9

in a perspective view from above the securing bracket off Fig. 1 to secure the plugged connector from Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 10

the safety bar off Fig. 9 seen in a perspective view from below;

Fig. 11

in two sub-figures (a) and (b) the side view of the securing bracket off Fig. 9 and the cut in a two-pin cutting plane;

Fig. 12

in two sub-figures (a) and (b) is a front and rear perspective view of the upper part of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammer Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 13

in two sub-figures (a) and (b) is a front and rear perspective view of the lower part of the cable strain relief bracket Fig. 1

Fig. 14

Upper and lower part of a strain relief clamp analogous to FIGS. 12 and 13 with coded guide pins and coding elements for cooperation with the connector housing Fig. 15 ;

Fig. 15

in a perspective view of a connector housing analogous to Fig. 5 with additional coding elements for interaction with the strain relief clamp Fig. 14 ; and

Fig. 16

a longitudinal section through a fully assembled and mated connector according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a plugged connector (without the cable connected to the contact elements) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention reproduced. The connector 10 is designed in the example for the connection of three cable pairs, wherein the connection of two cable pairs or more than three cable pairs is also conceivable. The connector 10 includes in the example an insulating plug housing 11 (in FIGS. 5 and 6 individually shown), an insulating female housing 12 (in 3 and 4 individually shown), two Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13 and 14, and a securing bracket 15, which secures the mated housing 11, 12 against accidental unplugging. All parts 11, .., 15 of the connector 10 are made of a plastic. The housings 11, 12 are preferably made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), whose hardness is adjusted so that the in FIGS. 7 and 8 shown contact elements without special tools (tools) in the housing 11, 12 pressed, but also again (on the cables) can be pulled out. Fig. 2 shows the assembled connector 10 in plan view from above.

The Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13, 14 each consist of an upper part ( Fig. 12 ) and a lower part ( Fig. 13 ), which can be connected to each other by means of fastening screws 18, 19 to exert the necessary external pressure on the intermediate parts of the housing (cable grommets 27 and 45). The Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13, 14 are preferably made of a fiber-reinforced polyamide to achieve the necessary mechanical strength.

This in 3 and 4 shown socket housing 12 is made in one piece. It comprises a transversely extending to the insertion direction middle part 20 through which side by side two vertical through holes 24 and 25 extend, in which the securing bracket 15 with two of its four pins (69, 70, 75, 76 in Fig. 10 ) can be inserted. At the middle part 20 are three parallel to each other in the insertion direction extending and lying in a plane socket chambers 21, .., 23, through each of which a connection chamber 32 extends, the front ends in a socket receiving portion 30 and the rear in a cable grommet 27. At the lateral ends of the central portion 20 recessed grips 28 are formed, which can be attached to the unplugging of the connector 10 by hand. The arrangement of the individual connectors in a plane a particularly flat construction of the connector is achieved, which is advantageous for integration of the associated cable into the robot.

The individually shaped and spaced cable grommets 27 are formed outside cylindrical. Inside they are divided into two in the insertion direction successively arranged portions 33, 34, wherein the outer portion 34 has a larger inner diameter than the further inner portion 33. The two sections 33, 34 with the different inner diameter make it possible with the same conductor cross-section cable different outer diameter (different shell structure) record. So it is conceivable, for example, to connect cables with a conductor cross-section of 35 mm ² , which have an outer diameter between 11 and 17 mm. For all these cables, the same metal parts (contact elements 52, 60 Fig. 7 and 8 ) used. In the sections 33, 34, the cable grommets 27 are slightly conically tapered in their inner diameter to the outside and carry on the inner wall a concentric ribbing, which supports both the mechanical fixation and the sealing of the cable in the cable grommet 27. At the outer ends of the cable grommets 27 each have a bead 26 is formed, which secures the seat of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammer 14 on the cable grommets 27.

The individually formed and spaced apart bushing receiving portions 30 taper outwardly to slightly tapered forward. They are plugged in mating the connector 10 in corresponding Berührschutze 67 in the connector housing 11 ( Fig. 5 ). The female receptacle sections 30 receive the female contacts (53) of the female contact elements 52 ( Fig. 7 ). At the socket receiving portions 30 are outside axially spaced two sealing beads 29, 31 are formed, which serve to seal the connector between the two housings 11 and 12.

The connection chambers 32 in the socket housing 12 are for receiving the female contact elements 52 according to Fig. 7 intended. For this purpose, in each case an inwardly projecting latching lug 35 is formed in the connection chambers 32 with a latching groove 36 located behind in the insertion direction, which interact with an adapted retaining groove 58 and a matched latching collar 57 on the contact element 52. In order to facilitate the insertion of the contact element 52 into the connection chamber 32 of the female housing 12, the locking collar 57 of the contact element 52 has an oblique flank on the insertion side. In order to facilitate the extraction of the contact element 52 from the connection chamber 32, the side walls of the retaining groove 58 may be slightly inclined.

If the contact element 52 is inserted with the contact bushing 53 from behind through the cable grommet 27 into the connection chamber 32, it can first be pushed in without much resistance until it engages with the catch collar 57 at the rear edge of the locking lug 35 abuts. When further favored by the oblique flank on the locking collar 57 insertion the detent 35 is elastically pressed radially outward until it snaps back completely behind the locking collar 57 in the retaining groove 58, when the locking collar 57 engages in the locking groove 36. The contact socket 53 of the contact element 52 is then seated in the socket space 37 of the socket housing 12 provided for this purpose and is covered forwardly by a contact protection 47 against unintentional contact. When the contact element 52 has reached this end position, the cable with its jacket extends into the cable grommet 27 and can be fixed there by means of the cable strain relief clamp 14 (cable 97, 98 in FIG Fig. 16 ).

Similar conditions exist in the connector housing 11 according FIGS. 5 and 6 , The connector housing 11 is integrally formed. It comprises three mutually parallel in the insertion direction extending and lying in a plane plug chambers 39, .., 41, through each of which a connection chamber 48 extends, the front ends in a common connector receiving portion 38 and back in a cable grommet 45. At the lateral ends of the plug housing 11 recessed grips 46 are also integrally formed, which can be attached to the unplugging of the connector 10 by hand.

The individually shaped and spaced apart cable grommets 45 are like the cable grommets 27 on the outside of the socket housing 12 formed on the outside and divided into two in the insertion direction successively arranged portions 33, 34 with concentric ribbing. At the outer ends of the cable grommets 45, a bead 44 is also integrally formed, which secures the seat of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammer 13 on the cable grommets 45.

The connection chambers 48 in the connector housing 11 are for receiving the male contact elements 60 according to Fig. 8 intended. For this purpose, in each case an inwardly projecting latching lug 49 is formed in the connection chambers 48 with a latching groove 50 located behind in the insertion direction, which with an adapted retaining groove 65 and a matched latch collar 64 on Contact element 60 interact. In order to facilitate the insertion of the contact element 60 into the connection chamber 48 of the plug housing 11, the latch collar 64 of the contact element 60 also has an oblique flank on the insertion side. In order to facilitate the extraction of the contact element 60 from the connection chamber 48, the side walls of the retaining groove 65 may be formed slightly oblique here as well.

If the contact element 60 is inserted with the pin 63 in front from behind through the cable grommet 45 into the connection chamber 48, it can first be inserted so far without much resistance until it abuts with the latch collar 64 at the rear edge of the detent 49. Upon further by the sloping edge on the locking collar 64 favored insertion the detent 49 is elastically pressed radially outward until it snaps back completely behind the locking collar 64 in the retaining groove 65, when the locking collar 64 engages in the locking groove 50. The pin 63 of the contact element 60 then projects into the space provided plug connector 51 of the plug housing 11 and is enclosed by the female receptacle portion 30 of the female housing 12 when the connector 10 is mated. When the contact element 60 has reached this end position, the cable with its jacket extends into the cable grommet 45 and can be fixed there by means of the cable strain relief bracket 13. The slightly conical design of plug space 51 and bushing receiving portion 30 and the sealing beads 29, 31 ensure that in the inserted state at this point a tightness according to IP67 is achieved (see the Fig. 16 ).

The preferred female contact element 52 according to Fig. 7 consists in a conventional manner of a contact socket 53 with a blind bore 55 and a shoulder 59, on which a compression sleeve 54 is pushed and soldered. In the compression sleeve 54, the cable end is inserted with the exposed conductor and pressed. In the blind bore 55, an annular groove 56 for receiving a ring-shaped multi-contact contact blade is provided, which makes electrical contact with the inserted pin 63 of the male Contact element 60 off Fig. 8 power. The male contact element 60 preferably consists of a contact plug 61 with a rear-mounted shoulder 66, on which a compression sleeve 62 is pushed and soldered. The cable is mounted here in the same way as in the contact element 52 of Fig. 7 ,

As already mentioned above, the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13, 14 each consist of a top 16 ( Fig. 12 ) and a lower part 17 ( Fig. 13 ), which comprise the cable grommets 27 and 45 from opposite sides and are interconnectable. The upper part 16 and the lower part 17 of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13, 14 are each formed as extending transversely over the cable grommets 27, 45 extending beam, which on the cable grommets 27, 45 facing side with approximately semi-cylindrical recesses 77, .., 79 and 84 respectively , .., 86 for adaptation to the cable grommets 27, 45 is equipped. The recesses 77, .., 79 and 84, .., 86 are preferably slightly conical in order to achieve in conjunction with the slightly conical sections 33, 34 in the cable grommets 27, 45 an improved clamping and a tightness to IP67.

The upper and lower parts 16, 17 of the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13, 14 have for connection with each other aligned bores 82, 83 and 89, 90 on. Through these holes 82, 83 and 89, 90 mounting screws 18, 19 are inserted to connect the two parts 16, 17 together and exert on the cable grommets 27, 45 external pressure. For this purpose, corresponding nuts can be arranged on the opposite side. But it is also possible the Kabelzugentlastungsklammern 13, 14 and thus the entire connector 10 by means of the mounting screws 18, 19 on a base (mounting plate or the like.) Tighten. In addition, 17 guide pins 80, 81 may be provided to align the staple parts on the upper part 16 and / or lower part, the leader in corresponding holes 87, 88 on the lower part 17 and / or upper part 16 dive.

Furthermore, it is possible to secure the plug housing 11 and the socket housing 12 by means of a plug-in securing bracket 15 against a pulling apart of the connector 10. The suitable securing bracket ( Fig. 9-11 ) comprises an elongated base plate 68 from which pairs of pins 69, 70 and 75, 76 project perpendicularly at the ends in one direction. In the housings 11, 12 corresponding vertical through holes 24, 25 and 42, 43 are provided, in which the securing bracket 15 with the pins 69, 70 and 75, 76 can be inserted.

The pins 69, 70, 75, 76 are slotted at their free ends and have locking heads, with which they engage at the outlet of the through holes 24, 25 and 42, 43. On securing bracket 15 are recessed grip recesses 73, 74 are formed laterally, by means of which the securing bracket 15 without tools from the housings 11, 12 can be pulled out. The securing bracket 15 is preferably formed in one piece and manufactured as an injection molded part from a plastic.

In order to ensure an unambiguous assignment of the two parts of the strain relief clamps to one another and, moreover, to enable a clear orientation of the strain relief clamps relative to the plug housing or socket housing, coding means can be arranged on the parts. Examples of such coding means are in the FIGS. 14 and 15 shown. The cable strain relief clip the Fig. 14 has analogous to FIGS. 12 and 13 a top 16 'and a bottom 17' which together form the clip. On the upper side of the lower part 17 ', two hexagonal openings 95, 96 can be seen, which receive corresponding nuts when the two parts are screwed together. The two parts 16 ', 17' are guided against each other by guide pins 80 ', 81', which are coded in this example: The guide pin 80 'on the upper part 16' has a rectangular cross section, which corresponds to a hole in the lower part 17 'with a rectangular cross section , The guide pin 81 'on the upper part 16' in contrast has a circular Cross-section, which corresponds to a hole in the lower part 17 'with a circular cross-section. Other codes are also conceivable.

Furthermore, on the lower part 17 'of the strain relief clip laterally outgoing, nose-shaped coding elements 91, 92 formed in corresponding recesses (coding elements 93, 94) in the connector housing 11' of Fig. 15 retract when the strain relief clip is fixed in the correct orientation on the connector housing 11 '. In this way it is ensured that the strain relief clamps clamp the terminating in the connector cable in the desired manner. On the connector housing 11 'of Fig. 15 It is also clear that the contact guards 67 may have different opening diameters, which allow a clear assignment between the two connectors when plugging.

• Die Steckverbindung ist beispielsweise für einen Kabelquerschnitt von 35mm² ausgelegt. Bei den Kabeln kann es sich allerdings um 3 festgelegte Kabeltypen handeln, die im Außendurchmesser von ca.11 mm bis ca.17 mm variieren können. Die Kabel werden an ein und dasselbe Metallteil (Kontaktelement) angepresst. Danach werden die Kabel samt Metallteil (Kontaktelement) ohne Werkzeug von hinten durch die Kabeltülle in die Isolationsgehäuse gesteckt, bis diese spürbar einrasten.

Overall, the operating principle of the connector according to the invention can be summarized as follows:

• The connector is designed, for example, for a cable cross-section of 35mm ² . However, the cables can be 3 fixed cable types, which can vary in outer diameter from approx. 11 mm to approx. 17 mm. The cables are pressed against one and the same metal part (contact element). Then the cables together with the metal part (contact element) are inserted without tools from behind through the cable grommet into the insulation housing until they noticeably snap into place.

When all three contacts are snapped in place, the cable strain relief clip can be slipped onto the cable grommets. Now the cable strain relief bracket can be screwed against a mounting plate with the appropriate threads using two (M5) screws. With this strain relief to reach the necessary holding power of the cable in the insulation. Furthermore, this achieves the degree of protection IP67 on the cable grommet.

In addition, the complete connector via the screws in the cable strain relief on the mounting plate is held and locked.

When disassembling the complete process happens in reverse order.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

connector

11.11 '

plug housing

12

socket housing

13.14

Kabelzugentlastungsklammer

15

safety catch

16.16 '

Upper part (cable strain relief clamp)

17.17 '

Lower part (cable strain relief clamp)

18.19

fixing screw

20

Middle part (socket housing)

21, .., 23

Socket chamber (socket housing)

24.25

Through hole (for securing bracket)

26.44

bead

27.45

grommet

28.46

grip

29.31

sealing bead

30

Jack receiving portion

32.48

terminal chamber

33.34

Section (cable receptacle)

35.49

locking lug

36,50

locking groove

37

socket space

38

Plug receiving portion

39, .., 41

Connector chamber (connector housing)

42.43

Through hole (for securing bracket)

47.67

contact protection

51

plug compartment

52

Contact element (female)

53

Contact socket

54.62

compression sleeve

55

blind hole

56

Groove (contact lamella)

57.64

locking collar

58,65

retaining groove

59.66

paragraph

60

Contact element (male)

61

contact plug

63

pen

68

baseplate

69.70

pen

71

slot

72

Rastkopf

73.74

grip

75.76

pen

77, .., 79

recess

80.81

guide pin

80 ', 81'

Guide pin (coded)

82.83

drilling

84, .., 86

recess

87.88

drilling

89,90

drilling

91.92

Coding element (strain relief clip)

93.94

Coding element (connector housing)

95.96

Hex opening

97.98

electric wire

Claims (27)

1. A plug- type connection (10) for releasably connecting a plurality of cable pairs (97, 98) with a conductor cross section of more than 10 mm², in particular for supplying the welding current for welding robots, in the case of which plug-type connection (10) individual contact elements (52 and 60, respectively), which are conductively connected to the cables, can be plugged into an insulating plug housing (11, 11') and/or an insulating socket housing (12) so as to latch in and are held replaceably in the plug housing (11, 11') and socket housing (12), respectively, wherein the latching-in of the contact elements (52 and 60, respectively) in the housings (11, 11', 12) is achieved by elastic deformation of the housings (11, 11', 12), wherein the housings (11, 11', 12) are made from a material with a hardness which makes it possible for the contact elements (52 and 60, respectively) to be plugged in and replaced without the aid of tools, characterized in that the housings (11, 11', 12) are made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
2. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug housing (11, 11') and/or the socket housing (12) are designed to be integral.
3. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the contact elements (52 and 60, respectively) are arranged in the plug housing (11, 11') and/or the socket housing (12) parallel next to one another in one plane.
4. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that in each case three contact elements (52, 60) are arranged next to one another in the housings (11, 11', 12).
5. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that cable sleeves (27 and 45, respectively) for accommodating the ends of the cables (97, 98) connected to the contact elements (52 and 60, respectively) are arranged on the plug housing (11, 11') and/or socket housing (12), and in that releasable fastening means (13 and 14, respectively) are provided, by means of which the cables (97, 98) can be fixed in the cable sleeves (27 and 45, respectively).
6. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the fastening means each comprise a cable strain-relief clamp (13, 14), which fixedly clamps the cables in the cable sleeves (27, 45) as a result of external pressure on the cable sleeves (27, 45).
7. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) each comprise an upper part (16, 16') and a lower part (17, 17'), which surround the cable sleeves (27, 45) on opposite sides and can be connected to one another.
8. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the cable sleeves (27, 45) are in the form of hollow cylinders which are arranged next to one another parallel at a distance, and in that the upper part (16, 16') and the lower part (17, 17') of the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) are each in the form of a bar, which extends transversely over the cable sleeves (27, 45) and is equipped, on the side facing the cable sleeves (27, 45), with cutouts (77, .., 79 and 84, .., 86 respectively) so as to conform to the cable sleeves (27, 45).
9. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the upper and lower parts (16, 16', 17, 17') of the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) have mutually aligned bores (82, 83 and 89, 90, respectively) in order for them to be connected to one another.
10. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the upper and lower parts (16, 16', 17, 17') of the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) are connected to one another by means of fastening screws (18, 19), which extend through the bores (82, 83 and 89, 90, respectively), and exert external pressure on the cable sleeves (27, 45).
11. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) and therefore the entire plug-type connection (10) is fixedly screwed by means of the fastening screws (18, 19) on a base.
12. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the plug housing (11, 11') and the socket housing (12) can be secured against the plug-type connection (10) being pulled apart from one another by means of a securing clip (15), which, in the plugged-together state of the plug-type connection (10), can be inserted into the housings (11, 11', 12).
13. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the securing clip (15) comprises an elongate base plate (68), from which pins (69, 70, 75, 76) protrude in perpendicular fashion in one direction at the ends, and in that through-bores (24, 25; 42, 43), into which the securing clip (15) with the pins (69, 70, 75, 76) can be plugged, are provided in the housings (11, 11', 12).
14. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the pins (69, 70, 75, 76) are provided with slots at the free ends and have latching heads (72), with which they latch in at the outlet of the through-bores (24, 25; 42, 43).
15. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that recessed grips (73, 74) are integrally formed on the securing clip (15), by means of which recessed grips (73, 74) the securing clip (15) can be drawn out of the housings (11, 12) without the use of a tool.
16. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the securing clip (15) is designed to be integral and is produced as an injection molded part from a plastic.
17. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) are produced from a plastic, in particular a fiber-reinforced polyamide.
18. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the cable sleeves (27, 45) taper slightly conically inwards towards the outlet, and in that the cutouts (77, .., 79 and 84, .., 86, respectively) are likewise slightly conical.
19. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that slightly conical socket receptacle sections (30), which are positioned next to one another at a distance and parallel and receive the contact sockets (53) of the female contact elements (52), are arranged on the socket housing (12), and in that corresponding contact protection means (67) are arranged on the plug housing (11) which receive the socket receptacle sections (30) if the plug-type connection (10) has been plugged together.
20. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that sealing beads (29, 31) are formed on the outside on the socket receptacle sections (30).
21. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the housings (11, 12) each have connection chambers (32, 48) for receiving the contact elements (52, 60), in that in each case one latching tab (35, 49) with a latching groove (36, 50), which is positioned behind the latter in the plug-in direction, is formed in the connection chambers (32, 48), and in that in each case one holding groove (58, 65) and a latching collar (57, 64) is provided on the contact elements (52, 60) so as to interact with the latching tab (35, 49) and the latching groove (36, 50).
22. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the latching collar (57, 64) has a sloping flank on the plug-in side.
23. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that recessed grips (28, 46) for drawing the housings (11, 11', 12) apart from one another are formed on the housings (11, 11', 12).
24. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the cable sleeves (27, 45) are split into two sections (33, 34), which are arranged one behind the other in the plug-in direction, wherein the inner diameter of the section (34) which is positioned further towards the outside is greater than the inner diameter of the other section (33).
25. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the upper part (16, 16') and the lower part (17, 17') of the cable strain-relief clamps (13, 14) are guided with respect to one another by means of guide pins (80, 80', 81, 81').
26. The plug-type connection as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that the guide pins (80', 81') are coded for the purpose of clear orientation of the parts (16', 17') with respect to one another.
27. The plug-type connection as claimed in one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that mutually fitting coding elements (91, 92 and 93, 94, respectively) are provided on the strain-relief clamp (13, 14) and on the associated plug or socket housing (11') and ensure a clear orientation of the strain-relief clamp (13, 14) with respect to the associated plug or socket housing (11').

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