EP2342782B1 - Plug connection with a plug part and a socket part, and adapter housing for accommodating the plug connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connection (1) comprising a. a plug part (6) and a socket part (7), said parts having corresponding interconnecting mating faces with a plug housing (9) and a socket housing (10), said mating faces encompassing a plurality of metal, electrically conducting female and male contacts (11, 12) b. and adapter housings (4, 5) into which the plug and socket parts (6, 7) can be inserted, said housings preferably capable of being plugged together and preferably locked together – in particular latched or screwed together -, wherein c. the plug housing (9) and/or the socket housing (10) comprise a contact support (17, 117) at which the contacts (11, 12) can be pre-mounted, said support and contacts being movable from a pre-mounting position to a final mounting position at a contact support (21, 121) after pre-mounting of the contacts (11, 12).

Description

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

Adapters of the generic type allow the use of the connector parts inserted in them even in harsher environment - for example in production plants or vehicles - by achieving a higher than the protection class of the plug part protection class such. IP65 or IP67.

A first arrangement for a telephone plug is from the US 4,349,236 (Bell Telephone Laboratories).

The idea of achieving higher requirements from environmental classifications was further developed or anchored in IEC 61067-3-106 variant 4, in EN 50173-1: 2005, in ISO / IEC 24702 and in IEC 61918.

One way to realize these standards is shown by the DE 102 36 275 B3 , However, this known construction has the problem that it is suitable only for the transmission of electrical signals and that it usually requires an increase in space to the solution for other connector parts, such as optical fiber technology (for example, with SC simplex inserts especially in Distance 7.35 mm), to be able to use. The known construction should also be improved in view of high mechanical and chemical loads, which they do not optimally meet.

To solve this problem is in the EP 1 786 071 A2 proposed that the receiving housing has a front receiving portion for the plug part and a directly integrally adjoining cylindrical portion having a part of the axial length extending external thread for screwing a nut for the cable gland. The mother also has a Extending over a part of its axial length extending internal thread and an axially extending beyond the threaded end sleeve portion having a slightly larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion, so that between the inner diameter of the sleeve portion and the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion in the direction of Plug face is open and formed at the other end of the screwed thread axially sealed annular space in which engages a sleeve portion of a sliding sleeve or arranged between the sliding sleeve and the nut adapter sleeve.

A generic arrangement according to the Oberbegritf of claim 1 is known from US 6,132,262 known.

This construction has proven itself. However, there is a need to provide a further, as universally applicable plug-in connection, which can be used in a simple manner with and without additional adapter housing.

The invention solves the above-mentioned object by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

In this case, the one or more contacts in the through holes are positively and / or non-positively determined.

The invention includes embodiments of the connector without, but in particular with adapter protective housings for the plug part and the female part to achieve a higher seal.

A particular advantage of the arrangement is such a feasible easy and safe installation of the contacts, which are preferably designed as pin and socket contacts, which are attached to conductor ends of a cable, for example, crimped, first on the contact carrier, which then movable with the contacts in a final assembly position , in particular displaceable

According to a preferred embodiment, the plug and socket housings have a rectangular cross-section, wherein preferably a plurality of parallel aligned rows of electrical contacts are provided to such a particularly compact connector with a large number of contacts in a small space, the signals, energy or Data are usable to realize.

It is expedient and structurally simple if the contact carrier is formed like a frame and if it has a plurality of guide sleeve-like and preferably slotted and thus limited elastically expandable through holes, which are penetrated by a part of the contacts - at least one contact - or all contacts.

After a further, the safety of the plug connection increasing variant, the locking between the contact carrier and the contact holder in the final assembly position is easily or repeatedly blocked or blocked.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Steckverbindung mit einem Steckerteil und einem Buchsenteil und diese umgebenden Adapatergehäusen im zusammengesteckten Zustand;

Fig. 2a,b

ein Adaptergehäuse mit einem Buchsenteil einmal im nicht ineinander gesteckten und einmal im ineinander gesteckten Zustand;

Fig. 3a,b

ein Adaptergehäuse mit einem Steckerteil einmal im nicht ineinander gesteckten und einmal im ineinander gesteckten Zustand;

Fig. 4

eine perspektivische Einzelansicht des Steckerteils aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Einzelansicht des Steckerteils aus Fig. 4 mit einem Kabelende eines mehradrigen Kabels mit an die Adern dieses Kabels angeschlagenen Steckkontakten;

Fig. 6-8

den Zusammenbau des Steckerteils aus Fig. 4 in mehreren Schritten;

Fig. 9a,b

zwei perspektivische Einzelansichten des Buchsenteils aus Fig. 3;

Fig. 10-13

den Zusammenbau des Buchsenteils aus Fig. 9 in mehreren Schritten;

Fig. 14-23

Darstellungen weiterer Varianten der Erfindung; und

Fig: 24a-f

eine Montage einer weiteren erfindungsgemäßen Variante in mehreren aufeinander folgenden Schritten.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing with reference to exemplary embodiments, whereby further advantages of the invention will become apparent. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a connector with a plug part and a female part and surrounding adapter housing in the assembled state;

Fig. 2a, b

an adapter housing with a female part once in not nested and once in nested condition;

Fig. 3a, b

an adapter housing with a plug part once in the non-nested and once in the nested state;

Fig. 4

a perspective single view of the plug part Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 5

a perspective single view of the plug part Fig. 4 with a cable end of a multi-core cable with posted on the wires of this cable plug contacts;

Fig. 6-8

the assembly of the plug part Fig. 4 in several steps;

Fig. 9a, b

two perspective individual views of the socket part Fig. 3 ;

Fig. 10-13

the assembly of the socket part Fig. 9 in several steps;

Fig. 14-23

Representations of other variants of the invention; and

Fig. 24a-f

an assembly of a further variant according to the invention in several successive steps.

Fig. 1 to 3 show in interaction a connector 1 with a first connector part 2 and a second connector part 3, each plugged together and lockable - in particular latching or screw - adapter housing 4, 5, which in turn mating plug and socket parts 6, 7 are used ( Fig. 2a and b as well as 4; Fig. 3a and b ).

One of the adapter housing - the adapter housing 5 - is here provided with a flange 8 and is suitable for example for attachment to an opening in a housing (not shown here) or on a plate or the like ..

The plug and socket parts 6, 7 have corresponding mating plug-in faces with a plug housing 9 and a socket housing 10 which are configured such that the plug housing 9 can be inserted into the socket housing 10. This is where the terms "male and female part" are derived. The plug housing 9 comprises a plurality of metallic, electrically conductive female contacts 11, which are mated with a plurality of male contacts 12 of the female housing 10 ( Fig. 5 . 6 and 9a , 1012, 13). It would also be a reverse arrangement with female contacts in the female housing and corresponding male contacts in the connector housing or a mixed arrangement conceivable (not shown here).

The plug and socket housings 9, 10 here each have a compact shape with a rectangular cross section, wherein preferably a plurality of parallel aligned rows of electrical contacts 11, 12 are provided. In a particularly preferred embodiment, ten of the contacts 11, 12 are provided in three rows to twice three and once four contacts, which can be used for the transmission of data, electrical line and / or signals.

Due to this large number of contacts 11, 12 in a small space, the connector 1 is particularly well suited for tasks of automation technology.

Preferably, the adapter housings 4, 5 (eg provided with corresponding seals and the like.) Are designed in a relatively high degree of protection such as IP65 or more while the inner male and female parts 6, 7, which are also plugged without the adapter housing 4, 5, in a lower degree of protection such as IP20 are designed so that it is possible with the adapter housings 4, 5, the connector 1 in a harsh environment eg to be used in industrial production.

The structure of the adapter housing 4, 5 may be realized in the manner of the prior art described, in particular, the plug part 6 and the socket part 7 in the adapter housings 4, 5 are locked, which, for example, in Fig. 3 it can be seen after a locking projection 13 on the connector housing 9 engages in a corresponding recess 14 on the adapter housing 4.

Of particular interest are the structural design of the male and female parts 6, 7.

Fig. 4 shows a single representation of the connector part 6 in the assembled state and Fig. 5 an explosive view of the connector part. 6

Good to see the multi-part design of the connector housing. 9

The plug housing 9 is designed to be mounted on a cable end of a cable 16 having a plurality of conductors 15, wherein the sleeve-like socket contacts 11 are mounted on the conductor ends of the conductors 15, which is preferably carried out by a crimping operation.

For holding the socket contacts 11 is a frame-like contact carrier 17 ( Fig. 5 ), which is preferably made of plastic and in or on the one of the number of female contacts 11 corresponding number of guide sleeve-like and preferably at two circumferential locations over a part of the axial length radially slotted and thus limited elastically expandable through holes 18 is formed with webs 18 a which are penetrated by the female contacts 11, so that the free - projecting from the conductors 15 ends of the socket contacts protrude from the through holes.

In the through holes 18 and / or on the webs 18 a, the female contacts 11 are positively and / or non-positively fixed, which is clamping or preferably by latching, for which purpose on the outer circumference of the socket contacts 11 and the through holes 18 corresponding locking means 19 may be provided ( Fig. 7b, c ), which in turn may be formed as recesses in the contacts 11 and corresponding locking edges - here on the webs 18a. The Through holes and / or the webs 18a can also taper and form even with their free ends these locking edges 19 to secure a Vorverrastung

To simplify the assembly of the contact carrier 17 is movable - here slidably - arranged on a contact holder 21 with through holes 22 ( Fig. 5 to 7 ), in which it can be latched in two positions offset axially relative to one another in the plug-in direction X, wherein it has a greater distance from the passage openings 22 in the contact holder 21 in one of these two latching positions than in the other.

The contact holder 21 is preferably also made of plastic and has a number of female contacts 11 corresponding number of through holes 22 which are aligned with the openings of the female contacts 11.

The contact carrier 17 is in the position in which it has a greater distance from the contact holder 21, pre-latched ( Fig. 6 ). This "preassembly or Vorverraststellung" serves to pre-assemble the conductor ends 15 with the female contacts 11 in a simple manner quickly and safely, including the conductor ends 15 are inserted through the through holes 18.

The thus pre-assembled contact carrier 17 is then with the female contacts 11 in the direction of the portion of the contact holder 21, which has the passage openings 22, moved and brought into the second detent position.

This can be realized in various ways, for example by latching hook 23 of a sufficient length - in this case four latching hooks - on two of the two components 17, 21 in two mutually axially offset latching recesses 24a, b on the other of the two components contact carrier 17 or contact holder 21 latched are ( Fig. 6a, b, c ) or that for the various positions different locking means, in particular different strong verschiebesicherer design are provided (not shown here).

After the pre-assembly of the conductor 15, the contact carrier is simply from the "Vorverraststellung" of Fig. 6 into the "detention" of the Fig. 7 postponed.

The guide sleeve-like webs 18a at the through holes may be designed to dip in this state in hopper 20 or analogous corresponding contours in the contact holder 21 such that a widening of the webs 18a is prevented by the contact holder 21 to the outside and thus the locking of the socket contacts 11 in Contact carrier 17 is locked.

The connector housing 9 mounted in this way can be enclosed by a shielding housing 26 made of one or more shielding plates 27.

It is also conceivable to insert the plug part 6 directly into the adapter housing 4 or by using an additional part such as an extension extending its axial length 28 (FIG. Fig. 8 ) or intermediate housing. Here, the projection 28 is firmly locked on the shield housing 26, which in turn serve corresponding latching means such as latching hooks 29 and 30 recesses.

It is also advantageous to provide a strain relief for the cable, which can be realized in a simple embodiment by a cable gland 25 (on the plug part 2) ( Fig. 1 ).

Preferably, the latching hooks 23 in the Endverraststellung in which the contact carrier 17 is axially closer to the contact holder 21 with the through holes blocked. This function can be realized, for example, with the aid of the shielding housing 26, when the shielding plates 27 are designed such that they cover the latching hooks 23 in the mounted position towards the outer periphery such that they can not move out of the latching recesses 24 (analogous to those to be described) Fig. 15 to the female part).

A corresponding embodiment has the female housing 10.

The female housing 10 ( Fig. 9a , b; 10a, b) is also adapted to be mounted on a cable end of a cable 115 having a plurality of conductors 115, wherein at the conductor ends of the conductors 115 respectively here pin contacts (or more generally "male contacts") 12 are mounted, which in turn preferably carried out by a crimping process ( Fig. 10 - 12 ).

For holding the pin contacts 112, a frame-like contact carrier 117, which in turn is preferably made of plastic and in which one of the number of male contacts 12 corresponding number of guide sleeve-like and preferably slotted and thus limited elastically expandable through holes 118 - possibly provided with webs 118 a - formed is, which are penetrated by the male contacts 12, so that the free - facing away from the conductors 115 ends of the through holes 118 with the webs 118 a pre-latched protrude.

In the through holes 118, the male contacts 12 are positively and / or non-positively determined by what is clamping or preferably by latching, including on the outer circumference of the contacts 12 and the through holes 118 and their webs 118a corresponding locking means 119 may be provided ( Fig. 12 ), which in turn may be formed as recesses in the contacts 11 and corresponding locking edges. The through holes 118 or webs 118a thereto can also taper and form these locking edges even with their free ends.

To simplify the assembly of the contact carrier 117 is movable - here slidably - arranged on a contact holder 121 ( Fig. 10 . 11 . 12 ), on which it can be latched in two positions offset axially relative to one another in the insertion direction X, wherein it has a greater distance from the contact holder 121 in one of these two latching positions than in the other.

The contact holder 121 is preferably also made of plastic and has a number of male contacts 12 corresponding number of through holes 122 which are aligned with the contacts 12.

The contact carrier 117 is in the position in which it has a greater distance from the contact holder 121, pre-latched. This "pre-locked position" serves to quickly and safely pre-assemble the conductor ends 115 with the male contacts 12 in a simple manner, for which purpose the conductor ends 115 are inserted through the through-openings 118.

The thus pre-assembled contact carrier 117 is then with the contacts 12 in the direction of the portion of the contact holder 121, which has the passage openings 122, moved and placed in the second detent position, so that the ends of the male contacts 12 pass through the through holes 122.

This can be realized in various ways, for example by latching hook 123 of a sufficient length - in this case four latching hooks - latched to one of the two components 117, 121 in two axially offset latching recesses 124a, b at the other of the two components contact carrier 117 or contact holder 121 are ( Fig. 10 ) or that for the various positions different locking means, in particular different strong verschiebesicherer design are provided (not shown here).

The guide sleeve-like webs 118a at the through openings can be designed to dip in this state in funnels 120 or analogous corresponding contours again in the contact holder 121 such that a widening of the webs 118a is prevented to the outside and thus locks the locking of the pin contacts 10 in the contact carrier 117 becomes.

After the pre-assembly of the conductor 115, the contact carrier 117 is moved from the "pre-locked position" into the "latching position" (FIG. Fig. 12 . 13 ).

The socket housing 10 mounted in this way can in turn be enclosed by a screen housing 126 made of one or two (or more) shielding plates 127.

It is also advantageous to provide a strain relief for the cable 116, which can be realized in a simple embodiment by cable ties 132 on a mounting contour 131 on the female housing 10 ( Fig. 9b ).

Preferably, the latching hooks 123 in the Endverraststellung in which the contact carrier 117 is axially closer to the contact holders 121 with the through holes blocked. This function can be realized, for example, with the aid of the shielding housing 126, when the shielding plates 127 are configured in such a way that they cover the latching hooks 123 in the mounted position towards the outer circumference so that they can not move out of the latching recesses 124a, b (FIG. Fig. 15 ).

Preferably, the shield plates 27, 127 are designed snapped and in turn latched to locking means on the plug or socket housing 9, 10.

The shield housing 126 or a part of the housing can also be designed to be displaceable and slidable into and out of a blocking position, wherein it is further particularly advantageous if, when displaced into the blocking position, it engages in an undercut or slot 133 of a lug 134 or Like. Engraves, so that it itself - the latching hook 128 securing - is secured against bending outwards, so that in a simple and advantageous manner quasi a kind of "multiple" blocking position for the latching hook 123 can be realized ( Fig. 16 - 19 ).

A sheet metal tab 135, which engages in a recess 136 of the plug housing 9 or female housing 10, can secure the shield housing itself against displacement ( Fig. 19 ).

The mobility of the shield housing 126 opens up particularly well Fig. 20 ,

Here, the shield housing 126 is formed from a shield plate 127 and a zinc / die-cast lower part 139, to which the contact holder 121 can be attached to pin 137.

The relative displaceability of the contact carrier 117 on the contact holder 121 and on the Zinkdruckgussunterteil 136 is still given. The actual shield plate 127 is displaceably guided with the contact carrier 117 on the contact holder 121, which in turn further simplifies handling and assembly. It is from the pre-assembly of the Fig. 22a in the final assembly of the Fig. 22b movable, in which it can be latched on the contact holder 121 (locking means 138)

Fig. 23 shows a variant in which on the plug housing 9 (and / or on the socket housing) are arranged outside relative to this pivotable shield plates 31, 32, from an angularly "swung" position of Fig. 22a, b in a tilted position in a system directly on the connector housing 9 are pivotable.

In this case, the shield plates 31, 32 facing away from the mating face side in the pivoted state with each other a widening angle, which facilitates the insertion of the female terminals.

In the pivoted state, the latching position of the contact carrier 17 is locked on the contact holder 21 again. To realize the pivoting have in a side view in any case sections U-shaped shield plates 31, 32 here on one side slots 33 and the connector housing 9 corresponding pins 34, wherein on the opposite side in addition to such an arrangement corresponding locking hole / pin arrangements, 35th , 36 are provided to fix the open position and the locking position releasably latching respectively.

A corresponding arrangement of shielding plates is preferably realized on the socket part (not shown).

As already discussed, the contact carrier 17, 117, a plurality of guide sleeve-like and preferably slotted and thus limited elastically expandable through holes 18, 118, which are penetrated by the contacts. But it is also conceivable if only a portion of the contacts 12 passes through corresponding passage openings 218. A corresponding embodiment shows Fig. 24 , Here, the contact carrier 217 has three rows R1, R2, R3 of the contacts 12. All contacts are preassembled on the contact carrier 217. Only a middle row of contacts intersperses the in Fig. 24a to be recognized through openings 218 in the contact carrier 217th

The remaining contacts 12 are arranged in non-circumferentially closed grooves 219, in which they are preferably kept pre-assembled similar to the definition in the through holes. The contacts in the two outer contact rows can thus be particularly easily mounted from the outside by being inserted into the corresponding grooves 219 (Fig. 1a, b, c).

Then, this preassembled unit is inserted into a correspondingly formed contact holder 221 and latched there (FIG. 4d). Thereafter, a shroud 227 and preferably a lower part 239 (in particular in die-cast zinc version) can be mounted on this preassembled arrangement ( Fig. 24d, e, f ). This unit can finally be placed in an adapter sleeve (not shown here).

reference numeral

connector

1

first connector part

2

second connector part

3

adapter housing

4, 5

Plug and socket parts

6, 7

flange

8th

plug housing

9

socket housing

10

female contacts

11

male contacts

12

catch projection

13, 113

recess

14, 114

ladder

15, 115

funnel

20, 120

contact support

17, 117, 217

Through openings

18, 118, 228

latching means

19:20, 119

contact holder

21, 121, 221

Through openings

22, 122

latch hook

23, 123

recesses

24a, b, 124a, b

Cable gland

25

Shield housing, sheets

26, 27, 126, 127, 227

approach

28

latch hook

29

recesses

30

shielding plates

31, 32

slots

33

spigot

34

Catch hole / pin assemblies

35, 36

mounting contours

131

cable ties

132

slot

133

flap

134

sheet tab

135

recess

136

spigot

137

latching means

138

Zinc / die-cast base

139, 239

string

R1, R2, R3

Claims (13)

1. A plug-in connection (1) with

   a. a plug part (6) and a socket part (7) which have corresponding, intermateable plug-in faces, with a plug housing (9) and a socket housing (10), which surround a plurality of metallic, electrically conductive female or male contacts (11, 12) respectively,

   b. and also preferably with adapter housings (4, 5) which are in each case intermateable and preferably lockable - in particular latchable or screw-connectable - with one another, into which housings the plug and socket parts (6, 7) can be inserted,

   c. the plug housing (9) and/or the socket housing (10) having a contact carrier (17, 117) on which at least some of the contacts or all of the contacts (11, 12) can be pre-assembled and which is movable with the contacts into a final assembly position on a contact holder (21, 121) after the pre-assembly of the contacts (11, 12), and

   d. the contact carrier (17, 117) being latchable in at least two positions, axially offset relative to one another in the direction of plugging, on the contact holder (21, 121),

   e. and the contact carrier (17) having a plurality of guide-sleeve-like and preferably slit and hence limited elastically expandable passage openings (18) which are penetrated by some of the contacts or by the contacts (11, 12), characterised in that

   f. the contacts (11, 12) are fixed in the passage openings (18, 118) in a positive fit and/or a force fit.
2. A plug-in connection according to Claim 1, characterised in that the plug housing and socket housing (9, 10) have a rectangular cross-section, with preferably a plurality of rows of electrical contacts (11, 12) oriented parallel to one another being provided.
3. A plug-in connection according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact carrier (17, 117) is designed like a frame.
4. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   a. the contact carrier (17, 117) has latch recesses (124a, b) which are axially offset relative to one another in the direction of plugging, and in that

   b. the contact holder (21, 121) has latch hooks (123) which can be latched in different axial positions in the latch recesses (124a, b).
5. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact holder (21, 121) has at least one or a number of passage openings (22, 122) which are flush with the contacts (11, 12) which corresponds to the number of contacts (11, 12).
6. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that crosspieces (18a, 118a) are formed on the passage openings (18, 118), which crosspieces are designed to project into corresponding contours, in particular funnels (20, 120), in the contact holder (21, 121) such that in this state expansion of the crosspieces (18a, 118a) outwards is prevented and the latching of the contacts (11, 12) in the contact carrier (17, 117) is thus locked.
7. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plug housing (9) and/or the socket housing is surrounded entirely or in sections by a shield housing (26, 126).
8. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shield housing (26, 126) consists of one or more shield plates (27, 127) and/or of a die-cast part (139) and one or more shield plates (127).
9. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latching (123, 124) between the contact carrier (17, 117) and the contact holder (21, 121) in the final assembly position can be individually or multiply blocked.
10. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latching (123, 124) between the contact carrier (17, 117) and the contact holder (21, 121) in the final assembly position can be blocked with the shield housing (126).
11. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plug housing (9) surrounds the female contacts (11) and the socket housing (10) the male contacts (12), and in that the plug housing (9) can be inserted into the socket housing (10).
12. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that shield plates (31, 32) which are pivotable relative to the plug housing (9) and/or on the socket housing are arranged externally thereon, which plates are pivotable out of an angularly pivoted-up position into a pivoted-in position on the plug housing (9).
13. A plug-in connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that furthermore one or more open grooves (229) is/are formed on the contact carrier (217), in which groove(s) one or more of the contacts can be placed in a manner so as to be able to be preassembled.

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