EP2953213B1 - Connector assembly and encoding element for same and method for encoding a connector assembly - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connector assembly having a connector and a mating connector, each having a Isolierstoffgehäuse and plug contacts in the insulating material and corresponding to each other for mating and electrically conductive connecting associated plug contacts in the assembled state configured plug contours and having at least one coding element which is displaceable on the plug contours the connector and mating connector is receivable and defines an allowable plug position for the mating of connectors and mating connector.

The invention further relates to a coding element for such a connector assembly and a method for coding such a connector assembly with at least one such Kodierelement.

In connector assemblies, the plug contours are matched by shaping the insulating material each match so that a connector can be connected only in a permissible plug position with a mating connector and miscarriage is reliably prevented.

But there are applications in which similar connectors or mating connectors are used for different functions and a swap of similar connectors must be reliably prevented. For this purpose, it is known to provide the connector and / or mating connector with separate coding elements, which are attached as needed to the mating contour of the insulating material.

DE 10 2011 051 567 B4 shows a plug connection arrangement with a coding element, which is formed as a longitudinally shaped coding pin for arrangement in a groove-shaped recess of the connector assembly. The coding element has a varying width and an outwardly curved area. Between the opposite side surfaces in the region of the bulge, a recess is provided which has a spring action on the coding element in order to introduce the curved side surfaces accurately into the groove-shaped recess and to hold it there.

Out EP 2 091 108 A1 is a connector known, are pre-assembled as a preassembled unit on each of at least one of the connector parts. When first axial mating of the two connector parts sets one of two pre-assembled for coding coding on the other connector part and remains after the first release of the assembled connector parts on this other connector part. Two coding devices forming a coding device are thus first mounted together on a first connector part and delivered therewith. When used for the first time, the two coding elements are then singulated and one of the coding elements of the first connector part is latched to the corresponding coding element and to the second connector part. During later use of the connector coding is achieved by the now separated coding.

EP 0 235 339 A1 discloses a multi-pin connector whose plug part and socket part have a coordinated contour, which together form plug-in receptacles for it can be used coding. For this purpose, dovetail guides and additional grooves and ribs are present at the top of the plug part or on the upper inner wall of the socket part. The coding elements are inserted into the dovetail guides.

GB 1 568 189 A shows a connector assembly with a Kodierelement having a tapered end. The coding element is inserted with the wider end in a connector and held there. When attaching a mating connector, the tapered end dips into a contour of the mating connector without entering into a power connection.

Based on this, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved connector assembly and an improved coding and a method for encoding a connector assembly.

The object is achieved with the connector with the features of claim 1 and with the coding element with the features of claim 13 and by
the method with the features of claim 19 solved. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

For a plug connector arrangement formed from a plug connector and a mating plug connector and at least one coding element, it is proposed that the plug contours of both the plug connector and the mating plug connector have connecting elements. Furthermore, the at least one coding element has at least two spaced connecting elements. The connecting elements of the coding element are designed for releasable positive and / or non-positive connection with a respective associated connecting element of the connector or mating connector. The at least one coding element is externally in a state in which the connector and the mating connector are at least partially plugged together, accessible and displaceable. Thus, the positive releasable connection of the associated connecting elements of the coding element and connector can be solved and the coding element now connected to a displacement in the direction of the mating connector by means of the associated connecting elements of the coding and the mating connector with the mating connector become.

According to the teachings of the present invention, the coding element can thus be connected to the plug-in connector or to the mating connector in a form-fitting and / or force-locking manner. This positive connection can be canceled to connect the coding optionally either with the connector or with the mating connector form-fitting and / or non-positively.

The coding element is thus, so to speak, latched over in order to determine a specific coding of plug connector and mating connector.

In the delivery state, the coding element is positively and / or non-positively connected delivered to the connector or mating connector. At the first startup can then be a latching of at least one selected coding done, which is then released from the connector and connected to the mating connector or vice versa. It is also conceivable that selected before mating, with delivered and connected coding from the connector or mating connector are completely removed. The shifting and "snapping" of the coding element is made possible by the fact that the coding element has in each case a connecting element for the plug connector and for the mating plug connector, which are spaced apart from one another. For this purpose, the connecting elements may, for example, lie opposite one another in the longitudinal extension direction of the coding element, i. be arranged at the diametrically opposite end portions of the Kodierelementes. It is also conceivable that the connecting elements are opposite transversely to the longitudinal direction. You can then, if necessary, still be spaced in the longitudinal direction.

The coding thus has a guide contour for linearly displaceable recording on a connector and a mating connector of Connector assembly and spaced apart connecting elements (eg at opposite end portions) for releasable positive and / or non-positive connection with a respective associated connector or mating connector. In the mated state of the connector and mating connector, the coding element is thus either releasably and positively and / or non-positively connected to the connector or with the mating connector. The connection can be changed by moving the coding element after the detachable connection has been removed.

• formschlüssiges und/oder kraftschlüssiges lösbares Verbinden des mindestens einen Kodierelementes an dem Steckverbinder;
• Zusammenstecken des Steckverbinders mit einem Gegensteckverbinder und
• Lösen der Verbindung mindestens eines ausgewählten Kodierelementes mit dem Steckverbinder, Verschieben des ausgewählten Kodierelementes in Richtung Gegensteckverbinder und formschlüssiges und/oder kraftschlüssiges lösbares Verbinden des ausgewählten Kodierelementes mit dem Gegensteckverbinder.

The coding of a connector assembly is thus carried out by

• positive and / or non-positive detachable connection of the at least one coding element to the connector;
• Mating the connector with a mating connector and
• Releasing the connection of at least one selected coding element with the connector, shifting the selected coding element in the direction of mating connector and positive and / or non-positive detachable connection of the selected coding element with the mating connector.

The coding elements can thus already be factory-mounted on a first connector component. From the user, the coding can be adjusted individually as required by moving and locking the selected coding on the second connector component. Thus, no separate coding elements are still available as user still to be assembled items.

Under a connector is a plug or socket part and under a mating connector corresponding thereto connector part, that is, in the case of a plug, a socket part or, in the case of a socket, the plug part.

Under a detachable connection is to be understood that the connecting element of the male part or mating connector engages with each other so that the connection element of the coding, that the two connection partners, namely the connector or mating connector and the associated coding element can not be easily solved from each other. This succeeds z. B. in that a portion of the one connecting element is a portion of the other connecting element upon withdrawal of the coding element in the way and thus a stop, i. a catch is formed. It is also conceivable that the connection is provided by a frictional connection, in which a connecting element exerts a force on the associated other connecting element. This can be done for example by a spring arm of the coding, which provides a releasable connection between the coding and connector or mating connector by frictional engagement. It is also conceivable, however, a combination of a positive and a non-positive releasable connection.

The connecting elements of the connector and the mating connector are preferably formed as latching recesses. The connecting elements of the at least one coding pin, however, are designed as latching fingers. The latching fingers and latching recesses have a plug for inserting a latching finger into a latching recess and for releasably connecting the latching finger inserted into the latching recess by means of a latching stop and / or by force fit contour. It is thus conceivable for the latching finger to be inserted into a latching recess and a frictional engagement to be exerted on the inner wall of the latching recess with the aid of a protruding section or spring arm. This must be overcome to release the connection and move the coding. Such a shift can z. B. can be achieved with the help of an externally acting on the coding screwdriver.

The coding element is still still secured to the connector or mating connector that it does not fall out easily in the unmated state.

The latching finger and the detent recess can in another embodiment, however, also form a latching stop for forming a positive connection. For this purpose, the latching finger may have a latching projection which cooperates with a recess in the latching recess. The latching fingers preferably extend in the longitudinal extension direction of the coding pin. In this case, a latching finger is preferably present on both sides of the coding pin at the diametrically opposite ends. These latching fingers have laterally projecting latching projections, with which the coding can be releasably and positively fixed to the associated connection element of the connector or mating connector.

The latching recesses are preferably formed as grooves with recesses on the groove walls for receiving associated latching projections of a latching finger of a coding element inserted in the latching recess.

It is also conceivable, however, a reverse variant, in which the connecting elements of the connector and mating connector are designed as latching fingers and the connecting elements of the coding element as latching recesses. The latching fingers and the detent recesses have a plug-in for engagement of a detent finger in a detent recess and for releasably positive and / or non-positive connection of the inserted into a detent detent finger by means of a locking stop and / or fit by force contour.

A further preferred embodiment provides that the coding element on diametrically opposite sides, which in the inserted state, on the one hand, face the plug connector and, on the other hand, the mating plug connector, each extend in the longitudinal extension direction of the coding element has running locking groove. From the adjacent surface of the connector and the mating connector protrude locking tabs. Depending on the insertion position, a locking tab projects into an associated locking groove and forms a stop which secures the coding element in the plug-in position either on the connector or on the mating connector. The other locking nose does not protrude into the associated locking groove.

It when the plug contours of the connector and the mating connector linear guides for linearly displaceable receiving at least one coding have is particularly advantageous.

The at least one coding element then has a guide contour adapted to the linear guide. Thus, the at least one coding element is linearly displaceable held and guided on a connector and the mating connector.

The guide contour of the at least one coding element and the linear guides can preferably form a dovetail guide. Thus, the coding element is not only guided linearly but also held on a connector or mating connector.

The dovetail guide can be realized in that the coding on each opposite side surfaces each have a extending in the longitudinal direction of the Kodierelementes groove with obliquely or curved towards each other to running walls.

It is particularly advantageous if the at least one coding element has holding nubs projecting on opposite sides. The linear guides have a holding section, in which a retaining strip formed by the linear guide non-positively on an associated holding nubs of an inserted and with the connector or mating connector connected coding pin is applied. The linear guides also have a widened removal section, in which the linear guide is not in engagement with an associated holding nubs. Due to the frictional connection of the at least one retaining strip of the connector with an associated holding knob of the coding the coding element is connected to the connector. Then there is also in the plug state of the mating connector which is plugged on the connector, no positive and / or non-positive connection of the coding with the mating connector. Only by snapping the non-positive connection with the connector can be repealed upon displacement of the coding element and a frictional connection of retaining strips of the mating connector are produced with associated holding nubs of the coding. After displacement of the coding and connection with the connector or mating connector of the holding nubs is thus displaced into a position in which it rests non-positively on the retaining strip in the narrow holding portion.

It is particularly advantageous if two holding nubs are present on the diametrically opposite side walls. The pairs of holding nubs are then each offset in height on a side wall and arranged offset to one another in the longitudinal direction of the Kodierelementes. Thus, the insertion and insertion position of the coding is arbitrary.

The at least one coding element is particularly advantageously designed mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical, so that the coding element can be inserted into an associated linear guide of the connector or mating connector without damage to the insertion direction and the orientation and latched there.

By "latching" is meant a releasable connection in the broadest sense, such as a positive connection, for. B. by means of a stop, a frictional connection or a combination thereof.

Figur 1

- perspektivische Ansicht einer Steckverbinderanordnung mit einem Steckverbinder, einem Gegensteckverbinder und mit verschiebbaren Kodierelementen;

Figur 2

- Draufsicht auf die Steckverbinderanordnung aus Figur 1;

Figur 3

- perspektivische Ansicht eines Kodierelementes für die Steckverbinderanordnung aus Figur 1 und 2;

Figur 4

- Draufsicht auf das Kodierelement auf Figur 3,

Figur 5

- Seitenansicht des Kodierelementes aus Figur 3 und 4;

Figur 6

- Frontansicht des Kodierelementes aus Figuren 3 bis 5;

Figur 7

- perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinders der Steckverbinderanordnung aus Figur 1 mit einem Kodierelement;

Figur 8

- perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinders aus Figur 7 von der anderen Seite;

Figur 9

- Frontansicht der Einsteckseite des Gegensteckverbinders der Steckverbinderanordnung aus Figur 1 und 2;

Figur 10

- Draufsicht auf den Gegensteckverbinder aus Figur 9;

Figur 11

- perspektivische Ansicht des Gegensteckverbinders aus Figuren 9 und 10;

Figur 12

- perspektivische Ausschnittsansicht der Steckkontur des Steckverbinders aus Figur 7 und 8;

Figur 13

- Ausschnitts-Schnittansicht des Steckkontur des Gegensteckverbinders;

Figur 14

- Seitenansicht des Gegensteckverbinders mit Rastlasche;

Figur 15

- perspektivische Ansicht eines Steckverbinders für die Steckverbinderanordnung aus Figur 1 im Auslieferungszustand mit drei Kodierelementen;

Figur 16

- Draufsicht auf den Steckverbinder aus Figur 15;

Figur 17

- Frontansicht auf die Einsteckseite des Steckverbinders aus Figuren 15 und 16;

Figur 18

- Seitenansicht des Steckverbinders aus Figuren 15 bis 17;

Figur 19

- perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Kodierelementes;

Figur 20

- Perspektivische Ausschnittsansicht der Steckkontur eines Steckverbinders mit Kodierelementes gemäß Figur 19;

Figur 21

- Seiten-Schnittansicht eines an der Steckkontur eines Steckverbinders verrastetem Kodierelementes.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment with the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1

- Perspective view of a connector assembly with a connector, a mating connector and with sliding coding elements;

FIG. 2

- Top view of the connector assembly from FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

- Perspective view of a coding element for the connector assembly FIG. 1 and 2 ;

FIG. 4

- Top view of the coding on FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5

- Side view of the coding from FIG. 3 and 4 ;

FIG. 6

- Front view of the coding element off FIGS. 3 to 5 ;

FIG. 7

- Perspective view of the connector of the connector assembly FIG. 1 with a coding element;

FIG. 8

- Perspective view of the connector FIG. 7 from the other side;

FIG. 9

- Front view of the insertion of the mating connector of the connector assembly FIG. 1 and 2 ;

FIG. 10

- Top view of the mating connector FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11

- Perspective view of the mating connector FIGS. 9 and 10 ;

FIG. 12

- Sectional perspective view of the plug contour of the connector FIGS. 7 and 8 ;

FIG. 13

- Sectional sectional view of the plug contour of the mating connector;

FIG. 14

- Side view of the mating connector with locking tab;

FIG. 15

- Perspective view of a connector for the connector assembly FIG. 1 in delivery state with three coding elements;

FIG. 16

- Top view of the connector off FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17

- Front view of the plug-in side of the connector FIGS. 15 and 16 ;

FIG. 18

- Side view of the connector FIGS. 15 to 17 ;

FIG. 19

- Perspective view of another embodiment of a coding element;

FIG. 20

- Perspektivische part view of the plug contour of a connector with coding according to FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21

- Side sectional view of a latched on the plug contour of a connector coding element.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector assembly 1 with a connector 2 and a mating connector 3, which have a plug-in contour formed for mating and electrically conductive mating contacts of connector 2 and mating connector 3. The connector 2 has an insulating housing 4 accommodated therein, not visible plug contacts and with conductor insertion openings on the back (not visible). The conductor insertion openings are provided for insertion of electrical conductors to electrically introduced electrical conductor with an associated plug contact in the insulating z. B. by means of a spring clamp connection, a screw terminal, a cutting terminal connection or the like to contact. In the illustrated embodiment 4 spring terminal contacts are arranged in the interior of the insulating material, which can be actuated for example with actuating means. The mating connector 3 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a printed circuit board connector, protrude in the connection contacts 5 of the insulating 6 of the mating connector 3. These connection contacts 5 are connected to plug contacts in the interior of the insulating housing 6 of the mating connector 3 to electrically connected in the illustrated mated state in contact with corresponding plug contacts of the connector 2.

The plug contour 7 of the connector 2 and the corresponding plug contour 8 of the mating connector 3 have z. B. linear guides for linearly displaceable recording of at least one Kodierelementes 9. These linear guides are formed in the illustrated embodiment as a groove with inclined portions of the side walls to form a dovetail guide. Also conceivable is a T-slot as a guide profile or the like.

The coding elements 9 then have a corresponding, adapted thereto contour to be mounted linearly displaceable in the dovetail guide. It is clear that the linear guides have in their end receiving pockets 10 with connecting elements 11 a, 11 b, with which in the longitudinal direction diametrically opposite and pointing in opposite directions facing each other free ends 12 a, 12 b of the coding elements 9 can be releasably connected by positive engagement. These connecting elements 11 a, 11 b of the receiving pockets 10 are formed, for example, as latching recesses which provide a latching stop for a dipped into the detent connection element 13 a, 13 b of a Kodierelementes 9, which may be formed for example by means of latching projections at the respective free end 12 a, 12 b as a latching finger , Thus, a stop is formed by positive locking, which prevents a simple displacement of the coding element 9 without further application of force from the outside.

In the delivery state, the coding elements 9 are already inserted into the connector 2 or the mating connector 3 and there with their corresponding connecting elements 11 a, 13 a; 11 b, 13 b releasably connected to each other by positive engagement and / or by adhesion. The latching fingers (ie, the connecting elements 13a, 13b) are in the region of the connecting elements 11 a, 11 b of the receiving pockets 10 of the linear guides in the illustrated plug state accessible from the outside. Thus, a coding element 9, if necessary, be "latched" by z. B. with the help of a screwdriver the positive connection and / or frictional connection between the coding element 9 and connecting element 13a or 13b is canceled and the coding element 9 is displaced to the opposite connecting element 13b or 13a for latching there (ie releasable form-fitting and / or non-positive connection) in the linear guide. This is done in the illustrated embodiment such that the front facing in the direction of coding element 9 is latched to the mating connector 3 and now connected to the mating connector 3. The other two coding elements 9n, however, are still connected to the connector 2 as in the delivery condition. Thus, a coding of connector 2 and mating connector 3 is achieved, which allows mating only one correspondingly coded connector 2 with the mating connector 3 and thus prevents miscarriage of mismatching connectors 2 and mating connectors 3.

It can also be seen that on the side wall of the insulating housing 6 of the mating connector 3, a locking tab 14 is present. On the side wall of the insulating housing 4 of the connector 2, a protruding latching lug 15 is arranged. In the illustrated plug state, the protruding latching lug 15 dips into a latching opening 16 of the latching lug 14 in order to prevent undesired removal of the mating connector 3 from the plug connector 2 in this way. Such a latching tab 14 may also be present in addition to the opposite side of the mating connector 3. Accordingly, then a locking lug 15 is also present on the opposite side wall of the insulating housing 4 of the connector 2.

The locking of the coding 9 is thus, as shown in FIG. 1 it can be seen, in the plug state allows, are plugged together in the connector 2 and mating connector 3 and an electrically conductive connection associated plug contacts is made thereby.

FIG. 2 leaves a top view of the connector assembly 1 from FIG. 1 detect. This is again clear that the coding elements 9 are accessible from the outside in the illustrated plug state and in the respectively associated linear guide, of which only the receiving pockets 10 are visible, can be moved. For this purpose, the free ends 12a, 12b of the coding elements 9, which have the connecting elements 13a, 13b (ie the latching fingers), for. B. with a screwdriver with a displacement force are applied, so as to the releasable connection between the running as a latching finger and as a detent co-operating connecting elements 11 a, 13 a; 11 b, 13 b cancel and move the coding element 9 for releasable connection with the opposite connector 2 or mating connector 3. It becomes clear that there is still a gap 17 between the end face of the free end of the coding elements 9 in the latched state and the receiving pockets 10 at the outgoing ends of the linear guide, which allows dipping an actuating tool (eg screwdriver) into this gap 17 ,

It is also clear that in the illustrated locking state, the locking tab 14 is flush with the side wall of the insulating 6 of the mating connector 3 and the locking lug 15 of the connector 2 protrudes slightly from the plane of the surface of the locking tab 14. In this case, diametrically opposite one another on both side walls of the connector 2, such latching lugs 15 and on the mating connector 3 corresponding latching tabs 14 are present.

FIG. 3 lets a perspective view of a Kodierelementes 9 recognize. This coding element 9 is formed point-symmetrical in the illustrated embodiment. The coding element 9 is in principle designed as a rectangular rod extending in the longitudinal extension direction L, which diametrically oppose, at the opposite free ends 12a, 12b, a respective latching finger as a locking element 13a, 13b. laterally projecting locking projections 18 has. These opposing locking fingers with their locking projections 18 form connecting elements 13a, 13b, the releasable positive connection with the locking recesses (ie the connecting elements 11 a, 11 b) in the diametrically opposite receiving pockets 10 at the expiring ends of the linear guides of the connector 2 and mating connector 3 are provided.

Characterized in that the coding elements 9 are formed of an elastically deformable plastic material, the locking projections 18 can be pressed into the associated, compared to the main section of the linear guide receiving pocket 10 at the end of the linear guides until they are in the associated locking recesses (ie, the connecting elements 11a, 11 b) immerse and there is provided a latching stop for the positive connection of the coding element 9 and the receiving pocket 10 of the linear guide. Alternatively, instead of the latching fingers and latching recesses and latching hooks or latching tabs may be provided which cooperate with latching projections to provide a positive stop and possibly a frictional connection. Also conceivable is a reverse variant, in which latching recesses are provided at the free ends 12a, 12b of the coding elements 9, which can form a positive and / or non-positive connection with latching projections in the receiving pockets 10.

It is also clear that the diametrically opposed side walls 19 of the coding elements 9 are formed to run obliquely to each other to form a guide contour, which is adapted to the contour of the linear guides. In the illustrated embodiment, a groove is provided by the obliquely or curved side walls 19 on the diametrically opposite side walls 19 of the coding element 9, which provides a dovetail guide with the linear guide of the connector 2 and mating connector 3. It is still recognizable that on the side walls 19 offset in the longitudinal extension direction L on two different height levels, that is also arranged offset in height two holding nips 20 which protrude from the plane of the guide wall formed on the side wall 19. On the diametrically opposite side of each two such holding nubs 20 are offset in height with respect to the top and bottom of the coding element 9 on a plane and arranged offset in the longitudinal direction L to each other. The holding nips 20 are arranged so that the coding element 9 is executed point-symmetrical.

From the top view FIG. 4 on the coding element 9 FIG. 3 this point-symmetrical configuration of the coding element 9 becomes clearer. It can be seen that the respective one pair of holding nubs 20 on the diametrically opposite sides lie on a common height plane parallel to the upper side of the coding element 9 and are offset in the longitudinal direction L from one another. It is also conceivable that the holding nubs 20 are arranged one above the other. On a further common height level is located diametrically opposite another pair of holding nips 20, which in turn is arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of extension. In each case, a holding tappet 20 is diametrically opposite a holding tappet 20, which is arranged offset to the height level. When rotating the coding element 9 by 180 ° about the longitudinal axis, as well as by 180 ° about the transverse axis thus the same contour is provided by the point-symmetrical design. Thus, the coding element 9 can be used on the envelope, ie in any position without prior orientation in the linear guide.

It is also clear that the latching projections 18 of the latching fingers 13 provide an oval latching projection in cross section.

FIG. 5 shows the coding element 9 in side view. It is clear that the two holding nubs 20 are arranged on one side in each case on two mutually offset planes arranged on the one hand adjacent to the top and on the other hand adjacent to the underside of the coding element 9.

FIG. 6 leaves a front view of the coding element 9 FIGS. 3 to 5 detect. It is clear that at the diametrically opposite side walls 19 each have a V-shaped groove is formed by obliquely converging walls. Thus, a dovetail guide of the coding element 9 is provided.

FIG. 7 lets recognize a perspective view of the connector 2 of the connector assembly 1 with only one coding element 9. It is clear that this coding element 9 is formed in its length so that it can be moved in the inserted state of a mating connector 3 in the direction of mating connector 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end 12 b of the latched on the connector 2 coding element 9 ends at the free end of the plug contour 7 of the connector. 2

It is also clear that the now visible linear guides 21 on the plug contour 7 on the top of the connector 2 retaining strips 22 have. In the linear guide 21 each opposing and facing each other retaining strips 22 are arranged so that they dive into the guide contour of an inserted coding element 9 and hold the coding element 9 at least in the illustrated with the connector 2 locking position.

It can be seen further that the retaining strips 22 do not extend over the entire length of the linear guide 21 of the connector 2, but end in front of the free end of the connector 2. The retaining strips 22 engage only then to the holding nubs, when the coding element 9 in the direction of the connecting element 11 a, 11 b, ie in the direction of the detent recess in the receiving pocket 10 of the linear guide 21 is moved. This detent recess is arranged on both sides in the side walls of the receiving pockets 10 at the ends of the linear guide 21 forming groove.

It can also be seen that 4 plug contacts 23 are arranged in the interior of the insulating housing. For this purpose, the plug contour 7 of insulating material integral, d. H. without joints formed with the insulating housing 4 protective sleeves 24 which surround the associated plug contacts 23. The mating connector 3 is now inserted with its corresponding plug contacts in the opening of the protective sleeves 24, so that the plug contacts of the mating connector 3 in the plug state electrically conductively come into contact with the plug contacts 23 of the connector 2.

FIG. 8 leaves a perspective view of the connector 2 from FIG. 7 from the other side. It becomes clear that here too a latching lug 15 is arranged on the side wall of the insulating housing 4.

Visible is also that at the compared to FIG. 7 Visible opposite side of the linear guide 21 is also a retaining strip 22 with a shortened length is present. The length of this retaining strip 22 is shorter than on the opposite side or vice versa. This is due to the holding knobs 20 arranged offset in the longitudinal direction L of the coding element 9 on a common plane.

The linear guide 21 is then supplemented by a corresponding guide contour on the inside of the insulating housing 6 of the mating connector 3 to provide a dovetail guide. It is clear that the coding element 9 protrudes from the plane of the top of the plug contour 7 of the connector 2, which is formed by the protective sleeves 24.

FIG. 9 leaves a front view of the insertion of the mating connector 3 of the connector assembly 1 from FIGS. 1 and 2 detect. It is clear that on the inner wall of the upper side of the insulating housing 6, a linear guide 21 for each terminal pole, ie for each of the juxtaposed plug contacts 26 is present. These linear guides 21 are formed by a groove which widens conically towards the groove base and inclined, the retaining strips 27 having side walls. Thus, the upper, protruding from the plane of the plug-in contour 7 of the connector 2 part of a plugged onto the connector 2 coding element 9 are also guided displaceably on this linear guide 21. It is clear that this linear guide 21 passes into a locking element 11 b, which is set up in the formed as a blind hole receiving pocket 10 and for releasably connecting the coding element 9 by positive engagement and / or by frictional connection.

It can also be seen that the plug contacts 26 of the mating connector 3 project as blade contacts in order to come into electrically conductive contact with opposite spring clips of the connector 2, which form a fork contact.

FIG. 10 leaves a top view of the mating connector 3 FIG. 1 . 2 and 9 detect. It is clear that the linear guides 21 terminates in each case in the receiving pocket 10 with the latching element 11 b designed as a latching recess, the receiving pockets 10 being accessible from the upper side, ie being open. It can also be seen that a plurality of such linear guides 21 are arranged side by side. For each plug contact 26, a linear guide 21 is provided, wherein the linear guides 21 offset in the transverse direction to the longitudinal extension direction L of the associated plug contacts 26 and the associated connection contacts 5 are arranged.

FIG. 11 leaves a perspective view of the mating connector 3 FIGS. 9 and 10 detect. Once again, the linear guides 21 formed by the conically tapering groove become clearer, which have inclined wall sections for forming a dovetail guide for a respectively inserted coding element 9. At the wall sections holding strips 27 are arranged. It can also be seen that elastically resilient latching tabs 14 are provided on the diametrically opposite sides of the insulating housing 6. The perspective view FIG. 11 shows only the insulating housing 6 without the plug contacts used therein.

FIG. 12 leaves a corresponding perspective detail view of the plug contour 7 of the connector 2 FIGS. 7 and 8 detect. It is clear that the retaining strips 22 narrow the receiving channel of the linear guide 21, so that the retaining strips 22 can force fit in conjunction with the holding nubs 20 of a coding element 9. It is clear that the diametrically opposed retaining strips 22 on the linear guide 21 have a different length, which are adapted to the position of the associated holding nips 20 so that either in the locking position on the connector 2 or in the locking position on the mating connector 3 a frictional connection between Connector 2 and coding element 9 or between mating connector 3 and coding element 9 is ensured. The retaining strips 22 are adapted to the holding nips 20 so that in no case a frictional connection between the coding element 9 and both the connector 2, and the mating connector 3 is made. The retaining strips 22 are arranged on the dovetail strips which provide the dovetail guide for the coding elements 9.

It can also be seen that in each case a separate protective sleeve 24 is provided for each pole, ie for each plug contact. In the gap 28 between two adjacent protective sleeves 24 is an intermediate wall 29 of the mating connector 3 (see. FIG. 11 ) insertable.

FIG. 13 lets a cut-sectional view of the plug contour 8 of the mating connector 3 recognize. It becomes clear that a groove which is to be conically widened to the groove base is formed by the retaining strips 27. Thus, one half of a Kodierelementes 9 is taken with its holding contour, which is formed by the diametrically opposed inclined walls 19.

A mating connector 3 facing the latching fingers (ie, the free end 12a, 12b with the locking member 13a, 13b) can then dive into the receiving pocket 10 and on the associated locking element 11a, 11b, which is formed by the detent recess in the receiving pocket 10, lock ,

FIG. 14 lets recognize a side view of the mating connector 3. It is clear that on the side wall of the insulating material 6 of the mating connector 3, an elastically resilient locking tab 14 is cut free. This can be done by appropriate shaping during the injection molding process for producing the insulating housing 6 made of a plastic material.

FIG. 15 leaves a perspective view of the connector 2 for the connector assembly 1 from FIG. 1 recognize in the delivery state with three coding elements 9, which are detachably connected to the insulating 4 of the connector 2. For this purpose, the locking fingers, ie formed as locking elements 13a, 13b free ends 12a, 12b of the Kodierelementes 9 at the free end of the plug contour 7 opposite side into the locking elements 11 a, 11 b of the linear guide 21 and are secured there by a latching stop , The coding elements 9 are thus connected in the delivery state captive with the connector 2 and do not need to be shipped separately as separate items that may be lost.

FIG. 16 leaves a top view of the connector 2 FIG. 15 detect. It is clear that in each case a latching finger at the free end 12a, 12b of a coding element 9 in a narrow, the locking element 13a, 13b in the form of a detent groove having (ie in the receiving pocket 10) and there releasably positive fit and due to the elasticity of the above Locking projections 18 possibly also connected non-positively. In a connection of the coding element 9 with the connector 2, however, the diametrically opposite locking element 13b is not positively and / or non-positively connected to the latching finger of the coding element 9. After releasing the detachable connection of the locking element 13a with the connector 2, the opposite locking element 13b can be connected after displacement of a coding element 9 with a plugged mating connector 3.

FIG. 17 leaves a front view on the Einsteckseite of the connector 2 FIGS. 15 and 16 detect. It is clear that the coding elements 9 are guided by a dovetail guide on the top of the protective sleeves 24 of the connector 2 linearly displaceable. It can also be seen that the plug contacts 23 are accessible from the front side through the interior of the protective sleeves 24 and configured as a diametrically opposite spring clip for receiving a contact blade in the intermediate space.

Furthermore, it becomes clear that the coding elements 9 or the linear guides 21 for the coding elements 9 are arranged laterally offset from the plug contacts 23. By different dislocations the coding possibilities can be increased.

FIG. 18 leaves a side view of the connector 2 FIGS. 15 to 17 detect. This is again clear that on the side wall of the outer protective sleeves 24 and the plug contour 7, a latching lug 15 is arranged with obliquely tapered outflow in the plugging direction.

It can also be seen that the coding elements 9 over the plane of the top of the protective sleeves 24, d. H. the plug contour 7 protrude out to cooperate with a linear guide of the mating connector 3.

FIG. 19 lets a perspective view of another embodiment of a coding element 9 recognize. In this case, a locking groove 30 extending in the longitudinal extension direction L of the coding element 9 is present on the upper side and on the lower side. This runs over the central area to the free ends 12a, 12b. The free ends 12a, 12b in turn - unlike the above-described embodiment - no locking elements, for example in the form of protrusions. The positive and / or non-positive connection of the coding element 9 either to a connector 2 or to a mating connector 3 by means of the locking grooves 30 by an associated locking lug 31 on the connector 2 or on the mating connector 3 in the locking groove 30 is immersed.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective cutaway view of the plug contour of a connector 2 with coding elements 9 according to FIG. 19 , It is clear that at the bottom of the linear guide 21 in each case a locking lug 31 projects beyond the plane of the bottom of the linear guide 21. For a stop between the coding element 9 and the connector 2 is formed. In the same way, a locking lug 31 is also provided in the mating connector 3. The locking tabs 31 are arranged and matched to the length of the locking groove 30, that in the plug state, in which the mating connector 3 is plugged onto the connector 2, only one locking tab 31 is inserted into the locking groove 30. This ensures that the coding element 9 can not be connected simultaneously with the connector 2 and the mating connector 3.

FIG. 21 shows a side sectional view of a latched on the plug contour of a connector 2 coding element 9. It is clear that the locking tab 31 is immersed in the state of positive connection in the locking groove 30 and forms a stop. A locking of the Kodierelementes 9 is only possible that a sufficient force in the longitudinal direction L is exerted on the coding element 9, that the provided by the locking tab 31 locking catch is overcome and the locking tab 31 is led out of the locking groove 30 so that the locking tab 31st is placed in front of the free end 12a, 12b of the coding element 9. In this position, however, then the diametrically opposite and arranged on the other upper side of the linear guide 21 Arretiernase 31 of the mating connector 3 (not shown) in the opposite locking groove 30 to positively connect the coding with the mating connector.

Claims (19)

1. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) comprising a plug-type connector (2) and an opposing plug-type connector (3), which each have an insulating housing (4, 6) and plug-type contacts (23, 26) in the insulating housing (4, 6) as well as plug-type contours (7, 8) configured correspondingly to one another for plugging together and for electrically conductively connecting assigned plug-type contacts (23, 26) in the plugged-together plugging state, and comprising at least one coding element (9), which can be accommodated displaceably on the plug-type contours (7, 8) of the plug-type connector (2) and opposing plug-type connector (3) and fixes a permissible plug-in position for plugging together the plug-type connector (2) and the opposing plug-type connector (3), characterized in that the plug-type contours (7, 8) both of the plug-type connector (2) and of the opposing plug-type connector (3) have connecting elements (11 a, 11 b, 22; 31), in that the at least one coding element (9) has at least two connecting elements (13a, 13b; 20; 30) which are spaced apart from one another, wherein the connecting elements (13a, 13b; 20; 30) of the coding element (9) are designed to be detachably connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to a respectively assigned connecting element (11a, 11b; 22; 31) of the plug-type connector (2) or the opposing plug-type connector (3), and in that the at least one coding element (9) is accessible and displaceable from the outside in the state in which the plug-type connector (2) and the opposing plug-type connector (3) are at least partially plugged together, in order to detach a connection of the assigned connecting elements (11 a, 11b, 13a, 13b; 20, 22; 30, 31) from the coding element (9) and the plug-type connector (2) and in order to connect the coding element (9), once it has been displaced in the direction of the opposing plug-type connector (3), to the opposing plug-type connector (3) by means of the assigned connecting elements (11 a, 11b, 13a, 13b; 20, 22; 30, 31) of the coding element (9) and the opposing plug-type connector (3).
2. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting elements (11 a, 11 b) of the plug-type connector (2) and the opposing plug-type connector (3) have as latching troughs and the connecting elements (13a, 13b) of the at least one coding element (9) have as latching fingers with a contour which is adapted for entering a respectively assigned latching trough and for detachable connection in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner and in a manner secured against withdrawal.
3. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the latching fingers extend in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding element (9) and have laterally protruding latching projections (18).
4. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the latching troughs are in the form of depressions in side walls of receiving pockets (10) for receiving assigned latching projections (18) of a latching finger, inserted into the receiving pocket (10) of a coding element (9).
5. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting elements (11 a, 11b) of the plug-type connector (2) and the opposing plug-type connector (3) are in the form of latching fingers and the connecting elements (13a, 13b) of the coding element (9) are in the form of latching troughs, wherein the latching fingers and the latching troughs have a contour which is adapted for insertion of a latching finger into a latching trough and for detachable form-fitting connection of the latching finger, inserted into a latching trough, by means of a latching stop and/or by a force-fitting connection.
6. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-type contours (7, 8) of the plug-type connector (2) and the opposing plug-type connector (3) have linear guides (21) for receiving, in linearly displaceable fashion, at least one coding element (9), and in that the at least one coding element (9) has a guide contour which is matched to the linear guides (21).
7. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the guide contour of the at least one coding element (9) and the linear guides (21) form a dovetail guide.
8. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the coding element (9) has, on mutually opposite side faces, a groove which extends in each case in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding element and has sloping or curved walls (19).
9. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one coding element (9) has, on mutually opposite sides, protruding holding knobs (20), and in that the linear guides (21) have a connecting section, in which a holding strip (22) formed by the linear guide (21) can connect, in a force-fitting manner, an assigned holding knob (20) of an inserted coding element (9), which is connected to the plug-type connector (2) or opposing plug-type connector (3), and a guide section, in which the linear guide (21) is connected in a force-fitting manner to an assigned holding knob (20).
10. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that in each case two holding knobs (20) are on the diametrically opposite side walls (19) of the coding elements (9), wherein the pairs of holding knobs (20) are arranged on a side wall (19) in each case so as to be vertically offset and offset with respect to one another in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding element (9).
11. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding element (9) has in each case a locking groove (30) on the upper side of said coding element and the diametrically opposite lower side, said locking groove extending in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding element (9), and in that the plug-type connector (2) and the opposing plug-type connector (3) each have at least one projecting locking lug (31), wherein the locking grooves (30) and the locking lugs (31) are arranged in order to connect the coding element either on the plug-type connector (2) by virtue of inserting the locking lug (31) of the plug-type connector (2) into an assigned locking groove (30) or on the opposing plug-type connector (3) by virtue of inserting the locking lug (31) of the opposing plug-type connector (3) into an assigned locking groove (30).
12. Plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one coding element (9) is mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical.
13. Coding element (9) for a plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding element (9) has a guide contour for receiving, in linearly displaceable fashion, on a plug-type connector (2) and an opposing plug-type connector (3) of the plug-type connector arrangement (1) and at least two connecting elements (13a, 13b; 20; 30), which are spaced apart from one another, for detachable connection, in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, to a respectively assigned connecting element (11 a, 11b; 22; 31) of a plug-type connector (2) or an opposing plug-type connector (3).
14. Coding element (9) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the connecting elements (13a, 13b) of the coding element (9) is in the form of latching fingers at the mutually opposite free ends (12a, 12b) for entering into an assigned receiving pocket (10) of a plug-type connector (2) or opposing plug-type connector (3) and for form-fitting and/or force-fitting connection to at least one latching trough of the receiving pocket (10) or a latching projection and has laterally protruding latching projections (18), latching tabs or latching hooks.
15. Coding element (9) according to either of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the coding element (9) has, on mutually opposite side faces, a groove extending in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding elements (9) and having walls (19) which run towards one another with a slope or curvature.
16. Coding element (9) according to one of Claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the coding element (9) has two holding knobs (20) on the diametrically opposite sides, wherein the pairs of holding knobs (20) are in each case arranged on a side wall (19) so as to be vertically offset and offset with respect to one another in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding elements (9).
17. Coding element (9) according to one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the coding element (9) has, on its upper side and on the diametrically opposite lower side, in each case one locking groove (30), which extends in the direction of longitudinal extent (L) of the coding element (9).
18. Coding element (9) according to one of Claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the coding element (9) is mirror-symmetrical or point-symmetrical.
19. Method for coding a plug-type connector arrangement (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 comprising at least one coding element (9), characterized by:

    - detachably connecting, in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, the at least one coding element (9) to the plug-type connector (2);

    - plugging together the plug-type connector (2) with an opposing plug-type connector (3), and

    - detaching the connection between at least one selected coding element (9) and the plug-type connector (2), displacing the selected coding element (9) in the direction of the opposing plug-type connector (3) and detachably connecting, in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, the selected coding element (9) to the opposing plug-type connector (3).

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