EP3336974A1 - Intercom connector for audio connections - Google Patents

Abstract

Illustrated and described, inter alia, an intercom connector (10) for audio connections, comprising a cylindrical housing (19) extending in the axial direction (27), in particular of circular or substantially circular cross-section, the first axial end portion (20) of a plug-in extension (22) is formed, which on its front side (39) a plurality of receiving sockets (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d), in particular four approximately V-shaped relative to each other positioned receiving bushes, for contact pins (24a, 24b), and the its second axial end portion (21) has a receptacle (25) for a jack plug (14).

Description

The invention relates to an intercom connector for audio connections.

The applicant has been developing and distributing intercom networks for decades. These are networks for real-time audio communication, with which events, events, sporting events, etc. can be transmitted, commented and accompanied.

Intercom networks may have different subscribers. As a rule, so-called exchanges - as the centers of an intercom network - are connected to microphone units or mobile terminals, such as beltpacks, microphones or headsets.

By way of example only, reference is hereby made to the following German patent applications of the Applicant, in which such intercom networks and their components are described: DE 10 2014 011 963 A1 . DE 10 2014 104 811 A1 . DE 10 2016 123 966 A1 , and DE 10 2016 123 968 A1 ,

The headsets and microphones used in the professional intercom range usually have a four-pin connector that is designed as a female plug connection. This is also referred to as an XLR 4-pin female connector.

In particular, the headsets used in the professional intercom sector have a connection cable which is equipped at the cable end with such an XLR 4-pin female connector or plug.

The operator to carry beltpacks or intercoms have a corresponding receiving socket (housing socket), which is designed to accommodate a XLR-4-pin-female connector.

With the beltpack or with the station can then be carried out via the exchange of the intercom network with another participant in the intercom network then an audio communication.

In special application situations, there may be a desire not to connect the beltpack or the station to a headset with an XLR 4-pin female plug, but to connect a headset, microphone or other electrical audio device that has a jack plug.

Such a connection is not possible due to the provided receiving socket (housing socket) at the microphone unit.

Based on the described prior art, the present invention seeks to provide an audio connector that allows uncomplicated and secure connection of a headset, microphone or other electronic audio device with jack plug to a microphone unit, in particular to a mobile station if required ,

The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

The principle of the invention is essentially to provide an intercom connector for audio connections, which is very compact. A first axial end portion of the intercom connector is designed as an XLR 4-pole female connector, and the opposite axial region is designed as a receptacle or socket for a jack.

At the first axial end portion four receiving pins for contact pins are provided, which are approximately V-shaped - are positioned relative to each other. The receiving sockets are arranged on the front side on a plug-in extension of a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing advantageously has a circular cross section.

At the second axial end portion of the cylindrical housing, a receptacle or socket for a jack plug is arranged. The receptacle for the jack plug is associated with a plurality of contact elements, for example, four contact elements. The number of contact elements corresponds to the number of mutually electrically insulated contact portions on the jack. The jack plug preferably has four or more contact sections. Likewise, the receiving socket for the jack plug so far assigned four contact elements.

Each of the receiving sockets for a contact pin is also assigned a respective contact element.

In particular, it can be provided that the contact elements extend from the receiving socket for the jack plug to the receiving sockets for the contact pins. In this way, a very advantageous and compact through-wiring through the body of the cylindrical housing can be achieved.

The housing may be cast, clipped, screwed or at least substantially hermetically sealed to the exterior space formed.

According to the invention, an intercom connector is provided, which converts an audio headset as part of an intercom network as needed immediately in the manner of an adapter from a jack to a XLR-4-Pol female (female) connector out.

The receptacle for the jack plug may have an inner diameter of, for example 3.5 or alternatively 2.5 millimeters. Accordingly, the recording can be used to record a jack plug with an outer diameter of 3.5 or 2.5 millimeters.

This makes it possible to connect a headset, microphone or other audio device using the recording for the jack directly to a station of an intercom network or to another participant in an intercom network, or plug into a housing there existing socket. Headsets, microphones or other electrical audio devices often have such a jack.

The intercom connector according to the invention comprises a cylindrical housing which extends in the axial direction. The housing advantageously has a circular or substantially circular cross-section. By using circular cross-sections, the handling is particularly optimized.

The cylindrical housing has a first and a second axial end region. The first axial end region is designed as a plug-in extension. It may for example have an axial length of about 15 millimeters. In particular, the plug-in extension can have an outer diameter which is somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the XLR-male socket (housing socket) arranged at the microphone unit. The cylindrical housing can also be a Ring face have the nature of a stop shoulder or stop step.

On the front side of the plug-in extension four receiving sockets are positioned. These are aligned substantially symmetrically with each other relative to a median plane, and are positioned approximately V-shaped relative to each other when viewed in front view. They serve to receive contact pins of the housing socket designed as XLR-4-pol male (male) connector. These pins can be inserted in the course of a relative movement of the intercom connector and the housing socket in the receiving sockets, and provide an electrical contact.

At a second end portion of the intercom connector, a receptacle or socket for a jack is provided. These are - according to the number of Kontaktierungsabschnitte on the jack - assigned four contact elements. The contacting portions on the jack are formed in the manner of annular bodies. The four contacting sections are electrically isolated from each other. Between each two Kontaktierungsabschnitten insulating material, such as plastic, can be arranged.

The electrical contact elements or conductors arranged in the cylindrical housing of the intercom plug-in connection, with plug connector plugged into the housing socket and plug-in intercom connector, each electrically connect a contact pin located in a receiving socket to one or more of the contacting portions of the jack plug.

Advantageously, it is provided that the rearmost in the insertion of the jack connector contacting section is connected to ground.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rearmost in the insertion of the jack connector contacting section is connected to ground. As a result, a particularly safe handling can be achieved.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the intercom connector for connecting an intercom audio device, such as headset, on an intercom network device, such as stations, formed. As a result, a particularly comfortable handling of an intercom network can be achieved.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the plug-in extension has a relation to the outer diameter of the housing bush slightly reduced outer diameter. As a result, a secure and secure, and possibly tight housing of the electrical contact element is ensured. In addition, a kind of stop shoulder can be provided thereby, which limits the placement movement of an intercom-plug connection according to the invention on the housing bush in the axial direction.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an axially extending radially outwardly projecting rib is arranged on the plug-in extension of the intercom connector. This is an orientation or guide rib, which ensures a secure Bewerkstellung a plug connection between the intercom connector and the housing-side socket by a predetermined circumferential rotational positioning.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receptacle or socket for the jack has an inner diameter of 3.5 or 2.5 millimeters. This can be achieved with the help of the intercom connector according to the invention a particularly comfortable connection of a headset, microphone or other audio device to an intercom network.

According to a further alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the jack plug has an outer diameter of 2.5 millimeters. This can be ensured in a particularly advantageous manner, a connection of a belt pack or a microphone unit with a headset, microphone or other electronic audio device with jack to the network.

Fig. 1

in einer perspektivischen schematischen Ansicht ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Intercom-Steckverbinders,

Fig. 2

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht etwa gemäß Ansichtspfeil II in Fig. 1,

Fig.3a

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 1, etwa gemäß Ansichtspfeil III in Fig. 1, in Seitenansicht,

Fig.3b

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 3a, etwa gemäß Ansichtspfeil Illb in Fig. 3a,

Fig. 3c

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 3b in einer Seitenansicht gemäß Ansichtspfeil IIIc in Fig. 3b,

Fig. 3d

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 3a in einer Seitenansicht gemäß Ansichtspfeil IIId in Fig. 3a,

Fig. 3e

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 3a in einer Unteransicht gemäß Ansichtspfeil IIIe in Fig. 3a,

Fig. 3f

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 3a in einer Draufsicht gemäß Ansichtspfeil IIIf in Fig. 3a,

Fig. 4

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 1 in einer Explosionsansicht in Einzeldarstellung,

Fig. 5

den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 5 unter Darstellung seiner wesentlichen Bestandteile in einer perspektivischen vereinzelten Explosionsansicht mit einem schematisch dargestellten Klinkenstecker und einem abgebrochen dargestellten Verbindungskabel zur Verbindung mit einem Headset,

Fig. 6

in einer teilgeschnittenen schematischen Darstellung den Verbindungsbereich zwischen Klinkenstecker und einer an einem Belt-Pack angeordneten Gehäusebuchse sowie in schematischer Schnittdarstellung den Intercom-Steckverbinder der Fig. 1 unter Andeutung von Kontaktelementen, und

Fig. 7

in einer teilgeschnittenen schematischen Ansicht den Verbindungsbereich der Fig. 6 etwa entlang einer Schnittlinie VII-VII in Fig. 6.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the non-cited subclaims, as well as from the embodiments of the invention described with reference to FIGS. Show:

Fig. 1

in a perspective schematic view of a first embodiment of an intercom connector according to the invention,

Fig. 2

the intercom connector of the Fig. 1 in a view approximately according to arrow II in Fig. 1 .

3a

the intercom connector of the Fig. 1 , as shown in arrow III in Fig. 1 , in side view,

3b

the intercom connector of the Fig. 3a , as shown by arrow Illb in Fig. 3a .

Fig. 3c

the intercom connector of the Fig. 3b in a side view according to the arrow IIIc in Fig. 3b .

Fig. 3d

the intercom connector of the Fig. 3a in a side view according to the arrow IIId in Fig. 3a .

Fig. 3e

the intercom connector of the Fig. 3a in a bottom view according to arrow IIIe in Fig. 3a .

Fig. 3f

the intercom connector of the Fig. 3a in a plan view according to the arrow IIIf in Fig. 3a .

Fig. 4

the intercom connector of the Fig. 1 in an exploded view in an individual view,

Fig. 5

the intercom connector of the Fig. 5 showing its essential components in a perspective isolated exploded view with a schematically illustrated jack plug and a connection cable shown broken off for connection to a headset,

Fig. 6

in a partially sectioned schematic representation of the connection area between the jack and a belt pack arranged on a housing socket and in a schematic sectional view of the intercom connector of Fig. 1 with reference to contact elements, and

Fig. 7

in a partially sectioned schematic view the connection area of the Fig. 6 approximately along a section line VII-VII in Fig. 6 ,

Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For reasons of clarity, identical or comparable parts or elements or regions with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of small letters, are also referred to - even if different embodiments are involved.

Features which are described only in relation to an embodiment can be provided in the context of the invention in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are - even if they are not shown in the drawings - covered by the invention.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. In the disclosure of the application, the disclosure content of the associated priority documents (copy of the prior application) and the cited references and the described devices of the prior art are hereby incorporated in full, also for the purpose of one or more features of these documents in one or more Claims of the present application to include.

The intercom connector 10 according to the invention is designated in the drawings in its entirety by 10.

The intercom connector 10 according to the invention serves to connect a microphone unit 11 with a headset 12.

Fig. 6 shows - very schematically - a jack 14, which is connected to a connection cable 13 shown broken off only. This in Fig. 6 not shown other end of the connecting cable 13th leads to a headset, not shown, which is located approximately at position 12 (not shown to scale).

The headset 12 is to be connected to a microphone unit 11, which in the FIGS. 6 and 7 only partially and indicated is shown. The station 11 is part of an intercom network, not shown, which may include a plurality of subscribers, including stationary stations and mobile stations. As a mobile station, for example, a so-called belt-pack is called, in Fig. 6 denoted by 17. Such belt packs have been developed and manufactured by the applicant for quite some time and form the state of the art. A belt pack can be carried by an operator, in particular worn on the belt, and moved with the operator. The belt pack usually has a communication module, by means of which it can exchange wireless or wired with other participants of the intercom network in duplex audio mode, so while listening and speaking, audio information.

The belt pack 17 exemplified in the figures is intended to symbolize the illustration of the invention quite generally a mobile subscriber of an intercom network, a so-called mobile station. However, the invention also includes applications in which the stations 11 are stationary.

A belt pack 17 of the conventional type has a housing socket 18 which in the FIGS. 6 and 7 is shown. The housing bushing 18 typically has an axial length 45 and an inner diameter 47.

The housing socket 18 on the belt pack 17 is designed to receive an XLR plug-in extension. In prior art devices, a headset 12 has a connection line 13 which, instead of the one shown in FIG Fig. 6 illustrated jack plug 14 has a so-called XLR plug-in extension. In fact, this is an XLR 4-pin female plug-in extension. The connection line 13 has four electrical lines, not shown, in order to enable a duplex-hearing-speaking operation via the headset 12 via the intercom network with other participants of the intercom network. As a result, an XLR connector of a prior art headset also has four receptacle receptacles for contact pins.

Accordingly, four contact pins 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d are fixedly arranged on the housing bushing 18. The Fig. 6 only schematically shows two indicated contact pins 24a, 24b. The electrical wiring is not shown there for the sake of simplicity. The two contact pins 24a, 24b are connected to other not shown electrical and electronic components within the belt pack 17.

The intercom connector 10 according to the invention is now used to connect a jack 14 of an audio device, such. As headset, with the housing socket 18 at the station 11th

For this purpose, the intercom connector 10 is formed according to the invention in the manner of an adapter.

It comprises a cylindrical housing 19, which - such as the FIGS. 3e and 3f show - has a substantially circular cross-section. The intercom connector 10 further includes a first axial end portion 20 and a second axial end portion 21.

The first axial end region 20 forms a plug-in extension 22. The plug-in extension 22 has an axial length 46 which essentially corresponds to the axial length 45 of the housing bushing 18. The plug-in extension 22 also has an outer diameter 41, which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter 47 of the housing bushing 18th

At the plug-in extension 22 are in the embodiment of Fig. 1 four receiving sockets 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d are arranged, in each of which a contact pin 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d is received. The plug-in extension is so far formed as XLR-female plug extension 34.

At the second axial end portion 21 of the intercom connector 10, a receptacle 25 for receiving the jack plug 14 is arranged. The receptacle 25 is formed substantially circular cylindrical and extends along the central longitudinal axis 32 of the housing 19th

As can be seen in particular from the presentation of Fig. 6 results, it comes between the receiving sockets 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d for the contact pins 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d and the receptacle 25 for the jack plug 14 to an axial overlap 33 in the axial direction 27. Thus, the total axial length 40 of the connector 10th Overall, be kept very short.

Evidently, for example, the representation of FIGS. 4 and 5 it can be seen that the housing 10 consists of a hollow body, preferably made of plastic, in any case of an electrically insulating material. In this hollow body contact elements 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d can be used or introduced. These can, for example, how out Fig. 4 can be seen, fixed end to a closure plate 42. For axial retention of the closure plate 42 on the housing 19, a cover plug 43 may be provided, which covers the individual parts of the Connector 10 axially holds together. Fig. 4 also makes it clear that there is still a cover ring 44 which seals the connector 10 to the outside.

evidenced Fig. 6 It is clear that, for example, the contact element 26a may have a first contact region 37a, with which it makes contact with a contacting section on the jack plug 14. In addition, the same contact elements 26a may have a second contact region 38a with which it contacts a contact pin 24a on the housing bushing 18 of the belt pack 17. As a result, an electrical connection between the corresponding electrical line in the connecting cable 13 and the corresponding contact pin on the microphone unit 11 or the belt pack 17 can be produced.

It should be noted that to enable a duplex audio intercom connection in the connecting line 13 of the headset 12 at least four electrical conductors extend, so that two independent circuits are formed. Consequently, the jack plug 14 also has at least four electrically insulated contacting sections 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d (cf. Fig. 5 ), which are each electrically separated from each other by the insulating portions 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d.

The number of Kontaktierungsabschnitte 15 a, 15 b, 15 c, 15 d and jack 14 according to an equal number of contact elements 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, 26 d is provided.

Accordingly, four contact elements are provided in the exemplary embodiments.

Of the invention but also not shown intercom connectors are included, which have more than four contact elements.

To achieve proper positioning of the connector 10 in the housing sleeve 18, an outwardly projecting rib 28 is provided for circumferential positioning. A corresponding recess 29 is located on the housing bushing 18, wherein this recess 29 in Fig. 7 is merely indicated.

The receptacle 25 for the jack 14 has an inner diameter 31 which is about the same size or slightly larger than the outer diameter 30 of the jack plug fourteenth

The figures also show an intercom connector 10 with an elastic, ie resetting spring extension 46, which has a latching nose with a movable support surface 35. When inserting the intercom connector 10 in the housing socket 18, a deflection movement of the spring extension 46 is brought about by a control surface, so that in the fully inserted state according to FIGS. 6 and 7 the holding surface 35 reaches a holding position shown there, and the connector 10 to the station 11 and to the belt pack 17 axially arresting captives.

To release the connector 10 of the belt pack 17 and the microphone unit 11 may from the user to the respect Fig. 7 Right free end 48 of the spring extension 36, a force, in particular a downward force, are exercised, and the holding surface 35 are released from the locking receptacle on the housing sleeve 18. As a result, the intercom connector 10 is released from the housing socket 18.

Claims (11)

Intercom connector (10) for audio connections comprising an axially extending (27) cylindrical housing (19), in particular of circular or substantially circular cross-section, the first axial end portion (20) of a plug-in extension (22) is formed which has on its end face (39) a plurality of receiving bushes (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d), in particular four receiving bushes (24a, 24b) which are approximately V-shaped relative to each other, and which has at its second axial end region (21) a receptacle (25) for a jack plug (14). Intercom connector according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (25) for the jack plug (14) a plurality of mutually electrically insulated contact elements (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) are assigned Intercom connector according to claim 2, characterized in that each contact element (26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) with one of a plurality of Kontaktierungsabschnitten (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) is connectable to the jack plug (14). Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intercom connector (10) for connecting an intercom audio device, such as headset (12), to an intercom network device, in particular to a station (11) , is trained. Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the plug-in extension (22) extending in the axial direction (27), radially outwardly projecting rib (28) is arranged. Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (25) for the jack plug (14) has an inner diameter (31) of 3.5 mm, or 2.5 mm. Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (25) for the jack plug (14) along a central longitudinal axis (32) of the housing (19) is arranged. Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (25) for the jack plug (14) and the receiving bushes (23a, 23b, 23c, 23d) for the contact pins (24a, 24b, 24c, 24d) in the axial direction (27) overlap each other. Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug-in extension (22) is designed as XLR-female plug-in extension (34). Intercom connector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the housing (19) a displaceable between a locking position and a release position retaining surface (35) is arranged. Intercom connector according to claim 2, characterized in that a contact element (26a) has a first, resiliently formed contact region (37a), with which a contact portion on the jack plug (14) can be contacted, and a second resiliently formed contact region (38a), with the one Contact pin (24a) on an intercom network device, in particular at a microphone unit (11), is contactable.

Images