EP3386033A1 - Insulating element for a connector unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an insulating body (1) for an electrical connector unit (10, 10 ') having at least two insertion channels (11A, 11B, 11C, ...,) into which a contact pin (5) or a contact socket (7 ) is inserted, which are preferably aligned parallel to a main axis (x) of the insulating body (1) and in each a preferably perpendicular thereto aligned fixing channel (12A, 12B, 12C, ...) opens, in which a clamping screw (6) is rotatably mounted, by means of which the associated contact pin (5) or the associated contact socket (7) is mechanically acted upon, and an insulating collar (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) is assigned, which on the outside of the insulating body (1) at least approximately coaxial with the associated fixing channel (11A, 11B, 11C, ...) is arranged. According to the invention, each of the insulating collars (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) preferably has at least one collar opening (131A, 131B, 131C, ...) bounded on both sides by collar ends (132).

Description

The invention relates to an insulating body for a connector unit, a connector unit with such an insulating body and a method for producing such an insulating body.

Connectors having two mutually complementary connector units, used for separating and connecting electrical cables and electrical equipment. The connector unit in normally comprise a plurality of contact pins or contact sockets, which are insulated from each other and connected to electrical lines.

Various connectors are known from the prior art, which are particularly suitable for applications in mechanical engineering, in electrical cabinets or in applications with increased requirements in terms of mechanical or chemical robustness. To meet the requirements for robustness, the connectors are designed with solid housings, which leads to a very large amount of space. The housing size is further influenced by the internal insulating body and the elements required for fixing the insulating body on the housing.

From the EP2034562B1 is a connector with a one-piece insulating known. On the outside, the insulating body has densely packed, finely divided structures which ensure insulation between adjacent contacts. Dirt particles regularly accumulate between the delicate structures, allowing leakage currents to flow through them, so that the insulation properties of the connector are impaired.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an improved insulating body for connectors or connector units.

In particular, the insulator is to receive and be able to carry a multiplicity of mutually electrically insulated electrical contacts.

Furthermore, the insulator should have a compact design and be suitable for rated voltages of at least 400V. The insulator should be able to accept pins and sockets with increased density, without increased currents of warfare occur.

In addition, the structures on the outside of the insulating body should be designed so that despite sufficiently deposited particles a sufficiently large creepage path as a minimum creepage distance (according to IEC 60664-1) between adjacent conductive elements.

Furthermore, a method for producing such an insulating body are to be specified. Furthermore, male and female connector units are to be created, which are equipped with an inventive insulator and can be assembled into a connector

This object is achieved with an insulating body, a connector unit and a method, which in claim 1, respectively. Claim 12, resp. Have claim 14 specified characteristics. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.

The insulating body, which is suitable for use in an electrical connector unit, comprises at least two, preferably a plurality of, insertion channels for receiving from contact pins or contact sockets. The insertion channels are preferably aligned along a major axis of the insulating body to allow a compact design. In the insertion channels stripped cable ends are inserted and fixed in the pins or contact sockets. The insulating body further comprises at least two, preferably a plurality of fixing channels, which are aligned at least approximately perpendicular to the insertion channels. Each insertion channel is in each case assigned such a fixing channel that the clamping screw introduced in the fixing channel can mechanically act on the contact pin or contact socket mounted in the insertion channel. On the outside of the insulating body at least approximately coaxial with the fixing channels aligned at least two, preferably formed a plurality of insulating collar. The insulating collars ensure lateral electrical isolation of the terminal screws electrically connected to the contact pins or contact bushes.

According to the invention, the insulating collar each have at least one collar opening, which is bounded on both sides by collar ends. The collar openings increase the distance between the delicate insulating collars so that small particles of dirt can no longer get stuck between the insulating collars. Protective particles deposited on insulating bodies can cause leakage currents, which lead to the failure of the insulating body and the associated connector, since the electrical insulation is no longer guaranteed. The creepage distance along the surface of the insulating body is increased according to the invention by the collar openings, so that the reliability of the insulating body is improved or an increased density of the terminal contacts can be realized.

In a preferred embodiment, the Isolierkragen are formed as hollow cylinder segments, which subsequently missing a Holzylindersegment to the collar ends. The collar ends preferably form parallel aligned edges which define the collar opening. This geometric shape allows for easy production.

In a further preferred embodiment, an insulating edge for electrical insulation of the adjacent clamping screws is formed with respect to leakage currents on the outside of the insulating body. The leakage currents can flow along the surface of the clamping screws to a protective conductor and / or the connector housing and / or to the holding means. Due to the insulation edge, the creepage distance is increased and the leakage currents are correspondingly reduced.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the collar openings in the insulating collar are respectively aligned against the adjacent insulating collar or against the insulation edge. As a result, the space between adjacent Isolierkragen is increased at the narrowest point, whereby smaller particles can not be mechanically blocked. The adjacent insulation collars are preferably aligned in a row, the collar openings pointing at least approximately in the same direction and having a common opening axis.

The insulating collars preferably have a wall thickness of 0.4 to 1.5 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the insulating collar on a wall thickness between 0.75mm and 1.0mm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the insulating body are on the inside of the insulating collar of one or more blocking ribs, for the mechanical locking of the clamping screws, are formed on the inside of the fixing channels. By blocking ribs accidental loosening or falling out of the clamping screws, for example, by vibrations prevented.

Preferably, the collar openings have an opening width of 1.0 to 8.0 mm. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the collar openings have an opening width between 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm. The collar openings preferably have an opening angle between 60 ° and 120 ° relative to the central axis of the insulating collar. Particularly preferably, the opening angle is in the range of 90 ° plus / minus 5 °.

In a further preferred embodiment, the surface of the insulating body dirt-repellent and / or self-cleaning properties. Preferably, this property is achieved by a coating which is dirt-repellent and / or self-cleaning. Due to the dirt-repellent and / or self-cleaning surface, the accumulation of dirt particles on the insulating body is additionally reduced.

Preferably, the material for the insulating body or optionally for the coating of the insulator has a high tracking resistance, so that the insulator of a better Isolierstoffgruppe can be assigned according to IEC 60664-1.

The insulation distance between a clamping screw and the adjacent insulating collar is preferably in a range of 0.75 mm - 1.25 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm. These values can be adjusted accordingly depending on the environmental conditions in which connectors according to the invention are used.

In a further preferred embodiment, latching projections and holding means guides for mechanically fixing holding means are provided on at least two opposite sides of the insulating body. By means of the holding means, the insulating body can be mounted and / or fixed in a housing of a connector.

Preferably, the insulator is suitable for rated voltages of at least 400V. Despite the particles deposited on the insulating body due to contamination, it is particularly preferred that only such small creepage distances in accordance with standard IEC 60664-1 are caused that no electrical overturning occurs during the lifetime of the insulating body.

In a preferred embodiment, coding elements, preferably coding ribs (17) or coding grooves (18), are integrally formed on the insulating body. The coding elements ensure the correct plug connection.

With an inventive insulating body connector units according to the invention can be advantageously realized. The connector comprises two connector units, wherein each one connector unit is designed as a female or male connector half. Preferably, both connector units each comprise an inventive insulator.

An insulating body according to the invention is preferably produced by a likewise inventive method. The process is preferably a primary molding process, in particular a casting process, a die casting process or an injection molding process. Alternatively, a 3D printing process can also be used. Preferably, the method comprises at least one material-removing Process step. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, the collar openings are configured on the insulating collar during the material-removing method step.

Fig. 1a

einen erfindungsgemässen Isolierkörper 1 mit Haltemitteln 2, 2';

Fig. 1b

eine Detailansicht des Isolierkörpers 1 von Fig. 1a;

Fig. 2

den Isolierkörper 1 von Fig. 1a in einer weiteren Ansicht mit explosionsartig dargestelltem Haltemittel 2;

Fig. 3

eine Steckverbindereinheit 10 mit einem mit Kontaktstiften 5 bestückten Isolierkörper 1 von Fig. 1a mit einer kreisförmig hervorgehobenen Einsicht ins Innere des Isolierkörpers 1;

Fig. 4

die Steckverbindereinheit 10 von Fig. 1a in einer weiteren Ansicht;

Fig. 5a

den Isolierkörper 1 von Fig. 1a in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5b

eine Detailansicht des Isolierkörpers 1 von Fig. 5a;

Fig. 6

einen Steckverbinder 100 mit zwei Steckverbindereinheiten 10, 10', die komplementär zueinander ausgebildete Isolierkörper 1, 1` aufweisen;

Fig. 7

den Steckverbinder 100 von Fig. 6 in einer teilweise geschnittenen Ansicht mit explosionsartig dargestellten Kontaktstiften 5 und Kontaktbuchsen 7;

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1a

an inventive insulating body 1 with holding means 2, 2 ';

Fig. 1b

a detailed view of the insulating body 1 of Fig. 1a ;

Fig. 2

the insulator 1 of Fig. 1a in another view with explosive illustrated holding means 2;

Fig. 3

a connector unit 10 with an equipped with pins 5 insulator 1 of Fig. 1a with a circular highlighted insight into the interior of the insulating body 1;

Fig. 4

the connector unit 10 of Fig. 1a in another view;

Fig. 5a

the insulator 1 of Fig. 1a in a side view;

Fig. 5b

a detailed view of the insulating body 1 of Fig. 5a ;

Fig. 6

a connector 100 with two connector units 10, 10 ', the complementary to each other insulating body 1, 1` have;

Fig. 7

the connector 100 of Fig. 6 in a partially sectioned view with explosively illustrated contact pins 5 and contact sockets 7;

Fig. 1a shows an inventive insulating body 1 with holding means 2, 2 'in a perspective view. The insulating body 1 has a plurality, the insulating body 1 penetrating, insertion channels 11A, 11B, 11C, ..., which serve for receiving contact pins or contact sockets (not shown). Each insertion channel 11A, 11B, 11C, ... is laterally a fixing channel 12A, 12B, 12C, ... assigned, in each of which a clamping screw 6 is inserted. At the fixing channels 12A, 12B, 12C, ... are each arranged insulating collar 13A, 13B, 13C, ..., which electrically isolate the clamping screw 6 arranged in the associated fixing channel 12A, 12B, 12C, ... laterally. At two ends of the insulating body 1 holding means 2, 2 'are shown, with which the insulating body 1 with coupling means 4, 4' in a housing of a connector can be fixed. The holding means 2, 2`, comprise latching elements 21 and at least one locking screw 3 for fixing on the insulating body 1. The locking screw 3 can simultaneously take over the function of protective earth contact. In this variant, the holding means 2, 2 'designed as protective printed circuit boards.

Fig. 1b shows a detailed view of the insulating body 1 of Fig. 1a , On the fixing channel 12E, an insulating collar 13E is concentrically formed, which is formed as a hollow cylinder and on the right side missing a hollow cylinder segment, so that the insulating collar 13E has two collar ends 132 which define a collar opening 131E. The collar opening 131E, resulting, for example, from a section through the insulating collar 13E, preferably has a rectangular cross-section. In the fixing channel 12E, a clamping screw 6 is inserted, which can be rotated against the contact element, the contact pin or the contact socket.

Fig. 2 shows the insulating body 1 of Fig. 1a In a further view with explosive illustrated holding means 2. On the insulating body 1 locking projections 14A, 14B and holding means guides 15A, 15B are formed, in which corresponding elements of the holding means 2 can engage.

Fig. 3 shows the insulating body 1 of Fig. 1a with a circular highlighted insight into the interior of the insulating body 1. In the insertion channels 11A, 11B, 11C contact pins 5 are arranged, in which an electrical conductor by a clamping screw 6 can be fixed.

Fig. 4 shows the insulating body 1 of Fig. 1a in another view. The contact pins 5 stand out of the insulating body 1, so that they engage in a complementary connector half and can make electrical contact. On insulating body Codierstege 17 are formed, which can engage in corresponding coding on a counterpart. By Codierelemente mating two insulating body 1 is prevented in a wrong position.

Fig. 5a shows the insulating body 1 of Fig. 1a in a side view. The fixing channels 12A, 12B, 12C, ... are arranged in a row in the preferred embodiment shown. The Isolierkragen 13 A, 13 B, 13 C, ... are concentric with the Fixierkanälen 12 A, 12 B, 13 C, ... arranged. The insulating collars 13A, 13B, 13C, ... have collar openings 131A, 131B, 131C, ..., which are respectively directed toward the adjacent insulating collar 13A, 13B, 13C.

Fig. 5b shows a detailed view of the insulating body 1 of Fig. 5a , The insulating collar 13E has a collar opening 131E directed toward the adjacent insulating collar 13F. The insulation distance d denotes the distance between the electrically conductive clamping screw 6 in FIG Fixing channel 12E and the adjacent Isolierkragen 13F, which isolates the adjacent clamping screw. The collar opening 131F in the insulating collar 13F has an opening width w. Adjacent to the insulation collar 13F, an insulation edge 16 is arranged, by means of which the lateral electrical insulation is ensured with respect to the retaining means 2, 2 'and the elements attached thereto. On the inside of the fixing channel 12F, two opposite blocking ribs 121F, 121F 'are formed. The blocking ribs 121F, 121F 'prevent the clamping screw 6 from becoming loose due to vibrations or other movements of the insulating body 1.

Fig. 6 shows a connector 100 with connector units 10, 10 ', the mutually complementary insulator 1, 1' have. The connector units 10, 10 'may include a housing, not shown here. The second insulating body 1 'has coding grooves 18, which are formed complementary to the coding elements on the insulating body 1.

Fig. 7 shows the connector 100 of Fig. 6 in a partially sectioned view with explosively illustrated contact pins 5 and contact sockets 7. In the lower insulating body 1 contact pins 5 are arranged in the insertion channels 11A. In the upper insulating body 1 'complementary female contacts 7 are arranged in the insertion channels 11E. Contact pins 5 and female contacts 7 are mechanically acted upon by clamping screws 6. The clamping screws 6 are the Fixierkanälen 12 A, 12 E out, which are each surrounded by an insulating collar 13 A, 13 E. It is shown that the fixing channels 12A; 12E perpendicular to the insertion channels 11A; 11E and from the hollow cylindrical insulating collar 13A; 13E are enclosed. The insulating collar 13A; 13E are integrally formed on the insulating body 1, 1 'and guided to the outside, so that they project beyond the insulating body 1, 1' to the outside. The insertion channels 11 are arranged in two rows of this preferred embodiment, each two fixing channels 12 are each coaxially opposite.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 1 '

insulator

11A, 11B, 11C, ...

introduction channel

12A, 12B, 12C, ...

setting channel

121F, 121F '

blocking rib

13A, 13B, 13C, ...

insulating collar

131A, 131B, 131C, ...

collar openings

132

collar ends

14A, 14B

catch projection

15A, 15B

Holding center guide

16

isolation edge

17

coding bar

18

Coding

2, 2 '

holding means

21

locking element

3

screw

4, 4 '

coupling agent

5

pin

6

clamping screw

7

Contact socket

d

isolation Distance

w

opening width

Claims (14)

Insulating body (1) for an electrical connector unit (10, 10 '), with at least two insertion channels (11A, 11B, 11C, ...,), in each of which a contact pin (5) or a contact socket (7) can be inserted, the are preferably aligned parallel to a main axis (x) of the insulating body (1) and in each of which a preferably perpendicular thereto aligned fixing channel (12A; 12B, 12C; ...) opens, in which a clamping screw (6) is rotatably mounted by means of the associated contact pin (5) or the associated contact socket (7) is mechanically acted upon, and to which an insulating collar (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) is associated, which on the outside of the insulating body (1) at least approximately coaxial with the associated Fixing channel (11A, 11B, 11C, ...) is arranged, characterized in that preferably each of the Isolierkragen (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) at least one on both sides by collar ends (132) limited collar opening (131A, 131B, 131C ,...) having. Insulating body (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the Isolierkragen (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) are formed as hollow cylindrical elements, which then the collar ends (132) missing a Holzylindersegment, the collar ends (132) preferably parallel form mutually aligned edges. Insulating body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the outside of the insulating body (1) an insulation edge (16), for the electrical insulation of at least one of the clamping screws (6) with respect to a protective conductor and / or a connector housing and / or the holding means (2,2 ') is arranged. Insulating body (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the collar openings (131A, 131B, 131C, ...) in each case against the adjacent insulating collar (13A ;, 13B; 13C; ...) or against the insulating edge (6) are aligned or that the adjacent insulating collar (13A ;, 13B; 13C; ...) are aligned in a row and the collar openings (131A, 131B, 131C, ...) at least approximately in the same direction and a have common opening axis. Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the Isolierkragen (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) have a wall thickness of 0.4mm to 1.5mm, preferably from 0.75mm to 1mm, and / or that on the inside of the insulating collar (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) or on the inside of the fixing channels (12A, 12B, 13C, ...) one or more blocking ribs (121F, 121F '), for the mechanical locking of the clamping screws ( 6) are molded. Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the collar openings (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) have an opening width (w) between 1mm and 8mm, preferably between 1.5mm and 3mm, and / or in that the collar openings (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) have an opening angle between 60 ° and 120 °, preferably approximately 90 °, relative to the center axis of the insulating collar (13A, 13B, 13C, ...). Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the surface of the Insulating body (1) has dirt-repellent and / or self-cleaning properties. Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the insulation distance (d) between a clamping screw (6) and the adjacent insulating collar (13A, 13B, 13C, ...) or the insulation edge (16) at least 1mm. Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that on at least two opposite sides of the insulating body (1) locking projections (14A, 14B) and holding means guides (15A, 15B) for the mechanical fixing of holding means (2, 2 ') , by means of which the insulating body (1) in a housing of a connector unit (10, 10 ') can be fixed, are arranged. Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the insulating body (1) is suitable for rated voltages of at least 400V and / or that on the insulating body (1) coding, preferably Codierstege (17) or coding grooves (18) formed are. Insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the insulating body (1) is designed such that dirt particles deposited on the insulating body (1) no creepage distances which are smaller than the minimum creepage distances according to IEC 60664-1 (according to IEC 60664-1). Electrical connector unit (10, 10 ') with an insulating body (1) according to one of claims 1-11, which is equipped with contact pins (5) or contact sockets (7). Electrical connector unit (10) according to claim 12, with an insulating body (1) which is equipped with contact pins (5) and connected to an electrical connector unit (10 ') having an insulating body (1) equipped with contact sockets (7) is. A process for producing an insulating body (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the insulating body (1) is manufactured by a primary molding process, in particular by casting, die casting or injection molding, or by a 3D printing process and / or the manufacturing method of the insulating body (1) has at least one material-removing method step, preferably for the configuration of the collar openings 131A, 131B, 131C ... on the insulating collar 13A, 13B, 13C,.

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