EP3676918A1

EP3676918A1 - Angled plug connector and method of assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3676918A1
Application number: EP18762001.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Heinrich FRIESEN
Original assignee: Harting Electronics GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Harting Electronics GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-09-01
Filing date: 2018-08-13
Publication date: 2020-07-08
Also published as: DE102017120180B3; WO2019042494A1; CN111066212A; US20200161779A1; KR102455452B1; KR20200037411A

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connector (1) comprising a plug connector housing, a cutting region (2) arranged in the plug connector housing, and a contact region (3) arranged in the plug connector housing, the contact region (3) being suitable for contacting a mating plug connector. The plug connector (1) comprises a plugging side (S) and a connecting side (A) opposite the plugging side (S), the plugging side (S) and the connecting side (A) being arranged at an angle to one another. This means that the plug connector is an angled plug connector in which, according to the invention, the cutting region (2) and the contact region (3) are arranged on the plugging side (S). The invention further relates to a method for assembling a plug connector (1) of this type.

Description

Angled connector and method of confectioning

description

The invention relates to an angled connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a method according to claim 12.

Such connectors are required to reversibly connect electrical leads or terminals together. Connectors and mating connectors are used in the prior art to provide an electrical and mechanical connection between two electrical leads or an electrical lead and a device or installation.

State of the art

DE 20 2006 003 204 U1 shows a connector which is designed as a plug or mounting housing. The connector consists of a connector housing, in which an insulating body is received with electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are provided for connecting electrical lines, which are guided on the back of the connector from the plug or mounting housing.

DE 10 2015 1 13 786 A1 discloses a connector which is formed at right angles and has a two-part insulating body. This can be mounted from two directions in the connector housing.

From DE 10 213 107 352 A1 an electrical contact element is known. This serves to make contact with an electrical stranded conductor and has a splicing element for separating the individual strands of the stranded conductor. Furthermore, the use of insulation displacement contact terminals is known in the art.

A disadvantage of the known types of connectors, however, is that not every form of insulating body or connector housing can be combined with any type of contact element.

The German Patent and Trademark Office has in the priority application for the present application, the following prior art research: DE 200 12 284 U1, US 4,431, 249 A, DE 33 13 284 C2,

DE 10 2010 01 1 614 A1, DE 20 2008 008 809 U1, US 2012/0100745 A1, WO 2015/154450 A1.

task

The object of the invention is an angled

Present connector, which is particularly suitable for use with stranded conductors. Furthermore, the connector should be inexpensive to produce and easy to handle.

The object is solved by the features of independent claim 1 and independent claim 12.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The invention relates to a connector, which a

Connector housing, having a arranged in the connector housing cutting area and arranged in the connector housing contact area. The contact area is suitable for contacting a mating connector. Furthermore, the plug connector has a plug side and a connection side opposite the plug side on, wherein the plug side and the connection side are arranged at an angle to each other or aligned.

By "at an angle to each other" is meant that the axis of symmetry SA1 from the mating side (S) and the axis of symmetry SA2 of the connection side (A) enclose an angle α with each other.

An electrical conductor is from the connection side in the

Connector insertable. According to the invention, the cutting region and the contact region are arranged on the insertion side.

The conductor is preferably a multi-stranded conductor which includes a plurality of individual conductors / strands.

The connector has a connector housing. In this connector housing, the cutting area and the contact area are arranged. Furthermore, the connector housing has a plug side and a connection side. The plug side and the connection side are in the known connectors usually on a line, each other

aligned opposite or parallel to each other. In the connector according to the invention, the plug side and the connection side are arranged at an angle to each other. The levels of plug side and connection side are substantially perpendicular to each other. This offers the advantage that the connector can also be used in difficult-to-reach or narrow areas.

The contact area and the cutting area are arranged on the plug side of the connector housing. The plug side is used for

Contacting a mating connector and the connection side for connecting a conductor. The connection of a conductor takes place from the connection side in the direction of the plug side. Therefore, the terminal side is designed so that the conductor can be inserted without problems. Ideally, the connection side has a cable gland for secure fixing of the conductor. The cable gland offers the advantage that effective tensile forces and loads from the connector

be kept away and so the longevity of the connector is increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the plug side and the

Connection side at an angle smaller than 180 °, preferably

smaller than 135 °, in particular smaller than or equal to 90 °, arranged to each other. At an angle smaller than 180 ° only one connector with individually manufactured contacts, such as angled rotary contacts, is possible so far. However, these are expensive to produce and very expensive to assemble. The connector according to the invention, however, allows a free assembly in spite of the mutually angled arrangement. An angle equal to or less than 90 ° is the variant which saves the most space in or on a device since the connector housing in this embodiment is the smallest in terms of length and width of the entire connector.

In an advantageous embodiment, the plug side is at least two parts, wherein the cutting area a first portion and the

Contact area forms a second section. By the two-part

Design of the mating side of the introduced through the terminal side conductor is easier to contact. The contacting of the recorded conductor is done by the mating of cutting area and contact area. This offers the advantage of handling and

Assembly of the connector for a user easier and so without tools is possible.

The plug-in side preferably has the contact region on the end remote from the connection side, wherein the contact region at the far end of the opposite end is in at least one Contact element transitions. The transition into at least one

Contact element allows the contacting of the connector with a mating connector. The contact element may be both a pin contact and a socket contact.

On the connection side facing the end of the plug side of the cutting area is arranged. As a result, cutting area and contact area are advantageously opposite and can be easily assembled by a user.

In a preferred embodiment, the cutting area has a

Ladder pick up. This serves to receive the conductor, which is guided from the connection side to the plug side. The conductor holder secures the conductor on the plug side.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conductor receiving on at least one conductor holder, wherein the conductor holder is used to fix the conductor. The conductor holder is an approximately U-shaped contour, in particular around the holding side of a cutting clamp in which the conductor to be cut is held. The ladder is placed in the ladder holder where it is securely and firmly fixed.

Advantageously, the contact region has at least one cutting edge, in particular a cutting clamp. The cutting edge is the counterpart to the conductor holder of the cutting area. in the

In contrast to the ladder holder, however, the cutting edge is sharp-edged so that it can easily cut an insulation, more precisely a jacket, of the conductor. The cutting edge only acts so strongly that no strand is damaged inside the conductor. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting edge and the

Ladder holder can be plugged together. This combination means that the connector can be assembled without tools or other aids.

It is particularly advantageous that the conductor can be contacted by the connection of cutting area and contact area and so power or the like can be transmitted. The combination of connection side, cutting area, contact area and the transition to the

Contact elements allow a secure transmission of one

Connector on a mating connector.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the

Connect at least one gasket to prevent it from external

Protect the environment. Ideally, a seal is arranged on the connection side, in the area of the cable gland. Another seal could be located on the mating side, in transition to the actual connector housing. So the connector is optimally protected.

The invention further relates to a method for assembling a connector, which comprises the following steps:

a) inserting a conductor in the connector housing over the

Connection side and through the angle between plug side and connection side,

b) Inserting and fixing the conductor in the conductor holder in

Cutting area of the plug-in area,

c) adjusting the length of the conductor to the cutting area and, if necessary, shortening,

d) placing the contact area on the cutting area, thereby cutting the insulation of the conductor and contacting the conductor. Through the use of the connector according to the invention in

Combination with the method according to the invention makes it possible to present an angled connector which can be assembled in a field, which connector can be assembled by a user in a simple and uncomplicated manner.

embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

1 is a side view of a connector according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cutting area; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a contact area; FIG. 4 shows the method steps for assembling a cutting area

connector

The figures contain partially simplified, schematic representations. In part, for the same, but possibly not identical

Elements identical reference numerals used. Different views of the same elements could be scaled differently.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a device according to the invention

Connector 1. In particular, this is a

Circular connector, more precisely an angled circular connector. In the figure 1, the connector 1 with his in this

Embodiment shown two-piece connector housing. The connector housing in this case has a connection side A and a plug side S. The connection side A and the plug side S are in

a 90 ° angle, ie a right angle to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plug side consists of a first portion and a second portion, which are screwed together. Alternatively, the connection between the two sections of the Plug side S also done via a plug or a bayonet connection.

In the connector housing, the cutting area 2, the

Contact area 3, the conductor 4 and the contact element 5 was added. In this case, the conductor 4 is received on the connection side A. In the first part of the mating side S is the cutting area 2. The contact area 3 and then the at least one

Contact element 5 are received in the second portion of the mating side S. The entire mating side S is received in the connector housing, which is shown partially transparent for clarity.

The conductor 4 is a cable which consists of several individual insulated strands. The conductor 4 is inserted from one side of the terminal side A into the connector housing in the direction of the 90 ° angle. The fixation and strain relief is done by a known from the prior art cable fixation or

Cable gland, which ideally also has a corresponding seal to protect against external environmental influences.

Only in the direction rotated by 90 °, the plug side S connects to the connection side A. In this case, the mating side S on the cable fixing opposite side of the connection side A connects. In the figure 1, the first portion of the mating side S, the cutting area 2, inserted into the connector housing and the individual strands of the conductor 4 is already integrated at this point.

The cutting area 2 has eight conductor receptacles 6, each with a conductor holder 7. Analogously, the contact region 3 has eight cutting edges 8, which interact with the conductor receptacles 6. The

Cutting 8 and the conductor receptacles 6 are approximately circular arranged so that a closed circle, more precisely a polygon, can be seen in a plan view.

In order to achieve optimum cutting of the insulation, more precisely the coats of the individual strands, the conductor receptacles 6 and

Cutting 8 offset from each other. That is, they are either positioned at any angle to each other. Or, as shown in FIG. 1, they are arranged on slightly different radii

The contact element 5 is partially in the contact area 3 and is held securely in this. In the figure 1 are eight

Contact elements 5 inserted in the contact area 3. However, these are not fully visible due to the side view in Figure 1, but shown in more detail in Figure 3.

In the combination of cutting edge 8 and conductor receptacle 6, or

Ladder bracket 7, as they are after the assembly of

Connection side A and S side is given, it is the application of insulation displacement technology.

FIG. 2 shows the cutting region 2. The latter is round and has, in this example four, projections for a torsion-proof reception in the first part of the mating side S. In this case, the first part not shown separately here has corresponding

Recesses, in which immerge the projections and thus securely fix the cutting area 2.

Furthermore, eight conductor receptacles 6 are integrally formed on the cutting region 2, which each have a conductor holder 7. In this case, the conductor receivers 6 are arranged in a circle, so that in a plan view of a closed circle, more precisely a polygon forms. The conductor holders 7 are notches in the conductor receptacles 6, which are formed so large that they are the coats of a

Do not damage or destroy the stranded wire. Furthermore, they are also designed so narrow that a recorded strand, as shown in Figure 4 b), is held securely. The conductor holder 7 has approximately a U-shape.

3 shows the contact region 3. This is round and has, in this example, a recess for a torsion-proof recording in the second section of the mating side S. In this case, the second section not shown separately has a corresponding

Anformung on, in which immerse the recess and so the

Contact area 3 can securely fix.

At the contact region 3 8 eight cutting edges 8 are formed in the direction of the cutting area. A cutting edge 8 consists of two opposing sharp-edged elements, the sharp sides are aligned with each other so that they intersect an object introduced therebetween from two sides.

On the side facing away from the cutting area 2 are eight

Contact elements 5 arranged. In each case, a contact element 5 is securely and firmly connected to a cutting edge 8. The connection can be made via a screw connection, soldering, plugging, latching or the like. In the figure 3, the contact element 5 is designed as a pin contact, wherein a design as a socket contact is conceivable.

FIG. 4 shows the basic steps of the method according to the invention. In Figure 4 a), a conductor 4 is inserted through the connection side A in the direction of the plug side S in the connector housing.

The outermost insulation of the entire conductor 4 was in the range removed within the connector housing, so that only the therein recorded strands of the conductor 4 have their isolation. This corresponds to method step a).

This is followed by the placement of the cutting area 2. This is slipped over the individual strands and then locked on the connection side A.

In the figure 4 b) then the process step b), and the step c) is shown. The strands are inserted into the conductor holders 7 and are thus fixed there. It follows the adjustment of the length of the individual strands, in this case represented by the scissors symbol. The shortening of the strands allows a clean absorption of these in the

Connector housing and facilitates the placement of the

Contact area 3.

The placement of the contact region 3 is shown in Figure 4 c), in which case the contact area is received in the second part of the mating side S and thus not visible. In this step, the insulation of the individual strands is cut and so the contact between the

Contact element 5 and the conductor 4, more precisely a strand produced.

After fitting, the connection between plug side S and connection side A is fixed, in this case by a screw.

Although various aspects or features of the invention are shown in combination in the figures, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, unless stated otherwise, that the combinations illustrated and discussed are not the only ones possible. In particular, corresponding units or feature complexes from different embodiments can be exchanged with one another. Angled connector and method of confectioning

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 connector

2 cutting area

3 contact area

4 conductors

5 contact element

6 conductor receptacle

7 conductor holder

8 cutting edge

A connection side

S plug side

α angle

Claims

Angled connector and method of confectioning

claims

Connector (1), which a connector housing, a arranged in the connector housing cutting area

(2) and having a contact area (3) arranged in the connector housing,

the contact area

(3) for contacting a

Mating connector is suitable,

wherein the connector (1) has a plug side (S) and a

Has connection side (A),

wherein an electrical conductor (4) can be inserted from the connection side (A) into the connector (1),

characterized in that

the plug side (S) and the connection side (A) are arranged at an angle to each other, and

the plug-in side (S) and the connection side (A) are arranged at an angle of less than 180 °, preferably less than 135 °, in particular less than or equal to 90 ° with respect to one another.

Connector (1) according to claim 1

characterized in that

that the plug side (S) and the connection side (A) are arranged at an angle of less than 135 ° to each other.

Connector (1) according to claim 1

characterized in that

that the plug side (S) and the connection side (A) are arranged at an angle equal to or less than 90 ° to each other.

4. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims

characterized in that the contact region (3) has at least one cutting edge (8),

in particular at least one insulation displacement terminal.

5. Connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2

characterized in that

the mating side (S) is at least two parts,

wherein the cutting area (2) a first portion and the

Contact area (3) forms a second section.

6. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the plug side (S) facing away from the connection side (A)

End has the contact area (3),

wherein the contact region (3) at the far end of the

turned away end in at least one contact element (5) passes.

7. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the plug side (S) has the cutting area (2) on the end facing the connection side (A).

8. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the cutting region (2) has a conductor receptacle (6).

9. Connector (1) according to claim 6

characterized in that

the conductor receptacle (6) has at least one conductor holder (7), wherein the conductor holder (7) serves for fixing a conductor (4).

10. Connector (1) according to claim 7

characterized in that the cutting edge (8) and the conductor posture (7) are plugged together.

1 1. Connector (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8

characterized in that

the conductor (4) can be contacted by the connection of cutting area (2) and conductor receptacle (6).

12. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the conductor (4) through the connection side (A) over the

Cutting area (2) and the contact area (3) in the

Connector housing is receivable.

13. Connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims

characterized in that

the connector (1) has at least one seal.

14. Method for assembling a connector according to

Claim 1

characterized in that

it has the following steps:

a) inserting a conductor (4) into the connector housing via the connection side (A) and through the angle between the plug side (S) and connection side (A),

b) inserting and fixing the conductor (4) in the conductor holder (7) in the cutting region (2) of the insertion side (S),

c) adjusting the length of the conductor (4) to the cutting area (2) and shortening if necessary,

d) placing the contact area on the cutting area, thereby cutting the insulation of the conductor and contacting the conductor.