EP3695463A1

EP3695463A1 - Plug and socket for connecting to a thermal conductor protected against polarity reversal

Info

Publication number: EP3695463A1
Application number: EP18782046.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stephan Bacher
Original assignee: Ipetronik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Ipetronik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2017-10-10
Filing date: 2018-10-01
Publication date: 2020-08-19
Also published as: DE102017009401B4; WO2019072618A8; KR20200060505A; WO2019072618A1; JP2020537124A; US11374342B2; DE102017009401A1; US20210013657A1; CN111264005A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug and a socket, which are each designed to be capable of being connected to a coded thermal line protected against polarity reversal . To this end the plug and the socket each comprise a recess which is configured to receive, in a manner protection against polarity reversal, a thermal line with an asymmetrically designed cross section and a first and a second electrically conductive plug or socket element which each comprise a first and a second area. The first area of the plug and socket elements each comprise a spring contact, and the plug and socket elements are arranged in such a manner that the two spring contacts each contact substantially axially a core of a received thermal line.

Description

CONNECTOR AND SOCKET CONNECTED TO ONE

MOLECULAR THERMAL LINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a plug for an electrical connector, a socket for an electrical connector and a system comprising a plug and a socket. In particular, the present invention relates to a plug, a socket and a system of plug and socket for connection to a reverse polarity protected thermocouple.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are generally known plug-in connections (also known as plug-in connectors) in which a plug can be plug-connected to a socket in order to produce an electrical connection between two lines which respectively extend from the plug and the socket.

Furthermore, connectors for thermocouple and resistance thermometer measuring systems are generally known. Such a connector consists of a thermocouple and a thermo socket, which can serve to connect two thermoelectric cables.

For example, in the automotive and supplier industry, a large number of such (thermal) plugs and (thermal) sockets (also called "thermal plug connectors") are used for thermoelectric cables as part of measuring systems in test vehicles.

In particular, connectors are used in measuring systems in which the temperature of a specific measuring point is determined via a so-called thermocouple. Such a thermocouple consists of two wire conductors with different materials, the so-called thermocouple, which are each connected at one end. The (measuring point) temperature is determined by a voltage difference due to the different conductor metals of the thermocouple. Within the measuring system, the thermocouple of the thermocouple can be connected via thermocouple connectors to another thermoelectric cable which, for example, opens into a module block. From there, the measured data can be amplified and digitized in signal processing and subsequently forwarded, for example, to dataloggers.

From DE 10 2014 017157 B3, a thermoelectric line and a module block are known, wherein the thermoelectric line has a cross section which is designed such that a polarity of the two-wire thermoelectric line in the electrical connection to the module block is prevented. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved connector (or a plug and a socket) which is suitable for connection to a thermocouple.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides a plug for an electrical connector according to claim 1.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a socket for an electrical connector according to claim 9.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a system comprising a plug and a socket according to claim 11.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the accompanying drawings and the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plug in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a plan view of a plug in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows schematically an embodiment of the plug according to the invention with a coded thermoelectric cable extending therefrom;

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a socket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

5 illustrates a plan view of a socket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows schematically an embodiment of the bush according to the invention with a coded thermoelectric cable extending therefrom;

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a female member in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a female member according to an embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 9 illustrates a plan view of a female member according to the embodiment in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 illustrates schematically an embodiment of a system according to the invention comprising a plug and a socket; and

Fig. 11 shows a further embodiment of a system according to the invention, comprising a plug and a socket, schematically represents.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a connector in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. In Fig. 3, the plug is shown in connection with a coded thermocouple. In Fig. 4 and 5 is an embodiment a socket in accordance with the present invention illustrated. In Fig. 6, the socket is shown in connection with a thermal line. In Fig. 7, an embodiment of a socket element according to the invention is illustrated. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a socket element. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a system comprising a plug according to the invention and a socket according to the invention.

Before a detailed description follows first general explanations to the embodiments and their advantages.

The plug according to the invention, the socket according to the invention and the plug-socket system according to the invention are intended primarily for use in mobile vehicle measuring technology, but these should in no way be limited to this application. Thus, the plug-socket system according to the invention is intended for any application in which coded thermoelectric cables are used in particular. Furthermore, the plug-socket system according to the invention is not limited to connect exclusively polarity reversible thermoelectric cables. For example, the invention also serves to electrically connect a reverse polarity protected thermoelectric line to a non-polarity reversible thermoelectric line. In this case, it is possible for a plug according to the invention, which is designed to receive a reverse polarity protected thermoelectric line, to be connected to a socket known from the prior art, which has received a non-reverse polarity thermoelectric line. Similarly, it is also conceivable, a socket according to the invention, which is designed to receive a reverse polarity protected thermocouple to connect with a known in the prior art connector. The embodiments relate to a plug. The term "plug" is understood to mean a pin or mark, unless stated otherwise. The term "male" stands for "male" and refers to a connector with the head protruding.

The plug comprises a receptacle which is configured to receive a thermocouple with an asymmetrically formed cross-section safe from polarity reversal. The receptacle is therefore designed such that a coded thermoelectric cable can be introduced into the receptacle in a polarity-reversal-proof manner. As a result, the recording can be the appropriate Have counter-form of the coded thermocouple. The receptacle may be channel-shaped, so that it is in contact with a peripheral surface of a thermoelectric line inserted into the receptacle. The cross section of the receptacle may in some embodiments taper inwards. This can be achieved in addition to a simplified mounting of the thermocouple on the plug and a stable mechanical connection between the plug and the thermocouple.

In some embodiments, the receptacle has a strain relief for strain-relieving and mechanical connection of a received thermocouple. Advantageously, the strain relief prevents the electrical connection between a thermoelectric line and the plug being separated again due to external influences (eg vibrations, tensile or compressive forces).

In some embodiments, the Zugentiastung can be designed as a cutting-clamping solution or as a locking spring. In this case, the strain relief element may comprise at least one claw with a pawl, wherein the pawl penetrates into the insulation of an inserted thermal line and thus mechanically fixes the thermocouple comparable to a barb. In a preferred embodiment, the claw has five pawls to fix the thermal line introduced into the module block at up to five locations. The pawls ensure that the thermal cable is not damaged by the strain relief. The plug according to the invention further comprises a first and second electrically conductive plug element, each having a first and second region. The plug element may be formed as a contact plate or as a kind of flat needle. In principle, the two plug elements can be formed from all common materials (eg copper, iron or nickel). Standardized thermo- nomic materials (eg type T, type R, type S, type B, type L, type U, type J or type K) are typically used as plug elements. In this case, the two plug elements according to the invention typically have different materials.

In some embodiments, the first connector element is preferably made of nickel and the second connector element of chrome-nickel. In some embodiments, the two plug elements correspond to the type K of thermal materials, ie a first plug element is made of chrome-nickel (Chromel) and the second plug element made of aluminum-nickel (Alumel). The first region of the plug elements according to the invention each has a spring contact. In some embodiments, the spring contact may be press fit into the male member. The plug element and the spring contact can be formed in one piece or in several parts. In some embodiments, the spring contact comprises a spring element and a probe tip.

The spring element may represent a coil spring or a compression spring, which is a wound in helical wire. Furthermore, the spring element can be any elastic element that undergoes a certain deformation when a certain force is exerted. The spring element is made of a metal (e.g., steel, copper) in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the compression spring is made of gilded steel. In some embodiments, the spring element is constructed to have a maximum spring travel of about 1-3 mm, preferably 2 mm. The spring element can have a spring force of 130 cN +/- 20% at a working stroke of 1.8 mm.

The probe can be a needle-shaped, pointed contact. The probe can be made of a thermo material. In a preferred embodiment, the test probe is made of the identical material as the associated plug element. For type K, this means that the probe of the Chromel plug made of Chromel and the probe of the Alumel plug is made of Aiumel. The test probe can have a diameter between 0.3 and 0.7 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the spring contact also includes a guide bushing, which may be made of Teflon or PEEK.

The plug element according to the invention may have a bore which has a diameter between 0.5 and 0.9 mm, preferably 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the spring contact is recessed in a bore.

The plug elements according to the invention are arranged such that the two spring contacts each contact a core of a received thermoelectric line substantially axially. Each wire of a thermocouple consists of a multitude of strands, preferably from 7 strands, resulting in gaps in the cross section of the wire. A contact or electrical connection is therefore present when the two spring contacts each penetrate into the interstices of each formed with a plurality of strands wires. Contacting can also be ensured if one of the two spring contacts penetrates between the core insulating material and one or more strands. A contact can also be ensured by touching a spring contact with the end face of a wire. In a preferred embodiment, both spring contacts penetrate approximately 0.5 to 2 mm axially in each case one core of the inserted thermal line. The spring contacts can be arranged in a plane in the plug. It is conceivable that this may be a horizontal plane relative to the plug or a vertical plane. The plug elements are arranged in some embodiments substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the plug. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the spring contacts are arranged substantially parallel along the longitudinal axis of the plug. In some embodiments, the spring contacts are arranged to point from within the plug toward the input of the receptacle to axially contact one strand of an inserted thermocouple.

In some embodiments, the spring member and the probe cooperate such that when a thermocouple is received in the strain relief, the probe contacts a core of the thermocouple substantially axially, with the spring force of the spring applying pressure on the thermocouple to provide a safe electrical To allow connection of the spring contact with the recorded thermoelectric line. The spring force of the spring element and the probe cooperates with the strain relief, ie when inserting a thermocouple in the receptacle of the plug, the thermocouple traverses the strain relief and then strikes the probe of the spring contact. As a result of the pressure acting on the test tip when contacting, the spring element deforms elastically, as a result of which compression of the spring element takes place and the thermoelectric cable continues to get into the receptacle. If the spring force is greater than the force with which the thermal line is introduced or the maximum spring travel of the spring element is reached, the thermocouple can not be introduced further. At the same time, the strain relief, a mechanical fixation of the thermocouple produces comparable to a barb, so that a possible movement of the thermocouple from the receptacle of the plug is prevented out.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is formed as part of a housing. In addition, the receptacle may have an asymmetrical cross section. The uptake of the housing may be formed such that a coded thermoelectric line can be positively inserted into this. In this case, the cross section of the male thermocouple or the receptacle of the plug may have an asymmetrically shaped corner or edge. The cross-section may consist of a circular arc portion and of two planar sections that combine to form a shape. Furthermore, the cross section of the receptacle may have a triangular shape or a "pear-shaped" or "teardrop-shaped" structure.

In some embodiments, the plug includes a housing having at least a first and a second housing part, which are plug-in connection by means of a snap closure arrangement, to hold the housing parts together and to enclose the interior. Advantageously, it can be achieved that the housing can be closed without a screw connection. The housing may be made of a plastic. The plug elements can be arranged in one of the housing parts. The housing may further comprise further housing parts. In some embodiments, the male members are held in a predetermined position via guide pins in one of the housing parts to prevent longitudinal and transverse displacement of the connector. When the guide pins are formed on one of the housing parts, the other housing part has bores in the corresponding places, which are configured to receive the guide pins. Preferably, the guide pins are formed on the housing part, in which the plug elements are not arranged. This has the advantage that the connector elements can first be introduced without tools in a first housing part and then fixed in the longitudinal and transverse direction when connecting the two housing parts of the guide pin of the second housing part. In some embodiments, the plug element has at least one bore, by means of which the plug element is in engagement with at least one guide pin. Furthermore, the bore can also extend through the housing part, on the the plug part is arranged.

The plug elements according to the invention also have a second region, which is configured in such a way that it can be received in an electrically contacting manner by a socket element. The second region of a plug element may be elongated. In some embodiments, the second region of the plug member is a pin-shaped member. The second portion of the two plug members of the plug may each have a different width to provide reverse polarity protection. Furthermore, the second region of the plug elements may extend out of the housing of the plug. These protruding areas can be completely accommodated by a housing of a socket according to the invention. Advantageously, in the connected state thus all conductor guides of the plug are within a housing, whereby short circuits are prevented. The second region of the plug elements can also be surrounded by a circumferential housing part in such a way that, when it is connected to the housing of a socket element according to the invention, it pushes over the housing of the socket element in a form-fitting manner and closes in a sealing manner.

Furthermore, the embodiments relate to a socket. The term "socket" is understood to mean a contact or female, unless stated otherwise. The term "female" stands for "female" and denotes a connector which forms a sleeve around the male counterpart or the second region of the Steckerlemente. Preferably, the socket according to the invention with a plug according to one of the o.g. Embodiments associated.

The bushing according to the invention comprises a receptacle which is configured to receive a thermal conduction with an asymmetrically formed cross-section in a polarity-reversal manner, and a first and second electrically conductive bushing element, each having a first and second region. The first region of the female elements each has a spring contact. Furthermore, the socket elements are arranged such that the two spring contacts each contact a core of a recorded thermoelectric line substantially axially. The receptacle and the spring contact of the first region of the two socket elements can be configured identically to the receptacle and the spring contact of the first region of the two plug elements. The above explanations for recording and The spring contact of the first region of the two connector elements are therefore analogous to the recording and the spring contact of the first region of the two female elements apply.

Correspondingly, in some embodiments, the spring contact of the bushing includes a spring element and a probe that cooperate such that upon receipt of a thermocouple in the strain relief, the probe contacts a core of the thermocouple substantially axially, the spring force of the spring element exerting pressure on the spring Thermocouple exerts to allow a secure electrical connection of the spring contact with the recorded thermocouple. In addition, the receptacle of the socket can also have a strain relief for zugentlastenden and mechanical connection of a recorded thermal line. The o.g. Embodiments of the strain relief of the plug apply analogously to the strain relief of the socket.

The housing of the socket has, in some embodiments, first and second housing parts, which are plug-in-connectable by means of a snap-lock arrangement, in order to hold the housing parts together and to enclose the interior. In addition, the housing may comprise the receptacle, wherein the receptacle has an asymmetrical cross-section.

In some embodiments, the sleeve members are held in a predetermined position via guide pins in one of the housing parts to prevent longitudinal and transverse displacement.

In some embodiments, the bushing element has at least one bore, by means of which the bushing element is in engagement with at least one guide pin. In analogy to the o.g. Plug elements, the first socket element may preferably be formed of nickel and the second socket element made of chrome-nickel. In addition, the o.g. Embodiments with respect to the material of the connector elements in analogy to the socket elements applicable.

The socket according to the invention has a second region of the socket element, which is configured to receive a plug element in an electrically contacting manner. In In some embodiments, the second portion of the female member is disposed entirely within the housing of the sleeve. The housing may then each have an opening in the vicinity of the second region of the socket elements, in which the second regions of the plug elements can be accommodated. In some embodiments, the openings of the housing in the vicinity of the second region of the two socket elements may each have a different width to provide a reverse polarity protection for receiving corresponding, different widths formed second portions of the connector elements in the socket housing. In some embodiments, the bushing includes a contact spring member disposed in the second portion of the bushing members to prevent vertical movement of the bushing members and to provide secure electrical contact with the plug members of a corresponding plug. The contact spring element is an elastic element which is arranged in the bush in such a way that it exerts a force on the respective bushing element. When inserting the plug elements into the socket housing, the contact spring element is pressed upwards so far that a reception of at least the second region of the plug element takes place in the socket. Furthermore, the contact spring element presses against the second region of the plug element. Advantageously, a mechanical and electrical connection between plug and socket can be generated by such a configuration at the same time.

Furthermore, the embodiments relate to a system having a plug according to one of the o.g. Embodiments and a socket according to one of the o.g. Embodiments includes. In this case, the plug and the socket are preferably electrically contactable in order to connect two thermoelectric lines to one another electrically.

Returning to the figures, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a plug according to the invention (with an upper housing cover not shown to better illustrate the interior of the plug). FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the plug according to the invention without an upper housing cover. Fig. 3 illustrates the plug according to the invention in connection with a coded thermoelectric cable. Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a socket according to the invention (wherein an upper housing cover is not is shown to better illustrate the interior of the socket). Fig. 5 illustrates a plan view of the socket according to the invention without upper housing cover. Fig. 6 illustrates the socket according to the invention in connection with a coded thermoelectric cable. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a socket element according to the invention. In Fig. 8 and 9, another embodiment of a socket element is illustrated. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a system comprising a plug according to the invention and a socket according to the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a plug 10 according to the invention, wherein an upper housing part is not shown, so that the interior of the plug 10 can be seen better.

The plug 10 has a first housing part 15, which has two channels in a first region through a block-like section, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the plug 10. In the channels two plug elements 12a, 12b are recessed. The first male member 12a is made of Alumel, whereas the second male member 12b is made of Chromel. The plug elements 12, 12b can also be made of any other thermal material. Each of the plug elements 12a, 12b has a first and a second region. The two plug elements 12a, 12b lie in one plane. Starting from the block-like housing section of the first housing part 15, a flatter housing section of the first housing part 15 adjoins. In each case the first region of the plug elements 12a, 12b is arranged on this flatter housing section.

The first region of the plug elements 12a, 12b each comprise a spring contact 13. The two spring contacts 13 of the plug elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the plug 10. The plug elements 12a, 12b are arranged substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the plug 10. In addition, the spring contacts 13 are each viewed substantially centrally from the longitudinal axis of the plug element 12a, 12b. The opposite side surfaces of the first portion of the connector elements 12a, 12b are spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the longitudinally extending spring contacts 13 at such a distance from each other, so that they each contact a wire of a recorded coded thermoelectric line. The second region of the plug elements 12a, 12b is configured such that it can be received in an electrically contacting manner by a socket. In this embodiment, the connector elements 12, 12b are two elongated contact plates. The second region of the first plug element 12a is formed wider than the second region of the second plug element 12b. This ensures that the connection to a socket with correspondingly configured openings can be carried out with reverse polarity protection.

In the shallower housing part also a strain relief 14 is embedded. The strain relief 14 is designed as an insulation displacement device. It has five terminals. These may be bent inwardly upon receipt of a coded thermocouple and may then cut into the insulation of the inserted thermoconductor thereby creating a mechanical fixation.

The first housing part 15 also has, in the region of the flat housing section, a lateral extension which is designed as a snap hook 16. This and a snap hook 16 formed on the opposite side of the first housing part 15 serve to mechanically connect a second housing part 18 (see, for example, in FIG. 3) with the first housing part 15. As a result, a screw connection to the closure of the plug 10 is avoided.

The plug elements 12a, 12b further each have a bore in the first region, which also extends through the underlying flat housing portion. When connecting the first housing part 15 to the second housing part 18 (see, for example, in FIG. 3), guide bolts which are located on the second housing part 8 penetrate into these bores. As a result, the plug elements 12a, 12b can be used without tools, and displacement of the plug elements 12a, 12b in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the plug 10 is nevertheless prevented.

The plug 10 also has a receptacle 11. This has (in a sealed housing) on an asymmetrically shaped cross-section to allow the reception of a reverse polarity protected thermocouple. The receptacle 11 also has a rounded, inwardly tapered entrance area, which facilitates the insertion of a coded thermoelectric line. In the area of the receptacle 11, the strain relief 14 is also arranged. The five terminals of the strain relief 14 are arranged such that they form an opening having a substantially identical to the receptacle 11 asymmetric cross-section.

2 illustrates a top view of the plug 10 according to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates that the two spring contacts 13 are arranged next to one another in a plane. Furthermore, the receptacle has a rounded region in order to simplify the insertion of a thermocouple. The receptacle 11 tapers in the longitudinal direction of the interior of the plug 10. The strain relief 14 follows transversely to the longitudinal direction in the region of the receptacle 11. At the inner end of the receptacle 11 there are two test tips of the spring contacts 13 which are arranged parallel in the longitudinal direction of the plug extend from the first region of the plug elements 12a, 12b. These are arranged such that they each contact a core of a coded thermoelectric line in the inserted state substantially axially.

Fig. 3 illustrates the plug 10 according to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein the second housing part 18 is connected to the first housing part 15. In this case, the second housing part 18 is plug-connected to the first housing part 15 via the two snap hooks 16. Except for the second region of the plug elements 12a, 12b, all conductive components are located in the interior of the plug 10. FIG. 3 also illustrates a coded thermoelectric lead 30a which is located in the receptacle 11 of the plug 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the receptacle 11 of the plug 10 is configured to receive a "pear-shaped" thermoelectric cable 30 a and to securely contact the test probes arranged in the plug 10.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a socket 20 according to the invention, wherein an upper housing part (see reference numeral 28 in Fig. 6) is not shown, so that the interior of the sleeve 20 is better seen. The bushing 20 has a first housing part 25 which, in a first block-like housing section, has two channel-shaped cavities which extend in a longitudinal direction of the bushing 20. In each of the channel-shaped cavities in each case a socket element 22a, 22b is inserted. The first sleeve member 22a is made of Alumel, whereas the second sleeve member 22b is made of Chromel. The socket elements 22a, 22b can also be made of any other thermal material. Each of the female members 22a, 22b has first and second regions. The first region of the sleeve elements 22a, 22b each comprise a spring contact 23. The two spring contacts 23 of the sleeve elements extend in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 20. The sleeve elements 22a, 22b are arranged substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve 20. In addition, the spring contacts 23 are each viewed centrally from the longitudinal axis of the sleeve member 22a, 22b from centrally or substantially centrally mounted. The opposite side surfaces of the first portion of the sleeve members 22a, 22b are spaced apart and are in a (horizontal) plane. Furthermore, the longitudinally extending spring contacts 23 at such a distance that they each contact a core of a coded Thermoieitung, which is inserted in the receptacle 21.

The second portion of the socket members 22a, 22b is configured such that a plug received in the socket contacts the second portion of the socket members 22a, 22b. In this embodiment, the female members 22a, 22b are two elongate shaped contact sheets. The second region of the two sleeve elements 22a, 22b has the same width in each case. Rather, the two socket elements 22a, 22b are formed identically in their dimensions. The second region of the two sleeve elements 22a, 22b is completely surrounded by the first housing part 25. At the side facing away from the first region of the socket elements 22a, 22b, the first housing part 25 has two openings in order to be able to receive the plug elements of a corresponding plug. The two openings have a different width, so that a verpolischere connection is made possible with a plug.

In a flatter housing section of the first housing part 25, which continues from the block-like housing section of the first housing part 25, a strain relief 24 in the region of the receptacle 21 is partially embedded in the first housing part 25. The strain relief 24 is designed as a cutting-clamping device. It has five terminals. These can be bent inwards when receiving a coded thermoelectric line in the receptacle 21 and then intersect in the insulation of the recorded Thermoieitung, whereby a mechanical fixation is generated.

In the region of the flat housing section, the first housing part 25 also has a lateral extension, which is designed as a snap hook 26. This and an oppositely shaped snap hook 26 serve to mechanically connect a second housing part 28 (see FIG. 6) to the first housing part 25. As a result, a screw connection to the closure of the bush 20 is avoided.

The bush elements 22a, 22b further each have a bore 27 in the first region, which also extends through the underlying flat housing portion. In this holes 27 penetrate when connecting the first housing part 25 with the second housing part 28 (see in Figure 6) guide pins, which are located on the second housing part 28. As a result, a displacement of the sleeve elements 22a, 22b in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the bushing 20 is prevented. The socket 20 also has a receptacle 21. This has (in a sealed housing) on an asymmetrically shaped cross-section to allow the reception of a reverse polarity protected thermocouple. The receptacle 21 also has a rounded, inwardly tapered entrance area, which facilitates the insertion of a coded thermoelectric line. The five terminals of the strain relief 24 are arranged to form an opening having an asymmetrical cross section that is substantially identical to the cross section of the receptacle 21.

Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the bush 20 according to the embodiment in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 shows that the two spring contacts 23 are arranged in a plane next to each other. Furthermore, it can be seen that the receptacle 21 tapers in the longitudinal direction of the interior of the bushing 20. A strain relief 24 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction in the region of the receptacle 21. At the inner end of the receptacle 21 there are two test probes of the spring contacts 23 arranged parallel in the longitudinal direction of the bush, which extend from the first region of the sleeve elements 22a, 22b and at a coded thermoelectric line inserted into the receptacle 21 in each case contact a core essentially axially.

Fig. 6 illustrates the socket 20 according to the embodiment in Figs. 4 and 5, wherein the second housing part 28 is connected to the first housing part 25. In this case, the second housing part 28 is plug-connected to the first housing part 25 via the two snap-in hooks 26. All the conductive components of the bushing 20 are located inside the bush 20. FIG. 6 also shows a coded thermoelectric cable 30b. anschaulicht, which is located in the receptacle 21 of the socket. In this embodiment, the receptacle 21 of the plug 10 is configured to receive a "pear-shaped" thermocouple 30b.

Fig. 7 illustrates a female member 22a, 22b according to the embodiment of the bushing in Figs. 4 and 5. The female member 22a, 22b constitutes a contact plate and a flat needle, respectively. The female member 22a, 22b is a flat, elongate member having an in-plane Has substantially rectangular shape. The rectangular shape is interrupted by a lateral projection portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve member 22a, 22b. In addition, the spring contact 23 extends from the projection in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve member 22a, 22b.

The female member 22a, 22b can be divided into first and second regions. The first region includes at least the spring contact 23 extending out of a bore and the protrusion portion. The spring contact 23 comprises a spring element and a test tip, wherein FIG. 7 shows only a part of the test tip. The spring element is not visible (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The bore extends in the lateral projection portion of the sleeve member 22a, 22b with the lateral projection portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the sleeve member 22a, 22b. The first area also has a circular omission, opening or bore 27. The second region of the sleeve element 22a, 22b essentially corresponds to the oblong, rectangular, narrower extension of the first region.

The first region of the illustrated sleeve element 22a, 22b corresponds structurally to the first region of the plug element 12a, 12b in the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Only the second region of the sleeve element 22a, 22b differs from the second region of the connector element 12a , 12b characterized in that the second region of the plug elements 12a, 12b each have a different width.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a female member 40. The embodiment in Figs. 8 and 9 differs from that in Fig. 7 only by design changes. On the other hand, they are identical regarding the structure of the spring contact. The sleeve member 40 includes a spring member 42 and a test tip 44. The spring member 42 is a coil spring made of gilded steel. The spring element 42 is constructed so that it has a maximum spring travel L1 of 2 mm. At a working stroke of 8 mm, the spring element 42 has a spring force of 130 cN +/- 20%.

The test tip 44 represents a needle-shaped, pointed contact. The test tip 44 is made of the same material as the socket element 40. For type K, this means that the probe of the Chromel female connector made of Chromel and the probe of the Alumel female connector are made of Alumel. The test probe has a diameter d2 of 0.5 mm. The sleeve member 40 has a bore with a diameter d1 of 0.7 mm. The bore has a bore depth L2 of 6.1 mm in the embodiment.

In Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the female member 40 is illustrated. In addition to the spring element 42 and the test tip 44, the spring contact also has a guide bushing 46, which may be made of Teflon or PEEK.

The spring contact of the female element according to the embodiment in FIGS. 8 and 9 is constructed identically to the spring contact of the male element according to the invention. In addition, its operation for contacting a wire of a recorded in the recording thermoelectric line in the socket according to the invention and the plug according to the invention is identical.

FIG. 10 illustrates a system consisting of a plug 10 according to the invention, a socket 20 according to the invention and a coded thermoconductor 30. In the embodiment, a single thermocouple section 30 connects the plug 10 to the socket 20. In this case, the coded thermocouple 30 is inserted with one end into the receptacle of the plug and with the other end in the receptacle of the socket 20.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention of plug and socket. In this case, a plug 10 is connected to a coded thermocouple 30a. The plug 10 is configured such that the plug elements are received by a socket 20. The housing of plug 10 and socket 20 are flush with each other. From the socket 20 in turn extends an encoded thermocouple 30b out. The inventive system of plug and socket should not be limited to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Rather, any combination of the plug according to the invention and the socket according to the invention for the connection of coded thermoelectric cables should be summarized. The invention also includes systems in which the plug or sockets according to the invention are used with connectors or sockets known in the art for connecting coded and non-coded thermoconductors.

Claims

A plug for an electrical connector, the plug comprising:

a receptacle which is configured to receive a thermal conduction with an asymmetrically formed cross-section safe from polarity reversal, and

first and second electrically conductive mating members, each having first and second regions,

wherein the first region of the plug elements each having a spring contact and the plug elements are arranged such that the two spring contacts each contact a core of a recorded thermoelectric line substantially axially, and

wherein the second portion of the male member is configured to be receivable in electrical contact with a female member.

Plug according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle has a strain relief for zugentlastenden and mechanical connection of a recorded thermal line.

Plug according to claim 2, wherein the spring contact comprises a spring element and a probe that cooperate such that upon receiving a thermocouple in the strain relief, the probe contacts a core of the thermocouple substantially axially, wherein the spring force of the spring element, a pressure on the thermocouple exerts to allow a secure electrical connection of the spring contact with the recorded thermoelectric line.

Plug according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is formed as part of a housing and wherein the receptacle has an asymmetrical cross-section.

Plug according to claim 4, wherein the housing has at least a first and second housing part, which are plug-connected by means of a snap closure arrangement to hold the housing parts together and to enclose the interior.

6. Plug according to claim 5, wherein the plug elements via guide pins in one of the housing parts are held in a predetermined position to prevent displacement in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

7. Plug according to claim 6, wherein the plug element has at least one bore, by means of which the plug element is in engagement with at least one guide pin.

8. Connector according to claim 1, wherein the first connector element is preferably made of nickel and the second connector element made of chrome-nickel.

9. socket for an electrical connector, the socket comprising:

a receptacle which is configured to receive a thermal conduction with an asymmetrically shaped cross-section safe from polarity reversal, and

first and second electrically conductive sleeve members each having first and second portions,

wherein the first region of the female elements each has a spring contact and the female elements are arranged such that the two spring contacts each contact a core of a recorded thermal line substantially axially, and

wherein the second portion of the female member is configured to receive a male member in an electrically contacting manner.

10. The socket of claim 9, further comprising:

a contact spring member disposed in the second region of the female members to prevent vertical movement of the female members and to provide secure electrical contact with the male members of a corresponding male connector.

11. A system comprising a plug according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a socket according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the plug and the socket are electrically contacted to electrically connect two thermal leads together.