EP4002599A1 - Connector unit and method of manufacturing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector unit (2; 3), a plug (2) or a socket (3), comprises an insulating body (20; 30) which extends from an input part (22; 32) to an output part (21; 31) of the insulating body (20 ; 30) running receiving channels (24; 34), in each of which a contact element (6; 8), a plug contact (6) or socket contact (8) is arranged, which contact element (6; 8) is located in the output part (21; 31) contact part (61; 81) facing, a connection part (63; 83) facing the input part (22; 32) and a holding part (62; 82) provided between the contact part (61; 81) and the connection part (63; 83) which is held within the associated receiving channel (24; 34) by a locking lever (242; 342) which is integrally formed on the insulating body (20; 30). According to the invention, the resilient locking lever (242; 342) is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (x) of the receiving channel (24; 34) and protrudes into the receiving channel (24; 34), which is expanded by a tool channel (240; 340). , which runs outwards from a front side (2421; 3421) of the locking lever (242; 342) facing the output part (21; 31) axially in the direction of the output part (21; 31) to the end of the receiving channel (24; 34).

Description

The invention relates to a connector unit with an insulating body and contact elements and a manufacturing method for the insulating body.

Connectors that have two mutually complementary connector units are used to connect electrical lines. The connector units normally include a large number of contact elements, such as contact pins or contact sockets, which are held by an insulating body and insulated from one another and can be connected to electrical lines by screwed connections or crimp connections.

As the US20130273789A1 describes, contact elements of connector units usually include a connecting part, such as a crimping part, which can be connected to an electrical line, a contact part, such as a pin or a socket sleeve, which can be connected to a corresponding contact element of another connector unit, and a holding part, which can be connected between the connection part and the contact part is arranged and which serves to anchor the contact element in the insulating body of the connector unit. A ring-shaped holding part is disclosed which encloses the contact element.

the US2007178741A1 discloses a female connector having a contact member having a retaining portion in the form of an annular groove. The contact element is held in an insertion space of an insulating body and abuts a U-shaped stop arc at the front and is held by a lever-shaped latching element which engages in the annular groove with a latching block. The annular groove has an undercut on the latching side, which leads to an annular There is a locking edge that acts on the locking block and prevents the locking block from recoiling if a pulling force is applied to the connected cable. The solution described is therefore intended for specially designed contact elements.

the DE102014112991A1 discloses a circular connector with a metal housing, into which a cylindrical insulating body can be inserted, in which contact elements are arranged, the insulating body having a laterally arranged locking means on the outer circumference for the lateral insertion or latching of a protective conductor contact element, which after the insertion of the insulating body into the metal housing has an am Metal housing formed, penetrates a receiving opening having contacting means with a contact element section. Locking means are thus provided on the insulating body and the metal housing with the receiving opening for securely holding the protective conductor contact element.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an improved connector unit with an insulating body and contact elements and a manufacturing method for this insulating body.

The insulating body of the connector unit is intended to keep a large number of contact units isolated from one another and secure. The contact units should also be held securely when forces are exerted on the connected lines or when the holding parts of the contact units have no special shape, eg no undercut. It should therefore be possible to use any desired contact elements, plug-in contacts or contact sockets, which have a holding part. The holding part should be realizable in various configurations.

The contact blocks should be kept free of play, so that the contact blocks cannot automatically shift into a position in which the contact blocks may loosen more easily when force is applied.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one additional contact element, e.g.

This object is achieved with a connector unit, a plug or a socket, according to claim 1 and a manufacturing method according to claim 14. Advantageous configurations of the invention are specified in further claims.

The connector unit, a plug or a socket, comprises an insulating body, which has receiving channels running from an input part to an output part of the insulating body, in each of which a contact element, a plug contact or a socket contact, is arranged, which contact element is a contact part facing the output part has the input part facing connection part and provided between the contact part and the connection part holding part, which is held within the associated receiving channel by a latching lever which is integrally formed on the insulating body.

According to the invention, it is provided that the resilient locking lever is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receiving channel and protrudes into the receiving channel, which is widened by a tool channel that extends axially from a front side of the locking lever facing the output part in the direction of the Starting part runs outwards to the end of the receiving channel.

When the insulating body is formed by means of an injection mold, mold cores or molds that correspond to one another are arranged within the injection mold for each receiving channel and enclose the injected plastic material, which is injected to form the insulating body that is provided with at least one locking lever, with a mold or mold part being provided that pushed adjacent to the front side of the locking lever to be formed in a tool channel adjoining the receiving channel and pulled out of the tool channel after the injection molding process of the insulating body with the axial withdrawal of the mold cores or molds.

The tool channel, by means of which the receiving channel is widened on one side according to the cross section of the locking lever and which remains in it after the production of the insulating body, thus allows the locking lever to be designed advantageously.

The receiving channel and the associated tool channel preferably run axially parallel to one another. The molds can therefore be shifted axially parallel to one another.

Each receiving channel, in which a locking lever is to be formed, is preferably formed in a rotationally symmetrical manner and expanded on one side by the associated tool channel. The width of the tool channel preferably corresponds to the width of the locking lever. The properties of the receiving channel are not affected by the tool channel, so that contact elements inserted into the receiving channel continue to be held securely.

The locking lever protrudes resiliently into the receiving channel and is inclined to the axis of the receiving channel. The locking lever thus develops a relatively powerful lever effect and allows a contact element, a plug contact or a socket contact, inserted into the receiving channel, to be held securely and without play in position. As soon as a tensile force acts on the contact elements via connected lines, this is transferred to the locking lever. This force causes the latching levers to be pulled against the contact element and wedge themselves accordingly on the contact element. In order to increase the wedge effect, the head of the latching lever is preferably designed in the shape of a wedge, so that the remote edge rests against the holding part. This wedge shape can be realized without additional effort if the molds are configured appropriately. With greater tensile force, the holding force exerted by the latching elements increases, which is why not only automatic release of the contact elements held free of play, but also release of the contact elements under the action of force is ruled out. The detent levers themselves are essentially subjected to pressure under the action of force, which is why material breakage hardly ever occurs, even under high loads.

The detent levers can therefore only be released with a tool which is inserted into the receiving channels from the input side or the line side in order to detach the detent levers from the contact elements.

A special design of the contact elements, e.g. an undercut on the holding part, e.g is pulled against the contact element and not pushed away. The contact element is held on the one hand by the latching lever and on the front by a stop part which is provided on the output side or plug side on the receiving channel. The stop part is preferably a ring segment which partially delimits an outlet opening of the receiving channel. When the connector units connected to one another are released, the contact units are pulled forward and held securely by the stop parts.

Due to the realization of a tool channel, a segment of the stop part is omitted. The width of the missing segment, typically a segment of a circle, of the stop part therefore preferably corresponds approximately to the width of the tool channel and thus also preferably approximately to the width of the locking lever.

The stop part and the locking lever are therefore arranged on opposite sides of the receiving channel, which is why it is particularly important for the contact element to be held securely by the locking lever in order to keep it in an axial alignment without play.

Each of the contact elements is therefore held in a stable manner between the locking lever and the stop part arranged on the front side in the receiving channel. The locking lever is thus aligned against the stop part arranged on the front side and protrudes at an angle into the receiving channel. The angle of inclination can be selected almost arbitrarily in a range of less than 90°, since the locking lever is pushed forward and turned sideways when the contact element is inserted. An inclination angle in the range of 10° to 45°, preferably 15° to 25° is preferred. The molding tool or molding tool part introduced into the tool channel is therefore correspondingly wedge-shaped.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connector unit, a plug or a socket, which is preferably provided with latching levers in the manner described above, has an additional contact element, an additional plug contact or an additional socket contact, e.g. a protective conductor contact element, which can be inserted into the insulating body of the connector unit . Additional contact elements configured as required can be used, which have a crimp element or a screw connection with a clamping screw for connection to an electrical line. The additional contact element includes an additional contact part and an additional connection part, which is designed accordingly for the realization of a screw connection or a crimp connection.

To accommodate the additional contact element, an additional channel is provided in the insulating body that is exposed to the outside of the insulating body and has a channel bottom and adjoining side walls on both sides and a receiving element with an outlet opening on the output part of the insulating body. The additional channel is preferably designed in the form of a trough and is only closed off at the front by the outlet part. Both side walls are preferably each provided with at least one anchor part which interacts with at least one additional holding part which is provided on the additional contact element. The at least one anchor part and the at least one additional holding part are preferably designed as mutually corresponding formations or indentations, possibly wall curvatures, which allow the formation of a form-fitting connection. The armature parts can be designed, for example, as protruding latching lugs, while corresponding latching depressions are provided on the additional connection part, which preferably extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the additional contact element.

The additional contact element can be inserted into the additional channel in such a way that the additional contact part or the adjoining front end piece of the additional connection part is held in the receiving element or the outlet opening and the rear end piece of the additional connection part is held by the anchor parts. The additional contact element can therefore be inserted into the receiving element with the front side or the contact element first and then lowered laterally into the additional channel, with the anchor parts and the additional holding parts interacting and forming a latching connection or clamping connection or a positive and/or non-positive connection. In combination with the receiving element and the anchor parts, a holder is thus created by means of which the additional contact element is held securely.

The additional contact element is therefore held securely by the insulating body, which is why no housing is required to secure the additional contact element. A housing or casing can be provided for the connector units in all of the described embodiments, with or without an additional contact element, optionally taking into account the required protection class and independently of the additional contact element.

Fig. 1

einen Steckverbinder 1 mit zwei erfindungsgemässen Steckverbindereinheiten, einem Stecker 2 und einer Buchse 3, je mit einem teilweise geschnittenen Isolierkörper 20; 30, in dem Steckerkontakte 6 und ein Steckerzusatzkontakt 7 bzw. Buchsenkontakte 8 und ein Buchsenzusatzkontakt 9 angeordnet sind;

Fig. 1a

den Steckerzusatzkontakt 7 von Fig. 1 in einer vorzugsweisen Ausgestaltung mit einem Crimpteil 73;

Fig. 2

einen Längsschnitt durch die miteinander verbundenen Steckverbindereinheiten 2, 3 des Steckverbinders 1 von Fig. 1 mit dem freigelegten Steckerzusatzkontakt 7, der mit dem Buchsenzusatzkontakt 9 verbunden ist und mit einem freigelegten Steckerkontakt 6 und einem damit verbundenen Buchsenkontakt 8, die je in einem Aufnahmekanal 24, 34 gehalten sind;

Fig. 3

die voneinander getrennten Isolierkörper 20, 30 der Steckverbindereinheiten 2, 3 von Fig. 2 sowie zwei Formwerkzeuge oder Formwerkzeugteile 51, 52, die beim Formgebungsprozess der Isolierkörper 20, 30 verwendet werden;

Fig. 4a

den Stecker 2 von Fig. 1 bestückt mit den Steckerkontakten 6 und dem Steckerzusatzkontakt 7 mit Blick auf das Eingangsteil 22 des Isolierkörpers 20;

Fig. 4b

den Stecker 2 von Fig. 4a ohne den Steckerzusatzkontakt 7 mit Blick auf den zur Aufnahme des Steckerzusatzkontakts 7 vorgesehenen Zusatzkanal 23;

Fig. 5a

die Buchse 3 von Fig. 1 bestückt mit den Buchsenkontakten 8 und dem Buchsenzusatzkontakt 9 mit Blick auf das Eingangsteil 32 des Isolierkörpers 30;

Fig. 5b

die Buchse 3 von Fig. 5a ohne den Buchsenzusatzkontakt 9 mit Blick auf den zur Aufnahme des Buchsenzusatzkontakts 9 vorgesehenen Zusatzkanal 33;

Fig. 6a

in räumlicher Darstellung einen Teil des Isolierkörpers 20 von der Ausgangsseite 21 des Steckers 2 von Fig. 4a mit Blick in den Aufnahmekanal 24 mit Ortsnummer 2, der für die Aufnahme des entsprechenden Steckerkontakts 6 vorgesehen ist;

Fig. 6b

in räumlicher Darstellung einen Teil des Isolierkörpers 20 von Fig. 6a von der Eingangsseite 22 des Steckers 2 mit Blick in den Aufnahmekanal 24 mit Ortsnummer 2;

Fig. 6c

in räumlicher Darstellung einen Teil des Isolierkörpers 30 von der Ausgangsseite 31 der Buchse 3 von Fig. 5a mit Blick in den Aufnahmekanal 34 mit Ortsnummer 2, der für die Aufnahme des entsprechenden Buchsenkontakts 8 vorgesehen ist;

Fig. 6d

in räumlicher Darstellung einen Teil des Isolierkörpers 30 von Fig. 6c von der Eingangsseite 32 der Buchse 3 mit Blick in den Aufnahmekanal 34 mit Ortsnummer 2;

Fig. 7a

den Teil des Isolierkörpers 20 von Fig. 6a in Frontansicht mit dem Formwerkzeug oder Werkzeugteil 51, das nach Abschluss des Formgebungsprozesses axial aus dem Werkzeugkanal 240 herausgezogen wurde;

Fig. 7b

den Teil des Isolierkörpers 20 von Fig. 6b in Frontansicht;

Fig. 7c

den Teil des Isolierkörpers 30 von Fig. 6c in Frontansicht mit dem Formwerkzeug oder Werkzeugteil 52, das nach Abschluss des Formgebungsprozesses axial aus dem Werkzeugkanal 340 herausgezogen wurde; und

Fig. 7d

den Teil des Isolierkörpers 30 von Fig. 6d in Frontansicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It shows:

1

a connector 1 with two connector units according to the invention, a plug 2 and a socket 3, each with a partially cut insulating body 20; 30, in which plug contacts 6 and an additional plug contact 7 or socket contacts 8 and an additional socket contact 9 are arranged;

Fig. 1a

the plug auxiliary contact 7 from 1 in a preferred embodiment with a crimping part 73;

2

a longitudinal section through the interconnected connector units 2, 3 of the connector 1 from 1 with the exposed additional plug contact 7, which is connected to the additional socket contact 9 and with an exposed plug contact 6 and an associated socket contact 8, which are each held in a receiving channel 24, 34;

3

the separate insulators 20, 30 of the connector units 2, 3 of 2 and two molds or mold parts 51, 52 used in the process of forming the insulating bodies 20, 30;

Figure 4a

the connector 2 from 1 equipped with the plug contacts 6 and the additional plug contact 7 with a view of the input part 22 of the insulating body 20;

Figure 4b

the connector 2 from Figure 4a without the additional plug contact 7 with a view of the additional channel 23 provided for receiving the additional plug contact 7;

Figure 5a

the socket 3 of 1 equipped with the socket contacts 8 and the socket additional contact 9 with a view of the input part 32 of the insulating body 30;

Figure 5b

the socket 3 of Figure 5a without the additional socket contact 9 with a view of the additional channel 33 provided for receiving the additional socket contact 9;

Figure 6a

in a spatial representation a part of the insulating body 20 from the output side 21 of the connector 2 of Figure 4a with a view into the receiving channel 24 with location number 2, which is provided for receiving the corresponding plug contact 6;

Figure 6b

in a spatial representation a part of the insulating body 20 of Figure 6a from the input side 22 of the plug 2 looking into the receiving channel 24 with location number 2;

Figure 6c

in a spatial representation a part of the insulating body 30 from the output side 31 of the socket 3 of Figure 5a with a view into the receiving channel 34 with location number 2, which is provided for receiving the corresponding socket contact 8;

Figure 6d

in a spatial representation a part of the insulating body 30 of Figure 6c from the input side 32 of the socket 3 looking into the receiving channel 34 with location number 2;

Figure 7a

the part of the insulating body 20 from Figure 6a in front view with the forming tool or tool part 51 which has been withdrawn axially from the tool channel 240 after completion of the forming process;

Figure 7b

the part of the insulating body 20 from Figure 6b in front view;

Figure 7c

the part of the insulating body 30 from Figure 6c in front view with the forming tool or tool part 52 which has been withdrawn axially from the tool channel 340 after completion of the forming process; and

Figure 7d

the part of the insulating body 30 from Figure 6d in front view.

1 and 2 show a connector 1 with two connector units according to the invention, a plug 2 and a socket 3, each with an insulating body 20, 30 in which plug contacts 6 and an additional plug contact 7 or socket contacts 8 and an additional socket contact 9 are arranged. In 1 the connector units 2, 3 are separated from each other and in 2 the connector units 2, 3 are connected to one another and cut along their longitudinal axis, whereby interconnected contact elements 6, 8 and additional contact elements 7, 9 are exposed.

Each insulating body 20, 30 of the connector units 2, 3 comprises an input part 22; 32 to an output part 21; 31 of the insulating body 20; 30 running receiving channels 24; 34, in each of which a contact element 6; 8, a plug contact 6 or a socket contact 8 is arranged.

Each contact element 6; 8 has an output part 21; 31 of the insulating body 20; 30 facing contact part 61; 81 in the input part 22; 32 of the insulating body 20; 30 facing connector 63; 83 and between the contact part 61; 81 and the connection part 63; 83 provided holding part 62; 82, which within the associated receiving channel 24; 34 by a locking lever 242; 342 is held.

The connecting parts 63, 83 are used to connect to a connecting line and are preferably designed as crimping elements that can be deformed by means of pliers in order to establish a connection between the contact element 6 or 8 and the electrical line. The contact parts 61 and 81 are plug pins and socket sleeves that can be slid into one another. In the present embodiment, the holding parts 62 and 82 are designed as circumferential rings which have a latching flank on which the lever head of the latching lever 242; 342 is in contact (the locking lever 342 of the socket 3 is in 2 shown).

Connector units 2, 3 according to the invention can also be fitted with any other contact elements which have a holding part with a latching edge. The contact elements can be provided with an annular groove, for example, which has a groove wall that serves as a locking flank.

The locking lever 242; 342 is within the associated receiving channel 24; 34 in one piece on the associated insulating body 20; 30 formed and is inclined from the input side or connection side to the output side or contact side of the connector unit 2 or 3 aligned. The locking lever 242; 342 is from the adjacent contact element 6; 8 pressed down and protrudes to the longitudinal axis x of the receiving channels 24; 34 inclined into this.

The locking lever 242; 342 is integral with the insulating body 20; 30 formed and elastically formed and presses the contact element 6; 8 to the side. Before inserting the contact element 6; 8 or after its removal is the locking lever 242; 342 even more inclined to the longitudinal axis X.

If, for example, a tensile force is exerted on the lines or when the two connector units 2, 3 are joined together, a compressive force is exerted on the contact units 6 and 8, the latching lever 242; 342 pressed backwards and tried laterally against the contact element 6; 8 dodge out, whereby the locking element 242; 342 wedged and the contact element 6; 8 is thereby held securely.

At the output part 21; 31 of the insulating body 20; 30 is each of the receiving channels 24; 34 by a stopper 241; 341 completed, on which a part of the contact element 6; 8 is held at the front. Each of the stopper parts 241; 341 partially encloses a through-opening through which the plug pin 61 can be guided in order to be able to be inserted into the sleeve-shaped socket contact 81 . The stop parts 241; 341 therefore form or comprise a large ring segment or a retaining ring which lacks a relatively small ring segment.

This missing ring segment in the stop part 241; 341 corresponds to the width of a tool channel 240; 340, from one of the output part 21; 31 facing front side 2421; 3421 of the locking lever 242; 342 (see Figures 6a and 6b ) axially towards the output part 21; 31 to the end of the receiving channel 24; 34 runs outwards (see also 2 ). As will be described below, the tool channel 240; 340 the inventive design of the locking lever 242; 342 by introducing a corresponding molding tool or molding tool part during the manufacture of the insulating body 20; 30

1 also shows that in the insulators 20, 30 of the connector units 2, 3, one on the outside and one on the input side of the insulator 20; 30 exposed auxiliary channel 23; 33 is provided, the front side up to a receiving element 231; 331 runs. The receiving element 231; 331 is preferably a self-contained ring having an exit port 230; 330 and which is preferably adjoined by a, for example, cylindrical chamber.

In the additional channel 23; 33 is a selected auxiliary contact element 7; 9, an additional plug contact 7 or an additional socket contact 9 can be used, which is an additional contact part 71; 91 and an adjoining additional connection part 72; 92 has. The additional connection part 72 provided with a connection opening 70; 92 is used to connect to a connecting line and can be used with a screw connection with threaded holes 722; 922 and a clamping screw (see 2 ) or be provided with a crimping element 73, as in Fig. 1a is shown. A combination of these connection options is also possible.

As 1 shows, the additional contact element 7; 9 with the additional contact part 71; 91 ahead into the auxiliary channel 23; 33 are inserted so that the additional contact part 71; 91, a male pin or female sleeve, in receptacle 231; 331 is anchored and the additional contact part 71; 91 or the additional connection part 72; 92 in the sequence in the additional channel 23; 33 can be screwed in.

So that the additional contact part 71; 91 not axially or laterally from the additional channel 23; 33 can escape, anchor parts 232 are in the additional channel 23; 33 are provided, which interact with shaped elements or additional holding parts 721, 921. In the embodiment shown, the anchor parts 232 are designed as latching lugs, which engage in the additional holding parts 721, 921, which are designed as elongated latching depressions, and optionally develop a clamping effect.

The additional contact part 71; 91 is therefore so in the additional channel 23; 33 used that the additional contact part 71; 91 or the adjoining front end piece of the additional connection part 72; 92 in the receiving element 231; 331 or the exit port 230; 330 and the rear end piece of the auxiliary connection part 72; 92 from the anchor parts 232; 332 is held securely and a housing is not required for this. The connector units 2, 3 are only optional with a Provide casing or housing that has the required protective properties.

2 shows a longitudinal section through the interconnected connector units 2, 3 of the connector 1 from 1 with the exposed additional plug contact 7, which is connected to the additional socket contact 9, and with an exposed plug contact 6 and an associated socket contact 8, each of which is held in a receiving channel 24,34.

The parts of the interconnected connector units 2, 3 have already been described above. Their interaction is with reference to 2 explained in more detail.

It shows that the rear flank of the ring-shaped holding part 62 of the contact element 6 bears against the end face 2421 of the lever head of the latching lever 242 and is held by it. At the front, the holding element 62 rests against the stop part 241, which delimits the associated receiving channel 24 at the front. The stop part 241 is designed as a ring segment that is interrupted by the tool channel 240 . The contact part or the contact pin 61 of the contact element 6 is inserted through the stop part 241 and into the contact part 81 of the socket element 8 . Below the holding part 62 and the contact part 61, the tool channel 240 is provided in the output part 21 of the insulating body 20, which runs up to the front side 2421 of the locking lever 242.

It is shown that the rear flank of the contact part or of the socket sleeve 81 forms an annular holding part 82 of the contact element 8 which bears against the end face of the lever head of the locking lever 342 and is held by it. At the front, the contact part or the socket sleeve 81 rests against the stop part 341, which has the associated receiving channel 34 limited at the front. The stop part 341 is designed as a ring segment that is interrupted by the tool channel 340 . The contact part or the socket sleeve 81 of the contact element 8 bears against the stop part 341 . The tool channel 340 is provided above the holding part 82 and the contact part 81 in the output part 31 of the insulating body 30 and runs to the front side of the locking lever 342 .

Each tool channel 240 or 340 made it possible in the receiving channel 24; 34 inclined detent lever 242; 342 to create without a restriction of the laterally secure holding of the contact elements 6, 8 results. The contact elements 6, 8 are held laterally in the receiving channels 24, 34 with practically no play and can only be displaced axially. When the contact elements 6, 8 are pushed in, the latching levers 242, 342 are pushed back until they latch behind the holding part 62, 82. As a result, the contact elements 6, 8 are not only held axially but also laterally by the locking levers 242, 342. Detachment of the contact elements 6, 8 even under the action of force is practically impossible and only possible by inserting a tool into the receiving channels 24, 34, by means of which the locking levers 242, 342 are detached from the holding parts 62, 82.

The additional contact elements 7 and 9 are anchored in the associated additional channels 72 and 92 and held securely by the anchor parts 232, 332, which engage in the additional holding elements 721, 921. At the front, the additional connection part 72 of the additional contact element 7 rests against the receiving element 231, through the outlet opening 230 of which the additional contact part or the plug pin 71 is guided. The exit opening 230 is preferably conical and/or elastic and allows the additional contact part 71 to rotate when the additional contact element 7 is inserted or removed.

The additional contact part or the socket sleeve 91 of the additional contact element 9 bears against the receiving element 330 and is preferably held elastically in a receiving chamber 3310 . The additional contact element 9 is therefore held in a stable manner by the receiving chamber 3310 and the anchor parts 332, but can be released again manually by the application of force. For this purpose, the connection parts 72, 92 of the additional contact elements 7, 9 project beyond the insulating bodies 20, 30 to the rear and can be gripped and removed if necessary.

3 shows the separated insulating body 20, 30 of the connector units 2, 3 of 2 , Without the additional contact elements 7, 9, with two molds 51, 52, which are used in the molding process of the insulating body 20, 30.

The molding tools 51, 52, which can each also be part of a larger molding tool, close the tool channels 240, 340 during the manufacture of the insulating bodies 20, 30, which is why no casting compound can enter there and the locking levers 242, 342 are correspondingly exposed. The molds 51, 52 are inserted axially and removed again axially after the casting process. It is drawn in that the end face of the lever head of the latching levers 242, 342 is preferably inclined by an angle a of, for example, 5° to 15°, so that the lever head is given a wedge shape.

After removing the additional contact elements 7, 9, the additional channels 23, 33 are visible, a channel bottom 239; 382 and adjoining side walls 238; 338 have. On the side walls 238; 338, the anchor parts 232, 332 are designed as latching lugs. Also visible are the receiving elements 231, 331 with their outlet openings 230, 330 and the preferably elastically designed receiving chamber 3310 of the bush 3.

Figure 4a shows connector 2 from 1 equipped with the plug contacts 6 and the additional plug contact 7 with a view of the input part 22 of the insulating body 20.

Figure 4b shows connector 2 from Figure 4a without the additional plug contact 7 with a view of the additional channel 23 provided for accommodating the additional plug contact 7.

Figure 5a shows socket 3 of 1 equipped with the socket contacts 8 and the socket additional contact 9 with a view of the input part 32 of the insulating body 30.

Figure 5b shows socket 3 of Figure 5a without the additional socket contact 9 with a view of the additional channel 33 intended to accommodate the additional socket contact 9.

the Figures 4a, 4b , 5a and 5b show in particular the interaction of the anchor parts 232, 332 with the additional holding parts or indentations 721; 921 of the additional connection parts 72, 92 and the preferably configured additional channels 23, 33.

Figure 6a shows a spatial representation of a part of the insulating body 20 from the output side 21 of the plug 2 of FIG Figure 4a with a view into the receiving channel 24 with location number 2, which is provided for receiving the corresponding plug contact 6.

Figure 6b shows a part of the insulating body 20 of FIG Figure 6a from the input side 22 of the connector 2 looking into the receiving channel 24 with location number 2.

Figure 6c shows a spatial representation of part of the insulating body 30 from the output side 31 of the socket 3 of FIG Figure 5a looking into recording channel 34 with location number 2, which is provided for receiving the corresponding socket contact 8.

Figure 6d shows a part of the insulating body 30 of FIG Figure 6c from the input side 32 of socket 3 looking into the receiving channel 34 with location number 2.

Figure 7a shows the part of the insulating body 20 of FIG Figure 6a in front view with the forming tool or tool part 51 which has been withdrawn axially from the tool channel 240 after completion of the forming process.

Figure 7b shows the part of the insulating body 20 of FIG Figure 6b in front view.

Figure 7c shows the part of the insulating body 30 of FIG Figure 6c in front view with the forming tool or tool part 52 which has been withdrawn axially from the tool channel 340 after completion of the forming process.

Figure 7d shows the part of the insulating body 30 of FIG Figure 6d in front view.

the Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d show a receiving channel 24; 34 and an associated tool channel 240; 340 and the locking levers 242, 342, which protrude into the receiving channels 24, 34, and the stop parts 241 spatially.

In the Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d the insulators 20, 30 are rotated slightly, resulting in a front view and the cross sections of the tool channels 240; 340, the locking lever 242, 342 and the receiving channels 24, 34 are shown. The cross section of the tool channels 240; 340 corresponds to the cross sections A51, A52 of the molds or mold parts 51, 52.

Reference List

1

connector

2

first connector unit, plug

20

first insulator

21

Output part of the first insulating body

22

Input part of the first insulating body

23

Additional channel for the additional contact

230

Exit opening of the receiving element 231

231

receiving element

232

anchor parts

238

Side walls of the additional channel 23

239

Channel floor of the additional channel 23

24

recording channel

240

tool channel

241

stop part

242

locking lever

2421

lever head

2422

lever front

3

second connector assembly, socket

30

second insulator

31

Output part of the second insulator

32

Input part of the second insulating body

33

Additional channel for the special contact

330

Exit opening of the receiving element 331

331

receiving element

3310

receiving chamber

332

anchor parts

338

Side walls of the additional channel 33

339

Channel floor of the additional channel 33

34

recording channel

341

stop part

340

tool channel

342

locking lever

3421

lever head

3422

lever front

51

Mold for manufacturing the connector 2

52

Mold for manufacturing the bush 3

6

Contact element, plug contact

61

Contact part, connector pin

62

holding part

63

Connection part, preferably crimp part

7

Additional contact element, additional plug contact

70

port opening

71

Additional contact part, connector pin

72

additional connector

721

additional holding part

722

threaded hole

73

crimp part

8th

Contact element, socket contact

81

Contact part, socket element

82

holding part

83

Connection part, preferably crimp part

9

Additional contact element, socket additional contact

91

Additional contact part, socket element

92

additional connector

921

additional holding part

922

threaded hole

Claims (15)

Connector unit (2; 3), plug (2) or socket (3), with an insulating body (20; 30) which extends from an input part (22; 32) to an output part (21; 31) of the insulating body (20; 30) running receiving channels (24; 34), in each of which a contact element (6; 8), a plug contact (6) or socket contact (8) is arranged, which contact element (6; 8) has a part facing the output part (21; 31). contact part (61; 81), a connection part (63; 83) facing the input part (22; 32) and a holding part (62; 82) provided between the contact part (61; 81) and the connection part (63; 83) which is held within the associated receiving channel (24; 34) by a locking lever (242; 342) which is integrally formed on the insulating body (20; 30), characterized in that the resilient locking lever (242; 342) relative to the longitudinal axis (x) of the receiving channel (24; 34) is inclined and projects into the receiving channel (24; 34), which is expanded by a tool channel (240; 340). t, which is from one of the output part (21; 31) facing front side (2421; 3421) of the locking lever (242; 342) runs axially outwards in the direction of the output part (21; 31) up to the end of the receiving channel (24; 34). Connector unit (2; 3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insulating body (20; 30) is molded from a plastic material. Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each receiving channel (24; 34) is preferably of rotationally symmetrical design and is expanded on one side by the associated tool channel (240; 340). Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each receiving channel (24; 34) and the associated tool channel (240; 340) preferably run axially parallel to one another. Connector unit (2; 3) according to one of Claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the width of the locking lever (242; 342) corresponds to the width of the tool channel (240; 340). Connector unit (2; 3) according to one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the latching lever (242; 342) has a lever head (2421; 3421) which rests on one side of the holding part (62; 82), which is preferably An annular groove is formed into the contact element (6; 8) or is formed as a ring element on the contact element (6; 8) and that the lever head (2421; 3421) is preferably wedge-shaped. Connector unit (2; 3) according to one of Claims 1 - 6, characterized in that on the output part (21; 31) of the insulating body (20; 30) a stop part (241; 341) adjoins each of the receiving channels (24; 34), on which part of the contact element (6; 8) is held at the front. Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the stop part (241; 341) is a ring segment which partially delimits an outlet opening of the receiving channel (24; 34). Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the stop part (241; 341) and the latching lever (242; 342) are arranged on opposite sides of the receiving channel (24; 34), the ends of the stop part ( 241; 341) preferably are spaced apart from one another in accordance with the width of the tool channel (240; 340). Connector unit (2; 3), plug (2) or socket (3), in particular according to one of Claims 1 - 9, with an insulating body (20; 30) which extends from an input part (22; 32) to an output part (21; 31) of the insulating body (20; 30) has receiving channels (24; 34) running in each of which a contact element (6; 8), a plug contact (6) or a socket contact (8) is arranged, characterized in that in the insulating body ( 20; 30) an additional channel (23; 33) is provided which is exposed on the outside of the insulating body (20; 30) and has a channel bottom (239) and side walls (238; 338) adjoining it on both sides, on each of which at least one anchor part (232; 332) is provided, and which has a receiving element (231; 331) with an outlet opening (230; 330) on the output part (21; 31) of the insulating body (20; 30), and that an additional contact element (7; 9), a Additional plug contact (7) or an additional socket contact (9), with an additional contact part (71; 91) and an additional connection steep (72; 92) is provided, which can be inserted into the additional channel (23; 33) in such a way that the additional contact part (71; 91) or the adjoining front end piece of the additional connection part (72; 92) in the receiving element (231; 331) or the outlet opening ( 230; 330) and the rear end portion of the auxiliary terminal part (72; 92) is held by the anchor parts (232; 332). Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the additional connection part (72; 92) is provided with at least one additional holding part (721; 921) which cooperates with the anchor parts (232; 332) and forms a positive but non-positive connection. Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 11, characterized in that the additional holding part (721; 921) is a preferably ring-shaped indentation or molding provided on the additional connection part (72; 92) or that the additional connection part (72; 92) has recesses (721 ; 921) which form additional holding parts (721; 921) and which run at least approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the additional contact element (7; 9). Connector unit (2; 3) according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the additional connection part (72; 92) comprises a crimping part and/or a threaded bore (722; 922) with a clamping screw. Method for producing an insulating body (20; 30), which has receiving channels (24; 34) running from an inlet part (22; 32) to an outlet part (21; 31) of the insulating body (20; 30) for one contact element (6; 8th ) for a connector unit (2; 3) according to one of Claims 1 - 13, characterized in that when the insulating body (20; 30) is formed by means of an injection molding tool for each receiving channel (24; 34) there are corresponding mold cores or molds inside of the injection mold are arranged, which enclose the injected plastic material, which is injected to form the insulating body (20; 30) provided with at least one locking lever ((242; 342)), with a mold or mold part (50, 51) being provided which adjoins on the front side (2422; 3422) of the locking lever (242; 342) to be formed in a tool channel adjoining the receiving channel (24; 34). (240; 340) and after the injection molding process of the insulating body (20; 30) is pulled out of the tool channel (24; 34) with the axial withdrawal of the mold cores or molds. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that the mold or mold part (50, 51) is wedge-shaped.

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