EP4191803A1 - Unlocking member and electrical connector provided with same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an unlocking element (17) for electrical plug connections, for acting on an elastically deflectable or displaceable locking arm (16) of a locking arrangement (16, 17). The unlocking element (17) has at least one actuating tab (21) designed to be touched by a user and covered with or made of electrically insulating plastic. The center (Z) of the actuating tab (21) and a longitudinal central axis (L) of the connecting section (18) of the unlocking element (17) are offset radially with respect to this longitudinal central axis (L). An electrical connector, in particular a built-in socket, for producing a Electrical plug-in connection with a complementary connector, in particular a cable connector, is provided with a locking arrangement (16, 17) for the complementary connector, the unlocking element (17) of which has at least one actuating tab (21) designed to be touched by a user, which is covered with electrically insulating covered with plastic or made of plastic and/or the center (Z) of the actuating tab (21) and a longitudinal center axis (L) of the connecting section (18) of the unlocking element (17) are radially offset from one another in relation to this longitudinal center axis (L).

Description

The invention relates to an unlocking element for electrical plug connections, according to the preamble of claim 1, and an electrical plug connector, in particular a built-in socket, for producing an electrical plug connection with a complementary plug connector, according to the preamble of claim 7.

Electrical connectors, in particular built-in sockets, for producing an electrical connector with a complementary connector are often provided with locking arrangements with which the complementary connector can be secured against unintentional loosening of the connector. Such connectors have been known for a long time and, for example, in EP 2783427 B1 described. They have a housing in which at least one first insertion opening is formed, into which a complementary connector can be inserted in the direction of an insertion axis. At least one electrical contact element is fixed in the housing, preferably in at least one contact carrier held in the housing or formed by it, preferably held in the contact carrier. The locking arrangement for the complementary connector is often also accommodated in the contact carrier.

Typically, such locking arrangements in built-in sockets include at least one elastically deflectable or displaceable locking arm, each with at least one first locking structure, in particular a locking projection, which couples into a second, complementary locking structure of this complementary connector when the complementary connector is fully inserted. For this purpose, for example, an opening, undercut or similar catch can be provided on the plug. To release the lock, in order to enable the plug to be removed from the built-in socket, the user actuates at least one unlocking element and moves it manually, starting from a passive position, preferably parallel to the insertion axis, into an active position. In this active position, at least one actuating section grips the unlocking element, preferably an actuating projection, and holds its locking structure disengaged from the complementary locking structure on the complementary plug.

The unlocking element for these locking arrangements for electrical plug connections, which is intended to act on an elastically deflectable or displaceable locking arm of the locking arrangement, is preferably rigid. This means that when used as intended, no change in shape such as bending, compression or the like. of the unlocking element takes place.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device with which a tighter installation density of the electrical connectors can be achieved and with which both the electrical and electronic devices of the built-in socket and downstream components or Assemblies as well as the user who has to touch the plug and the unlocking element are protected against damage.

This object is solved by a device according to the claims.

The unlocking element according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one actuating tab which is designed to be touched by a user and which is covered with or made of electrically insulating plastic.

As a result, rapid discharge by an electrostatically charged person or object that actuates or just touches the unlocking element can be avoided. Damage caused by electrostatic discharges, especially in microelectronic components and/or integrated circuits, can be prevented in this way.

An advantageous embodiment is further characterized in that the unlocking element is completely covered with electrically insulating plastic or is made entirely of it. This means that the highest possible level of protection against electrostatic discharges can be achieved.

An asymmetrical embodiment of the unlocking element is preferred, in which, starting from the actuating tab, a connecting portion extends in the direction of the actuating portion essentially parallel to the actuating path, the center of the actuating tab and a longitudinal center axis of the connecting portion being offset radially with respect to the longitudinal center axis. Typically, the latch assemblies are centered at the top of the longitudinal median plane of the chassis receptacles. Due to the lateral offset of the longitudinal center axis of the unlocking element and the center of the actuating tab, the actuating tab is at a slightly lower height from the longitudinal center and seen in the vertical direction, so that the built-in socket as a whole has a lower vertical height and several built-in sockets can be installed more densely packed one on top of the other. Nevertheless, the good operability of the unlocking element is retained even with this asymmetrical shape of the actuating tab in relation to the longitudinal center axis of the unlocking element.

An advantageous embodiment of an unlocking element according to the invention is characterized in that the actuating section is arranged at the extreme rear end of the unlocking element and is not projected backwards by any section of the unlocking element and thus forms a rear end face of the unlocking element. This enables a very short design with optimal protection of the user and the device against electrostatic discharges.

In order to ensure optimal power transmission when the unlocking element is actuated, the actuating tab is preferably aligned perpendicularly to the connecting section and/or to the actuating path.

On the other hand, embodiments are also possible in which the unlocking element can be moved in the form of a slide along the surface of a housing, the actuating tab then being aligned parallel to the connecting section and/or to the actuating path.

To solve the task at the outset, the unlocking element of the locking arrangement provided is designed according to one of the preceding paragraphs in an electrical connector, in particular a built-in socket, for producing an electrical connector with a complementary connector, in particular a cable connector.

In this case, the center of the actuating tab is preferably arranged offset by an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably essentially 45°, with respect to the central axis which is vertical in the installed position. This results in an asymmetrical arrangement of the actuating lug, which reduces the overall height of the built-in socket with the same size of the area and thus a space-saving arrangement of several sockets is possible. It also makes it easier to unlock when the sockets are on top of each other.

Of course, an asymmetrical embodiment of the unlocking element already explained above can also be provided here, in which the center of the actuating tab and a longitudinal center axis of the connecting section of the unlocking element are offset radially from one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is then further characterized in that a longitudinal central axis of the connecting section is arranged essentially flush with the center of the actuating tab and offset by an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably essentially 45°, with respect to the central axis that is vertical in the installed position .

A further embodiment of the invention provides that a longitudinal center axis of the connecting section is arranged essentially in the area of the vertical center axis. This means that the new design can also be used in exchange for the previous arrangements with existing built-in sockets and bring with it the advantages explained above.

In order to optimize safety as far as possible with regard to avoiding electrostatic discharges, a further embodiment according to the invention can be characterized in that the unlocking surface of the locking arm is at least partially covered with electrically insulating plastic or is made therefrom or the entire locking arm is covered with or made from electrically insulating plastic.

For a compact design of the built-in socket, the locking arrangement for the complementary plug connector is preferably accommodated in a recess in the housing and/or in the contact carrier.

It is particularly advantageous if the unlocking element is mounted in a recess in the contact carrier so that it can be displaced parallel to the insertion axis.

A further embodiment of a connector according to the invention provides that a second, oppositely oriented insertion opening for a further connector is arranged on the side opposite the first insertion opening and is preferably also equipped with a locking arrangement, in particular a locking arrangement as described above. In this way, the advantages explained above can also be achieved with the corresponding couplings for cable extensions.

For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Buchse mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement;

Fig. 2

einen Explosionsdarstellung der Einbausteckerbuchse der Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

einen Längsschnitt entlang der vertikalen Mittelebene der Buchse der Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform des Kontaktträgers sowie des Entriegelungselements der Verriegelungseinrichtung der Steckerbuchse der Fig. 1 in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Fig. 5

den Kontaktträger sowie das Entriegelungselement der Verriegelungseinrichtung der Steckerbuchse der Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht in radialer Richtung von oben auf das Entriegelungselement;

Fig. 6

das Entriegelungselement der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 bis. 5 in perspektivischer Ansicht von vorne;

Fig. 7

das Entriegelungselement der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 bis. 5 in perspektivischer Ansicht von hinten;

Fig. 8

das Entriegelungselement der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 bis. 5 in Seitenansicht;

Fig. 9

das Entriegelungselement der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 bis 5 in Ansicht von hinten;

Fig. 10

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Einbausteckerbuchse mit einem Leuchtring und dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement;

Fig. 11

die Buchse der Fig. 11 in einer Ansicht von vorne;

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht der Buchse der Fig. 11;

Fig. 13

einen Längsschnitt entlang der vertikalen Mittelebene der Buchse der Fig. 1;

Fig. 14

ein Entriegelungselement und ein Verriegelungsarm gemäss einer anderen erfindungsgemässen Ausführungsform in einer Ansicht von vorne;

Fig. 15

die Anordnung Entriegelungselement und Verriegelungsarm der Fig. 15 in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 16

die Anordnung Entriegelungselement und Verriegelungsarm der Fig. 15 in einer Ansicht von hinten;

Fig. 17

das Entriegelungselement der Fig. 15 in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 18

eine Ansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Einbausteckerbuchse in einer Ansicht von vorne;

Fig. 19

eine Ansicht der Buchse der Fig. 19 von der Seite;

Fig. 20

einen Längsschnitt entlang der vertikalen Mittelebene der Buchse der Fig. 19;

Fig. 21

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Buchse der Fig. 19;

Fig. 22

eine Seitenansicht eines Kopplers als weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel für einen erfindungsgemässen Steckverbinder mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement;

Fig. 23

eine Ansicht von oben auf den Koppler der Fig. 22;

Fig. 24

eine Ansicht auf den Koppler der Fig. 22 aus einer der beiden Einsteckrichtungen;

Fig. 25

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Einbausteckverbinders mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement in mehreren Ansichten aus verschiedenen Richtungen;

Fig. 26

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Einbausteckverbinders mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement in mehreren Ansichten aus verschiedenen Richtungen;

Fig. 27

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Einbausteckverbinders mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement in mehreren Ansichten aus verschiedenen Richtungen;

Fig. 28

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Einbausteckverbinders mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement in mehreren Ansichten aus verschiedenen Richtungen;

Fig. 29

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Einbausteckverbinders mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement in mehreren Ansichten aus verschiedenen Richtungen;

Fig. 30

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Einbausteckverbinders mit dem erfindungsgemässen Entriegelungselement in mehreren Ansichten aus verschiedenen Richtungen.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

1

a perspective view of a socket with the inventive unlocking;

2

an exploded view of the panel jack of the 1 ;

3

a longitudinal section along the vertical median plane of the socket of 1 ;

4

a preferred embodiment of the contact carrier and the unlocking of the locking device of the socket 1 in perspective view;

figure 5

the contact carrier and the unlocking element of the locking device of the socket 1 in a view in the radial direction from above of the unlocking element;

6

the unlocking element of the embodiment of Fig. 1 bis. 5 in perspective view from the front;

7

the unlocking element of the embodiment of Fig. 1 bis. 5 in perspective view from behind;

8

the unlocking element of the embodiment of Fig. 1 bis. 5 in side view;

9

the unlocking element of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5 in rear view;

10

a perspective view of another embodiment of a built-in socket with a light ring and the inventive unlocking element;

11

the jack of 11 in a front view;

12

a side view of the socket 11 ;

13

a longitudinal section along the vertical median plane of the socket of 1 ;

14

an unlocking element and a locking arm according to another embodiment of the invention in a front view;

15

the arrangement of the unlocking element and the locking arm 15 in a side view;

16

the arrangement of the unlocking element and the locking arm 15 in a rear view;

17

the unlocking element 15 in a view from above;

18

a view of a further embodiment of a built-in socket in a view from the front;

19

a view of the socket of the 19 of the page;

20

a longitudinal section along the vertical median plane of the socket of 19 ;

21

a perspective view of the socket 19 ;

22

a side view of a coupler as a further exemplary embodiment of a connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention;

23

a top view of the coupler 22 ;

24

a view of the coupler of the 22 from one of the two directions of insertion;

25

a further embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention in several views from different directions;

26

a further embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention in several views from different directions;

27

a further embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention in several views from different directions;

28

a further embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention in several views from different directions;

29

a further embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention in several views from different directions;

figure 30

a further embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention with the unlocking element according to the invention in several views from different directions.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is related to the figure directly described and shown and these position information are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position.

The drawing figures show independent exemplary embodiments, with the same reference numbers or component designations being used for the same parts. The exemplary embodiments show possible design variants, whereby the invention is not restricted to the design variants specifically shown, but rather diverse combinations of the individual design variants with one another are also possible and these possible variations are based on the teaching of technical action through the present invention in the ability of the person skilled in the art working in this technical field lies. Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that some elements are shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size for a better understanding of the structure.

In the 1 is an example of a first embodiment of a built-in connector, also called a chassis socket, which can form an electrical plug connection together with a complementary connector, in particular a cable connector. the inside 1 The built-in connector according to the invention shown is designed for coupling to a data connector, in particular an RJ45 data connector, and is shown in a perspective view. Of course, the structure according to the invention can also be transferred to other types of built-in connectors or couplers. So the inventive solution can also be used for connectors according to the XLR standard, for Jack plug for fiber optic plugs, for combinations of such systems or the like.

The built-in electrical connector 1 , in an exploded view in 2 shown in detail with all the essential components or assemblies, includes a housing 1 with an insertion opening 2 for the complementary connector (not shown). The housing 1 can--as shown in the drawing figures--comprise two concentrically arranged housing parts or otherwise form an annular gap as an additional annular insertion opening for a socket-shaped plug extension of a complementary cable connector. The annular gap is connected by an annular bottom 8 inside the housing.

At the insertion-side end, on the front side of the housing 1, a projecting connecting flange 3 is provided, which preferably projects at right angles from the housing 1 and preferably over its entire circumference. The connecting flange 3 also has through openings or partially open recesses 4 through which fastening means, typically fastening screws, rivets or the like, for the built-in connector can be passed in order to fix it in a device wall G, a control panel or in similar elements. The central axis of the insertion opening 2 preferably also represents the central and longitudinal axis of the housing or of the entire plug connector. Of course, other outline shapes of the connecting flange 3 are also possible, for example a circular outline, a polygonal line, or the like. All corners of the Connection flange 3 through-openings 4 may be present.

In the assembled state of the built-in connector, a flange plate 5 on the plug-in side is located opposite the front side of the connecting flange 3 of the housing 1 . This has an insertion opening 6 for the complementary connector in a coaxial arrangement with the insertion opening 2 of the housing 1 . Furthermore, 5 mounting holes 7 are worked out in the flange plate, positioned coaxially to the recesses 4 in the connecting flange 3 and for carrying out Fastening means for the built-in connector for connection to a device wall, a control panel od. Like. Designed.

Inserted directly between the flange plate 5 and the connecting flange 3 of the housing 1 and held clamped between these components, at most a preferably plate-shaped seal (not shown) can be provided.

The housing 1 preferably forms in one piece an inner contact carrier 8 arranged concentrically to the central axis M and is then made of electrically insulating material. If necessary, the contact carrier 8 can also be formed by a separate plug-in part made of electrically insulating material, preferably plastic, fixed in the housing 1 by any desired holding arrangements, and can preferably also have grounding contacts 9 . In this case, housings 1 made of metal or other electrically conductive materials are also possible. In the illustrated embodiment, a back cover 10 is provided to define a further insertion opening 11 . However, the housing 1 can also be completely closed at the rear.

However, the contact carrier 8 also accommodates the electrical contact elements 12, which are used to produce the electrically conductive connection with the plugged-in complementary connector. These contact elements 12 are, for example, part of a contact set 13, which also has at least one insulating body 14 made of electrically insulating material in its central section, which fixes the contact elements 12 and their opposite ends. In the illustrated embodiment of the chassis socket, the contact elements 12 are guided outwards again through a housing cover 15 at the rear end of the housing 1 . However, the contact elements 12 could also be guided through the housing cover 15 to a board on or in which they are soldered.

Also positioned in or on the housing 1 is a locking arrangement 16 , 17 , the at least one locking arm 16 of which can also be unlocked again by means of an unlocking element 17 . This unlocking element 17, usually a stamped and bent part, preferably with a flat or light arched center piece as a connecting section 18 between the end with an operating section 19, protrudes beyond the plug-side end of the housing 1 to the front, so that it can be easily reached and operated by the user. At the point at which the unlocking element 17 is arranged, a radially outwardly oriented recess 20 extends, preferably from the insertion opening 2 of the housing 1 and also from the insertion opening 6 of the flange plate 5, through which the unlocking element 17 can reach the front side of the flange plate 5 can protrude.

At the front end of the unlocking element 17, opposite the actuating section, there is preferably an easy-to-handle actuating tab 21, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is at right angles to the central axis M of the housing 1 and also to the longitudinal central axis L of the unlocking element 17 and by one transverse to the central axis M of the housing 1 and also the longitudinal center axis L of the unlocking element 17 is bent (see the Figures 4 to 9 ). At least this actuating tab 21 of the unlocking element 17, which is touched by the user when used as intended and is designed in size and shape for this purpose, is covered with electrically insulating plastic or a material with a similar effect or is made of this insulating material. If need be, the unlocking element 17 can also be covered to a large extent, for example the actuating tab 21 and central part or connecting section 18, or preferably also entirely with the electrically insulating plastic or be made from it. The manufacture or covering of at least the actuating tab 21 by the electrical insulating material prevents rapid discharge by an electrostatically charged person or object actuating or touching the unlocking element 17, and thereby prevents damage to microelectronic components or integrated circuits of the connector or downstream systems.

An embodiment of an unlocking element 17 in which the center Z of the actuating tab 21 and a longitudinal central axis L of the connecting section 18 are offset radially with respect to this longitudinal central axis L is preferred. In the present drawing figures, one is - from the front seen - shown angled actuating tab 21 to the right. Nevertheless, of course, a bend to the other side with respect to the vertical longitudinal center planes can also be provided. The center Z can be determined, for example, as the center of area. This asymmetrical shape of the front end of the unlocking element 17, with different outline shapes - rounded, circular, elliptical, kidney-shaped, with polygonal edge, etc. - and sizes are possible, contributes to the generally customary positioning in the uppermost area of the housing 1 , Preferably exactly in the longitudinal center plane of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8 to reduce the overall height of the connector and thus to achieve a space-saving design. Built-in sockets in this design can be installed very closely next to or on top of each other, while still making unlocking much easier, especially with sockets on top of each other.

The elastic locking arm 16 is preferably mounted on or in the contact carrier 8, preferably fixed in an elongated recess 22 on the upper side, which has at least one locking structure on its side facing away from the central longitudinal axis M of the housing 1, here in the form of two on the outer edge of the predominantly flat locking arm 16 has bent-up locking projections 23 which are nose-shaped in side view. With these locking projections 23, the locking arm 16, which is preferably also positioned in the longitudinal center plane of the contact carrier 8, engages in the plugged-in state of a complementary connector plugged into the insertion opening 2 in corresponding complementary locking structures of this connector.

In order to disengage the locking arm 16 from the locking structure of the plugged-in connector and to release it for being pulled out of the plug-in opening 2, the unlocking element 17, starting from a passive position shown for example in the drawing figures 1 or 3, in which it projects maximally over the housing 1 protrudes forward, parallel to the longitudinal center axis M of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8 to the rear in an active position. The unlocking element 17 is to Contact carrier 8 or the housing 1 slidably mounted, preferably above the locking arm 16 and preferably also in the recess 22 of the contact carrier 8, so as to ensure optimal guidance of locking arm 16 and unlocking element 17 relative to each other.

When the unlocking element 17 is shifted from the passive position to the active position, an actuating section 24 on the unlocking element 17 preferably acts on an inclined surface 25 as the unlocking surface of the locking arm 16 and bends it in the direction of the central central axis M of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8, whereby the Locking projections 23 disengaged from the locking structure of the plugged-in connector and thereby releases it for pulling out of the insertion opening 2. The sloping surface 25 is preferably in any shape of the locking arm 16 at its end opposite the insertion opening 2 . If the unlocking element 17 is released again by the user, the spring-elastic or spring-loaded locking arm 16 moves back into its initial position, and it also moves the unlocking element 17 back into its passive position.

The in the embodiment of 2 The locking arm 16 which runs essentially straight over a large part of its length can preferably consist of metal. Preferably, the locking arm 16 is also partially covered with an electrically insulating material, consists partially or even completely of such a material. Insulating plastic is preferably chosen here, which also ensures the necessary elasticity for the locking arm 16 . If a partial coating or production is intended, the sections coming or standing in contact with the unlocking element 17 are preferably designed accordingly, in particular the inclined surface 25 and possibly also the sections adjoining it.

The locking arm 16 extends in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 5 starting from its attachment point in the front area of the contact carrier 8, closer to the insertion opening 2, towards the rear end of the housing 1. A reverse installation direction would also be possible, in which the deflectable End of the locking arm 16 extends in the direction of the insertion opening 2 out. Other shapes for the locking arm 16 are possible, for example in the Figures 14 to 17 U-shaped form shown, in which a straight leg 26 of the U-shaped locking arm 16 rests on the contact carrier 8 and is supported there. The curved leg 28 with the locking projections 23 and the inclined surface 25 adjoining the front curved section 27 of the locking arm 16 is bent backwards by 180 degrees.

In order to achieve a particularly short design of the unlocking element 17 , which is designed to be electrically insulating, and thus of the entire plug socket, the actuating section 19 is arranged at the extreme rear end of the unlocking element 17 . As in the Figures 6 to 8 is clearly visible, the actuating section 19 is not protruded from any other section of the unlocking element 17 to the rear, ie in the direction of its longitudinal center axis L, in the direction of the longitudinal center axis M of the housing 1 and also in the direction of the shift from the passive position to the active position. The rear edge of the actuating section 19, preferably together with its base section on the unlocking element 17, forms the rear end face or end face of the unlocking element 17.

As in the Figures 6 to 9 As can be seen, the unlocking element 17 preferably has two tabs 29 protruding laterally from the essentially flat or slightly curved central part 18 . Such a cross-sectional enlargement or another type of cross-sectional enlargement could also be provided on only one side. These tabs 29 or other types of cross-sectional enlargements, which are preferably located in the front section closer to the insertion opening 2, interact with at least one corresponding stop 30 or a different type of cross-sectional reduction on the housing 1 in the displacement path of the unlocking element 17 from its passive position P to the active position A, which at most machined in one piece with the housing 1 or can be mechanically connected thereto as a separate element. This system of tabs 29 and stops 30 is the working path of the unlocking element 17 is limited from the passive position P to the active position A, since further movement in the same direction of movement is prevented by the abutment of the tab 29 against the stop 30. This also prevents the actuating section 19 from being able to be pushed further from its position in the passive position P of the unlocking element 17 in the direction of the active position A and then overrunning the rear end of the locking arm 16, in particular the rear boundary of the inclined surface 25. It is thus possible to reliably prevent the actuating section 19 from moving even further behind the end of the locking arm 16 from the active position of the unlocking element 17 and thus remaining permanently hooked in this position.

The path between the passive position and the active position could also be limited by the fact that the rear side of the actuating tab 21 comes to rest against the front end wall of the housing 1 .

According to the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing figures 2 to 9, the actuating section 19, which, like the actuating tab 21, can be coated with or made from an electrically insulating material, preferably a plastic, is formed by at least one tongue which is wrapped around a parallel to the longitudinal center axis L of the unlocking element 17 or the longitudinal center axis M of the housing 1 oriented bending axis is bent. This bending axis preferably lies in the plane of the unlocking element 17, coaxially to the longitudinal axis L through the flat or slightly curved connecting section 18 of the unlocking element 17. The actuating section 19 preferably has a bevel on its rear side. The rear end of the unlocking element 17 is also easy to manufacture due to its open shape, since mechanical or manual effort for separating parts that are stuck together in the bulk goods container of the production plant can be avoided. Furthermore, deviations in the bending angle when bending the actuating section 19 about the longitudinal axis of the unlocking element 17, ie parallel to the direction of the relative displacement of the unlocking element 17 and locking arm 16, only have a slight effect on the radial dimension of the actuating section 19. The same applies to the production of the entire unlocking element 17 from preferably electrically insulating plastic pouring or spraying. This ensures that the locking arm 16 is always sufficiently deflected to unlock the plug-in connection, even if the bending angle during production varies widely, which leads to reproducible functional reliability and operating quality.

The sloping surface 25 on the locking arm 16 is preferably arranged in its rear section in order to be able to keep this component short while still providing sufficient leverage in order not to have to use too much force to move the unlocking element 17 from the passive position to the active position. It is therefore also advantageous for the locking arm 16 that the unlocking surface is not protruded backwards by any section of the locking arm 16 . It is also particularly advantageous for a short design of the connector housing 1 in the plug-in direction if no section of the unlocking element 17 protrudes beyond the effective inclined surface 25, even if this is pushed to the maximum in the active position.

Instead of interacting inclined surfaces on unlocking element 17 and locking arm 16, only one of these components could have such an inclined surface and the other of these two parts could have a projection interacting with the inclined surface. There could also be a separate spring-elastic element which urges the locking arm 16 into the locked position and/or another spring-elastic element could be provided to push the unlocking element 17 back into the passive position when it is released by the user. Instead of a spring-elastic design of the locking arm 16, it could also be mounted pivotably on the contact carrier 8 and acted upon by a separate spring element into the position in which it engages in the locking structure of the complementary plug connector inserted into the housing 1.

As in 3 can be clearly seen, the housing 1 of a connector in the form of a plug or chassis socket on an inner length up to the rear cover 15, which coincides with the rear end of the locking arm 16 or with the rear end of the unlocking element 17 in its maximum Active position, in which it is completely pushed backwards. This means that significantly shorter housings 1 and thus plug sockets with a very small overall depth in the direction of insertion can be realized. This applies in particular to the embodiment shown as an example in the drawings 1 to 3, in which another socket with an insertion opening 11 is arranged on the rear side of the housing 1, the insertion axis N of which is transverse to the longitudinal central axis M of the housing 1 or transverse to the insertion axis of the first Insertion opening 2 is oriented.

The unlocking element 17 in the passive position is preferably secured against further forward displacement in the direction of the insertion opening 2 by a stop element 31 that interacts with the contact carrier 8 and/or the housing 1 . This stop element 31 is preferably a punched-out tongue that extends in the longitudinal direction of the unlocking element 17 and is bent up at the front, i.e. closer to the insertion opening 2 , out of the plane of the middle section of the unlocking element 17 . A free cut 32 is provided between the stop element 31 and the flat or slightly curved central connecting section 18 of the unlocking element 17 .

In the same way, according to an advantageous embodiment of the unlocking element 17, a further free cut 33 can also be provided between the flat or slightly curved central connecting section 18 of the unlocking element 17 and the actuating section 19. However, both the actuating section 19 and the stop element 31 can also be machined out of the unlocking element 17 without cutouts, for example by punch cutting. Both the actuating portion 19 and the stop member 31, as in the embodiment of Figures 13 to 17 is shown, be formed as a molded elevation at the end or on the top of the connecting portion 18. Furthermore, these structures 19 and 31 could also be separately manufactured components which are connected to the unlocking element 17 in any manner adapted to the requirements.

A further advantageous embodiment of an inventive built-in connector is in the Figures 10 to 13 shown.

An electrically insulating contact carrier 8 is inserted in a housing 1 with an insertion opening 2 for a complementary cable connector. The contact elements 17 fixed in the contact carrier 8 protrude into the insertion opening and are brought out on the rear side of the housing 1 . The contact carrier 8 can again be an integral part or section of the housing 1, which then also consists of electrically insulating material, but it can also be designed as a separate part and inserted into a corresponding receptacle in the housing 1 and fixed therein. In this latter type of construction, the housing 1 is typically made of metal and only the contact carrier 8 is made of insulating material, preferably plastic.

At the front of the housing 1, in the Figures 10 and 11 A front panel 34 is arranged and encloses the front portion of the contact carrier 8 and is concealed by a section of the wall W of a device, a control panel or the like. The front panel 34, better seen in FIGS 12 and 13 , preferably has a peripheral web 35 that rises forward and that runs along at least part, preferably the largest part, of the circumference of the insertion opening 2 and thereby forms the front end and the outer boundary of the insertion opening 2 . In the 10 , 12 and 13 Finally, a printed circuit board or printed circuit board 36 is also shown, here arranged horizontally, as an example that a built-in connector according to the invention can also be present in a printed circuit board design.

The front panel 34 is in the illustrated embodiment Figures 10 to 13 made of a light-scattering or light-guiding material into which light from an external light source can be coupled via at least one coupling surface. Since this embodiment for installation in devices or cabinets, control panels or the like. are provided from the rear, at least the housing 1 has mounting portions 37 along the circumference, in which mounting holes are preferably machined for fastening the assembly to the wall W of the apparatus or the control panel or the like. Preferred Also on the front panel 34 at corresponding locations to the mounting portions 37 are coaxial mounting holes, as well as in the wall W mounting holes 38 are provided.

The light source for the light to be coupled into the front panel 34 via the coupling surfaces is preferably mounted on the printed circuit board or circuit board 36 . The actual light source, preferably LEDs or OLEDs, is preferably arranged directly adjacent to the coupling surface. The control and power supply of the light source, both implemented via cables or conductor tracks on the circuit board 36, remain isolated from the contacts 17 in terms of potential wired light sources, preferably LEDs or OLEDs. The light source is preferably designed or can be controlled to emit light of at least two different colors, for which purpose, for example, a plurality of light sources in different colors can be used. The control of the light source can be coupled with a circuit for detecting different states of the built-in connector arrangement and designed in such a way that different states are indicated by the emission of light of different colors, for example for visual identification or an optical display of the connection status, or .The characterization of various diagnostic messages.

In the same way as in connection with the Figures 1 to 9 explained, the embodiment of a built-in connector according to the invention provided with the light-emitting front plate 34 can also be equipped with a locking device 16, 17 for the complementary connector, preferably a cable connector, in order to prevent it from being unintentionally pulled off and thus from loosening the connector. The unlocking element 17 protrudes through the front panel 34 and the wall W of the device, the control panel or the like and is therefore accessible to the user. Regarding the function and the attachment of the locking arrangement is on the corresponding statements to the Figures 1 to 9 referred.

In any case, an embodiment of the unlocking element 17 is again preferred in which the center Z of the actuating tab 21 and a longitudinal center axis L of the connecting section 18 are radially offset from one another with respect to this longitudinal center axis L, as in FIGS Figures 4 to 7 and 9 is shown accurately. This can also for the embodiment of the built-in connector according to Figures 10 to 13 , With the generally customary positioning of the locking arrangement 16, 17 in the uppermost region of the housing 1, the overall height of the connector is reduced and a space-saving design can thus be achieved.

A further embodiment of a built-in connector with a locking arrangement 16, 17 designed according to the invention and an asymmetrically designed actuating tab 21 of the unlocking element 17 is shown in FIGS Figures 18 to 21 shown. This is an XLR chassis socket with a housing 1 and a contact carrier 8 with five contact elements 17 formed or inserted therein , or similar at least two diametrically opposed mounting tabs 39 with mounting holes 40 therein.

In the same way as in connection with the Figures 1 to 9 explained, is also the built-in connector Figures 18 to 21 equipped with a locking device 16, 17 for the complementary connector, which is preferably accommodated in the contact carrier 8 designed here for the XLR system. Its unlocking element 17 protrudes again beyond the front face of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8 in order to be easily accessible for the user if he wants to release the locking of the plug connection. Regarding the function and the attachment of the locking arrangement is on the corresponding statements to the Figures 1 to 9 referred. For the low vertical height in this embodiment as well, the unlocking element 17 is equipped with an actuating tab 21, in which the center Z of the actuating tab 21 and a longitudinal center axis L of the connecting section 18 are offset radially with respect to this longitudinal center axis L.

To show that the invention is not limited to built-in connectors is in the Figures 22 to 24 as a further exemplary embodiment of a connector, a coupling for two connectors of the same type, preferably for cable connectors, is shown. Its cuboid, possibly also cylindrical housing 1 has two insertion openings 2 for preferably cable plugs, which are formed on the opposite end faces of the housing 1 . At least one of these sockets on the end faces of the housing 1, preferably both sockets are provided with a locking arrangement, as in connection with Figures 1 to 9 initially explained.

As in 24 can be seen, the end plates 41, which the contact carrier 8, here for RJ45 contacts 17, are fixed by means of the mounting screws 42 and thus also fix the contact carrier 8 in the housing 1. Since, due to the new positioning of the actuating lug 21 If this component no longer protrudes beyond the cross section of the housing 1, the risk of the cable or the user getting caught on it and entraining the clutch, damaging it or causing other damage is significantly reduced.

If the unlocking element 17, preferably also the locking arm 16, is designed to be short, as explained at the beginning, the overall length of the coupling can be correspondingly reduced and overall a significant reduction in size can be achieved in all dimensions.

The others Figures 25 to 30 show further embodiments for built-in connectors according to the invention, with different versions of the housing 1, with different contact carriers 8 for different plug shapes, and with an unlocking element 17 designed according to the invention with an asymmetrically shaped and aligned actuating tab 21. <b>Reference List</b> 1 Housing 31 stop element 2 insertion opening 32 clearance 3 connecting flange 33 clearance 4 recess 34 front panel 5 flange plate 35 web 6 insertion opening 36 circuit board 7 mounting hole 37 assembly section 8th contact carrier 38 mounting hole 9 ground contact 39 fastening tab 10 Back cover 40 mounting hole 11 insertion opening 41 faceplate 12 contact element 42 mounting screw 13 contact set 14 insulator L longitudinal central axis 15 housing cover M central axis 16 locking arm P bending axis 17 unlocking element Z center 18 connection section 19 operating section 20 recess 21 actuation tab 22 recess 23 locking tab 24 operating section 25 bevel 26 Straight Thigh 27 Curved section 28 Curved Thigh 29 tab 30 attack

Claims (14)

Unlocking element (17) for electrical plug connections, for acting on an elastically deflectable or displaceable locking arm (16) of a locking arrangement (16, 17), the unlocking element (17) being rigid and starting from a passive position (P), in particular along a straight actuating path , is manually displaceable into an active position (A), has at least one actuating section (19), in particular an actuating projection, which engages in the active position (A) on the locking arm (16) and disengages from a complementary locking structure, characterized in that the The unlocking element (17) has at least one actuating tab (21) which is designed to be touched by a user and which is coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic. Unlocking element (17) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it is entirely covered with or entirely made of electrically insulating plastic. Unlocking element (17) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that starting from the actuating tab (21) a connecting section (18) extends in the direction of the actuating section (19) essentially parallel to the actuation path of the unlocking element (17), the center (Z ) of the actuating tab (21) and a central longitudinal axis (L) of the connecting section (18) are radially offset from one another with respect to this central longitudinal axis (L). Unlocking element (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating portion (19) at the rearmost End of the unlocking element (17) is arranged and no portion of the unlocking element (17) protrudes backwards and thus forms a rear end face of the unlocking element (17). Unlocking element (17) according to one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the actuating tab (21) is aligned perpendicularly to the connecting section (18) and/or to the actuating path. Unlocking element (17) according to one of Claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the actuating tab (21) is aligned parallel to the connecting section (18) and/or to the actuating path. Electrical connector, in particular built-in socket, for producing an electrical plug connection with a complementary connector, in particular a cable connector, with a housing (1) in which a first insertion opening (2) is formed, into which a complementary connector can be inserted in the direction of an insertion axis, with at least one contact carrier (8), with at least one electrical contact element (12) which is held in the contact carrier (8), with a locking arrangement (16, 17) for the complementary connector, comprising at least one locking arm (16) that can be deflected or shifted elastically each with at least one first locking structure (23), in particular a locking projection, which couples into a second, complementary locking structure of this complementary connector when the complementary connector is fully inserted, at least one unlocking element (17) which, starting from a passive position, in particular parallel to the insertion axis, can be manually shifted into an active position, at least one actuating section (19) on the unlocking element (17), in particular an actuating projection which acts on the locking arm (16) in the active position and keeps its locking structure (23) out of engagement with the complementary locking structure, and at least one unlocking surface (25), in particular an inclined surface, on the locking arm (16) on which the actuating section (19) in the Active position attacks, characterized in that the unlocking element (17) is formed with an actuating tab (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Electrical plug connector according to Claim 7, in an embodiment as a built-in socket, characterized in that the center (Z) of the actuating lug (21) is at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably essentially 45°, to the side in relation to the central plane which is vertical in the installed position is arranged offset. Electrical plug connector according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a longitudinal central axis (L) of a connecting section (18) is essentially flush with the center of the actuating lug (21) and is at an angle of between 30° and 60° with respect to the central plane which is vertical in the installed position. preferably substantially 45° offset. Electrical connector according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a longitudinal center axis (L) of the connecting section (18) is arranged essentially in the region of the vertical center plane. Electrical connector according to one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the unlocking surface (25) of the locking arm (16) is at least partially covered with or made of electrically insulating plastic, or the entire locking arm (16) is covered with or made of electrically insulating plastic is made. Electrical connector according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the locking arrangement (16, 17) for the complementary connector is accommodated in a recess in the housing (1) and/or in the contact carrier (8). Connector according to one of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the unlocking element (17) is mounted in a recess (22) in the contact carrier (8) so that it can be displaced parallel to the insertion axis. Connector according to one of Claims 7 to 13, characterized in that a second insertion opening (11) for a further connector is arranged on the side opposite the first insertion opening (2) and preferably also has a locking arrangement (16, 17) according to Claims 7 to 13, in particular with an unlocking element (17) according to claims 1 to 6 and is equipped.

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