WO2024017778A1

WO2024017778A1 - Toollessly configurable plug-in connector with a variable cable outlet direction

Info

Publication number: WO2024017778A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/069599
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Blauth; Jochen Mestars; Lars Rasmussen; Jesper Røntved Jørgensen
Original assignee: Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2022-07-18
Filing date: 2023-07-14
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Also published as: LU502516B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug-in connector (400) for connecting at least one electrical conductor (L) of a cable (K) in order to transmit preferably electrical energy and/or electrical signals, wherein the plug-in connector (400) has a base housing part (100) with a plug-in section (101) which extends in a plug-in direction (X) of the plug-in connector (400) for forming a plug-in connection with a mating plug-in connector and in which at least one contact element is received for forming a plug-in face (102) of the plug-in connector (400), wherein the plug-in connector (400) is configured for connecting the at least one contact element to the at least one electrical conductor (L), wherein the plug-in connector (400) has a covering housing part (200) comprising a cable outlet (201) for receiving the cable (K) in order to guide the cable (K) in a defined cable outlet direction (Y1, Y2) at least in sections when the plug-in connector (400) is in an assembled state, wherein the base housing part (100) and the covering housing part (200) are configured to be toollessly assembled with each other, preferably perpendicularly to the plug-in direction (X), in order to fasten the covering housing part (200) to the base housing part (100). The present invention also relates to an arrangement comprising a plug-in connector (400) and comprising a cable (K).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Tool-free configurable connector with variable cable outlet direction

The present invention is in the field of electromechanics and relates to a plug connector for connecting at least one electrical conductor of a cable. The connector is characterized in that the exit direction of the cable from the connector (cable exit direction) is configurable or adjustable. The present invention further relates to an arrangement with such a plug connector and with a cable with at least one electrical conductor.

Connectors, which are used, for example, in the area of electrical installation technology for buildings and industrial systems, are used to connect electrical conductors. The electrical conductors are often combined and/or arranged to form a cable. In known connectors, for example, the direction of departure of the cable cannot be changed in relation to its mating face. The exit direction of the cable often results in a fixed direction in which the cable is led out of the connector, that is, out of the housing of the connector.

Furthermore, plug connectors are known in which the direction of departure of the cable is configurable or adjustable. Such connectors are usually characterized by a multi-part housing, that is, by several housing parts. The housing parts can be assembled in different ways depending on their geometric design and the geometric environmental conditions with regard to certain limits in order to realize a corresponding direction of the cable as the exit direction. However, tools, for example in the form of screwdrivers, are absolutely necessary when assembling such connectors.

Such a connector is described, for example, in connection with circulation pumps for heating systems in German Utility Model No. DE 20 2017 101 204 U1. The connector has a plug-in part with a plug-in face and a one-piece cover part for holding a cable with electrical conductors. On one side wall of the cover part there is an outwardly projecting (protruding) tubular extension with an opening for passage, i.e. insertion of the cable into the interior of the connector. The cover part can be releasably fastened to the plug-in part by 90° relative to the plug-in part using a screw in order to change the direction of departure of the cable from the cover part. A total of four layers, i.e. positions and orientations of the cover part to the plug-in part and thus to the plug-in face, can be implemented. The disadvantage is that the screw for fastening the cover part to the plug-in part has to be operated using a tool, which is also required. Furthermore, the connection, i.e. the attachment of the electrical conductors, takes place perpendicular to the direction of departure of the cable, which means that the electrical conductors always have to be bent during assembly.

Furthermore, a connector with a housing is known from German utility model No. DE 20 2014 011 526 U1, which consists of two housing parts. The first housing part is used to form a plug connection with another plug connector part and is characterized by a cuboid cavity and an inclined contact surface for the second housing part. The second housing part is used to connect and fasten a cable and also includes a connecting surface so that it can be connected to the connecting surface of the first housing part. By means of a bayonet lock between the first housing part and the second housing part, the second housing part can be rotated relative to the first housing part in a predetermined angular range. A locking element located between the housing parts ensures a lock, so that the housing parts are secured against rotation relative to one another.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved plug connector for connecting at least one electrical conductor of a cable, wherein the plug connector can be assembled or assembled without tools, preferably with regard to receiving the cable on the plug connector and preferably with regard to the connection of the at least one electrical conductor of the cable. Furthermore, the plug connector should ensure an outlet of the cable from the housing of the plug connector in at least two mutually different directions (cable outlet directions), preferably in two mutually different directions relative to a plug face of the plug connector, and preferably an optimized connection direction of the at least one electrical conductor and, above all, of the cable . It is a further object of the present invention to provide an arrangement with such a connector and with a cable with at least one electrical conductor. The task is solved by the features of claims 1 and 18. Further exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention result from the dependent claims and are described in more detail in the following description with partial reference to the figures.

According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to a plug connector for connecting at least one electrical conductor of a cable in order to preferably transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals, wherein the plug connector has a base housing part with a plug-in section which can be used to form a plug-in connection with a Mating connector extends substantially in a plug-in direction of the plug-in connector and in which at least one contact element is accommodated to form a plug-in face of the plug-in connector, wherein the plug-in connector is configured to connect the at least one contact element to the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the plug-in connector is used to accommodate the cable Cover housing part with a cable outlet in order to guide the cable in a mounted state of the connector at least in sections in a defined cable outlet direction, wherein the base housing part and the cover housing part are configured for tool-free assembly with one another, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction, in order to attach the cover housing part to attach the base housing part.

The base housing part and the cover housing part are preferably configured for tool-free assembly of the cover housing part to the base housing part in at least two different positions in order to be able to ensure or realize at least two cable outlet directions.

The cable outlet preferably has a through opening in order to be able to guide the cable with the at least one electrical conductor through it and thus at least partially insert it into the plug connector.

The present invention provides, for example, a connector on which a cable can be received from different directions or which can be configured or adjusted to different directions of a cable without having to bend or curve it unfavorably. The connector is therefore configurable or adjustable with regard to a cable outlet direction. No tools are required for assembly. According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can thus be provided that the cover housing part is configured for attachment to the base housing part in at least a first position relative to the base housing part and / or in at least a second position relative to the base housing part in order to at least partially insert the cable at least a first cable outlet direction or to pick up or guide the cable at least in sections in at least a second cable outlet direction, wherein preferably the at least one first cable outlet direction and the at least one second cable outlet direction form an angle of approximately 90 ° in a view, preferably in the plug-in direction. The base housing part and the cover housing part are preferably designed such that the cover housing part can be mounted on the base housing part in at least two different positions.

A location preferably identifies or defines a position and/or an orientation.

It is possible for the base housing part and the cover housing part to each be configured to form at least one first plug-in connection substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction and/or at least one second plug-in connection substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction.

The first plug connection and the second plug connection can be realized via sections, elements or components of the base housing part and the cover housing part which are designed to complement one another, which will be described in more detail below.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the plug connector comprises a locking housing part, which is configured essentially in the plugging direction to form at least a first plug connection and / or at least a second plug connection with the base housing part, wherein the locking housing part and the cover housing part are configured to form a releasable locking connection in the assembled state, preferably to form a locking connection that can be released using a tool.

This can, for example, ensure a detachable yet captive attachment of the cover housing part to the base housing part via or by means of the locking housing part. It is possible for the locking housing part, preferably a side of the locking housing part facing the cable outlet direction, to form a stop for the cover housing part in the assembled state. This can, for example, ensure a secure assembly of the cover housing part on the base housing part in a defined position.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that in the assembled state between the locking housing part and the

Base housing part, and/or between the locking housing part and the

Cover housing part, and/or a sealing connection is formed between the base housing part and the cover housing part, wherein the sealing connection is essentially gas-tight and/or essentially liquid-tight.

Preferably, the sealing connection can be designed in such a way that a tightness of at least protection class IP 44 is achieved. This means that, for example, the penetration of foreign bodies or foreign substances (e.g. dirt) can be avoided. This prevents damage to the connector.

It is possible that the plug connector, preferably the base housing part, comprises at least one connection device for connecting the at least one contact element to the at least one electrical conductor, which has a clamping element for fastening the at least one electrical conductor, wherein the at least one connection device is configured, that Clamping element to be operated without tools or using a tool to open or close the clamping element.

The at least one connection device can be designed as a lever-operated terminal, screw terminal, insulation displacement terminal or as a push-in terminal, or the at least one connection device can comprise a lever-operated terminal, a screw terminal, insulation displacement terminal or a push-in terminal in order to connect the at least one electrical To connect conductors to the at least one contact element in an electrically conductive manner.

If the at least one connection device is designed as a lever-operated terminal or as a push-in terminal, preferably no tools are required for fastening the electrical conductor. The push-in connection technology, which is also known as "direct plug-in technology", is a well-known connection technology primarily for direct plugging and automatic clamping of solid or multi-wire electrical conductors, whereby, for example, in the case of a dimensionally stable or rigid electrical conductor, no tool, i.e. an actuating tool, is no longer required to form a clamp connection. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to the German laid-open specification No. DE 10 2015 105 757 A1 “Spring clamp”.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the cover housing part is essentially cap-shaped or essentially hood-shaped away from the cable outlet, and/or at least in sections essentially cuboid-shaped, and/or wherein the cover housing part is away from the cable outlet and/or on a The side opposite the cable outlet is designed to be open in at least two mutually perpendicular directions.

It is possible for the cover housing part to be designed to be continuously open in the cable outlet direction and/or for the cover housing part to be designed to be closed on one side in the plug-in direction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the base housing part and the cover housing part each have at least two first guide elements for fastening the cover housing part to the base housing part in at least a first position, and that the base housing part and the cover housing part for fastening the cover housing part to the base housing part in at least a second layer has at least two second guide elements, wherein the at least two first guide elements and the at least two second guide elements of the respective housing part are spaced apart from one another and / or arranged opposite one another, preferably in each case integrally in one piece with the base housing part and / or with the Cover housing part are made.

The first guide elements and/or the second guide elements can be designed as guide webs or as guide strips and as respective complementary recesses for positive reception, which are formed at corresponding positions on the base housing part and on the cover housing part and are characterized by a corresponding orientation.

It is possible that at least one of the at least two first guide elements and / or that at least one of the at least two second guide elements in a view, preferably in a front view of the base housing part or in a sectional view of the plug connector, in each case at least in sections Has a substantially frusto-conical contour or a substantially trapezoidal contour. This ensures, for example, a captive attachment of the cover housing part to the base housing part

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the at least two first guide elements and/or that the at least two second guide elements each extend essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction and/or essentially parallel to one another, and/or to one Plane are essentially mirror-symmetrical.

It is possible for the cable outlet to be hollow cylindrical and/or at least partially slotted in the cable outlet direction, preferably slotted multiple times, and for the cable outlet to be configured to form a clamp connection with a section of the cable. Preferably, the cable outlet is configured to guide at least a portion of the cable in the cable outlet direction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the cover housing part comprises a resilient locking device for latching with the base housing part or for latching with a locking housing part, wherein the locking housing part in the assembled state is connected to the base housing part in a substantially form-fitting and/or substantially non-positive manner is, wherein the resilient locking device is arranged on the cover housing part on a side opposite the cable outlet and is preferably formed integrally in one piece with the cover housing part.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, it can be provided that the base housing part and the cover housing part and preferably one or the locking housing part are each designed as individual parts or separately from one another, preferably each are integrally formed in one piece from an insulating material, and / or that the base housing part and that Cover housing part and preferably one or the locking housing part is each designed to be dimensionally stable and / or shape-preserving. In other words, the cover housing part together with the cable outlet preferably does not change its geometric design and retains the geometric design required by production. It is possible for the cover housing part and/or one or the locking housing part to be designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical to a plane. This ensures, for example, simplified production.

The present invention relates, in a second general aspect, to an assembly comprising a connector as disclosed herein and a cable, the connector being configured to connect at least one electrical conductor of the cable, and wherein the cable comprises at least one electrical conductor connected to at least one electrical conductor an insulating material or preferably with at least one layer of insulating material. The connector can be configured, for example, to connect exactly one, that is to say a single, electrical conductor of a cable or the connector can alternatively, for example, be configured to connect at least two electrical conductors of a cable.

The previously described exemplary embodiments and features of the present invention can be combined with one another in any way. Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures.

Show it:

1 A shows a first exemplary embodiment of an arrangement with a plug connector in an assembled state and with a cable according to the present invention in a front view;

1B shows the arrangement from FIG. 1A in a top view;

1C shows the arrangement from FIG. 1A in a side view (side view from the left);

2A shows the base housing part of the plug connector from FIG. 1A in a first perspective view;

2B shows the base housing part from FIG. 2A in a top view;

2C shows the base housing part from FIG. 2A in a front view; 3A shows the locking housing part of the plug connector from FIG. 1A in a first perspective view;

3B shows the locking housing part from FIG. 3A in a second perspective view;

4A shows the base housing part of the plug connector from FIG. 1A with the locking housing part from FIGS. 3A and 3B mounted thereon in a first position in a first perspective view;

4B shows the cover housing part of the plug connector from FIG. 1A in the first perspective view;

4C shows the plug connector with the base housing part, the cover housing part and the locking housing part from FIGS. 4A and 4B in the assembled state in the first perspective view;

5A shows the base housing part of the plug connector from FIG. 1A with the locking housing part from FIGS. 3A and 3B mounted thereon in a second position in the first perspective view;

5B shows the cover housing part of the plug connector from FIG. 1A in a second perspective view;

5C shows the plug connector with the base housing part, the cover housing part and the locking housing part from FIGS. 5A and 5B in the assembled state in the second perspective view;

6A shows a sectional view of the arrangement from FIG. 1A (section AA) without cable;

Fig. 6A sectional view of the arrangement from Figure 1A (section BB) without cable.

Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are marked with the same reference numerals in the figures. To explain these, reference is also made in part to the description of other exemplary embodiments and/or figures in order to avoid repetition. The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures serves for further illustration or clarification and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

Figure 1A shows a front view of a first exemplary embodiment of an arrangement with a plug connector 400 and with a cable K according to the present invention. Figure 1B shows the arrangement from Figure 1A in a top view and Figure 1C shows the arrangement from Figure 1A in a side view (side view from the left).

The connector 400 is configured for connecting at least one electrical conductor L of a cable K.

The cable K comprises three electrical conductors L, of which one electrical conductor L is shown schematically in FIG. 1A. Each of the electrical conductors L is covered by an insulating material or at least one layer of insulating material, for example based on plastic. Preferably, the electrical conductors L with their respective sheathing are in turn encased in an insulating material or at least one layer of insulating material and form the cable K. The cable K, that is to say the electrical conductors L, are preferably used to transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals.

The connector 400 according to the present invention is essentially characterized by three separately producible and therefore independent housing parts 100, 200 and 300 and therefore comprises a base housing part 100, a cover housing part 200 and a locking housing part 300. Each of the housing parts 100, 200, 300 is respectively as a single part and made from an insulating material, preferably based on plastic. At least one housing part of the housing parts 100, 200, 300 can be produced by at least one casting process and/or by at least one spraying process with the insulating material. It is additionally or alternatively possible for at least one housing part of the housing parts 100, 200, 300 to be produced from insulating material by at least one sintering process and/or by at least one 3D printing process.

Walls and/or wall sections of the plug connector 400 and preferably of the housing parts 100, 200, 300 are each preferably formed integrally in one piece and marked accordingly in the course of the description.

The connector 400 has a base housing part 100 with a plug-in section 101. The plug-in section 101 extends to form a plug-in connection with a Mating connector (not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity) essentially in a plug-in direction . In the present exemplary embodiment of the plug connector, three contact elements are included. It is understood that the at least one contact element, that is to say in the present case the three contact elements, are electrical contact elements.

In other words, the base housing part 100 forms a base housing or a basic housing of the plug connector 400, on which further housing parts 200, 300, components and/or elements can be mounted, in order to then form the plug connector 400 in a mounted, that is to say assembled, state.

The assembled state of the connector 400 preferably represents an assembled state of the connector 400, in which it can be used as intended and/or properly, especially to ensure function and safety.

The plug connector 400 is configured for connection, that is, for contacting or electrically connecting the at least one contact element to the at least one electrical conductor L, which is described in more detail below with reference to further figures.

To accommodate the cable K, the connector 400 has a cover housing part 200 with a cable outlet 201. The cable outlet 201 is essentially hollow cylindrical and configured, among other things, for guiding the cable K through and/or for introducing the cable K into the cover housing part 200 and further into the plug connector 400 in the assembled state. The cable outlet 201 is preferably intended to accommodate and/or guide the cable K in the assembled state of the plug connector 400 at least in sections in a defined cable outlet direction Y1. The cable K can thus be guided and/or aligned in a defined direction as viewed from the plug connector 400. The cover housing part 200 with the cable outlet 201 is designed to be essentially dimensionally stable and/or essentially shape-preserving. In other words, the cable outlet 201 is arranged in a fixed or unchangeable manner relative to the remaining cover housing part 200. 1A, a section of the cable outlet 201 is visibly shown, with a clamping nut 203 around the cable outlet 201 for clamping the cable K to the cover housing part 200, that is to say within the cable outlet 201, which is described in more detail below with reference to further figures .

According to the invention, the base housing part 100 and the cover housing part 200 are configured for tool-free and therefore purely manual assembly with one another, preferably substantially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X, in order to attach the cover housing part 200 to the base housing part 100 in a simple and quick manner. The plug connector 400 according to the present invention is therefore preferably characterized by the property of being able to be assembled purely manually and therefore without tools, that is to say, being able to be brought into an assembled state purely manually.

As can be seen from the design and arrangement of the cover housing part 200 and the base housing part 100, in the front view shown in FIG. 1A, the cable outlet direction Y1 as the first cable outlet direction Y1 is essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction

The views resulting from the sections AA and BB are described in more detail below with reference to the other Figures 6A and 6B.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that the cover housing part 200 for attachment, that is to say for manual and/or tool-free attachment to the base housing part 100 in at least a first position, that is in a first position and in a first orientation, relative to the base housing part 100 and/or or is configured in at least a second position, that is, in a second position and in a second orientation, relative to the base housing part 100. The first layer is different from the second layer. Thus, the cable K can be guided via the cable outlet 201 at least in sections in at least a first cable outlet direction Y1 or at least in sections in at least a second cable outlet direction Y2, each of which is shown in the top view in Figure 1 B. A configuration or setting of the cable outlet direction Y1, Y2 is required, for example, if the connector 400 is used in a switch box (not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity) in order to do justice to the geometric conditions. In the case of the plug connector 400 according to the present invention, the cable outlet direction Y1, Y2 can thus be directed to the plug face 102 of the plug connector 400 change. There is therefore no longer just a fixed, that is, constant direction in which the cable K is led out of the plug connector 400.

As already described, a position preferably characterizes a position and/or an orientation of a component and/or an element relative to a further component and/or a further element.

Preferably, the at least one first cable outlet direction Y1 and the at least one second cable outlet direction Y2 form an angle of approximately 90° in a view, preferably in the plug-in direction is shown.

The base housing part 100 and the cover housing part 200 are each essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X, that is in a first position, and/or at least one second plug-in connection essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction Location, configured. This is described in more detail using further figures.

As can be seen from Figures 1A to 1C, the plug connector 400 comprises a locking housing part 300, which is configured essentially in the plug-in direction X to form at least one plug connection with the base housing part 100. In the assembled state of the plug connector 400, the locking housing part 300 is essentially positively connected and/or at least partially, preferably essentially, non-positively connected to the base housing part 100 or releasably attached thereto. In other words, the locking housing part 300 is configured to be pluggable onto the base housing part 100 essentially in the plugging direction X.

Furthermore, the locking housing part 300 and the cover housing part 200 are configured to form a releasable locking connection in the assembled state of the plug connector 400, preferably to form a locking connection that can be released using a tool. The tool may preferably be a slotted screwdriver. For this purpose, the locking housing part 300 comprises a locking section 303, and the cover housing part 200 includes a resilient locking device 202, preferably in the form of a hook, for locking with the locking section 303 of the locking housing part 300. As can be seen from Figures 1 B and 1C, the spring-elastic Locking device 202 is arranged on the cover housing part 200 on a side opposite the cable outlet 201 and preferably with the Cover housing part 200 integrally formed in one piece. It is alternatively possible for the locking housing part 300 to comprise a resilient locking device, preferably in the form of a hook, and for the cover housing part 200 to comprise a locking section.

1A, a plug connection is formed between the base housing part 100 and the cover housing part 200 by a plugging process of the cover housing part 200 essentially perpendicular to the plugging direction X and thus essentially in the first cable outlet direction Y1 in the direction of the locking housing part 300. The locking housing part 300, preferably a side of the locking housing part 300 facing the first cable outlet direction Y1, forms a stop for the cover housing part 200 in the assembled state of the plug connector 400.

Furthermore, in the assembled state, a sealing connection is formed between the locking housing part 300 and the base housing part 100, as well as between the locking housing part 300 and the cover housing part 200 and between the base housing part 100 and the cover housing part 200. The respective sealing connection formed is essentially gas-tight and/or essentially liquid-tight. The housing parts 100, 200 and 300 are preferably connected and/or locked and/or pressed together in such a way that a seal of at least protection class IP 44 is achieved. This prevents, for example, the penetration of unwanted foreign bodies or foreign substances, for example dirt, into the plug connector 400. Damage to the connector 400 can thus be prevented.

Further functions and properties of the connector 400 according to the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the further figures.

Figure 2A shows the base housing part 100 of the plug connector 400 from Figure 1A in a first perspective view. Figure 2B shows the base housing part 100 from Figure 2A in a top view and Figure 2C shows the base housing part 100 from Figure 2A in a front view.

The plug connector 400, that is to say the base housing part 100, comprises three connection devices 121, 122, 123 for the respective electrical connection of the three contact elements to the three electrical conductors L, which are for fastening, preferably for releasable Attachment, the respective electrical conductor L have a clamping element. The clamping element is preferably a clamping spring, that is to say a resilient metallic element. In the present exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 400, each of the connection devices 121, 122, 123 is configured as a screw terminal, which can each be actuated by means of a tool in order to open or close the clamping element and thus to connect or release the respective electrical conductor L.

Alternatively, it is possible that at least one or each of the connection devices 121, 122, 123 is configured to be operated without tools. The connection device 121, 122, 123 can be designed as a lever-operated terminal, as an insulation displacement terminal or as a so-called push-in terminal or can include such a terminal in order to connect the respective electrical conductor L to the respective contact element in an electrically conductive manner. Alternatively, it is possible for the connection device 121, 122, 123 to be designed as a tension spring or to include a tension spring.

The double arrow marked “Z” in FIG. 2A indicates the conductor insertion direction of the respective electrical conductor L into the respective connection device 121, 122, 123. In the present exemplary embodiment of the plug connector 400, the conductor insertion direction Z coincides with the first cable outlet direction Y1 and is essentially perpendicular to the plugging direction X of the plug connector 400.

To attach the cover housing part 200 to the base housing part 100 in at least a first position, the base housing part 100 comprises four first guide elements 111a, 111b, of which two guide elements 111a, 111b are visible in FIG. 2A. The first guide elements 111a, 111b are designed as guide webs or as guide strips 111a, 111b and protrude from or away from an outer side wall of the base housing part 100 and each extend uniformly essentially in the conductor insertion direction Z and/or essentially perpendicular to the plug-in direction X of the connector 400. On a side opposite the outer side wall there are also two first guide elements 111a, 111b on the corresponding outer side wall of the base housing part 100. These two further first guide elements 111a, 111b are also as guide webs 111a, 111b or as guide strips 111a , 111 b, which are arranged opposite and spaced apart from the two first guide strips 111a, 111b or guide webs 111a, 111b (see also Figure 2C). Furthermore, the guide elements 111a, 111b, which are arranged opposite and spaced apart, on the respective outer side walls are designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical to a plane.

The cover housing part 200 comprises guide elements in the form of elongated recesses or longitudinal grooves in which the first guide elements 111a, 111b of the base housing part 100 are designed to be complementary to the first guide elements 111a, 111b of the base housing part 100 for tool-free assembly in its interior on corresponding wall sections Assembly and thus gradually immerse or penetrate when the cover housing part 200 is plugged into the base housing part 100. The guide elements 211 of the cover housing part 200 in the form of corresponding recesses are shown visibly in the sectional view in Figure 6B.

In addition to four first guide elements 111a, 111b, the base housing part 100 includes four second guide elements 112a, 112b, of which two second guide elements 112a, 112b are shown in Figure 2A in the form of guide webs 112a, 112b or guide strips 112a, 112b. Analogous to the first guide elements 111a, 111b, the second guide elements 112a, 112b are correspondingly designed on the base housing part 100 and, viewed in the plug-in direction

The cover housing part 200 can also form a plug-in connection with the four second guide elements 112a, 112b using the guide elements 211, which are designed to complement the first guide elements 111a, 111b of the base housing part 100, in the form of elongated recesses or longitudinal grooves. The second guide elements 112a, 112b serve to fasten the cover housing part 200 to the base housing part 100 in a second position in which the cable outlet direction Y2 as the second cable outlet direction Y2 is essentially perpendicular to the cable outlet direction Y1 as the first cable outlet direction Y1.

Both the first guide elements 111a, 111b and the second guide elements 112a, 112b of the base housing part 100 are preferably formed integrally in one piece with the base housing part 100. In other words, the cover housing part 200 can be pushed along the first guide elements 111a, 111b into a first position on the base housing part 100 or alternatively pushed along the second guide elements 112a, 112b into a second position on the base housing part 100.

As can be seen from FIG. 2B, the base housing part 100 has a substantially square contour in a view, preferably in a top view. In Figure 2B, two opposite and spaced apart first guide elements 111a, 111b and two opposite and spaced apart second guide elements 112a, 112b are visible on respective outer side walls.

From the illustration in Figure 2C it can be seen that two of the first guide elements 111a in a view, preferably in a front view of the base housing part 100 or in a sectional view of the plug connector 400 (see Figure 6B), at least in sections have a substantially frusto-conical contour or an in Have a substantially trapezoidal contour. Analogous to the design of these two first guide elements 111a, two second guide elements 112a are designed.

It is possible for a first guide element 111b to merge into a second guide element 112b in a materially bonded manner.

With such guide elements 111a, 111b; 112a, 112b of the base housing part 100 and correspondingly complementary guide elements 211 of the cover housing part 200 can, for example, ensure at least a captive fastening of the cover housing part 200 to the base housing part 100.

It should be noted that in the first position the conductor insertion direction Z coincides with the cable outlet direction Y1 or runs parallel to it.

In other words, the base housing part 100 and the cover housing part 200 include plug-in profiles configured and arranged accordingly in order to realize two plug connections and thus two plug-in directions for the cover housing part 200 on the base housing part 100, which involves a configuration or setting of the cable outlet directions Y1, Y2, for example in relation to the plug face 102, is accompanying. Figure 3A shows the locking housing part 300 of the plug connector 400 from Figure 1A in a first perspective view and Figure 3B shows the locking housing part 300 from Figure 3A in a second perspective view.

The locking housing part 300 is essentially lid-shaped. In other words, the locking housing part 300 is essentially flat and/or essentially plate-shaped in sections. The locking housing part 300 includes a locking section 303 for locking in the assembled state with the cover housing part 200. As indicated by corresponding double arrows in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the locking housing part 300 is essentially in place for assembly, that is to say for forming a plug connection with the base housing part 100 the plugging direction X is formed. In order to attach the locking housing part 300 to the base housing part 100 in a detachable yet captive manner, the locking housing part 300 comprises on an inside a locking projection 304, which engages in a corresponding recess on the base housing part 100 to form a locking connection.

3A and 3B, the locking housing part 300 comprises a first guide element 301 in the form of an elongated recess or longitudinal groove, and a second guide element 302 in the form of an elongated recess or longitudinal groove, into which corresponding guide webs or guide strips of the base housing part 100 gradually immerse or penetrate in the course of assembling the locking housing part 300 to the base housing part 100. In other words, the locking housing part 300 is plugged into the base housing part 100 essentially in the plugging direction X of the plug connector 400.

4A shows the base housing part 100 of the plug connector 400 from FIG. 1A with the locking housing part 300 from FIGS. 3A and 3B mounted thereon in a first position in a first perspective view.

The locking housing part 300 is mounted on that side of the base housing part 100, so that the cover housing part 200 can be mounted on the base housing part 100 in a first position, so that the cable outlet direction Y1 results in a first cable outlet direction Y1. The locking housing part 300 is also mounted in a first position on the base housing part 100. Figure 4B shows the cover housing part 200 of the plug connector 400 from Figure 1A in the first perspective view. The spring-elastic locking device 202 and the hollow cylindrical section of the cable outlet 201, which is slotted several times at least in sections essentially in the first cable outlet direction Y1, are clearly visible. The cable outlet 201 further comprises an external thread (not visible in the figures) for receiving the clamping nut 203 in order to fasten the cable K in a clamping manner at least in sections by actuating the clamping nut 203 and thus to guide it at least in sections in the cable outlet direction Y1. The clamping nut 203 is configured, among other things, to be operated without tools and therefore purely manually in order to apply a certain clamping force to a cable K inserted or passed through in the cable outlet 201 and thus to fasten it in a clamping manner. The cable K is not shown in Figures 4A to 6B for reasons of clarity.

As can be seen from the synopsis of Figures 4A and 4B, the cover housing part 200 is essentially cap-shaped or essentially hood-shaped away from the cable outlet 201. In other words, the cover housing part 200 is essentially designed as a hood or essentially as a cap away from the cable outlet 201. The cover housing part 200 is designed to be open away from the cable outlet 201 and on a side opposite the cable outlet 201 in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. The cover housing part 200 also serves, among other things, to cover the assembly area of the base housing part 100 with, for example, the connection devices 121, 122, 123.

Furthermore, it is clear from Figures 4A and 4B that the cover housing part 200 is designed to be continuously open in the cable outlet direction Y1 and is designed to be closed on one side in the plug-in direction X. Furthermore, the cover housing part 200 is designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical to a plane. The plane is preferably a plane which is parallel to a plane which can be formed from the plug-in direction X and the cable outlet direction Y1.

Figure 4G shows the connector 400 with the base housing part 100, the cover housing part 200 and the locking housing part 300 from Figures 4 eyes 4B in the assembled state in the first perspective view. 5A shows the base housing part 100 of the plug connector 400 from FIG. 1A with the locking housing part 300 from FIGS. 3A and 3B mounted thereon in a second position in the first perspective view.

The second position of the locking housing part 300 is rotated by approximately 90° relative to the first position of the locking housing part 300 on the base housing part 100 about an axis in the plug-in direction X. This also results in a changed cable outlet direction Y2 as the second cable outlet direction Y2 when the cover housing part 200 is connected to the base housing part 100 without tools via the second guide elements 112a, 112b of the base housing part 100 and via the corresponding guide elements 211 of the cover housing part 200 in the form of elongated recesses or longitudinal grooves (see Figure 6B) is mounted.

Figure 5B shows the cover housing part 200 in a second perspective view, whereby the resilient locking device 202, as well as parts of the hollow cylindrical cable outlet 201, which are slotted several times, are clearly visible.

Figure 5C shows the plug connector 400 with the base housing part 100, the cover housing part 200 and the locking housing part 300 in the assembled state of the plug connector 400 in the second perspective view.

The cover housing part 200 forms a locking mechanism via the resilient locking device 202 with the locking section 303 of the locking housing part 300, which in turn clamps or presses the cover housing part 200 to the base housing part 100 and/or to the locking housing part 300.

As already described, the locking housing part 300 represents a stop for the cover housing part 200, and a corresponding sealing connection is preferably formed between the locking housing part 300, the cover housing part 200 and the base housing part 100, which is configured as disclosed herein.

6A shows a sectional view of the arrangement from FIG second guide element 302 of the Locking housing part 300, each in the form of an elongated recess or longitudinal groove of a corresponding design, that is to say with a projection and / or an undercut, so that the locking housing part 300, among other things, in the course of forming the plug connection with corresponding wall sections of the base housing part 100 essentially in the plugging direction X is also attached to the base housing part 100 in a non-positive manner, that is to say in a clamping manner, at least in sections.

6B shows a sectional view of the arrangement from FIG. or at least partially non-positive connection in the course of the manual assembly of the cover housing part 200 to the base housing part 100.

The assembly of a cable K with three electrical conductors L is therefore carried out in such a way that the cable K is passed through the cable outlet 201 of the cover housing part 200 in order to be able to attach corresponding ends or end sections of the electrical conductors L to the respective connection device 121, 122, 123. The locking housing part 300 is then pushed or pushed into the assembled state on the corresponding side of the base housing part 100 to realize the first layer or the second layer essentially in the plug-in direction X, forming a plug-in connection and/or a press connection. Finally, one manually pushes or pushes the cover housing part 200 along the respective guide elements 111a, 111b or 112a, 112b in the direction of the mounted locking housing part 300 in order to then form a lock with the locking housing part 300 when the cover housing part 200 is in a mounted first position or in a mounted second layer.

The present invention provides a plug connector 400, which is preferably easily configurable or adjustable with regard to the cable outlet direction Y1, Y2.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive idea and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the subclaims regardless of the claims referred to.

Reference symbol list

100 basic housing part

101 plug section

102 mating face

111a guide element

111b guide element

112a guide element

112b guide element

121 connection device

122 connection device

123 connection device

200 cover housing part

201 cable outlet

202 locking device

203 clamp nut

211 leadership element

300 locking housing part

301 leadership element

302 guide element

303 locking section

304 locking projection

400 connectors

K cable

L electrical conductor

X Plugging direction of the connector

Y1 Cable exit direction of the cable

Y2 Cable exit direction of the cable

Z conductor insertion direction of the electrical conductor(s).

Claims

CLAIMS Plug connector (400) for connecting at least one electrical conductor (L) of a cable (K) in order to preferably transmit electrical energy and/or electrical signals, the plug connector (400) having a base housing part (100) with a plug-in section (101). , which extends in a plug-in direction (X) of the plug-in connector (400) to form a plug-in connection with a mating plug-in connector and in which at least one contact element is accommodated to form a plug-in face (102) of the plug-in connector (400), the plug-in connector (400) being used Connection of the at least one contact element is configured with the at least one electrical conductor (L), wherein the plug connector (400) for receiving the cable (K) has a cover housing part (200) with a cable outlet (201) in order to insert the cable (K). a mounted state of the plug connector (400) at least in sections in a defined cable outlet direction (Y1, Y2), wherein the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) are configured for tool-free assembly with one another, preferably perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X). to attach the cover housing part (200) to the base housing part (100). Connector (400) according to claim 1, wherein the cover housing part (200) is configured for attachment to the base housing part (100) in at least a first position relative to the base housing part (100) and / or in at least a second position relative to the base housing part (100). is to guide the cable (K) at least in sections in at least a first cable outlet direction (Y1) or to guide the cable (K) at least in sections in at least a second cable outlet direction (Y2), preferably the at least one first cable outlet direction (Y1) and the at least one second cable outlet direction (Y2) forms an angle of 90° in one view, preferably in the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (400) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) each form at least a first plug connection perpendicular to the plugging direction (X) and / or at least a second plug connection are configured perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector (400) comprises a locking housing part (300), which is used to form at least a first plug connection and / or at least a second plug connection with the base housing part (100) in the plugging direction (X). is configured, wherein the locking housing part (300) and the cover housing part (200) are configured to form a releasable locking connection in the assembled state, preferably to form a locking connection that can be released using a tool. Plug connector (400) according to claim 4, wherein the locking housing part (300), preferably a side of the locking housing part (300) facing the cable outlet direction (Y1, Y2), forms a stop for the cover housing part (200) in the assembled state. Connector (400) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the assembled state between the locking housing part (300) and the base housing part (100), and / or between the locking housing part (300) and the cover housing part (200), and / or between the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) each have a sealing connection, the sealing connection being gas-tight and/or liquid-tight. Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug connector (400), preferably the base housing part (100), comprises at least one connection device (121, 122, 123) for connecting the at least one contact element to the at least one electrical conductor (L). which has a clamping element for fastening the at least one electrical conductor (L), wherein the at least one connection device (121, 122, 123) is configured to operate the clamping element without tools or by means of a tool in order to open or close the clamping element. Connector (400) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one connection device (121, 122, 123) is designed as a lever-operated terminal, screw terminal, insulation displacement terminal or as a push-in terminal, or wherein the at least one connection device (121, 122, 123) is a screw terminal, insulation displacement terminal or a push-in terminal. In-clamp includes to electrically conductively connect the at least one electrical conductor (L) to the at least one contact element. Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover housing part (200) away from the cable outlet (201) is cap-shaped or hood-shaped, and / or at least partially cuboid, and / or wherein the cover housing part (200) away from the cable outlet (201) and/or is designed to be open in at least two mutually perpendicular directions on a side opposite the cable outlet (201). Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover housing part (200) is designed to be continuously open in the cable outlet direction (Y1, Y2), and/or wherein the cover housing part (200) is designed to be closed on one side in the plug-in direction (X). Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) each have at least two first guide elements (111a, 111 b) for fastening the cover housing part (200) to the base housing part (100) in at least a first position ), and wherein the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) each have at least two second guide elements (112a, 112b) for fastening the cover housing part (200) to the base housing part (100) in at least a second position, the at least two first guide elements (111a, 111 b) and each of the at least two second guide elements (112a, 112b) of the respective housing part (100, 200) are spaced apart from one another and / or arranged opposite one another, preferably each integrally in one piece with the base housing part (100) and / or are made with the cover housing part (200). Connector (400) according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the at least two first guide elements (111a, 111b) and/or at least one of the at least two second guide elements (112a, 112b) in a view, preferably in a front view of the base housing part (100) or in a sectional view of the plug connector ( 400), each at least in sections having a truncated cone-shaped contour or a trapezoidal contour. Plug connector (400) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least two first guide elements (111a, 111 b) and/or wherein the at least two second guide elements (112a, 112b) are perpendicular to the plug-in direction (X) and/or extend parallel to each other, and / or are designed mirror-symmetrically to a plane. Connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable outlet (201) is hollow cylindrical and / or at least partially slotted in the cable outlet direction (Y1, Y2), preferably multiple slots, and wherein the cable outlet (201) is designed to form a clamp connection configured with a section of cable (K). Connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover housing part (200) comprises a resilient locking device (202) for locking with the base housing part (100) or for locking with a locking housing part (300), the locking housing part (300) being mounted in the State is positively and / or non-positively connected to the base housing part (100), the resilient locking device (202) being arranged on the cover housing part (200) on a side opposite the cable outlet (201) and preferably formed integrally in one piece with the cover housing part (200). is. Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) and preferably a locking housing part (300) are each formed as individual parts, preferably each being formed integrally in one piece from an insulating material, and/or wherein the base housing part (100) and the cover housing part (200) and preferably a locking housing part (300) are each designed to be dimensionally stable and/or to retain their shape. 17. Plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover housing part (200) and / or a locking housing part (300) is each designed to be mirror-symmetrical to a plane.

18. Arrangement with a plug connector (400) according to one of the preceding claims and with a cable (K), wherein the plug connector (400) is configured for connecting at least one electrical conductor (L) of the cable (K), and wherein the cable (K) comprises at least one electrical conductor (L), which is coated with at least one insulating material or preferably with at least one insulating material layer.