EP2930794A1 - System plug connector - Google Patents

Abstract

For a plug-in connection of electrical conductors, a system plug connector (1) is proposed which receives plug-in modules (40) with electrical contacts held therein, which are initially inserted vertically into a region of a holding frame (10, 20) in which a plug-in insert latched therein (FIG. 30) is arranged to be subsequently moved and held laterally by 90 ° in the holding frame. In this case, the housing frame (10,20) as a self-supporting part of the system connector for receiving the plug-in modules (40) is formed, and can be protected against environmental influences with a surrounding housing. Furthermore, the plug-in modules (40) contrary to previously common arrangements in connectors on both sides, ie in the insertion direction or against the insertion direction in the holding frame (10,20) used and removed again.

Description

System connector formed from a first support frame in which electrical contacts are held in separate plug-in modules, wherein the first support frame is protected by a surrounding housing from environmental influences, provided for contacting with plug-in modules which are held in a second support frame.

Such a system connector has been designed with a view to simplifying its assembly, and to form plug-in connections with plug-in modules in a housing to meet the requirements of an industrial environment.

State of the art

From the EP 0 860 906 B1 is a support frame for connector modules for installation in connector housing known, which has a mounting frame made of hinged halves, can be used in the connector modules.
Furthermore, from the US 7,316,591 B2 a plastic-made holding frame known in which a plurality of juxtaposed connector modules are held between separated by slots wall segments.

A certain disadvantage of such known support frame is that they always use in another housing and are to be screwed there. In addition to the current flow direction and thus on the Mounting direction of the inserted in the plug-in modules contacts must be taken, and that always a predetermined installation direction of holding frame was predetermined to the connector housing.

task

The invention is therefore based on the object to form a connector housing construction, which does not require separate fastening means and allows mounting of contact-tipped modules of the plug side as well as the connection side of the respective plug part, wherein the current flow direction is in principle independent of the contact training.

This object is achieved in that in each case a rectangular bushing with devices for holding the plug-in modules are provided in the first support frame and in the second support frame, that in each case a plug insert is arranged in the rectangular feedthrough, within which the plug-in modules inserted into the support frame and can be fixed in the rectangular feedthrough, and that the plug-in modules can be used on both sides of the plug-in side as from the connection side, in the rectangular feedthrough.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

In the invention, it is a system connector that receives contained in plug-in modules contacts, the plug-in modules are plugged into a holding frame and held interchangeable. While one of the support frame is fixedly installed as a flange frame in a device to be supplied, a second support frame is protected with a connector housing against environmental influences and connected to a corresponding electrical cable mobile with the built-in support frame.
Regardless, however, a plug connection of two cable connectors is also conceivable.

While plug-in modules are initially held in a separate frame in similar connector constructions and the frame is to be screwed in a further housing part provided for this purpose, the embodiment according to the invention has a frame which can be used as a holding and housing frame holding the modules, and / or connectable to a connector housing.
However, both support frames have the same system for receiving inserted therein plug-in modules.
For this purpose, each holding frame includes a plug-in insert which is fixed on the three sides with corresponding latching and contact contours on one side within a rectangular feedthrough in the holding frame.
In the U-shaped angled side frame of the plug-in tongues are formed in each case at the upper and lower edges, the ends of which are spaced and oriented obliquely into the rectangular passage, aligned.
Advantageously, the plug-in modules have longitudinal ribs by means of which the modules can first be inserted between the tongues of the plug insert into the holding frame in order subsequently to be displaced laterally (transversely to the plug-in direction) by means of integrally formed transverse ribs on the modules. Wherein the rectangular recess is ultimately complete with plug-in modules.
The insertion process is carried out without tools.

Since the orientation of the plug-in modules within a plug-in connection in the plug insert and in the support frame is to be provided in mirror image, each plug-in insert is designed so that the plug-in modules can be used only rotated in the insertion direction in the rectangular recesses.
Furthermore, it is advantageous that the plug-in modules can also be inserted from both sides into each of the holding frames - that is, from the actual plug side with the mating plug as well as from the cable connection side.
Another advantage of the plug-in insert according to the invention is that it also has devices to a PE connection without tools in the simplest way - ie the transfer of a protective line - properly sure. In this case, a version is provided in which an electrical conductor with a crimp connection is pluggable connected to the plug-in insert and another version in which an electrical conductor, as a stranded conductor, can be plugged and contacted directly by means of an already known device.

embodiment

Fig. 1

einen Systemsteckverbinder in einer gestaffelten Darstellung,

Fig. 2

einen Gehäuserahmen mit einem Steckeinsatz,

Fig. 3a

einen Eckausschnitt innerhalb des Gehäuserahmens, gem. Fig. 2,

Fig. 3b

einen Eckausschnitt des Gehäuserahmens mit einem Steckeinsatz, gem. Fig. 2,

Fig. 4a

zwei perspektivisch übereinander angeordnete Steckeinsätze,

Fig. 4b

zwei übereinander angeordnete Seitenrahmen der Steckeinsätze,

Fig. 4c

eine Draufsicht auf die Seitenrahmen der Steckeinsätze mit eingefügten Steck-Modulen,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Eckausschnittes von zwei übereinander angeordneten Gehäuserahmen mit zwei Steck-Modulen,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Teilansicht eines Gehäuserahmens mit zwei alternativen PE - Anschlusselementen,

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Ansicht von zwei Steck-Modulen,

Fig. 8

ein Demontagewerkzeug für Steck-Module,

Fig. 9

eine Variante eines Steck-Moduls, und

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf einen Halterahmen mit einem Steck-Modul und einer Pentaprisma - Kodierung.

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

Fig. 1

a system connector in a staggered representation,

Fig. 2

a housing frame with a plug-in insert,

Fig. 3a

a corner cut within the housing frame, acc. Fig. 2 .

Fig. 3b

a corner section of the housing frame with a plug insert, acc. Fig. 2 .

Fig. 4a

two perspective inserts one above the other,

Fig. 4b

two superimposed side frames of the inserts,

Fig. 4c

a top view of the side frames of the inserts with inserted plug-in modules,

Fig. 5

a perspective view of a corner cutout of two superimposed housing frame with two plug-in modules,

Fig. 6

a perspective partial view of a housing frame with two alternative PE - connection elements,

Fig. 7

a perspective view of two plug-in modules,

Fig. 8

a disassembly tool for plug-in modules,

Fig. 9

a variant of a plug-in module, and

Fig. 10

a plan view of a holding frame with a plug-in module and a pentaprism - coding.

The Fig. 1 shows a system connector in an exploded, spatial representation, with a plug housing 3, a first housing frame 10 and a second housing frame 20 designed as a flange frame.

The housing frame is designed as a cantilevered first holding frame 10 and includes, inter alia, a latching unit 4 integrated therein, the mechanism of which is achieved by means of a pressure and rotary knob technique.
Within a rectangular feedthrough 11 of the holder frame 10, a plurality of plug-in modules 40 are arranged, which correlate with plug-in modules 40 'of a matching, second holding frame 20.
Wherein the flange frame is stationary to be incorporated into any aggregate, such as a motor or cabinet housing, and the mobile system connector to the housing frame (holding frame 10) with the stationary flange frame (second holding frame 20) is to be connected.
Each of the holding frames 10, 20 is designed for use for the plug-in modules 40, 40 'and configured with corresponding contours for installation in the semicircular plug housing 3 or for a cutout in a housing.
Wherein formed as a second holding frame 20 flange frame has a circumferential flange 22 with a collar in which a circumferential sealing ring 23 is arranged, for reliable sealing of the connector against environmental influences. Furthermore, the plug-in side 6 and the cable-side connection side 7 is marked.

In the Fig. 2 the holding frame 20 of the system connector is shown, with its conspicuous rectangular feedthrough 11, within the peripheral flange 22, in which a plug insert 30 is inserted.
In this case, the plug-in insert 30 is latched as a U-shaped component with right-angle bent side frame 31 in one of the narrow side regions in the holding frame.

In the Fig. 3a is a corner of the holding frame 20 with a view of the mating side 6 is shown.
The detail shows several formations, which are responsible for the installation of a plug-in insert 30 and for the functionality of the system. Thus, a partially free-standing pin 26 is shown with a polarizing rail 26 ', such as a recess 29 and a square elevation thirteenth

The Fig. 3b shows the same section within the rectangular passage with the electrically conductive part designed as a plug insert 30 which is held by means of the locking tabs 33 and pin 26.
The plug insert 30 is here inserted from the plug side 6, from above into the rectangular feedthrough 21.
In this case, the plug insert 30 is pushed at its corner behind each one of the molded pin 26 and simultaneously held by means of a locking tab 33 which engages in recesses 29 in the holding frame 20, so that further displacement of the plug insert 30 is prevented.

The Fig. 4a shows two plug inserts 30, 30 'in a perspective view, as they are arranged in a mated system in the holding frame 10, 20. In this case, the plug insert 30 'only shows the mirror image differences.
In the side frame 31 two of the upper and lower frame edge 32 inwardly aligned tongues 34 are integrally formed, wherein the tongue ends 35 spaced from each other in the interior of the rectangular feedthrough 11 have.
The square formed with rounded elevation 13 on the longitudinal sides of the holding frame 20 - which also applies to the first holding frame 10 - which protrudes into the center of the tongues 34 of the side frame 31, in fact constitutes a limitation of the four tongue ends 35 of the plug insert 30, 30 ' , and is at the same time the pivot point after insertion of the plug-in modules 40 from the vertical to the horizontal displacement within the holding frame 10 or 20.

Furthermore, at least on one side of a plug insert 30, 30 'contact tabs 37 are provided in a wavy design, the contact with the other plug insert when plugging the two housing frame 10, 20.

Like from the Fig. 4b it can be seen, the tongues 34 in the side frame 31 of the plug insert 30, 30 'for the two holding frames 10, 20 are arranged so that the side frame 31 shown here above on its outside a polarization gap 39 (which, however, is just as wide as the middle gap 39 '), while the lower side frame 31, the polarization gap 39 is disposed inwardly close to the angle.
In the two gaps 39, 39 'formed on narrow sides of a plug-in module 40 longitudinal ribs 45 are used.

This is in the Fig. 4c shown how from the plug-in modules 40, the longitudinal ribs 45 and the transverse ribs 43 in the side frame 31 of the two plug inserts 30, 30 'engage.
Each of the plug-in modules 40 has short longitudinal ribs 45 at the edges of the narrow sides 41 and approximately centrally of the narrow sides two spaced by a groove 44 transverse ribs 43.
For insertion of the two holding frames 10, 20, the plug-in modules 40 are first inserted perpendicular to the respective support frame in the region of the plug insert 30 by means of the longitudinal ribs 45 and guided to subsequently by means of the transverse ribs 43 and the groove 44 disposed therebetween, at two within the Holding frame 10,20 oppositely molded slide rails 14, 14 'and 24, 24' to stop in the rectangular feedthrough 11, 21 to be moved.

By the intervention of the longitudinal ribs 45 between the tongues 34 and the polarizing gaps 39, 39 ', first a possibility for a confusion-free polarization of the plug-in modules 40 to be inserted is secured. The longitudinal ribs 45 on the narrow sides 41 are similar in principle or identical plug-in modules 40, 40 'formed asymmetrically to the width of the module housing.
In addition, for confusion safe plugging, one of the pins 16, 26 in the holding frame 10, 20 provided with an additionally molded polarizing rail 16 '26', which prevents a false plug, because the plug-in module 40, 40 'is made narrower for this area on the opposite side, in which the pin 16, 26 has no additional molded rail. (See also Fig. 3b )
Furthermore, from the Fig. 10 it can be seen that z. B. the slide rails 24, 24 'have a different length, so that only the narrower side of a plug-in module in the corresponding recess between the pin 26 and the longer slide 24 can be inserted.
This ensures that two in each case in the mutually inserted holding frame, oppositely arranged plug-in modules are not interchanged pluggable and lead to the destruction of components or equipment.

The Fig. 5 shows in a perspective view and in a partial section of the holding frame 10, 20, as two plug-in modules 40, 40 'are the side rotated by 180 ° against each other in the two holding frame used. In this case, one of the side frames of the plug is not shown.
Clearly visible are the respective offset longitudinal ribs 45 on the narrow sides 41 of the plug-in modules 40, 40 'are.
It can also be seen how the plug-in module 40 can be moved horizontally on the slide rails 14, 14 'or 24, 24' after the vertical insertion by means of the groove 44 and the transverse ribs 43 separating them.

For the transfer, or for forwarding the protective effect of a prescribed PE protective conductor within the connector, in each case a special connection of the protective conductor is provided on the plug insert 30, as shown in the Fig. 6 is indicated.
On the one hand there is the possibility to connect a crimp contact 56 with a corresponding electrical conductor and this crimp contact 56 in a square recess 17 z. B. in the support frame 10, and the plug insert 30 by means of two U-shaped bent contact tongues 38 to contact.

And on the other hand, another, rectangular recess 18 is provided in the holding frame 10, in which an already known and otherwise used connection element 58 can be inserted, which is provided for contacting electrical conductors, which are known as stranded conductors.
Also for this purpose, two U-shaped contact tongues 38 'are provided on the plug insert 30, which extend into the connection element 58 for contacting.
Both connections for PE contacting take place in each case via the cable connection side 7 of the first 10 as well as the second holding frame 20 not further shown.

In the Fig. 7 an example of two plug-in modules 40, 40 'is shown, wherein a first plug-in module contains 40 pin contacts 55 and a second plug-in module 40' (not visible) socket contacts. In this case, the second plug-in module 40 'is provided with the socket contacts with a collar 47 which can be inserted into a corresponding recess 48 of the first plug-in module 40, for contacting with because pin contacts 55th
In addition, a variant may be provided in which both plug-in modules are equipped with pin or socket contacts, and a separately manufactured adapter is also designed collar-like, which is snapped onto one of the plug-in modules 40 latching. For this purpose, this adapter is then equipped with each opposite contacts to the contacts in two plug-in modules.

To remove one or more plug-in modules 40 from one of the holding frames 10, 20 is a bow-shaped disassembly tool 50, as in Fig. 8 shown, required.
Meanwhile, parallel to the narrow sides 41 of the plug-in modules 40, 40 'angled side bracket 52 is pushed over the narrow sides of the inserted plug-in module 30 plug-in module 40, 40'.

The tongues 34 are bent on the plug insert 30 to the outside, so that their latching on the transverse ribs 43 from the plug-in module 40, 40 'is repealed and the module from the plug insert 30 and thus from the respective support frame is removable.
The nearest plug-in module 40 must first be moved laterally for removal in the region of the plug insert 30 before the latching of the tongues 34 can be lifted with the disassembly tool 50.
Where provided, the plug-in modules are either on both sides from the respective frame can be pulled out.
So, in the insertion direction 6 or opposite in the direction of the connection side 7 of the respective support frame 10, 20th

In addition, in a second embodiment, a plug-in module 40 "as in the Fig. 9 shown, provided that for certain applications not laterally within the support frame 10, 20 should be displaced, but only in the region of the plug insert 30 in or against the insertion direction is inserted.
For this purpose, the two transverse ribs 43 have been pulled together on the narrow sides of the module to form a transverse rib 43 ', so that no groove is available for displacement on the slide rails 14, 14', 24, 24 '.

In both support frames 10, 20 of this connector, a mechanical coding with two pentaprism posts is further provided in order to take when mating in a number of similar connector housing a distinctive feature for a correct connection to complete.
For this purpose, in each holding frame 10, 20 plug side, as in the Fig. 10 shown, at least one 5-edged Kodierpfosten 60 is provided, which is divided in half, centrally longitudinally, and in a certain mutually matching (or inappropriate) angle plugged so that only the appropriate angular position allows each other to plug the two housing parts.

In this case, number symbols are provided for the different angular positions, which are numbered in the proposed 2-part coding system with the numbers 0 - 4 for the first post and for the second of 5-9. This allows up to 25 combinations.
Furthermore, a plug-in insert 30 is shown with a plug-in module 40 inserted therein in the plan view of the support frame 20 designed as a flange frame.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

system connector

2

3

casing

4

Detent locking mechanism

5

6

mating side

7

terminal side

8th

9

10

Housing frame , holding frame 1

11

Rectangular passage

12

Recess for 33

13

survey

14.14 '

Slide rail, horizontal long, 14 'slide rail short

15

Longitudinal bridge with

16.16 '

(Pin 16 'polarizing rail)

17

Recess crimp contact

18

Recess easy lock for stranded conductor

19

20

Flange frame , holding frame 2

21

Rectangular passage

22

circumferential flange

23

circumferential sealing ring

24.24 '

Slide rail, horizontal, 24 'opposite short

25

Opening for screw connection

26.26 '

Pin 26 'polarizing rail

27

Recess crimp contact, PE

28

Recess for (easy lock) for stranded conductor, PE

29

Recess for 33

30.30 '

Plug-in insert (latching element) U-shaped, 30 'mating plug-in insert , flange

31

Side frame,

32

upper and lower edge

33

locking tabs

34

tongues

35

tongue ends

36

angled pawl (not mentioned)

37

Contact straps, wavy

38.38 '

Contact tongues for PE conductors, U-shaped,

39.39 '

Polarization gap, 39 'mean gap

40.40 '

Plug-in module, 40 'second plug-in module, 40 "variant

41

narrow sides

42

long sides

43.43 '

2 narrow transverse ribs, 43 'a wide transverse rib

44

groove

45

longitudinal ribs

46

47

collar

48

Recess for 47

49

50

Removal tool

51

U-shaped strap

52

longitudinally slit side bar

53

55

Pin contacts

56

Crimp contact for PE

57

58

Contact element for PE

59

60

Kodierpfosten

The following is a list of further embodiments of the invention:

Embodiment 1. System connector, formed from a first holding frame (10) in which electrical contacts in separate plug-in modules (40) are held, wherein the first holding frame is protected by a surrounding housing (3) from environmental influences, provided for contacting with plug Modules (40) which are held in a second holding frame (20), characterized in that in the first holding frame (10) and in the second holding frame (20) each have a rectangular bushing (11, 21) with devices for holding the plug-in modules (40) are provided that in the rectangular feedthrough (11, 21) in each case a plug insert (30) is arranged, within which the plug-in modules (40) in the holding frame (10, 20) insertable and in the rectangular feedthrough (11,12 ) are arranged to be fixed, and that the plug-in modules (40) on both sides, from the mating side as from the connection side, in the rectangular feedthrough (11,12) are used.

Embodiment 2. System connector having the features of embodiment 1, characterized in that the plug insert (30) is formed as a separate, U-shaped and electrically conductive part and on three sides within the rectangular passage (11, 21) of the holding frame (10, 20 ) is present.

Embodiment 3. system connector having the features of embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that the plug insert (30) by means of outwardly in a recess (12) in the holding frame (10, 20) acting locking tabs (33) and by means of the corner regions of the holding frame (10,20) projecting pin (16,26) in the rectangular passage (11, 21) is fixed.

Embodiment 4. System connector having the features of one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the plug insert (30) in its U-shaped side frame (31) at the upper and lower edge (32) two parallel and in the middle of the side frames ( 31) facing, freestanding tongues (34) whose spaced tongue ends (35) are bent into the rectangular passage (11,21).

Embodiment 5. system connector having the features of any of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the plug-in modules (40) on their narrow sides (41) each have two by a groove (44) spaced transverse ribs (43), and further that in each case two longitudinal ribs (45) are arranged at the upper and lower edges on the narrow sides (41), wherein the longitudinal ribs (45) are formed asymmetrically with respect to the width of the narrow sides (41).

Embodiment 6. system connector having the features of the above embodiments, characterized in that in the rectangular passage (11, 21) of the holding frame (10, 20) arranged opposite slide rails (14,14 ', 24,24') are formed in the each groove (44) between the transverse ribs (43) of the plug-in modules (40) engages, and allows lateral displacement of the plug-in modules in the holding frame.

Embodiment 7. System connector having the features of any of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that in a variant, a plug-in module (40 ") only in the region of the plug insert (30) in the holding frame (10,20) in or against the plugging direction in the rectangular feedthrough (11,21) can be used, wherein by the formation of a wide transverse rib (43 ') a displacement on the slide rails (14, 24) is prevented.

Embodiment 8. system connector having the features of any of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that for contacting a protective conductor to the electrically conductive plug insert (30) contact tongues (38, 38 ') are provided which with a crimp contact (56) or a contact element (58 ) are connectable for stranded conductor.

Embodiment 9. System connector having the features of any of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that in the holding frame (10, 20) a mechanical coding is provided, comprising two independently rotatable pentaprism post (60), which in corresponding 5-sided depressions dive to join in a connector two halves split posts in order to take a differentiator for similarly executed connector can claim.

Claims (7)

Holding frame (10, 20) for a system connector (1) having at least one such holding frame (10, 20) and another holding frame, a connector housing (3) and separate plug-in modules (40, 40 ', 40 "), the electrical contacts and which are held by the holding frames, wherein the holding frame (10, 20) comprises: a rectangular bushing (11, 21) with devices for holding the plug-in modules (40, 40 ', 40 "), a plug insert (30) which is arranged in the rectangular feedthrough (11, 21) and within which the plug-in modules (40, 40 ', 40 ") in the holding frame (10, 20) can be inserted, wherein the plug-in modules ( 40, 40 ', 40 ") in the rectangular passage (11,12) festleg bar can be arranged, and oppositely arranged slide rails (14, 14 ', 24, 24') which are formed in the rectangular feedthrough (11, 21), wherein the holding frame (10, 20) is designed such that the plug-in modules (40, 40 ', 40 ") are insertable on both sides, from a plug side as from a connection side, perpendicular to the holding frame in the rectangular feedthrough (11,12), wherein the holding frame (10, 20) is further configured such that in the plug insert (30) inserted plug-in module (40, 40 '), each on opposite sides of two transverse ribs (43) and a groove (44) arranged therebetween. has, within the holding frame (10, 20) transversely to the direction of insertion laterally to a stop can be moved, wherein the slide rails (14, 14 ', 24, 24') in each case in the grooves (44) engage. Holding frame (10, 20) according to claim 1,
wherein the plug insert (30) is formed as a separate, U-shaped and electrically conductive part and on three sides within the rectangular passage (11, 21) of the holding frame (10, 20) rests. Holding frame (10, 20) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the plug insert (30) by means of outwardly into a recess (12) in the holding frame (10, 20) acting latching tabs (33) and by means of one of the corner regions of the holding frame (10, 20) projecting pin (16, 26) in the rectangular passage (11, 21) is fixed. Holding frame (10, 20) according to claim 2,
wherein the plug insert (30) in its U-shaped aligned side frame (31) respectively at the upper and lower edge (32) has two parallel and in the center of the side frame (31) facing, free-standing tongues (34) whose spaced tongue ends ( 35) in the rectangular passage (11,21) are bent. Holding frame (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein for contacting a protective conductor to the electrically conductive plug insert (30) contact tongues (38, 38 ') are provided, which are connectable to a crimp contact (56) or a contact element (58) for stranded conductors. Holding frame (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims,
with a mechanical coding comprising two independently rotatable pentaprism posts (60) which dip into corresponding 5-edged recesses to join together in a connector two half-divided posts in order to take a differentiating feature for similarly executed connector can. Method for equipping a holding frame (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims with plug-in modules (40, 40 ', 40 "),
characterized in that
the plug-in modules (40, 40 ') first perpendicular to the holding frame (10, 20) in the region of a plug insert (30) in a rectangular passage (11, 21) of the holding frame (10, 20) are inserted and then by means of two transverse ribs (43 ) and an interposed groove (44) on slides (14, 14 ', 24, 24') are moved laterally transversely to the direction of insertion to a stop,
wherein the rectangular feedthrough (11, 21) is completely filled with plug-in modules (40, 40 ', 40 ").

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