EP3381089A1 - Arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector on a wiring carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector on a wiring carrier, wherein the connector consists of an insulating housing which has plug-in openings on opposite housing sides in such a way that electrical contact pins can be inserted, in particular clamped, on a first side and insulation-free ends of electrical conductors can be inserted, in particular clamped, on a second side. Furthermore, a plug strip which is compatible with the plug-in openings on the first side can be fastened to the wiring carrier. The insulating housing has at least one hook- or nose-like projection which protrudes from the insulating housing and which is situated on the housing side wall which extends substantially parallel to the insertion direction for the electrical contact pins. A spring clip is fastened to the wiring carrier, said spring clip having a latching portion which engages behind the projection protruding from the insulating housing of the connector when the connector is plugged onto the plug strip and forms a stop to counter extraction of the connector.

Description

 Arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector on a

 wiring support

description

The invention relates to an arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector on a wiring carrier, wherein the connector consists of an insulating housing having on opposite housing sides insertion openings, such that on a first side electrical contact pins and on a second side insulation-free ends of electrical Ladder inserted, in particular be clamped, further on the wiring support to the insertion on the first side compatible plug strip is fastened, and with at least one hook-like or nose-like protruding from the insulating housing projection, which is located on the housing side wall, which is substantially parallel to EP 1 850 418 Bl, an electrical connector is known, which consists of an insulating material, which is connected to two opposite Gehäusesei has insertion openings, on the one hand for the insertion of electrical contact pins and on the other side for the insertion of insulation-free ends of electrical conductors. On the conductor side of the prior art connector has for each electrical conductor to be connected a leaf spring clamp with a leaf spring, which is suitable to extend in the conductor insertion direction and obliquely against the electrical conductor and with its leaf spring end the insulation-free end of the inserted electrical conductor terminals. The insulating material of the connector provides a connection space for each electrical conductor to be connected, in which the contact pin and the electrical conductor can be kept fixed in position next to one another with approximately parallel alignment with the overlap of the contact pin. By the construction described above, it is possible to provide a connector whose size is reduced in comparison to the hitherto known prior art, so that the connector can be used in tight spaces, both as a single-pole and multi-pin connector.

From DE 20 2011 000 835 U l a bus-capable, attachable connection and / or function module for controlling and / or monitoring of technical processes or for building automation is already known, which has a block-like structure. The previously known function module can be combined with other modules to a connection system to sammengestellt and has at least one base plate carrier and an attachable housing. In the housing there is a printed circuit board and / or a punched grid or even a busbar arrangement. In addition, at least one bus conductor contact for forwarding at least one energy or data bus in the direction of arrangement is present.

In known overvoltage protection arrangements for information and telecommunication technology, for. B. as a divisible Abieiter for DIN rail mounting, the connection of the equipment to be protected on existing wire terminals is very expensive, often the number of wires to be connected requires a variety of screw terminals, which can be integrated only sch lecht in a corresponding housing. In the event of the need for a through connection in the sense of a bus communication line for the exchange of data between several juxtaposed devices, it has been necessary in the field of overvoltage protection to carry out a separate cable connection in this regard. When replacing appropriate devices or for measurement and test purposes, it is necessary for this reason to solve more terminals with the result of a more elaborate Handha advertising.

In principle, it is possible to use electrical connectors according to the type described in EP 1 850 418 B1 also in overvoltage protection arrangements, in particular for information and telecommunications technology, and a starting from a circuit board located in the overvoltage protection arrangement as a wiring carrier communication connections that are solvable execute. A provided with electrical conductors connector can be completely deducted from a connector strip after loosening an optional lock, so that an exchange of an overvoltage protection device, which is for example din rail mounted, is possible. Since the installation space especially in arrangements for DIN rail Mounting is limited and the actual overvoltage protection device has a variety of other electronic and electrical components to pick up, there is a need for even more compact connectors with the possibility of a locking function to preclude unwanted pulling of the connector and thus a malfunction.

From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector on a wiring carrier, wherein the connector in a conventional manner consists of an insulating housing having insertion openings on opposite sides of the housing, such that on a first side electrical contact pins and on a second side insulation-free ends of electrical conductors inserted, in particular can be clamped. The arrangement to be created is intended to ensure the possibility of an immediate attachment to a wiring carrier or a printed circuit board while at the same time permitting a secure locking and unlocking of the connector. In particular, the connector strip is to be relieved of function or locked by locking means for securing a recorded female connector.

The object of the invention is achieved by the combination of features according to the teaching of claim 1, wherein claim 5 turns off on a particular embodiment of the inventive arrangement for use in an outer housing, in particular such an outer housing for a surge protection device, in particular for information and telecommunications technology. The subclaims represent at least expedient refinements and developments of the invention.

Accordingly, the solution according to the invention is based on a per se known electrical connector which is releasably fixable on a wiring carrier. The connector is single or multi-pole and / or single or multi-row and consists of an insulating housing, which has insertion openings on opposite sides of the housing. On the one hand, the insertion openings are designed so that electrical contact pins can be inserted. On the second side, insulation-free ends of electrical conductors can be inserted via the insertion openings and, in particular, clamped there. Electrically, the construction of the connector ensures that contact between the insulation-free ends and the electrical contact pins is ensured.

On the wiring support is compatible with the insertion on the first side connector strip, in particular fastened by soldering. Furthermore, at least one hook-shaped or nose-like projection protruding from the insulating housing is provided on the insulating housing, which projection is located on the housing side wall, which runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction for the electrical contact pins. According to the invention, a spring clip is now fastened directly on the wiring support, which has a latching section which engages behind or projects against the protruding from the insulating housing of the connector when plugging the connector onto the connector strip, so that a fuse against pulling out of the connector is formed.

The spring clip can z. B. be formed as a wire-shaped spring clip. It is also possible to realize the spring clip as a punched and bent part.

The spring clip according to the invention is biased in the direction of the housing side wall with a protruding projection, wherein the connector can be pulled off by introducing a tool between the relevant housing side wall and the spring clip. When inserting the tool so the spring clip comes out of contact with the protruding projection, so that the removal of the connector can be done by the corresponding compatible connector strip.

The ends of the spring clip are soldered to the already mentioned wiring carrier in conventional technology, wherein in the region of a respective solder island, the ends of the spring clip are designed angled and the resulting or resulting forming end portion of the spring clip forms a support and support surface based on the corresponding surface of the wiring substrate.

At the Abwinklungsabschnitt for the support and support surface each extending another bending section, wherein in the space between the bending sections and the two ends of the spring clip, the wiring carrier is recessed or cut to the desired mobility of the spring clip, in particular when inserting the tool for pulling the connector to ensure. The arrangement according to the invention is located in a preferred embodiment of the invention within an outer housing, in particular of such an outer housing of an overvoltage protection arrangement for information and telecommunications technology. The outer housing has, in the region of the position of the connector, an opening with a guide channel for centering insertion of the connector. A recess in the guide channel also allows plugged connector insertion of the tool and a Abrückbewegung of the spring clip with Außerkontaktkommen of protruding from the insulating housing projection. When the corresponding tool is removed, the spring clip moves back to its preloaded initial position and is prepared for a new latching connection.

The spring clip has a handle-like offset in one embodiment. This crank allows the desired movement of the spring clip as a combination of rotation and tilt under the action of torsional restoring forces, particularly when a wire-form spring clip is used.

It should be mentioned at this point that the hook-shaped or nose-like projection projecting from the insulating housing has a wedge shape or insertion bevel for easier insertion and removal of the spring clip until the end position and latching position have been reached.

Within the guide channel, a free space for immersing the spring clip is furthermore formed, in particular for the phase of inserting the connector. ders, but also for moving away the spring clip when inserting the tool for the purpose of pulling the connector.

The free space in the guide channel adjacent supporting surfaces or support edges are provided for the spring clip, so that forces when pulling and plug not necessarily beyond the extent necessary transferred to the respective solder island and thus it comes to an adverse effect on the preferred solder joint of the spring clip. As already mentioned, in a preferred embodiment, the outer housing is part of an overvoltage protection arrangement, wherein electrical conductors for data transmission, in particular for a bus system, can be contacted by means of the insertion opening. The spring clip is made in a further preferred embodiment of the invention of an electrically conductive material and can electrical potential, for. B. earth potential or be used as an electrical connector or bridge element. In this respect, the spring clip is a double function as a mechanical locking element, but also passive electrical component.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1 is an overvoltage protection arrangement for the information and

Telecommunications technology, consisting of an outer housing formed on the bottom of the housing means for DIN rail mounting, located in the housing overvoltage protection elements and electrical connection means together with exemplary arrangement of the present invention further developed electrical connector with pull-out; Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, but with the outer housing removed and inside recognizable electrical connectors together with spring clips and two printed circuit boards as electrical wiring support.

3a and 3b show detailed representations of the electrical connector which can be fixed on a wiring carrier with a plug connector in the secured state (FIG. 3a) and with an inserted tool for unlocking (FIG. 3b); Figures 4a and 4b representations analogous to those of Figures 3a and 3b, but without tools once in the locked state (Figure 4a) and once in the unlocked state (Figure 4b) ..;

5a to 5c different views of the inventive arrangement with electrical connector, wherein Fig. 5a and 5b show a part of the outer housing (see FIG. 1a) with guide channel and FIG. 5c illustrates the possible direction of movement of the spring clip for pulling the electrical connector, and FIGS. 6a and 6b show an embodiment of the spring clip as a stamped and bent part.

In an inventive use of the arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector within an overvoltage protection arrangement according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the local overvoltage protection arrangement has an outer housing which has the shape of an upside down T.

The housing has a bar-shaped base body 1 and a protruding head part 2. At the bottom of the bar-shaped main body 1, a recess 3 is provided for the purpose of top hat rail mounting of the corresponding overvoltage protection device. A first level on the bar-shaped main body 1 is referred to as a horizontal plane 4 and a second level as a vertical plane 5. Both on the horizontal plane 4 electrical connection means 6 as well as on the vertical plane 5 electrical connection means 7 are arranged accessible.

In a preferred embodiment, the first electrical connection means are designed as connector terminals for wire connection. The horizontal plane 4 can be inclined, d. H. be formed as an inclined surface a, so that an optimal insertion of connecting lines in addition to pulling the connector is possible.

In the vertical plane 5 z. B. sockets or plugs. The illustration according to FIGS. 1 and 2 shows as connection means 7 a BNC socket.

The aforementioned inclined surface is symbolized in FIG. 1 by the reference numeral 8.

Another level 9 as a third level is the arrangement of a terminal in alignment with the neighboring device when juxtaposing different overvoltage protection arrangements, eg. B. for through-connection for data exchange between neigh disclosed devices.

As shown in FIG. 2, two spaced printed circuit boards 10 and 11 are arranged within the outer housing 1, which have a surface shape which substantially corresponds to the longitudinal sectional area of the outer housing 1. In the space between the circuit boards 10 and 11 are each connector 6 for the

Wire connection or a plug or a socket 7 for connecting a coaxial conductor befindlich.

The printed circuit boards 10; 11 also carry the actual overvoltage protection elements, eg. B. varistors 12, and serve to fix function indicators or the like.

The connectors 6 consist of an insulating housing 13 which has insertion openings 14 on opposite sides. In Figs. 1 and 2, only the upper side with insertion opening 14, the insulation-free ends of electrical conductors can accommodate a clamping. The opposite, quasi-lower side serves to receive electrical contact pins on the respective printed circuit board 10; 11 attached, compatible power strip 15.

From the insulating housing protrude hook or nose-like projections 16.

On the respective wiring carrier 10; 11 is according to the invention, z. B. wire-shaped spring clip 17, which has a latching portion 18 which engages behind the protruding from the insulating housing 13 of the connector 6 projection 16 when plugging the connector 6 on the connector strip 15. In this respect, the projecting projection 16 forms after relaxation of the spring clip 17 in the direction of connector 6 a stop. By inserting a tool 19, as shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, by means of insertion between the relevant housing side wall and the spring clip 17, the connector in the illustration according to FIGS. 3a and 3b are pulled up from the connector strip 15. The Fig. 4a shows a representation with a locked connector 6 and FIG. Fig. 4b is an illustration with the wire-form spring clip 17 pushed away so that the respective projections 16 are exposed and the connector 6, optionally with electrical conductors connected thereto, can be pulled off the plug connector 15, possibly assisted by the force of a prestressed spring (not shown).

In particular, from the illustrations according to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 5a to 5c, the configuration of the spring clip 17 can be traced.

The spring clip 17 is so far soldered to a respective wiring substrate 10, wherein in the region of a respective solder island, the ends 17.1 of the spring clip 17 are designed angled. This bend creates an angled section, which forms a support and support surface relative to the corresponding upper side of the wiring carrier 10. Hereby the actual soldering in the area becomes the Lotinsel relieved. The solder island extends around the corresponding opening in the printed circuit board 10 for receiving the free sides 17.2 of the spring clip.

At the angled portion for the formation of the support and support surface of the spring bracket 17, another torsion claimable bending section 17.3 connects, wherein the space between the bending sections 17.3 of the wiring carrier 10 has a recess, as shown in particular in FIGS. 3b and 5c becomes clear.

The tool 19 for unlocking has at its lower end a wedge-shaped nose 19. 1, with the aid of the spring clip 17 is transferred from its abutment position for the purpose of locking the connector in a release position. The connector 6 is then together with the tool 19 when reaching the release position in the illustrations of FIGS. 3a and 3b deducted upwards. Depending on the geometry and design of the connector 6 with its projections 16, the spring clip 17 may still have a handle-like offset 17.4 (see FIGS. 3a and 3b).

The Fig. 5a and 5b show a detail of the outer casing 1 (see Fig. 1). This outer housing 1 has in the region for receiving the connector 6 has an opening with guide channel 20 for centering insertion of the connector. 6

In the interior of the guide channel 20, a free space 21 is formed for dipping the spring clip 17.

Abutment surfaces or supporting edges for the spring clip 17 may also be provided adjacent to the free space 21 in the guide channel 20.

The yoke 170 or the yoke 170 arranged on the wiring carrier 10 may be made of an electrically conductive material and thus lead to a potential or be used as a passive electrical component or bridge element. The illustrations according to FIGS. 6a and 6b show an embodiment of a spring clip as a stamped and bent part. FIG. 6a substantially corresponds to the representation according to FIG. 3a, but with the stamped and bent part 170 used here. This stamped and bent part 170 likewise has free ends 172 and has a support and support surface 171.

Another portion 174 performs the functions similar to the handle-type Kröpfu 17.4 of the wire-shaped spring clip.

Claims

claims Arrangement for releasably fixing an electrical connector (6) on a wiring carrier (10; 11), wherein the connector (6) consists of an insulating housing (13) which has insertion openings on opposite housing sides (14), such that on a first Side electrical contact pins and on a second side insulation-free ends of electrical conductors inserted, in particular clamped, further on the wiring support (10; 11) to the insertion on the first side compatible connector strip (15) can be fastened, as well as with at least one hook or nose-like protrusion (16) projecting from the insulating housing (13) and located on the housing side wall, which runs essentially parallel to the insertion direction for the electrical contact pins, characterized in that a spring clip (17) is fastened on the wiring carrier (10; 11) and has a latching section (18) which, when the connector (6) is plugged onto the plug strip (15), is replaced by the insulating housing (13) of the connector (6). protruding projection (16) engages behind and forms a stop against pulling out of the connector (6). Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring clip (17) is biased towards the housing side wall with abragendem projection (16), wherein by inserting a tool (19) between the relevant housing side wall and the spring clip (17) of the connector (6) is removable. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ends of the spring clip (17) with the wiring substrate (10; 11) are soldered, wherein in the region of a respective solder island, the ends of the spring clip (17) are angled and the resulting Abwinklungsabschnitt of the spring clip (17) forms a support and support surface. 4. Arrangement according to claim 3,  characterized in that  in each case a further bending section (17.3) extends at the angled section for the support and support surface, wherein in the space between the bending sections (17.3) the wiring carrier (10; 11) is recessed or cut free. 5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims,  characterized in that  this is within an outer housing (1), wherein the outer housing (1) in the region of the connector (6) has an opening with a guide channel (20) for centering insertion of the connector (6). 6. Arrangement according to claim 5,  characterized in that  in the interior of the guide channel (20) has a free space (21) for dipping the spring clip (17) is formed. 7. Arrangement according to claim 6,  characterized in that  the free space (21) adjacent in the guide channel (20) supporting surfaces or support edges for the spring clip (17) are provided.