Contact assembly, connector housing, connector assembly and modular connector kit

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact assembly (1) of a connector housing (4) comprising an adapter element (10) and a contact element (12), the adapter element (10) having a sleeve (14) with a lead-through opening (16) extending in an axial direction (18) of the sleeve and a threaded hole (20) extending through the sleeve perpendicular to the lead-through opening, the contact element (12) being adapted to be inserted into the lead-through opening and latched to the sleeve. The contact element exhibits various types of cable connection portions (60) and / or contact portions (36, 38). The adapter element is received within the connector housing (4) and receives the contact element irrespective of the type of the cable connection portions and / or the contact portions. The manufacturability of the connector housing with such a contact assembly can thus be improved. The invention also relates to a connector assembly (6) having such a connector housing. The invention also relates to a modular connector kit (8) having two such connector assemblies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to contact assemblies, and more specifically, to contact assemblies for connector housings. Furthermore, this invention relates to connector housings, connector assemblies, and modular connector kits, particularly hermetically sealed connector assemblies, for example, for electrical applications such as lighting or power distribution. Background Technology

[0002] In electrical engineering, connectors are typically used temporarily to allow power transfer between two isolated electrical units (e.g., a power source and an electrical load). Specifically, a connector establishes an electrical connection between the wire ends of a cable in one electrical unit and the wire ends of a cable in another electrical unit. These wire ends usually include suitable contacts attached to the wire ends using wire termination methods. These contacts improve the connector's performance in terms of resistance, abrasion resistance, vibration resistance, and compatibility with other specifications. Due to the wide variety of applications and equally wide range of requirements, a variety of contact types and wire termination methods are commonly used. Because connectors, and especially connector housings, are often specifically designed for use with a particular type of contact, a proportionally large portfolio and product range are created. Furthermore, the frequent need for connectors to meet different safety standards further increases the portfolio and product range. This typically results in a greater overall effort being invested in the manufacture, storage, and transportation of connectors and connector housings.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to use connectors, and especially connector housings, in a wide range of applications while keeping design changes to a minimum.

[0004] Technical problems to be solved

[0005] The object of this invention is to improve the manufacturability, applicability and functionality of connectors, and in particular connector housings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is achieved by providing a contact assembly for a connector housing, the contact assembly including an adapter element and a contact element, wherein the adapter element has a sleeve having a conductive opening and a threaded hole, the conductive opening extending in an axial direction of the sleeve, the threaded hole extending through the sleeve perpendicular to the conductive opening, and wherein the contact element is adapted to be inserted into the conductive opening, for example along an insertion direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, and latched to the sleeve.

[0007] The above solution is advantageous because the adapter elements and contact elements can be assembled together, for example, during the assembly of the connector housing using the contact assembly, or at separate times and / or in separate places. This increases the degree of freedom during manufacturing, thereby improving the manufacturability of the connector housing.

[0008] As will be described in further detail below, the contact assembly can, for example, be used as a contact in a connector housing. More specifically, an adapter element can be received in the connector housing and can receive the contact element. The contact element can present various design aspects, such as different types of cable connections and / or contact heads, and the adapter element can be compatible with the contact element regardless of the type of cable connections and / or contact heads. This represents another advantage of the above solution, which increases the applicability of the connector housing using the contact assembly.

[0009] The solution described above can be further improved by adding one or more of the following optional features. Each of these optional features is advantageous on its own and can be combined independently with any other optional feature.

[0010] In one embodiment of the contact assembly, the contact element may have a tubular base shape that surrounds the interior of the contact element. Specifically, the contact element may include a cable connection, preferably at one axial end, and one of a male and female contact heads opposite the cable connection at another axial end. Therefore, a suitable wire termination method can be used to attach the contact element to a conductor, such as the wire of a cable. Additionally, the contact element can be used for contacts with complementary electrical contacts.

[0011] To allow the contact element to be inserted into the conductive opening of the sleeve, the external dimensions, such as the outer diameter, of the cable connection portion and / or the male or female contact head can be equal to or smaller than the internal dimensions, such as the inner diameter, of the conductive opening. As long as this condition is met in at least one of the cable connection portion and / or the male or female contact head of the contact element, the design of the remaining parts of the contact element can be freely chosen, and the adapter element can receive the contact element regardless of the design. In other words, contact elements of different designs can be compatible with the same adapter element.

[0012] Preferably, the sleeve of the contact element is a cylindrical sleeve. The contact element is accordingly shaped in at least one of the cable connection portion and / or the male or female contact head. The resulting rotational symmetry allows the contact element to be inserted into the conductive opening of the sleeve at more than one angular orientation (preferably any angular orientation). This simplifies the corresponding assembly steps.

[0013] To latch the contact element to the sleeve of the adapter element, the contact element may include at least one latching wing that protrudes obliquely outward from the contact element. The free end of at least one latching wing may face the insertion direction. Thus, during insertion, the free end of at least one latching wing may abut against the front of the sleeve, thereby securing the contact element to the adapter element.

[0014] In conjunction with the rotationally symmetrical front of the sleeve, the latching wing also provides the possibility of latching the contact element at more than one angle orientation (preferably at any angle orientation).

[0015] For better stability, a pair of such latching wings can be used on the radially opposite sides of the contact element to latch the contact element symmetrically.

[0016] The male contact head can be formed as a pin or a protrusion, and can have an outward-facing contact surface. The female contact head can be formed as a bushing, configured to mate with the pin-shaped or protrusion-shaped male contact head. Therefore, the bushing can have an inward-facing contact surface.

[0017] Optionally, the cable connector is a crimp-type connector configured to be crimped onto the conductor. Alternatively, the cable connector is a screw-type connector having a screw hole extending through the circumferential surface of the contact element. Specifically, the cable connector can be a hollow circular tube, and the screw hole can be adapted to receive a screw that screws into a threaded hole in the adapter element. For this purpose, the diameter of the screw hole can be equal to or greater than the diameter of the threaded hole in the adapter element.

[0018] It should be understood that the cable connection of the contact element can be varied depending on the application. Furthermore, the cable connection is not limited to the exemplary types described above, and may also include solder-type connections, welded connections, clamp-type connections, or any other comparable type of connection.

[0019] In embodiments of contact elements with screw-type connections, a screw may be provided that extends through a threaded hole in the adapter element and into the interior of the contact element to clamp the conductor. Specifically, the conductor may be clamped between the end of the screw and the inner surface of the circular tubular portion of the contact element.

[0020] In applications where an angle fixation is required between the adapter element and the contact element, the screw can extend through the threaded hole of the adapter element, through the screw hole of the contact element, and into the interior of the contact element.

[0021] In another embodiment, the axial slit may extend along the axial direction of the adapter sleeve, for example, opposite a threaded hole. Preferably, the axial slit extends across the entire axial length of the adapter element. The axial slit increases the radial flexibility of the sleeve, thereby facilitating the insertion of the contact element into the conductive opening of the sleeve.

[0022] In another embodiment, at least one latching wing may obliquely protrude outward from the sleeve of the adapter element. More specifically, the free end of at least one latching wing may face the insertion direction and be adapted to latch into a corresponding latching recess, such as that of a connector housing, to secure the adapter element. Preferably, a pair of such latching winglets may be arranged on radially opposite sides of the adapter element.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the adapter element and / or contact element can be a stamped and bent part. This can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0024] The initial objective is further achieved by providing a contact kit comprising any one of the adapter elements according to the embodiments explained above and at least two different contact elements from the group consisting of: contact elements having male heads, contact elements having female heads, female heads with crimp-type connections, contact elements with crimp-type connections, and contact elements with screw-type connections, wherein any one of the at least two contact elements is adapted to be inserted into and latched onto the adapter element. The contact kit is advantageous because it provides a selection of contact elements, thereby increasing the scope of the invention.

[0025] The initial objective is also achieved by a connector housing comprising a contact assembly according to any of the embodiments described above. Herein, an adapter element is received within the connector housing, and a contact element is inserted into a conductive opening of the adapter element received within the connector housing. More specifically, the connector housing may include at least one conductive chamber extending in the mating direction, wherein the adapter element is received within at least one conductive chamber of the connector housing. For this purpose, the at least one conductive chamber presents an inner surface segment, which is complementary to the adapter element. Therefore, the connector housing can be readily used in combination with the contact assembly. Due to the advantages of the contact assembly explained above, the manufacturability of the connector housing is improved.

[0026] At least one conductive chamber preferably extends from the rear side of the connector housing along the mating direction and opens to the front side of the connector housing. In particular, at least one conductive chamber opens to a socket cavity at the front side of the connector housing. A contact element can be inserted into a conductive opening of an adapter element received in the conductive chamber of the connector housing, thereby allowing the contact element to mate with a complementary contact at the front side of the connector housing while being attached to the conductor of the cable at the rear side of the connector housing.

[0027] The cable can extend to the rear of the connector housing and has stripped ends of the conductors that connect to the cable connection portion of the contact element.

[0028] Preferably, the number and location of at least one conductive chamber can be selected based on the application of the connector housing. For example, an application involving one ground wire, one neutral wire, and one line conductor may require three conductive chambers, while an application involving one ground wire, one neutral wire, and three line conductors may require five conductive chambers. Therefore, the connector housing may include one adapter element and one contact element for each conductive chamber.

[0029] Alternatively, the connector housing may include a contact kit according to the above embodiment, wherein the adapter element is received within the connector housing, and either of two different contact elements is selectively inserted into a conduction opening of the adapter element received within the connector housing. This embodiment further enhances the applicability of the invention by providing selection of the contact elements.

[0030] In order to provide a latching groove for engaging at least one latching wing of the adapter element, each conduction chamber may have a recess formed on the inner surface segment to serve as a latching groove.

[0031] In another embodiment of the connector housing, the connector housing may include a transverse slot in each conductive chamber that aligns with a threaded hole of an adapter element received in the corresponding conductive chamber of the connector housing. This improves the accessibility of the adapter element, particularly the threaded hole. This is especially advantageous if the contact element includes a screw-type connection, as the screw accessibility is improved for ease of assembly.

[0032] The screw can reach and pass through the transverse slot and enter the threaded hole of the adapter element. In particular, the head of the screw can be positioned relative to the radial shoulder at the axial end of the transverse slot. The screw can be used to secure the adapter element as an addition to or alternative to at least one latching wing of the adapter element.

[0033] Connector assemblies can also be used to achieve the initial objectives of this invention. A connector assembly may include a connector housing according to any of the above embodiments and a rear housing coupled to the connector housing via a rotary connector. Specifically, a coupling element adapted to rotatably couple the rear housing to the connector housing may be provided on each of the rear housing and the connector housing. For example, the connector housing and the rear housing may each include, preferably integrally formed, complementary threads configured to screw the rear housing onto the rear side of the connector housing. Thus, the rear housing can serve as an axial cover for at least one conductive chamber of the connector housing, thereby protecting the contact assembly received within at least one conductive chamber.

[0034] According to a fully optional embodiment, a latching structure configured to fix the relative rotational position of the connector housing and the rear housing can be formed on each of the connector housing and the rear housing. Specifically, an axially deflectable latching finger can be directed toward the tightening direction and extend circumferentially on the front side of the rear housing facing the rear side of the connector housing. Therefore, a latching notch can be formed on the rear side of the connector, extending circumferentially and adapted to receive the latching finger.

[0035] The latching structure of the connector housing and rear housing prevents accidental disengagement of the connector housing and rear housing. This increases the safety of the connector assembly. It should be understood that the latching fingers and latching notches on the connector housing and rear housing can also be reversed in terms of their position.

[0036] Preferably, the latching structures of the connector housing and the rear housing are configured to automatically engage at the end position of the rotary connector for easy connection. For this purpose, the angular offset between the latching structure and the thread formed on the connector housing can be equal to the angular offset between the latching structure and the thread formed on the rear housing.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the rotary connector can also be established using bayonet elements disposed on each of the rear housing and the connector housing.

[0038] In another embodiment of the connector assembly, the connector assembly also includes a screw-mountable cable nut that can be fitted onto the cable and screwed onto the rear side of the rear housing to secure a sealing ring retained within the rear housing. This allows the connector assembly to be watertight, thereby expanding the applicability and functionality of the connector assembly.

[0039] Preferably, the sealing ring can be held by a plurality of flexible protrusions extending toward the mating direction and arranged circumferentially around the outer surface of the sealing ring. The cable nut can have an inner conical surface that widens in the mating direction and faces the flexible protrusions. When the cable nut is screwed onto the rear housing, the inner conical surface can deflect the flexible protrusions inward, thereby compressing the sealing ring and clamping the cable. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it increases the watertightness of the connector assembly while also increasing the connector assembly's resistance to mechanical loads on the cable.

[0040] Additional sealing rings can be disposed on the front and rear sides of the connector housing, i.e., between the connector housing and the rear housing. The use of additional sealing rings further ensures the watertightness of the connector assembly.

[0041] Alternatively, the sealing ring may be annular in shape, having multiple hollow recesses distributed around the circumference. The hollow recesses increase the compressibility of the sealing ring.

[0042] The initial objective can also be achieved through a modular connector kit, which includes a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly, the first connector assembly being a connector assembly according to any of the above embodiments, and the second connector assembly also being a connector assembly according to any of the above embodiments. The connector housing of the first connector assembly is configured to be mounted to the connector housing of the second connector assembly. For this purpose, the front side of the connector housing of the first connector assembly can be shaped to complement, and vice versa, the receptacle of the connector housing of the second connector assembly. The modular connector kit may also include at least one male contact and at least one female contact, the at least one female contact being configured to mate with at least one male contact. Specifically, the at least one male contact may be embodied by at least one contact element having a male contact head, and the at least one female contact may be embodied by at least one contact element having a female contact head. Furthermore, the at least one male contact and the at least one female contact may be configured to selectively insert into a conductive opening of an adapter element received within either the connector housing of the first connector assembly or the connector housing of the second connector assembly.

[0043] In the following text, and for the sake of brevity, the connector housing of the first connector assembly will be referred to as the first connector housing. Correspondingly, the connector housing of the second connector assembly will be referred to as the second connector housing.

[0044] In a fully optional embodiment of the modular connector kit, the first connector housing may include at least one preferably cantilevered latch hook adapted to engage with the second connector housing to form a latching connection. The second connector housing may include at least one preferably cantilevered button for disengaging the latching connection.

[0045] More specifically, at least one latch hook may preferably be integrally formed on a lateral side of the first connector housing, extending from the front side of the first connector housing toward the rear side. When the first connector housing is mounted to the second connector housing, at least one latch hook can fully enter the receptacle of the second connector housing. Therefore, at least one latch hook can engage with at least one latch edge formed in the receptacle of the second connector housing to form a latching connection. At least one button may preferably be integrally formed on a lateral side of the second connector housing, extending from the rear side of the second connector housing toward the front side at a location that radially overlaps with at least one latch hook of the first connector housing when the first connector housing is mounted to the second connector housing. The button may be specifically adapted to deflect at least one latch hook when pressed. Therefore, at least one latch hook can be pushed out and axially aligned with at least one latch edge, allowing the first connector housing to be detached from the second connector housing.

[0046] In the following description, embodiments of the invention are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown and described are for illustrative purposes only. The combinations of features shown in the embodiments may be varied based on the foregoing description. For example, if the technical effect associated with a feature is beneficial to a particular application, a feature not shown in the embodiments but described above may be added. Conversely, if the technical effect associated with a feature is not required in a particular application, the feature shown as described above as part of the embodiments may be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, elements that correspond to each other in function and / or structure have been provided with the same reference numerals.

[0048] In the attached diagram:

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view through a contact assembly according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0050] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a contact kit according to one possible embodiment is shown;

[0051] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a partially exploded perspective view of a connector housing having three conduction chambers according to one possible embodiment is shown;

[0052] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of a connector housing having five conductive chambers according to another possible embodiment is shown;

[0053] Figure 5A A schematic perspective view of a connector assembly according to one possible embodiment is shown;

[0054] Figure 5B It shows according to Figure 5A A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the connector assembly of the embodiment shown;

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to another possible embodiment is shown;

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of a modular connector kit according to one possible embodiment is shown; and

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of the sealing ring of a connector assembly according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following text, see references Figures 1 to 4The exemplary embodiments shown illustrate the structure of possible embodiments of the contact assembly 1, contact kit 2, and connector housing 4 according to the present invention. Further, Figures 5A to 8 The structure is used to explain possible embodiments of the connector assembly 6 and the modular connector kit 8 according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a contact assembly 1 according to a possible embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The contact assembly 1 includes an adapter element 10 and a contact element 12. The adapter element 10 is shown as a sleeve 14 having a preferably hollow cylindrical shape, which has a through opening 16 extending in an axial direction 18 of the sleeve 14. A threaded hole 20 extends through the sleeve 14 perpendicular to the through opening 16. The threaded hole 20 preferably includes at least three threads.

[0060] The contact element 12 may have a tubular base shape 22 surrounding the interior 24 of the contact element 12. Specifically, the contact element 12 may include a cable connection portion 26 for attaching a conductor 28 of a cable 30, the cable connection portion 26 being disposed at one axial end 32, and one of a male contact 36 and a female contact 38 may be disposed at the other axial end 34 opposite to the cable connection portion 26. The male contact 36 may be formed as a pin 40 and have an outwardly facing contact surface 42 (see...). Figure 2 The female contact head 30 can be formed as a bushing 44, configured to mate with the pin-shaped male contact head 36; the bushing 44 can correspondingly have an inwardly facing contact surface 46, and in Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, such a female contact head 38 is shown.

[0061] Further in Figure 1 In the diagram, the contact element 12 is shown inserted into the conductive opening 16 of the sleeve 14 along an insertion direction 48 substantially parallel to the axial direction 18. For this purpose, the outer diameter 50 of the cable connection portion 26 and / or the contact heads 36, 38 is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter 52 of the conductive opening 16.

[0062] Furthermore, the contact element 12 is shown as latching to the sleeve 1. Specifically, at least one latching wing 54, preferably a pair of latching wings 54, can project outwardly at an angle from the contact element 12. This pair of latching wings 54 can be arranged on radially opposite sides of the contact element 12. In particular, the free ends 56 of the pair of latching wings 54 can face the insertion direction 48 and abut against the front end 58 of the sleeve 14. Therefore, the contact element 12 can be secured to the adapter element 10 against axial loads relative to the insertion direction 48.

[0063] Move to Figure 2The contact assembly 2 can be shown in perspective. The contact assembly 2 may include the adapter element 10 as described in the above embodiment. In addition, the contact assembly 2 may include at least two contact elements 12 from the group consisting of a contact element 12 having a male contact head 36, a contact element 12 having a female contact head 38, a contact element 12 having a crimp-type connection portion 60, and a contact element 12 having a screw-type connection portion 62, any one of the at least two contact elements 12 being insertable and latched to the adapter element 10.

[0064] As from Figure 2 It is evident that the cable connection portion 26 of at least one of the two contact elements 12 can be a crimp-type connection portion 60 configured to be crimped onto the conductor 28. Alternatively, the cable connection portion 26 of the other of the at least two contact elements 12 can be a screw-type connection portion 62, which has a screw hole 64 extending through the circumferential surface 66 of the contact element 12 at the cable connection portion 26. In particular, the cable connection portion 26 can be a hollow circular tube portion 68, and the screw hole 64 can be adapted in size and position to receive a screw 70, which is screwed into the threaded hole 20 of the adapter element 10 to clamp the conductor 28 within the circular tube portion 68. In particular, the diameter 72 of the screw hole 64 can be equal to or greater than the diameter 74 of the threaded hole 20. In addition, the screw hole 64 can be radially aligned with the threaded hole 20, which alignment... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0065] It should be understood that contact kit 2 should not be limited to Figure 2 The combination shown. Depending on the application, any combination of different or identical cable connectors 26 and contacts 36, 38 can be applied to at least two contact elements 12.

[0066] The adapter element 10 and / or contact element 12 shown may be a stamped or bent part, particularly made of sheet metal, such as copper. Alternatively, the adapter element 10 and / or contact element 12 may be manufactured by molding, forging, machining and / or any other preferably automated metalworking process.

[0067] Alternatively, the adapter element 10 may have an axial slit 76 extending through the sleeve 14 in the axial direction 18. For example, the axial slit 76 is shown positioned opposite the threaded hole 20. The axial slit 76 may extend across the entire axial length of the adapter element 10.

[0068] Adapter element 10 in Figure 2The image further illustrates a latching wing 78 that protrudes obliquely outward from the sleeve 14. In an alternative embodiment of the adapter element 10, a pair of such latching wings 78 may be disposed on radially opposite sides of the contact element 12. Each free end 80 of the latching wing 78 may face the insertion direction 48.

[0069] When the contact element 12 has a screw-type connection portion 62, the screw 70 can extend through the threaded hole 20 of the adapter element 10, through the screw hole 64, and into the interior 24 of the contact element 12. The screw 70 can be in a pre-assembled position, extending only partially into the interior 24 of the contact element 12. From the pre-assembled position, the screw 70 can be further screwed inward to a clamped position, in which the conductor 28 is clamped between the end 82 of the screw 70 and the inner surface 84 of the circular tube portion 68 of the contact element 12.

[0070] Figure 3 The connector housing 4 is shown in perspective. The connector housing 4 includes at least one conductive chamber 86 in which at least one adapter element 10 is received. For this purpose, the at least one conductive chamber 86 has an inner surface segment 88 which is formed complementary to the shape of the at least one adapter element 10.

[0071] For example, three conductive chambers 86 are disclosed, each receiving an adapter element 10. Additionally, in each conductive opening 16 of each adapter element 10, any of the contact elements 12 of the above embodiments can be selectively inserted into and latched to the adapter element 10.

[0072] At least one conductive chamber 86 preferably extends from the rear side 90 of the connector housing 4 along the mating direction 92 and leads to the front side 94 of the connector housing 4. Thus, each contact element 12 can mate on the front side 94 of the connector housing 4 while being connected to the conductor 28 of the cable 30 on the rear side 90 of the connector housing 4.

[0073] Specifically, at least one conductive chamber 86 leads to a socket cavity 96 at the front side 94 of the connector housing 4. This is in Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of a connector housing 4 comprising five conductive chambers 86. The number and location of at least one conductive chamber 86 and all components received therein can vary depending on the application of the connector housing 4. For example, an application involving one ground wire, one neutral wire, and one line conductor may require three conductive chambers 86, while an application involving one ground wire, one neutral wire, and three line conductors may require five conductive chambers 86.

[0074] For each conductive chamber 86, the connector housing 4 may include a transverse slot 98, which is at least partially aligned with a threaded hole 20 of the adapter element 10 received within the corresponding conductive chamber 86. Figure 3As shown, the transverse slot 98 connects the corresponding conductive chamber 86 to the outer surface 100 of the connector housing 4. The screw 70 can be retrieved via the transverse slot 98, simultaneously in a pre-assembled or clamped position. In particular, the screw 70 can pass through the transverse slot 98, and the head of the screw 70 can be positioned at one end of the transverse slot 98 opposite to a preferably radial shoulder.

[0075] Additionally, each conduction chamber 86 may have a recess 102 formed on the inner surface segment 88, wherein the recess 102 may serve as a latch groove 104 to engage with at least one latch flap 78 of the adapter element 10. This is in Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0076] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The connector assembly 6 disclosed herein may include a connector housing 4 as described above and a rear housing 106 connected to the connector housing 4 via a rotary connector 108. Specifically, a coupling element 110 adapted to rotatably connect the rear housing 104 to the connector housing 4 may be provided on each of the rear housing 104 and the connector housing 4. More specifically, the connector housing 4 and the rear housing 106 may each include preferably integrally formed threads 112a, 112b, configured to screw the rear housing 106 onto the rear side 90 of the connector housing 4. Thus, the rear housing 106 may serve as an axial cover 114 for at least one conductive chamber 86 of the connector housing 4.

[0077] Alternatively, the rotary connector 108 can be established by bayonet elements (not shown) provided on each of the rear housing 106 and the connector housing 4.

[0078] According to a fully optional embodiment, a latching structure 116 configured to fix the relative rotational position of the connector housing 4 and the rear housing 106 can be formed on each of the connector housing 4 and the rear housing 106. Specifically, an axially deflectable latching finger 118 can be directed toward the tightening direction 120 and extends along the circumferential direction 122 on the front side 124 of the rear housing 106 facing the rear side 90 of the connector housing 4. Therefore, a latching recess 126 can be formed on the rear side 90 of the connector housing 4, extending in the circumferential direction 122 and adapted to receive the latching finger 118 therein. The arrangement of the latching finger 118 and the latching recess 126 can also be reversed between the connector housing 4 and the rear housing 106.

[0079] Preferably, the latching structure 116 of the connector housing 4 and the rear housing 106 is configured to automatically engage at the end position of the rotary connector 108. For this purpose, the angular offset between the latching notch 126 and the thread 112a formed on the connector housing 4 can be equal to the angular offset between the latching finger 118 and the thread 112b formed on the rear housing 106.

[0080] In another embodiment, the connector assembly 6 also includes a threadable cable nut 128 that can be fitted onto the cable 30 and screwed onto the rear housing 106 to secure the sealing ring 130 held within the rear housing 106.

[0081] Optionally, the sealing ring 130 may be held by a plurality of flexible protrusions 132 extending toward the mating direction 92 and arranged around the sealing ring 130 in the circumferential direction 122. The cable nut 128 may have an inner conical surface 134 that widens in the mating direction 92 and faces the flexible protrusions 132. When the cable nut 128 is screwed onto the rear housing 106, the inner conical surface 134 may deflect the flexible protrusions 132 inward, thereby compressing the sealing ring 130 and clamping the cable 30.

[0082] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sealing ring 130 may be annular in shape, having a plurality of hollow recesses 136 distributed around the circumferential direction 122. An additional sealing ring 138 may be provided on the front side 94 and / or the rear side 90 of the connector housing 4. This is, for example, in... Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0083] Staying at Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 6 in the sealed embodiment can be seen. The connector assembly 6 also includes a cable 30 having a plurality of conductors 28 extending through a cable nut 128, a sealing ring 130, a rear housing 106, and into the connector housing 4. Specifically, the stripped ends 140 of the conductors 28 are exemplarily shown as being clamped within a screw-type connection 62 of a contact element 12 having a male contact head 36 and inserted into an adapter element 10 received within a conduction chamber 86. Depending on the application of the connector assembly 6, the contact element 12 may alternatively include a crimp-type connection 60 and / or a female contact head 38.

[0084] Figure 7 A perspective view of a modular connector kit 8 is shown, comprising a first connector assembly 142 and a second connector assembly 144, each being a connector assembly as described above. For simplicity, the connector housing 4 of the first connector assembly 142 will be referred to as the first connector housing 146. Correspondingly, the connector housing 4 of the second connector assembly 144 will be referred to as the second connector housing 148.

[0085] Preferably, the first connector housing 146 is configured to be mounted to the second connector housing 148. For this purpose, the front side 94 of the first connector housing 146 may be complementaryly shaped to the receptacle cavity 96 of the second connector housing 148, or vice versa.

[0086] The modular connector kit 8 may also include at least one male contact (implemented by at least one contact element 12 having a male contact head 36) and at least one female contact (implemented by at least one contact element 12 having a female contact head 38), particularly, at least one female contact is configured to mate with at least one male contact. Furthermore, each of the at least one male contact and at least one female contact may selectively insert into any conductive opening 16 of any adapter element 10, which is received within either the first connector housing 146 or the second connector housing 148.

[0087] In another entirely optional embodiment of the modular connector kit 8, the first connector housing 146 may include at least one preferably cantilevered latch hook 150 adapted to engage with the second connector housing 148 to form a latching connection. More specifically, at least one latch hook 150 may preferably be integrally formed on a lateral side 152 of the first connector housing 146 extending from the front side 94 of the first connector housing 146 toward the rear side 90 of the first connector housing 146. When the first connector housing 146 is mounted to the second connector housing 148, at least one latch hook 150 can fully enter the receptacle 96 of the second connector housing 148. Thus, at least one latch hook 150 can engage with at least one latch edge 154 formed in the receptacle 96 of the second connector housing 148 to form a latching connection.

[0088] Additionally, the second connector housing 148 may include at least one preferably cantilevered button 156 for disengaging the latching connection between at least one latch hook 150 and at least one latch edge 154. Specifically, at least one button 156 may preferably be integrally formed on a lateral side 158 of the second connector housing 148, which extends at position 160 from the rear side 90 toward the front side 94 of the second connector housing 148, and at position 160 radially overlaps with at least one latch hook 150 of the first connector housing 146 when the first connector housing 146 is mounted to the second connector housing 148. The button 156 may be specifically adapted to deflect at least one latch hook 150 when pressed. Thus, at least one latch hook 150 can be pushed out and axially aligned with at least one latch edge 154, allowing the first connector housing 146 to be detached from the second connector housing 148.

[0089] It should be understood that the arrangement of the latch hook 150 and the button 156 can also be reversed between the first connector assembly 142 and the second connector assembly 144.

[0090] Figure Labels

[0091] 1 Contact assembly

[0092] 2 Contact kit

[0093] 4 Connector Housing

[0094] 6 Connector Assembly

[0095] 8 Modular Connector Kit

[0096] 10 Adapter Components

[0097] 12 Contact elements

[0098] 14 Sleeves

[0099] 16 Conductive openings

[0100] 18 Axial direction

[0101] 20 Threaded hole

[0102] 22. Tubular shape

[0103] 24 Internal

[0104] 26 Cable connection part

[0105] 28 conductors

[0106] 30 Cable

[0107] 32 Axial end

[0108] 34 Axial end

[0109] 36 male contact head

[0110] 38. Mother contact head

[0111] 40 stitches

[0112] 42 Contact Surface

[0113] 44 Bushing

[0114] 46 Contact Surface

[0115] 48. Insertion direction

[0116] 50 outer diameter

[0117] 52 inner diameter

[0118] 54 Latch Wing

[0119] 56 Free End

[0120] 58 in front

[0121] 60 Crimped Connector

[0122] 62 Screw-type connection

[0123] 64 Screw holes

[0124] 66 circumferential surfaces

[0125] 68 Department

[0126] 70 screws

[0127] 72 diameter

[0128] 74 diameter

[0129] 76 Axial slits

[0130] 78 latching fins

[0131] 80 Free End

[0132] 82 end

[0133] 84 Inner Surface

[0134] 86 Conductor Room

[0135] 88 Inner Surface Section

[0136] 90 rear side

[0137] 92. Coordination Direction

[0138] 94 Front

[0139] 96 Socket cavity

[0140] 98 transverse groove

[0141] 100 outer surface

[0142] 102 recess

[0143] 104 Latch Groove

[0144] 106 Rear Housing

[0145] 108 Rotary Coupler

[0146] 110 Connecting element

[0147] 112A, 112b threads

[0148] 114 Axial Cover

[0149] 116 Latch Structure

[0150] 118 Latch finger

[0151] 120 Tightening direction

[0152] 122 Circumferential direction

[0153] 124 Front

[0154] 126 latch notch

[0155] 128 Cable Nut

[0156] 130 sealing ring

[0157] 132 Flexible convex part

[0158] 134 Internal conical surface

[0159] 136 recess

[0160] 138 Sealing Ring

[0161] 140 peeling end

[0162] 142 First connector assembly

[0163] 144 Second Connector Assembly

[0164] 146 First Connector Housing

[0165] 148 Second Connector Housing

[0166] 150 latch hook

[0167] 152 Lateral side

[0168] 154 Latch Edge

[0169] 156 buttons

[0170] 158 Lateral side

[0171] 160 positions

Claims

1. A contact assembly (1) for a connector housing (4), comprising an adapter element (10) and a contact element (12), wherein the adapter element (10) has a sleeve (14) having a conductive opening (16) and a threaded hole (20), the conductive opening extending in an axial direction (18) of the sleeve (14), and the threaded hole (20) extending through the sleeve (14) perpendicular to the conductive opening (16), wherein, At least one latching wing (78) protrudes obliquely outward from the sleeve (14) of the adapter element (10), wherein the contact element (12) is adapted to be inserted into the conduction opening (16) and latched to the sleeve (14).

2. The contact assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact element (12) has a cable connection portion (26) and one of a male and a female contact head (36, 38) opposite to the cable connection portion (26).

3. The contact assembly (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cable connection (26) is one of a crimp type connection (60) and a screw type connection (62), the crimp type connection being configured to be crimped onto the conductor (28) of the cable (30), the screw type connection having a screw hole (64) at the cable connection (26) extending through the circumferential surface (66) of the contact element (12), and wherein the screw hole (64) is adapted to receive a screw (70).

4. The contact assembly (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the screw (70) is configured to extend through the threaded hole (20) of the adapter element (10) and into the interior (24) of the contact element (12).

5. The contact assembly (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the axial slit (76) extends along the axial direction (18) of the sleeve (14) of the adapter element (10).

6. The contact assembly (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adapter element (10) is a stamped and bent part.

7. A contact assembly (2) comprising an adapter element (10) of a contact assembly (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, and at least two different contact elements (12) from the group consisting of: Contact element (12) having a male contact head (36). Contact element (12) having female contact head (38). Contact element (12) having a crimp-type connection (60), and The contact element (12) has a screw-type connection (62), and Either of the at least two contact elements (12) is adapted to be inserted into and latched to the adapter element (10).

8. A connector housing (4) comprising a contact assembly (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 or a contact kit (2) as claimed in claim 7, wherein an adapter element (10) is received within the connector housing (4) and the contact element (12) is inserted into a conduction opening (16) of the adapter element (10) received within the connector housing (4).

9. The connector housing (4) of claim 8, wherein the connector housing (4) includes a transverse groove (98) aligned with a threaded hole (20) of the adapter element (10) received within the connector housing (4).

10. A connector assembly (6) including a connector housing (4) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, and further including a rear housing (106) connected to the connector housing (4) via a rotary connector (108).

11. The connector assembly (6) of claim 10, wherein a latching structure (116) configured to fix the relative rotational position of the connector housing (4) and the rear housing (106) is formed on each of the connector housing (4) and the rear housing (106).

12. The connector assembly (6) of claim 11, wherein the latching structure (116) of the connector housing (4) and the rear housing (106) is configured to automatically engage at the end position of the rotary connector (108).

13. A modular connector kit (8) comprising a first connector assembly (142) and a second connector assembly (144), the first connector assembly being a connector assembly (6) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, the second connector assembly (144) being a connector assembly (6) as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, a connector housing (4) of the first connector assembly (142) being configured to be mounted on a connector housing (4) of the second connector assembly (144), the modular connector kit (8) further comprising at least one male contact and at least one female contact, the at least one female contact being configured to mate with the at least one male contact, the at least one male contact and the at least one female contact being configured to selectively insert into a conduction opening (16) of an adapter element (10), the adapter element being received in either the connector housing (4) of the first connector assembly (142) or the connector housing (4) of the second connector assembly (144).

14. The modular connector kit (8) of claim 13, wherein the connector housing (4) of the first connector assembly (142) includes at least one latch hook (150) adapted to engage with the connector housing (4) of the second connector assembly (144) to form a latch connection, and wherein the connector housing (4) of the second connector assembly (144) includes at least one button (156) for disengaging from the latch connection.

Images