Modular connector in contact with a docking connector

Abstract

A modular connector (100) of strip-like design, which can be plugged together with a corresponding counter connector (1), in particular with a printed circuit board connector, wherein the modular connector has a plurality of connector modules (100a, 100b, 100c,...) which are connected to one another in a strip-like manner and are mechanically connected to one another directly by means of mechanical connections, each of the connector modules having a module housing (101), at least one counter contact face (101a) comprising at least one counter contact (105), and preferably at least one conductor connection (110) and / or a solder connection for connection to a printed circuit board, characterized in that at least two structurally different connector modules (101a,...) are provided, wherein an adapter connector module (130) is provided between the at least two structurally different connector modules (101,...).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a modular connector for contacting mating connectors, particularly printed circuit board connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0002] The object of the present invention is to provide a modular connector for contact with such a mating connector, having a particularly simple structure that can be adapted to various applications.

[0003] A modular connector with a strip-like structure is disclosed, capable of mating with corresponding connectors, particularly printed circuit board (PCB) connectors. The modular connector comprises multiple connector modules that are serially connected and mechanically linked together in a strip shape via mechanical fasteners. Each connector module has a module housing, at least one mating surface including at least one contact, and preferably at least one conductor connector and / or a solder connector for connection to a PCB. The connector may have at least two connector modules with different structural types, and an adapter connector module is provided between the at least two structurally different connector modules. The adapter connector module allows for a simple transition between connector modules with different structural types. Accordingly, for example, multiple connector modules of a first structural type may be provided, followed by adapter connector modules, and then multiple connector modules of a second structural type. Alternatively, two or more adapter connector modules may be provided for serially connecting two or more connector modules of different structural types.

[0004] According to a beneficial technical solution, the connector modules of the modular connector are not held in a retaining frame, but are directly mechanically connected to each other on their serial connection sides. This is because, based on the adapter connector modules, a modular connector containing connector modules of various structural types can be realized even without a retaining frame.

[0005] According to another advantageous technical solution, the connector module has a front connection side and a back connection side, wherein the front connection side and the back connection side of the module housing of the connector modules that are directly connected in series have corresponding mechanical connectors. Alternatively, the mechanical connector on the front connection side of the adapter connector module's module housing corresponds to the mechanical connector on the module housing of the first structural type connector module, and the mechanical connector on its back connection side corresponds to the mechanical connector on the module housing of the second structural type connector module, wherein the mechanical connectors of the first structural type connector module and the second structural type connector module are incompatible. In this way, the adapter connector can achieve mechanical connection between adjacent connectors of different structural types in a simple manner.

[0006] These adapter connector modules are preferably constructed as connector modules of a (complete) first structural size, but have a module housing comprising a serial front side and a serial back side, wherein the serial front side and the serial back side are constructed such that serial connection to another connector module of a first structural size is realized toward one serial side, and serial connection to a second structural type, particularly a connector module of a second structural size, is realized toward the other serial side.

[0007] According to one variant, simply and preferably, the corresponding mechanical connector has one or more hooks and one or more corresponding slots, which form engaging members that engage with each other on connector modules that are connected in series.

[0008] According to a further or alternative embodiment, simply and preferably, the corresponding mechanical connector has one or more pins and one or more corresponding receiving holes. Accordingly, the pins can be configured to have a non-circular, particularly polygonal, cross-section, and the receiving holes to have a corresponding, particularly polygonal, cross-section, thus achieving a locking mechanism that prevents relative torsion of the interconnected module housings.

[0009] According to a particularly preferred variant, the mutual distance between the hooks and / or pins on the serial back side of the corresponding adapter connector module can differ from the mutual distance between the slots and / or receiving holes on the serial front side of the corresponding adapter connector module. This allows for easy adjustment of the mechanical connector layout according to the housing size of the connector board. Furthermore, different structural types of module housings can differ in that they have different structural dimensions, and the dimensions of the serial front side of the adapter connector module differ from those of the serial back side. According to another variant, preferably, at least one of the module housings has a receiving housing for a complete connector, which is equipped with its own housing, conductor connectors, and mating surfaces containing contacts. This connector can be constructed in different ways, and for example, as a data connector, including more than one contact element and shielding device, or as an optical connector or other transmission element.

[0010] In addition, at least one of the module housings may have dual or multiple mating surfaces.

[0011] In general, the mating surfaces of the module housing can adopt the same or different designs in whole or in part. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The drawings illustrate the invention in conjunction with these embodiments, but the invention is not limited to these examples, and may be implemented in other ways, either literally or equivalently. Wherein:

[0013] Figure 1a This is a perspective view of a strip-shaped modular connector, which can be mated with a (modular) printed circuit board connector. Figure 1b This is a perspective view of a section of another strip-shaped modular connector (without a mating connector). Figure 1c )for Figure 1b The modular connector in the module is an adapter connector module, which is connected to the connector module;

[0014] Figure 2 a) and b) in the text are for example Figures 1a) to 1c) A perspective view of the adapter plug-in module of the modular connector shown, and, Figure 2 c) in the image is a magnified view of b).

[0015] Figure 3 Perspective view and some parts shown in exploded view Figure 4 Modular connectors in a) and b) of the above;

[0016] Figure 4 a) in the diagram represents a perspective view of the terminal block designed as a printed circuit board connector before mating, and a perspective view of the corresponding modular connector. Figure 4 b) in the diagram is the view after docking;

[0017] Figure 5 a) shows a connector configuration in a side sectional view, which includes a printed circuit board connector in a mated state and a modular (mating) connector, and, Figure 5 b) to d) are schematic side views of the connector configuration in a) when the corresponding connectors are plugged together, excluding metal and contact operating elements. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1a This illustrates a strip-shaped modular connector 100, which can be mated with a mating connector, which can be designed as a modular printed circuit board connector 1 (see [reference]). Figure 4 a) to b) and Figure 5 (a)) but can also be designed as a connector for connection with cables. The mating connector 1 can be arranged on a printed circuit board LP and is at least electrically connected to the printed circuit board on one side, and optionally mechanically connected thereto, particularly by one or more solder connections, for example at solder pins 3.

[0019] The modular connector 100 is strip-shaped. It has multiple connector modules 100a, 100b, 100c, ... that are interconnected and mechanically connected to each other to form a strip.

[0020] Connector modules (hereinafter also referred to as modules 100a, ...) are connected in series along a straight serial connection direction x. Each module 100a, ... has a module housing 101. The corresponding module housing 101 has a mating surface 101a, which is used to mate with the corresponding mating surface 2a of a segment of the mating connector 1. The mating connector may also have a modular structure. In order to mate together, the connector 100 moves along a mating direction y perpendicular to the mating direction x and mates with the mating connector 1, such as a printed circuit board connector, wherein the contact points 105 of the modular connector 100 (see...) Figure 5 a)) in the diagram contacts the mating contact point 5 of the mating connector (here, printed circuit board connector 1). The direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board LP is denoted by z. The first connector module (e.g., Figure 3 The left-hand and / or final connector module may have a cover plate 104a and / or an end plate 103a in the serial direction and in the reverse direction (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0021] Contact points 105 are formed on corresponding mating surfaces on the mating surface side 101a of the connector module of connector 100. Corresponding contact points 5 of the mating connector 1 are formed on corresponding mating surfaces. One or more mating surfaces can be formed on one or more connector modules of connector 100. Therefore, one or more connector modules can have two mating surfaces (i.e., specifically flanges and at least one contact point) stacked vertically.

[0022] The mating connector 1 can also be configured as a connector for applications without printed circuit boards, for example, configured to connect conductor ends and form part of the floating connector coupling (not shown here).

[0023] The connector housing 2 of the printed circuit board connector 1 may have one or more of the contact points 5 on the mating surface side 2a (see...). Figure 5 (a) to (d)). In a particularly preferred embodiment, these pairs of contacts are configured as one or more pin contacts 5. On the mating surface side 2a, knife-type contacts or tulip-shaped contacts (not shown) may also be provided as pairs of contacts, instead of pin contacts. A hybrid form including pin contacts and tulip-shaped contacts and / or shielded contacts may also be used.

[0024] The mating contact 105 of module 101 of connector 100 is preferably designed as a receptacle contact on its mating surface. However, it can also be designed as a pin contact or a blade contact (corresponding to the mating contact 5). Alternatively, a hybrid design may be used. The mating contact 5 can be connected to pin contacts 3 for soldering to a printed circuit board LP, for example, in an integrated connection (see, for example, see...). Figure 3 ).

[0025] In the corresponding mating connector module, the module's mating contact 105 is electrically connected to the corresponding conductor connector 110, which is used, for example, to connect at least one (stripped insulation) conductor end via busbar 111. Figure 5 (a)). The conductor connector 110 can be configured as a push-in connection, having a compression spring 112 and an actuating configuration for opening the clamping point. The actuating configuration here includes a lever 113 and a push rod 114, the push rod being used to apply pressure to the compression spring 112, thereby opening the clamping point (between the busbar 111 and the compression spring 112) to contact the conductor (not shown here). However, the conductor connector can also employ other connection techniques, such as a tension spring connection, an IDC connection, or a spiral connection (not shown here).

[0026] Each module housing 101 (on the side opposite to the mating surface, which is preferred but not mandatory) has a socket 102 for inserting the conductor end into the clamping point in the module housing 101.

[0027] The module housings 101 are connected in series with each other along the series direction x. Each of these module housings has a first series side in the series direction, hereinafter also referred to as the series front side 104 ( Figure 1a These module housings also have a second serial side, hereinafter also referred to as the serial back side 103. The serial back side 103 can be constructed as a generally closed wall portion. The differences are described below.

[0028] The front side 104 of the series connection also constitutes a certain type of wall, but compared with the closed back side 103 of the series connection, the front side of the series connection can adopt a more partially open design because metal components can be mounted from the front side 104 of the series connection. In addition, when it is not a closed design like the back side 103 of the series connection, the front side 104 of the series connection can have a greater width in the series connection direction, in which case the metal components can be supported in that direction.

[0029] The connector 100 may only have the same module housing 101 design. However, it is particularly preferred that the connector may also include module housing 101 with different structural types.

[0030] In addition, in order to facilitate the transition between different connector modules and their different structural types of module housings 101, transition connector modules or "adapter connector modules" 130a, 130b, and 130c are provided.

[0031] exist Figure 1aIn this example only, the connector 100 has a plurality of connector modules 100a at one end, which includes a module housing 121 of a first structural type, followed by a first adapter connector module 130a, followed by a plurality of connector modules 100b, which includes a module housing 122 of a second structural type, followed by a second adapter connector module 130b, followed by a plurality of connector modules 100c, which includes a connector housing 123 of a third structural type, followed by a third adapter connector module 130c, followed by a plurality of connector modules 100d, which includes a connector housing 124 of a fourth structural type.

[0032] exist Figure 1b In this example only, the connector 100 has a plurality of connector modules 100b having a first structural type of connector housing 122, followed by a first adapter connector module 130b, followed by a plurality of connector modules 100c having a different second structural type of connector housing 123.

[0033] Figure 1c The image shows a perspective view of an exemplary adapter connector module 130. The adapter connector module 130 enables mechanical connection and coupling between adjacent connector modules 100a, 100b, and 100c of different structural types, particularly different sizes. The adapter connector module 130 also has correspondingly different dimensions. The adapter connector module itself also has other components of the connector module of the first structural type.

[0034] In order to connect the module housings 101 of connector modules 100a, ... (and the adapter connector modules 130a, ...) to each other in a robust and reliable manner to form a strip-shaped modular connector 100, they have corresponding mechanical connections on two connecting sides (i.e., on the connecting front side 104 and on the connecting back side 103).

[0035] The elements 131 to 136 described below can be disposed or formed on the adapter connector module 130a, ..., or on other connector modules 100a, ... that are not constructed as adapter connector modules.

[0036] Here, the mechanical connector includes a plurality of (four in this case) hooks 131 disposed on the serial back side 103 and extending from the serial back side along the serial direction x. The hooks 131 are designed to engage with a slot / engagement recess 132 when adjacent module housings are mated, which is formed in the serial front side 104 of the serially connected adjacent module housings 101.

[0037] Preferably, the latch 131 is designed to be disengaged from the engaged state, for example through an inlet (see [reference needed]). Figure 1aThe inlet 133 is formed on the wall of the module housing 101a, ..., 130a, ... perpendicular to the serial back side 103. However, the hook can also be designed to be non-removable.

[0038] As an alternative, one or more pins 134 extending from the serial back side 103 are configured to engage with corresponding receiving holes 135 located on the serial front side 104 in a form-fitting and preferably also press-fitting manner.

[0039] If multiple pins 134 and receiving holes 135 are provided, they may have the same or different cross-sections.

[0040] Overall, in particular, the combination of a snap-fit ​​connection including a snap-fit ​​131 and a slot 132 and a clamping connection including a (clamping) pin 134 and a receiving hole 135 enables the adjacent module housing 101 to be reliably locked in the upper modular connector 100.

[0041] The functional profile on the back side 104 can be configured to perform the functions of the connector, and thus, for example, one or more support ribs 136 or other functional profiles can be provided, for example, to prevent misinsertion of the conductor or to support the functional elements of the conductor connector.

[0042] Preferably, one or more of the pins 134 and one or more of the receiving holes 135 are configured to have corresponding non-circular cross sections, such as corresponding polygonal cross sections, so that these elements are also locked in the mating state of adjacent module housings 101 to prevent relative rotation about an axis parallel to the serial connection direction x.

[0043] The following solutions can be adopted: the difference between the module housings 121, 122, 123, and 124 of different structural types lies in, or only in, their different dimensions. In this regard, these module housings (especially those corresponding to different structural dimensions) particularly have serially connected front sides 104 or serially connected back sides 103 of different dimensions.

[0044] The reason for the different sizes may be that the connector module is designed to connect conductors with different cross-sectional ranges, for example, sometimes for connecting conductors with a cross-section of 2 to 4 mm, and sometimes for connecting conductors with a cross-section of 3 to 6 mm. In this case, the components of the connector module may have different sizes, for example, clamping springs of different sizes and module housings 101, 121, 122, 123, and 124 of different sizes.

[0045] When using module housings 101, 121, 122, 123, and 124 of different sizes, preferably, the distances between the mechanical fasteners, i.e., the distances between the hooks or slots 131 and 132 relative to each other and / or the distance between the pin 134 and the receiving hole 135, also differ with respect to the different sizes. Furthermore, the hooks 131 and slots 132 and / or the pin 134 and receiving hole 135 can have different dimensions.

[0046] Therefore, it is not possible to directly mechanically connect or couple module housings 121, 122, 123, and 124 of different sizes in the serial connection direction.

[0047] The problem is solved in a simple way as follows: In order to mechanically connect or couple adjacent module housings 101 (or connector modules) of different structural types, an adapter connector module 130 is provided.

[0048] These adapter connector modules 130 are themselves constructed as connector modules of a (complete) first structural type, preferably having a first (smaller) size, but having a module housing including a serial front side 103 and a serial back side 104, wherein the serial front side and the serial back side are designed to enable serial connection to another connector module of a first structural size toward the first serial side, and to enable serial connection to a second connector module of a different structural type, particularly a different size, toward the other serial side.

[0049] It can be further configured such that, corresponding to different structural types, especially sizes, the mechanical connectors are arranged differently on the front side 103 and the back side 104 of the series connection, and in particular, they have different mutual distances corresponding to different sizes. The mechanical connectors can also be positioned at different heights on the front and back sides of the series connection in the z-direction (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 1a )and Figure 1b )).

[0050] Figure 1a The strip-shaped and modular connector 100 has connector modules 122, 123, and 124 of different sizes, but otherwise have the same structural form. Here, each of these connector modules has an individual connection, which is a push-in connection for connecting the conductor end, and has a pair of contact points 105, which are taken as socket contacts in this case.

[0051] Figure 1a The first connector module 100a, viewed from the left, not only has different dimensions than the other connector modules, but also has more contact points because each of these first connector housings 121 has two push-in connections. Furthermore, these connector housings are divided into two mating surfaces 101a, which are stacked vertically along the z-direction.

[0052] Alternatively, the following approach can be adopted: one of the connector modules 101 has at least one pair of contacts and shielded contacts 105a designed as other pair of contacts. Figure 3 ).

[0053] According to another embodiment, one of the module housings 101 of connector modules 100a, 100b, 100c, ... can form a type of receiving housing 140 for its own complete connector 200, which includes its own housing, conductor connectors, and mating surfaces with paired contact points. Figure 3 This is illustrated by example. The mating surface of the module housing 101, including at least one contact point and conductor connector, remains accessible.

[0054] This allows a separate connector 200, lacking mechanical connections and not capable of being serially connected, to be integrated into a higher-level connector 100. For this purpose, the housing 140 has mechanical connections compatible with the connections of the module housing 101 of at least another connector module of the connector (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0055] The mating surfaces of the module housing 101 can adopt a design that is generally or partially the same, or a design that is partially or completely different. In this regard, it is even possible to construct a hybrid connector that includes module housings 101 that employ at least partially different connection technologies.

[0056] By providing a snap hook connection between connector 100 and mating connector 1, the mechanical connection between connector 100 and mating connector 1 can be optimized.

[0057] For this purpose, a snap-fit ​​hook 150 may be provided, which is designed to be embedded in the receiving profile of one or more module housings (101), wherein the hook 150 can engage on the engagement edge 4, for example on the engagement flange of the mating connector 1 (see...). Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 (a) to (b)).

[0058] Appendix Label Table

[0059] 1. Connector

[0060] 2, 21, 22, 23 Connecting housing

[0061] 2a Dating surface side

[0062] 3 welding pins

[0063] 4. Engaging edges

[0064] 5. Connecting contact points

[0065] 100 connector

[0066] 100a, 100b, 100c, ... Connector modules

[0067] 101 Module Housing

[0068] 101a docking surface side

[0069] 102 socket

[0070] 103 Series connection back side

[0071] 103a cover plate

[0072] 104 Series connection front side

[0073] 104a end plate

[0074] 105 pairs of contact points

[0075] 105a Shielded Contact

[0076] 110 Conductor Connection

[0077] 111 busbar

[0078] 112 Compression Spring

[0079] 113 Lever

[0080] 114 Putter

[0081] Module housings 121, 122, 123, 124

[0082] 130a, 130b, 130c, ... adapter connector modules

[0083] 131 Hook

[0084] 132 Engaging notch / slot

[0085] 133 Entrance

[0086] 134 sales

[0087] 135 Accommodation Hole

[0088] 136 Supporting ribs

[0089] 140 Housing

[0090] 150 hook

[0091] 200 connector

[0092] x Serial direction

[0093] y Insertion direction

[0094] z is perpendicular to the direction of LP

Claims

1. A modular connector (100) with a strip-shaped structure, capable of being inserted with a corresponding mating connector (1), wherein the modular connector has a plurality of connector modules (100a, 100b, 100c) that are serially connected to each other and directly mechanically connected to each other in a strip shape by means of mechanical connectors, each connector module having a module housing (101), at least one mating surface (101a) including at least one pair of contact points (105), and at least one conductor connector (110) and / or a solder connector for connection to a printed circuit board, characterized in that, The modular connector has at least two connector modules (100a, 100b, 100c) with different structural types, and wherein an adapter connector module (130) is provided between the at least two connector modules (100a, 100b, 100c) with different structural types. The adapter connector module (130) is constructed as a complete connector module, which includes a module housing (101), at least one mating surface (101a) including at least one pair of contact points (105), and at least one conductor connector (110) and / or a solder connector for connection to a printed circuit board. The mechanical connector on the serial front side (104) of the module housing (101) of the adapter connector module (130) corresponds to the mechanical connector on the module housing (101) of a first structural type connector module, and the mechanical connector on the serial back side (103) of the module housing (101) of the adapter connector module (130) corresponds to the mechanical connector on the module housing (101) of a second structural type connector module, wherein the mechanical connectors of the first structural type connector module and the mechanical connectors of the second structural type connector module are incompatible.

2. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the connector modules has a front connection side (104) and a back connection side (103), wherein the front connection side (104) and the back connection side (103) of the module housing (101) of the connector modules that are directly connected in series have corresponding mechanical connectors.

3. The modular connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The connector modules (100a, 100b, 100c) and adapter connector module (130) of the modular connector are not held in the retaining frame.

4. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the connector modules that are directly connected in series has one or more hooks (131) in its mechanical connector, and the other connector module has one or more corresponding slots (132) in its mechanical connector.

5. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the connector modules that are directly connected in series has one or more pins (134) in its mechanical connector, and the other connector module has one or more corresponding receiving holes (135) in its mechanical connector.

6. The modular connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pin (134) has a non-circular cross-section, and the receiving hole (135) has a corresponding cross-section.

7. The modular connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pin (134) has a polygonal cross-section, and the receiving hole (135) has a corresponding polygonal cross-section.

8. The modular connector according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between the hooks (131) on the serial back side (103) of the adapter connector module (130) is different from the distance between the slots (132) on the serial front side (104) of the adapter connector module (130).

9. The modular connector according to claim 5, characterized in that, The distance between the pins (134) on the serial back side (103) of the adapter connector module (130) is different from the distance between the receiving holes (135) on the serial front side (104) of the adapter connector module (130).

10. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differences between the module housings (121, 122, 123, 124) of the connector modules of different structural types are at least in that they have different dimensions, and the dimensions of the serial front side (104) of the adapter connector module (130) are different from those of the serial back side (103).

11. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the module housings (101) has a housing (140) for a complete connector (200), the complete connector being provided with its own housing, conductor joints and mating surfaces containing contact points.

12. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the module housings (101) has two or more mating surfaces.

13. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating surfaces of the module housing may have different designs overall or in parts.

14. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A snap hook connection is provided between the modular connector (100) and the mating connector (1).

15. The modular connector according to claim 14, characterized in that, The hook connection includes a hook (150) that can be attached to the modular connector (100), the hook being designed to be embedded in the receiving profile of one or more module housings (101), wherein the hook (150) can engage on the engagement edge (4) of the mating connector (1).

16. The modular connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modular connector can be plugged into a printed circuit board connector.

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