Pre-assembled plug assembly for a plug extending through a wall

Abstract

The invention relates to a preassembled plug assembly (1) for an electrical plug (3) extending through a wall (70). The plug assembly (1) comprises: a first housing part (2) having at least one contact cavity (4), the at least one contact cavity being configured to receive an electrical contact (6); a second housing part (8) having at least one receiving portion (10), the first housing part (2) being at least partially received in the receiving portion; and a base plate (12) for fastening the plug assembly (1) to the wall (70), wherein the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (8) are fastened on different sides of the base plate (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug assembly for an electrical plug extending through a wall. Background Art

[0002] Electrical plugs are used in a wide range of applications, from low-voltage to high-voltage, to connect electrical components. In many applications, the two sides of the plug need to be placed on different sides of a wall, such as a unit housing. Consequently, these applications require multi-component plugs, with the individual components installed and assembled on the wall by the customer. However, the problem here is that the plugs are assembled solely by the customer. This means that the manufacturer cannot perform a final quality check. If a defect occurs, it is impossible to determine whether it occurred during the manufacturing process or was a result of the customer's assembly.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a plug assembly which allows a final quality control on the manufacturer's side. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a preassembled plug assembly for an electrical plug extending through a wall. The preassembled plug assembly includes a first housing component having at least one contact cavity configured to receive an electrical contact, and a second housing component having at least one receptacle in which the first housing component is at least partially received. The preassembled plug assembly according to the present invention also includes a base plate for fastening the plug assembly to the wall, wherein the plug assembly is preassembled by fastening the first and second housing components to different sides of the base plate.

[0005] The present invention is advantageous because the use of a base plate allows the plug assembly to be preassembled by the manufacturer. The base plate simulates a portion of the wall to which the customer will fasten the plug assembly. Therefore, the manufacturer can assemble the first and second housing components together with the base plate. This allows the manufacturer to perform a final quality check. Furthermore, the customer's assembly workload is reduced; they only need to fasten the base plate to the wall. This eliminates the need to assemble housing components, which reduces errors.

[0006] In the following, further exemplary embodiments are described which can be combined with one another independently of one another as required and are each preferred when considered individually.

[0007] Thus, the base plate can protrude laterally beyond the first and second housing components. In particular, the base plate can protrude laterally beyond the first and second housing components on either side substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, with the base plate being disposed between the first and second housing components. Thus, the base plate can form a circumferential, laterally protruding collar of the plug assembly, further simplifying the process of fastening the plug assembly to the wall.

[0008] "Preassembled" in the meaning of the present application means in particular that the plug assembly has been assembled before being fastened to the wall. Thus, the plug assembly can be provided and sold in a preassembled state as a single module, wherein the customer can fasten the plug assembly to the wall.

[0009] Preferably, the base plate may be provided with a window, wherein at least one contact cavity protrudes at least partially through the window. Thus, the at least one contact cavity may protrude through the window into the receptacle of the second housing component. Preferably, the window may be configured such that the contact cavity protruding through the window is supported by a frame of the base plate defining the window. Thus, the frame may at least partially prevent lateral movement of the contact cavity, i.e., movement substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis relative to the base plate.

[0010] The frame of the window may preferably completely surround the at least one contact cavity, such that relative movement of the at least one contact cavity with respect to the substrate is prevented on all sides substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0011] In an exemplary configuration, multiple contact cavities may be provided, wherein the multiple contact cavities protrude through the base plate. The multiple contact cavities may protrude through a common window. However, preferably, the base plate may have multiple windows, in particular individual windows, each window having one of the multiple contact cavities protruding through the window. Thus, each contact cavity may be individually enclosed and stabilized by the frame of the corresponding window.

[0012] According to a preferred configuration, the substrate can be formed from a conductive material. For example, the substrate can be a metal plate. Thus, the substrate can not only be used for assembly on a wall but also serve as a shield contact. For example, the wall can also be conductive. In this configuration, the substrate acts as an intermediate member between the shield of the mating plug and the wall. Therefore, the substrate can help improve the EMC properties of the plug assembly and / or plug system.

[0013] According to another preferred configuration, the plug assembly may include at least one shielding member surrounding the at least one contact cavity. For example, the at least one shielding member may be a sleeve placed on a wall surrounding the at least one contact cavity.

[0014] If the connector assembly includes two or more contact cavities, a single shield may be provided for each contact cavity.

[0015] The at least one shield element preferably abuts the substrate. If the substrate is electrically conductive, shield contact can be established between the at least one shield element and the wall via the substrate. To improve contact between the at least one shield element and the substrate, it is particularly preferred that at least one contact cavity is surrounded by a single window, so that the corresponding shield element can be contacted by the substrate along its circumference.

[0016] In particular, the at least one shielding element may include a contact lug protruding substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, with the at least one shielding element abutting the flat side of the substrate via the contact lug. The at least one shielding element may protrude through the window, with the contact lug acting as a stop to prevent the at least one shielding element from sliding past the window. Preferably, the at least one shielding element may be at least partially clamped between the substrate and the first or second housing component. For example, the contact lug may be clamped between the housing component and the flat side of the substrate, thereby securing the at least one shielding element. If the substrate is made of an electrically conductive material, a secure and constant electrical contact between the at least one shielding element and the substrate may be achieved.

[0017] In order to increase the stability of the preassembled plug assembly, it is particularly advantageous if the first housing part and the second housing part adjoin the base plate in a planar manner. For example, the first housing part may have a first flange and the second housing part may have a second flange, wherein the base plate is arranged between the first flange and the second flange, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] Preferably, the first flange may at least partially abut the substrate by means of a first flange surface, and the second flange may at least partially abut the substrate by means of a second flange surface.Here, the first flange surface and the second flange surface may be arranged opposite each other relative to the substrate.

[0019] To facilitate assembly of the housing components to the base plate, it is particularly preferred that the first and second housing components (particularly the first and second flanges) are fastened to each other by at least one fastening element protruding through the base plate. The base plate can thus be clamped between the housing components, particularly between the first and second flanges. The base plate may be pierced by a fastening opening for passage of the at least one fastening element.

[0020] According to an exemplary configuration, the first flange and the second flange can be screwed together. In this case, in a preferred configuration, the first flange or the second flange can be provided with a screw-in opening that is closed on one side. Therefore, the screw-in opening does not penetrate the corresponding flange. This prevents particles or liquids from entering the screw-in opening. It is particularly preferred that, when the plug assembly is mounted on a wall, the flange of the housing component that is accessible from the outside has a closed screw-in opening. Thus, a screw can be inserted through the housing component that is not accessible from the outside and screwed into the closed screw-in opening of the other housing component. This configuration prevents liquids from entering from the outside through the screw-in opening, and no additional seal is required between the screw and the screw-in opening.

[0021] For example, the screw-in opening can be a threaded hole. Alternatively, for example, the fastening device can be a self-tapping screw. Thus, the screw-in opening can be formed by screwing the screw into a solid material or into a pilot hole.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the first or second flange can be provided with at least one positioning journal protruding through the base plate, which is at least partially received in a positioning opening of the other flange. With the aid of the positioning journal, the positioning of the first housing part relative to the second housing part can be predetermined, which further facilitates subsequent fastening, for example, using fastening means.

[0023] To prevent liquid from entering the walled interior through the plug assembly, a seal may be placed between the housing component and the base plate. For example, if the second housing component is externally accessible, a seal may be placed between the second housing component and the base plate. The seal may be configured, for example, as a sealing ring that rests against the flange surface and is pressed against the base plate. To position the seal, the flange surface may have a groove that receives the seal. In particular, the groove may be circumferentially configured to prevent liquid from entering from all sides, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] For example, the seal can be configured as a separate sealing ring or can also be injected.

[0025] The base plate may be provided with an assembly opening for fastening the preassembled plug assembly to a wall. This allows the base plate to be screwed to the wall, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the base plate may be configured to be fastened to the wall by a material bond, for example by gluing or welding.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a housing having a wall pierced by an opening extending from the housing interior to the housing exterior, and a preassembled plug assembly according to one of the aforementioned examples. In this case, the first housing part or the second housing part, in particular its flange, can be arranged in the housing interior, and the other housing part, in particular its flange, can be arranged in the housing exterior.

[0027] Preferably, the base plate can protrude laterally beyond the opening so that the base plate can abut and be fastened to the outside or inside of the wall. In this case, the base plate covers the opening. If liquid is to be prevented from entering the interior of the housing through the opening, a seal can be provided between the base plate and the wall.

[0028] The invention also relates to a device comprising a wall to which a base plate of a plug assembly according to one of the preceding embodiments is fastened. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which elements corresponding to each other in structure and / or function are given the same reference numerals.

[0030] The combinations of features shown and described in the various embodiments are for illustrative purposes only. Based on the above description, if the technical effect of a feature of an embodiment is not important for a particular application, that feature may be omitted. Conversely, based on the above embodiments, if its technical effect is preferred or necessary for a particular application, additional features may be added to the embodiment.

[0031] The present invention is illustrated by the following drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a preassembled plug assembly according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of the plug assembly is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 a schematic perspective view of an exemplary configuration of a base plate of a plug assembly;

[0035] Figure 4 a schematic top view in cross section of another exemplary configuration of a base plate of a plug assembly;

[0036] Figure 5 a schematic side view of a wall-mounted plug assembly; and

[0037] Figure 6 An exploded schematic view of another exemplary configuration of a plug assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] First, by referring to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail for extending through the wall (see Figure 5 ) of a preassembled plug assembly 1 of an electrical plug 3.

[0039] The plug assembly 1 comprises a first housing part 2 having at least one contact cavity 4 configured to receive an electrical contact 6, and a second housing part 8 having at least one receptacle 10 in which the first housing part 2 is at least partially received. Furthermore, the preassembled plug assembly 1 comprises a base plate 12 for fastening the plug assembly 1 to a wall, wherein the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 8 are fastened to different sides of the base plate 12. Thus, the base plate 12 can be arranged between the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 8 along the longitudinal axis L, in particular clamped.

[0040] By using base plate 12, plug assembly 1 can be preassembled by the manufacturer, replacing a portion of the wall to which the customer would secure the housing components. Thus, plug assembly 1 can be preassembled by the manufacturer, allowing the manufacturer to perform a final quality check. Furthermore, a preassembled plug assembly reduces the amount of assembly work required by the customer. The opening through the wall no longer needs to meet specific requirements of the plug assembly, such as those for securing housing components and / or shielding, as these issues are now addressed by base plate 12.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the base plate 12 projects beyond the first housing part 2 and / or the second housing part 8 substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. Figure 1 , the base plate 12 can protrude beyond the first housing part 2 and the second housing part 8 on either side substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L by means of a circumferential collar 14. The collar 14 thus provides a support surface 16 on which the base plate 12 can rest on the wall. Preferably, the base plate 12 can have a planar configuration so that it can rest evenly on the wall.

[0042] The base plate 12 may include a window 18 through which the contact cavity 4 protrudes. In this exemplary configuration, the first housing component 2 is provided with two contact cavities 4, arranged parallel to each other and protruding through a common window 18 in the base plate. Each contact cavity 4 is defined by a cavity wall 20 extending around the corresponding contact cavity 4. In this case, the contact cavity 4 may open substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, making it accessible from both sides along the longitudinal axis L. An electrical contact 6 (e.g., a blade contact 22) may be secured in each contact cavity 4. The blade contact 22 may be provided with an electrically insulating cover 24, which, together with the cavity wall 20, forms contact protection. The shape of the electrical contact 6 may be of any configuration, depending on the application requirements. For example, the contact 6 may be configured to be fastened to a busbar disposed within the housing of the unit. Since the location and orientation of the busbar within the housing are specified by the customer, the electrical contact 6 may have a connecting portion 27 protruding from the contact cavity 4 and having an application-specific configuration. For example, the connecting portion 27 may be curved and have a screw opening for screwing to the busbar.

[0043] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG, the first housing member 2 can include a first flange 26 extending substantially parallel to the substrate 12, with the contact cavity 4 extending away from the first flange substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. Thus, the first flange 26 can project laterally beyond the window 18, i.e., substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, and can form a first flange surface 28 by which the first flange 26 rests on a flat side 30 of the substrate 12.

[0044] The window 18 may be configured such that it comprises a frame that supports the contact cavity 4 at least in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0045] In order to improve the EMC properties of the plug system, at least one shield 32 may be provided for contacting the shield of the mating plug. Thus, in this exemplary configuration, each contact cavity 4 is provided with a shield 32 extending around the cavity wall 20. Thus, the shield 32 forms a sleeve that allows circumferential contact.

[0046] The shield 32 can rest on the first flange surface 28. For this purpose, the shield 32 can be provided with contact lugs 34 that protrude laterally substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. Figure 3 In the figure, the preassembled plug assembly 1 is shown in a schematic perspective view, wherein the first housing part 2 is shown transparently. For the sake of clarity, the electrical contacts 6 have been Figure 3 The contact lugs 34 may be configured such that when the plug assembly 1 is assembled, the contact lugs 34 are clamped between the first flange surface 28 and the flat side 30. Thus, the shield may be fixed without additional fastening means.

[0047] According to a particularly preferred configuration, the substrate 12 can be formed from a conductive material. For example, the substrate 12 can be a metal plate 36 that, in addition to being fastened to the wall, can also serve as a shield contact 37 to improve EMC properties. If the wall is also conductive, the substrate acts as a conductive intermediate member between the shield 32 and the wall.

[0048] As in Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, the shield 32 may have multiple contact lugs 34 distributed along its circumference. If the base plate has a common window 18 for both contact cavities 4, the contact lugs 34 of the shield 34 facing each other do not directly contact the base plate. Therefore, they are not sandwiched between the first flange 26 and the base plate 12. The contact lugs 34 of the shield 34 facing each other may overlap. This configuration of the base plate with a common window 18 for the contact cavities 4 facilitates assembly of the plug assembly.

[0049] If the shielding contact is to be improved, it is particularly preferred that each contact lug 34 contacts the base plate 12. For this purpose, the base plate 12 can optionally have a plurality of individual windows 18, each of which can be inserted into a contact cavity 4. Figure 4 , a cross-section of this exemplary configuration of the substrate 12 is shown in FIG. As can be seen, the windows 18 are each configured to receive a contact cavity 4 and are separated from each other by a web 38. Thus, the contact tabs 34 of the shield 32 facing each other can contact the flat side 30 of the web 38 and be sandwiched between the web 38 and the first flange 26.

[0050] The second housing part 8 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 1. It has a second flange 40 arranged substantially parallel to the base plate 12. The second flange 40 has a second flange surface 42, by which the first flange 40 at least partially rests on a second flat side 44 facing the second flange surface 42. On a side 46 of the second flange 40 facing away from the base plate 12, a housing wall 48 may protrude substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L in a direction away from the base plate 12. The housing wall 46 may extend around the receiving portion 10.

[0051] For a compact plug system, it is useful if the plug system is angled. For this purpose, the housing wall can be provided on at least one side with a recess 50 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. In particular, the wall can surround the window 18 or according to Figure 4 A plurality of windows 18 extend from the case of the substrate 12 .

[0052] The second flange 40 may include at least one fastening opening 52 that is open at least toward the second flange surface 42. In this configuration, four fastening openings 52 are arranged at each corner of the second flange 40, extending through the second flange 40. The substrate 12 may also be penetrated by the fastening openings 54. Thus, a fastening device 56 (such as a screw 58) can be inserted through the fastening openings 52 and fastened to the first flange. Therefore, the first flange may be provided with a screw-in opening 60 into which the screw 58 can be screwed. The screw-in opening 60 may be closed, in particular on the side facing away from the substrate 12, so that no liquid can flow through the screw-in opening 60 into the interior of the housing.

[0053] In another embodiment (not shown), when the plug assembly 1 is fastened to a wall, the housing part accessible from the outside can have a screw-in opening 60 which is closed on the side facing away from the base plate 12. In this way, liquids can be prevented from entering the screw-in opening 60 from the outside, and additional seals for sealing the screw-in opening and the fastening opening can be omitted.

[0054] The first housing part 2 and the second housing part 8 can be fastened together via the fastening means 56 and the screw-in opening 60 , wherein the base plate 12 is clamped between the flanges 26 , 40 .

[0055] For example, the screw-in opening 60 may be a threaded hole. Alternatively, the fastening device 56 may be configured as a self-tapping screw, whereby when screwed into a solid material or a pilot hole, a screw-in opening is formed.

[0056] In order to prevent liquid from entering the housing through the window 18, a seal 62 may be provided between the flange and the base plate 12. In this embodiment, the second housing part 8 is provided to be accessible from the outside. Therefore, the seal 62 is provided between the second flange 42 and the base plate 12.

[0057] To facilitate assembly of the plug assembly 1, one housing component 8 may include a locating journal 64 that projects through the base plate 12 and is received in a corresponding locating opening 66 of the other housing component 2 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). For example, a locating journal 64 may protrude from the flange surface 42 of the corresponding housing component 8 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The locating journal 64 can be used to ensure that the housing components 2, 8 are correctly positioned relative to each other before being fastened together. For example, it can ensure that the screw-in opening and the fastening opening are aligned with each other.

[0058] exist Figure 6 , an assembly 68 comprising plug assembly 1 and wall 70 is shown in a schematic side view. Wall 70 may be, for example, a housing wall of a unit and separates a housing interior 72 from a housing exterior 74. Wall 70 is penetrated by an opening 76 that is larger than first housing component 2 and smaller than base plate 12. This allows base plate 12 to rest on wall 70, with first housing component 2 (particularly first flange 26) arranged in housing interior 74 and second housing component 8 arranged in housing exterior 74. Furthermore, an arrangement 69 is shown with base plate 12 fastened to wall 70.

[0059] The base plate 12 can be fastened to the wall by a material bond. For example, the base plate 12 can be welded or glued. Preferably, the material bond is sealed so that the base plate seals the opening. Alternatively, a seal (e.g., a sealing ring) can be provided between the base plate and the wall around the opening.

[0060] exist Figure 6, another exemplary embodiment of a plug assembly 1 is shown in an exploded view. The plug assembly 1 is configured to couple with two mating plugs 78 . For this purpose, the second housing component 2 is provided with two receptacles 10 having a housing wall 48 , which have recesses 50 on the sides facing away from each other. Two contact cavities 4 of the first housing component 2 are received in each receptacle 10 . Thus, the first housing component is provided with four contact cavities 4 , each of which can accommodate an electrical contact 6 .

[0061] In order to seal the opening 76 , a seal 79 is provided which is arranged between the first planar side 30 of the base plate 12 and the outer surface of the wall 70 .

[0062] According to this exemplary embodiment, the base plate 12 can be fastened to the wall 70 by means of fastening means, such as screws or bolts. For this purpose, a mounting opening 80 is provided in the base plate 12 .

[0063] Reference numerals

[0064] 1 Plug assembly

[0065] 2 First housing component

[0066] 3 electrical plugs

[0067] 4 contact chambers

[0068] 6 electrical contacts

[0069] 8 Second housing component

[0070] 10 Accommodation

[0071] 12 substrate

[0072] 14 Ring

[0073] 16 Support surface

[0074] 18 Window

[0075] 20 cavity wall

[0076] 22 blade contacts

[0077] 24 Cover

[0078] 26 First flange

[0079] 27 Connection part

[0080] 28 First flange surface

[0081] 30 First flat side

[0082] 32 Shielding

[0083] 34 contact lugs

[0084] 36 Metal Plate

[0085] 37 Shield contact

[0086] 38 belly plate

[0087] 40 Second flange

[0088] 42 Second flange surface

[0089] 44 Second flat side

[0090] 46 Side facing away from the direction

[0091] 48 Shell Wall

[0092] 50 recess

[0093] 52 Fastening opening

[0094] 54 Fastening opening

[0095] 56 Fastening devices

[0096] 58 screws

[0097] 60 Screw into opening

[0098] 62 seals

[0099] 64 locating journal

[0100] 66 Positioning opening

[0101] 68 components

[0102] 69 Device

[0103] 70 wall

[0104] 72 Inside the shell

[0105] 74 Shell exterior

[0106] 76 Opening

[0107] 78 mating plug

[0108] 79 seals

[0109] 80 Assembly opening

[0110] L longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A preassembled plug assembly (1) for an electrical plug (3) extending through a wall (70), the preassembled plug assembly comprising: a first housing component (2) having at least one contact cavity (4) configured to receive an electrical contact (6); a second housing part (8) having at least one receiving portion (10) in which the first housing part (2) is at least partially received; as well as a base plate (12) for fastening the plug assembly (1) to the wall (70), wherein the plug assembly is preassembled by fastening the first housing part (2) and the second housing part (8) on different sides of the base plate (12), The plug assembly (1) comprises at least one shield (32) surrounding the at least one contact cavity (4) and at least partially adjacent to the substrate (12), and wherein the at least one shield (32) is at least partially clamped between the substrate (12) and one of the first housing component (2, 8) or the second housing component (8).

2. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The base plate (12) protrudes laterally beyond the first housing component (2) and / or the second housing component (8).

3. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein The base plate (12) is provided with at least one window (18), and wherein the at least one contact cavity (4) protrudes through the at least one window (18).

4. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein: A plurality of contact cavities (4) are provided, wherein the substrate (12) includes a plurality of separate windows (18), and wherein each window (18) has a contact cavity (4) protruding through the window.

5. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The substrate (12) is formed of a conductive material.

6. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first housing component (2) comprises a first flange (26), and the second housing component (8) comprises a second flange (40), and wherein the base plate (12) is arranged between the first flange (26) and the second flange (40).

7. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein The first housing part (2) and the second housing part (8) are fastened to each other by fastening means (56) protruding through the base plate (12).

8. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein The first housing component (2) and the second housing component (8) are screwed together.

9. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The first flange (26) and / or the second flange (40) comprises at least one closed screw-in opening (60).

10. The preassembled plug assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein The first flange (26) and / or the second flange (40) comprises at least one locating journal (64) protruding through the base plate (12), the locating journal (64) being at least partially received in the other flange (26, 40).

11. An assembly (68) comprising: a housing having a wall (70) penetrated by an opening (76) extending from a housing exterior (74) into a housing interior (72); And a preassembled plug assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first housing part (2) or the second housing part (8) is fastened in the housing exterior (74) and the other housing part (2, 8) is fastened in the housing interior (72).

12. The assembly (68) of claim 11, wherein: The base plate (12) is fastened to the wall (70), and wherein a seal (79) is arranged between the base plate (12) and the wall (70).

13. A device (69) having a wall (70) to which a base plate (12) of a plug assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is fastened.

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