Unlocking element and electrical plug-in connector having the unlocking element

Abstract

The invention relates to a release element for acting on an elastically deflectable or displaceable locking arm of a locking device, having at least one actuating projection which is designed to be touched by a user and which is coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic. The center point of the actuating projection and the longitudinal center axis of the connecting portion of the release element are offset relative to one another radially with respect to the longitudinal center axis. An electrical plug-in connector for producing an electrical plug-in connection with a complementary plug-in connector is provided with a locking device for the complementary plug-in connector, the release element of which has at least one actuating projection which is designed to be touched by a user and which is coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic, and / or the center point of the actuating projection and the longitudinal center axis of the connecting portion of the release element are offset relative to one another radially with reference to the longitudinal center axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an unlocking element for an electrically pluggable connection according to claim 1, and to an electrically pluggable connector for generating an electrically pluggable connection with a complementary pluggable connector according to claim 7, particularly a built-in plug and socket. Background Technology

[0002] Electrically inserted connectors, particularly those with integrated plugs and sockets, for establishing electrical insertion connections with complementary insert connectors typically have a locking device to prevent unintentional release of the insertion connection. Insert connectors have been known for a long time and are described, for example, in EP2783427B1. They have a housing with at least a first insertion opening formed therein, into which the complementary insert connector can be inserted in the direction of the insertion axis. At least one electrical contact element is fixed in the housing, preferably in at least one contact carrier held in or formed by the housing, and more preferably in the contact carrier. Typically, the locking device of the complementary insert connector is also received in the contact carrier.

[0003] Typically, this type of locking device in a built-in plug socket includes at least one locking arm capable of resilient deflection or displacement, each locking arm having at least one first locking structure, particularly a locking protrusion, which, in the fully inserted state of the complementary plug connector, couples to a second complementary locking structure of the complementary plug connector. For this purpose, for example, an opening, undercut, or similar notch may be provided on the plug. To release the locking mechanism, thereby enabling the plug to be pulled out of the built-in plug socket, the user actuates at least one unlocking element and manually displaces it from a blunt position to an active position, preferably parallel to the insertion axis. In this active position, at least one actuating portion engages with the unlocking element, preferably with the actuating protrusion, and retains its locking structure disengaged from the complementary locking structure on the complementary plug.

[0004] For these locking devices used in electrically plug-in connections, the unlocking element, which is designed to act on the locking arm of the locking device and can be elastically deflected or displaced, preferably has a rigid construction. This means that the shape of the unlocking element (e.g., bending, compression, etc.) does not change when used as intended.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device that enables a shallower built-in depth of an electrically plug-in connector and protects the electrical and electronic units and downstream parts or components of the built-in plug and socket, and also accordingly protects the user who must contact the plug and unlocking element from damage or injury. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The above objective is achieved by the apparatus according to the claim.

[0007] The unlocking element according to the invention is characterized in that it has at least one actuating protrusion, which is designed to be touched by a user and coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic.

[0008] This makes it possible to avoid rapid discharge from a person or object carrying static electricity by actuating or simply touching the unlocking element. Therefore, damage caused by electrostatic discharge (especially in microelectronic components and / or integrated circuits) can be prevented.

[0009] An advantageous implementation is characterized in that the unlocking element is entirely coated with or made entirely of electrically insulating plastic. This enables the highest possible level of safety regarding electrostatic discharge.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the unlocking element is an asymmetrical one, wherein the connecting portion extends substantially parallel to the actuation stroke from the actuating protrusion in the direction of the actuation portion, and the center point of the actuating protrusion and the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion are radially offset relative to each other relative to the longitudinal central axis. Typically, the locking device is centrally located at the top of the longitudinal central plane of the built-in plug socket. Due to the lateral offset of the longitudinal central axis of the unlocking element and the center point of the actuating protrusion, the actuating protrusion is detached from the longitudinal center and, as observed in the vertical direction, has a slightly smaller height. As a result, the built-in plug socket as a whole has a smaller vertical structural height, and multiple built-in plug sockets can be mounted vertically to each other in a more densely packed manner. Therefore, even with this asymmetrical shape of the actuating protrusion relative to the longitudinal central axis of the unlocking element, good operability of the unlocking element is maintained.

[0011] An advantageous embodiment of the unlocking element according to the invention is characterized in that the actuating portion is arranged at the outermost rear end of the unlocking element, and no part of the unlocking element protrudes rearward beyond the actuating portion, which thereby forms the rear end face of the unlocking element. This achieves optimal protection for the user and the unit against electrostatic discharge, while also achieving a very short structure.

[0012] To ensure optimal force transmission when the unlocking element is actuated, the actuation protrusion is preferably positioned perpendicular to the connecting portion and / or perpendicular to the actuation stroke.

[0013] Conversely, it could also be an embodiment in which the unlocking element, in the form of a slider, can move along the surface of the housing, in which case the actuation protrusion is positioned parallel to the connecting portion and / or parallel to the actuation stroke.

[0014] In order to achieve the purpose presented in the introduction, in the case of electrically plug-in connectors, especially those with built-in plugs and sockets, in order to establish an electrically plug-in connection with complementary plug-in connectors (especially cable plugs), the unlocking element of the locking device provided is designed according to any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0015] Preferably, the center point of the actuating protrusion is offset by an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably substantially 45°, relative to the central axis, which is vertical in the built-in position. This results in an asymmetrical arrangement of the actuating protrusions, which, while maintaining the same surface area, reduces the overall structural height of the built-in plug and socket, and thus allows for a space-saving arrangement of multiple sockets. It also facilitates unlocking when the plug and socket are placed vertically relative to each other.

[0016] Of course, the aforementioned asymmetric implementation of the unlocking element can also be provided, wherein the longitudinal central axis of the connection portion of the actuating protrusion and the connection portion of the unlocking element is radially offset relative to each other with respect to the longitudinal central axis.

[0017] In this case, the preferred embodiment of the invention is further characterized in that the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion is substantially aligned with the center point of the actuating protrusion, and is offset from the central axis at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably substantially 45°, which is vertical in the built-in position.

[0018] Another embodiment of the invention specifies that the longitudinal central axis of the connecting portion is substantially arranged in the region of the vertical central axis. This allows for the use of a new construction to replace existing devices, even in the case of pre-existing built-in plugs and sockets, and provides the aforementioned advantages.

[0019] To optimize safety in terms of avoiding electrostatic discharge as much as possible, another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the unlocking surface of the locking arm is at least partially coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic, or the entire locking arm is coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic.

[0020] For a compact design with a built-in plug and socket, the locking mechanism of the complementary plug-in connector is preferably received in a recess on the housing and / or on the contact carrier.

[0021] What is particularly advantageous here is that the unlocking element can be installed in the recess of the contact carrier in a manner that is displaced parallel to the insertion axis.

[0022] Another embodiment of the plug-in connector according to the invention provides a second insertion opening for another plug-in connector, arranged on the side opposite to the first insertion opening, and preferably also equipped with a locking device, particularly a locking device as described above. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be achieved even in the case of corresponding coupling for cable extensions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To better understand the present invention, it will be described in more detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, each case is illustrated with highly simplified and schematic diagrams:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a socket with an unlocking element according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Exploded view of the built-in plug and socket;

[0027] Figure 3 It shows along Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the vertical center plane of the socket;

[0028] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the contact carrier and unlocking element of the locking device for a plug and socket;

[0029] Figure 5 A plan view of the unlocking element in the radial direction is shown. Figure 1 The contact carrier and unlocking element of the locking device of the plug and socket;

[0030] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view viewed from the front is shown. Figures 1 to 5 The unlocking element of the implementation method;

[0031] Figure 7 A three-dimensional view viewed from the rear is shown. Figures 1 to 5 The unlocking element of the implementation method;

[0032] Figure 8 Shown in side view Figures 1 to 5 The unlocking element of the implementation method;

[0033] Figure 9 Shown in a view from the rear Figures 1 to 5 The unlocking element of the implementation method;

[0034] Figure 10 A perspective view of another embodiment of the built-in plug socket with a light-emitting ring and an unlocking element according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 11 Shown in a view viewed from the front Figure 11 The socket;

[0036] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 Side view of the socket;

[0037] Figure 13 It shows along Figure 1 The longitudinal section of the vertical center plane of the socket;

[0038] Figure 14 The unlocking element and locking arm according to another embodiment of the invention are shown in a view taken from the front.

[0039] Figure 15 Shown in side view Figure 15 The arrangement of the unlocking elements and locking arms;

[0040] Figure 16 Shown in a view from the rear Figure 15 The arrangement of the unlocking elements and locking arms;

[0041] Figure 17 Shown in a view from above Figure 15 Unlocking element;

[0042] Figure 18 The view shown from the front illustrates another embodiment of the built-in plug and socket;

[0043] Figure 19 Shown from the side view Figure 19 A view of the socket;

[0044] Figure 20 It shows along Figure 19 The longitudinal section of the vertical center plane of the socket;

[0045] Figure 21 It shows Figure 19 A 3D diagram of the socket;

[0046] Figure 22 A side view of a coupler in the form of another exemplary embodiment of an insert connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention, is shown;

[0047] Figure 23 Shown from above Figure 23 A view of the coupler;

[0048] Figure 24 This shows the view from one of the two insertion directions. Figure 23 A view of the coupler;

[0049] Figure 25 Multiple views in various orientations are shown of another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention;

[0050] Figure 26 Multiple views in various orientations are shown of another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention;

[0051] Figure 27 Multiple views in various orientations are shown of another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention;

[0052] Figure 28 Multiple views in various orientations are shown of another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention;

[0053] Figure 29 Multiple views in various orientations are shown of another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention;

[0054] Figure 30 Several views in various orientations are shown of another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention, having an unlocking element according to the invention.

[0055] List of reference numerals

[0056] 1. Housing; 2. Insertion opening; 3. Connecting flange; 4. Recess; 5. Flange plate; 6. Insertion opening; 7. Mounting hole; 8. Contact carrier; 9. Grounding contact; 10. Rear cover; 11. Insertion opening; 12. Contact element; 13. Contact group; 14. Insulator; 15. Housing cover; 16. Locking arm; 17. Unlocking element; 18. Connecting part; 19. Actuating part; 20. Recess; 21. Actuating protrusion; 22. Recess; 23. Locking protrusion; 24. Actuating part; 25. Inclined surface; 26. Straight leg; 27. Bending part; 28. Bending leg; 29. ​​Protrusion; 30. Stop; 31. Stop element; 32. Cutout; 33. Cutout; 34. Front plate; 35. Web plate; 36. Printed circuit board; 37. Mounting part; 38. Mounting hole; 39. Fastening tab; 40. Mounting hole; 41. End plate; 42. Mounting screw; L. Longitudinal center axis; M. Center axis; P. Bending axis; Z. Center point. Detailed Implementation

[0057] First, it should be noted that in different described embodiments, the same parts have the same reference numerals or the same component names, and the disclosure present throughout the description can be similarly applied to the same parts using the same reference numerals or the same component names. The location indicators selected in the description (e.g., top, bottom, side, etc.) refer to the directly described and illustrated figures, and these location indicators can be similarly applied to the new location if there is a change in position.

[0058] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments that are independent of each other, with the same reference numerals or part names used for the same parts. The exemplary embodiments illustrate possible configuration variations; the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated configuration variations, but various combinations of these configuration variations with each other are also possible, and such possibilities of variation are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, based on the teachings of the technical actions provided by the invention. Finally, for good order, it should be noted that, for the purpose of better understanding the structure, elements are sometimes shown out of scale and / or depicted as enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0059] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a built-in plug-in connector (also known as a chassis socket) is illustrated by way of example, which together with a complementary plug-in connector (especially a cable connector) can form an electrical plug-in connection. Figure 1 The built-in plug connector shown according to the invention is designed to couple to a data plug, particularly an RJ45 data plug, and is illustrated in perspective. Of course, the structure according to the invention can also be adapted to other types of built-in plug connectors or couplers. Therefore, the solution according to the invention can also be used for plug connectors according to the XLR standard, for telephone jacks, for fiber optic plugs, for combinations of such systems, etc.

[0060] Figure 1 Electrically inserted connectors in Figure 2 The figure shows a detailed exploded view of all necessary parts or components, including a housing 1 having an insertion opening 2 for a complementary plug connector (not shown). As shown in the figure, the housing 1 may include two concentric housing portions, or alternatively form an annular gap that is an additional annular insertion opening for a socket-like plug extension of the complementary cable plug connector. The annular gap is connected within the housing via an annular bottom 8.

[0061] At the insertion end, on the front side of the housing 1, a protruding connecting flange 3 is provided. This connecting flange 3 preferably projects at a right angle from the housing 1 and preferably over its entire circumference. The connecting flange 3 also has a channel opening or a partially open recess 4 through which a fastening device (typically a fastening screw, rivet, etc.) for the built-in insert connector can be guided to secure the built-in insert connector in the wall G of the unit, in a switch plate, or in a similar element. The central axis of the insertion opening 2 preferably also constitutes the central axis and longitudinal axis of the housing or the insert connector as a whole. Of course, other contour shapes of the connecting flange 3 are also possible, such as a circular contour, a polygonal chain, etc. The channel opening 4 may also be present in all corners of the connecting flange 3.

[0062] In the assembled state of the built-in plug-in connector, the front side of the connecting flange 3 of the housing 1 is positioned opposite the flange plate 5 on the insertion side. This flange plate has an insertion opening 6 for a complementary plug-in connector arranged coaxially with the insertion opening 2 of the housing 1. Furthermore, a mounting hole 7 is machined in the flange plate 5, coaxially positioned with the recess 4 in the connecting flange 3, and designed to guide a fastening device for the plug-in connector through for connection to the unit's wall, switch plate, etc.

[0063] If necessary, a preferred plate-shaped seal (not shown) may be provided, which is directly inserted between the flange plate 5 and the connecting flange 3 of the housing 1 and remains clamped between these components.

[0064] The housing 1 preferably integrally forms the internal contact carrier 8, which is concentric with the central axis M and is in this case made of an electrically insulating material. If desired, the contact carrier 8 can also be formed as a separate insertion portion, which is secured in the housing 1 by any desired retaining device and is made of an electrically insulating material (preferably plastic), and preferably may also have a grounding contact 9. In this case, a housing 1 of metal or other conductive material is also possible. In the illustrated embodiment, a rear cover 10 is present to define an additional insertion opening 11. However, the housing 1 can also be completely closed at the rear.

[0065] However, the contact carrier 8 also receives electrical contact elements 12, which are used to generate a conductive connection to the inserted complementary plug-in connector. These contact elements 12 are, for example, part of a contact assembly 13, which has at least one insulator 14 of electrically insulating material at its central portion, which secures the contact elements 12 and their opposite ends. In the illustrated chassis socket embodiment, the contact elements 12 are guided back through a housing cover 15 at the rear end of the housing 1. However, the contact elements 12 can also be guided through the housing cover 15 to a circuit board, where they are soldered to or soldered onto the circuit board.

[0066] Locking devices 16 and 17 are also positioned in or on the housing 1. At least one locking arm 16 of these locking devices 16 and 17 can also be unlocked again by means of the unlocking element 17. The unlocking element 17 is typically a stamped and bent portion, preferably having a flat or slightly curved center piece as a connection portion 18 between the end and the actuating portion 19. The unlocking element 17 protrudes forward beyond the end of the housing 1 on the insertion side so that the user can easily access and actuate it. At the location where the unlocking element 17 is arranged, it preferably extends from the insertion opening 2 of the housing 1 and also from the insertion opening 6 of the flange plate 5 by means of a radially outwardly oriented recess 20 protruding beyond the front side of the flange plate 5.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the actuating protrusion 21, which can be easily operated manually, is perpendicular to the central axis M of the housing 1 and the longitudinal central axis L of the unlocking element 17, and is transverse to the central axis M of the housing 1 and the longitudinal central axis L of the unlocking element 17 (see in this regard). Figures 4 to 9 The directional axis is curved, and the actuating protrusion 21 is preferably present on the front end of the unlocking element 17 opposite the actuating portion. At least this actuating protrusion 21 of the unlocking element 17 (which is touched by the user during intended use and is sized and shaped for this purpose) is covered with or made of electrically insulating plastic or a similar material. If desired, the unlocking element 17 may also consist primarily of the actuating protrusion 21 and the central portion or connecting portion 18, or may preferably be even entirely covered with or made of electrically insulating plastic. The fact that the actuating protrusion 21 is made of or covered with electrically insulating material prevents rapid discharge by a person or object carrying static electricity actuating or touching the unlocking element 17, and thus prevents damage to microelectronic components or integrated circuits in the plug-in connector or downstream system.

[0068] A preferred embodiment is the unlocking element 17 in which the center point Z of the actuating protrusion 21 and the longitudinal central axis L of the connecting portion 18 are radially offset relative to each other relative to the longitudinal central axis L. The current figures depict the actuating protrusion 21, which is angled away to the right when viewed from the front. However, it is also possible to provide an angle to the other side relative to the vertical longitudinal central plane. For example, the center point Z can be determined as the surface centroid. In cases where it is routinely positioned in the uppermost region of the housing 1, preferably precisely positioned in the longitudinal central plane of the housing 1 or the contact carrier 8, this asymmetrical shape of the front end of the unlocking element 17, which has various profile shapes (circular, annular, elliptical, kidney-shaped, with polygonal chain edges, etc.) and sizes, helps to reduce the overall structural height of the plug connector and thus helps to achieve a space-saving structure. The built-in plug and socket in this configuration can be mounted close to each other or very closely vertically, while still greatly facilitating unlocking, especially when the plug and socket are placed vertically.

[0069] The resilient locking arm 16 has at least one locking structure on its side facing away from the central longitudinal axis M of the housing 1, in the form of two locking protrusions 23. These protrusions 23 are lug-shaped in the side view and curve upwards on the outer edge of the primarily flat locking arm 16. The resilient locking arm 16 is preferably mounted on or within the contact carrier 8, preferably fixed in an elongated recess 22 on the top side. Through these locking protrusions 23, in the inserted state where the complementary plug-in connector is inserted into the insertion opening 2, the locking arm 16, preferably also positioned in the longitudinal central plane of the contact carrier 8, engages in the corresponding complementary locking structure of the plug-in connector.

[0070] To disengage the locking arm 16 from the locking structure of the inserted connector and release it so that it can be pulled out of the insertion opening 2, the unlocking element 17 can be displaced rearward from its blunt position parallel to the longitudinal central axis M of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8 into an active position, such as in the attached figure. Figure 1 or Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, in the blunt position, the unlocking element 17 protrudes forward to the maximum extent beyond the housing 1. For this purpose, the unlocking element 17 is displaceably mounted on the contact carrier 8 or the housing 1, preferably above the locking arm 16 and preferably also in the recess 22 of the contact carrier 8, thereby ensuring optimal guidance of the locking arm 16 and the unlocking element 17 relative to each other.

[0071] When the unlocking element 17 is displaced from the passive position to the active position, the actuating portion 24 on the unlocking element 17 preferably acts on the inclined surface 25 in the form of the unlocking surface of the locking arm 16, bending it toward the central axis M of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8. Thus, the locking protrusion 23 disengages from the locking structure of the inserted plug-in connector, thereby releasing it so that it can be pulled out of the insertion opening 2. Regardless of the shape of the locking arm 16, the inclined surface 25 is preferably located at its end opposite the insertion opening 2. If the user releases the unlocking element 17 again, the resilient or spring-loaded locking arm 16 returns to its initial position, and in the process, the unlocking element 17 is displaced back to its passive position.

[0072] exist Figure 2 In an exemplary embodiment, the locking arm 16, which extends substantially in a straight line along most of its length, may preferably be made of metal. The locking arm 16 is also preferably partially covered, partially composed of, or entirely composed of an electrically insulating material. In this case, an insulating plastic is preferably chosen, which also ensures the necessary elasticity for the locking arm 16. When providing the coating or manufacturing of the portion, it is preferable to correspondingly construct the portion that comes into contact with or is in contact with the unlocking element 17, particularly the inclined surface 25 and at most the adjacent portion.

[0073] exist Figures 2 to 5 In an exemplary embodiment, the locking arm 16 extends from its fastening point near the insertion opening 2 in the front region of the contact carrier 8 toward the rear end of the housing 1. An opposite mounting direction, in which the deflectable end of the locking arm 16 extends toward the insertion opening 2, is also possible. Other shapes of the locking arm 16 are also possible, for example… Figures 14 to 17 The U-shaped locking arm 16 has a straight leg 26 resting on and supported on the contact carrier 8. The curved leg 28 of the locking arm 16 is bent 180 degrees toward the rear and has a locking protrusion 23, which is adjacent to the curved portion 27 and the inclined surface 25 located at the front.

[0074] To achieve a particularly short structure for the electrically insulated unlocking element 17, and thus a particularly short structure for the entire plug and socket, the actuating portion 19 is arranged at the outermost rear end of the unlocking element 17. Figures 6 to 8 As can be seen, no other part of the unlocking element 17 protrudes rearward beyond the actuating portion 19, that is, in the direction of the longitudinal central axis M of the unlocking element 17, in the direction of the longitudinal central axis L of the housing 1, and in the displacement direction from the blunt position to the active position. The rear edge of the actuating portion 19 is formed here, preferably together with its base on the unlocking element 17, the rear end boundary surface or end face of the unlocking element 17.

[0075] exist Figures 6 to 9 As can be seen, the unlocking element 26 preferably has two protrusions 29 projecting laterally away from the substantially flat or slightly curved central portion 18. This type of cross-sectional increase or another type of cross-sectional increase may also be provided only on one side. These protrusions 29 (preferably in the front portion, near the insertion opening 2) or other types of cross-sectional increases interact with at least one corresponding stop 30 or another type of cross-sectional decrease on the housing 1 during the displacement stroke of the unlocking element 17 from its blunt position P to its active position A, which, if desired, may be integrally machined with the housing 1 or mechanically attached to the housing 1 as a separate element. This system of protrusions 29 and stops 30 limits the working stroke of the unlocking element 17 from its blunt position P to its active position A, because further movement in the same direction of movement is prevented by the protrusions 29 of the stop 30. Therefore, this also prevents the actuating portion 19 from displacing further toward the active position A from its position when the unlocking element 17 is in the blunt position P, and then moving through the rear end of the locking arm 16, particularly through the rear boundary of the inclined surface 25. Therefore, the actuating part 19 can be reliably prevented from moving further from the active position of the unlocking element 17 to the rear of the end of the locking arm 16 and thus remain locked in that position in an irreleasible manner.

[0076] The travel between the blunt position and the active position can also be defined by the actuation protrusion 21 abutting against the front wall of the housing 1 from its rear side.

[0077] With Figures 2 to 9The embodiment of the invention shown corresponds to a similar manner to the actuating protrusion 21. The actuating portion 19, coated with an electrically insulating material (preferably plastic) or made of an electrically insulating material (preferably plastic), is formed by at least one tongue that bends about a bending axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal central axis L of the unlocking element 17 or the longitudinal central axis M of the housing 1. This bending axis is preferably coaxial in the plane of the unlocking element 17 with the longitudinal axis L passing through the flat or slightly curved connecting portion 18 of the unlocking element 17. The actuating portion 19 preferably has a bevel on its rear side. Due to its open shape, the rear end of the unlocking element 17 is also easily formed, as mechanical or manual expenditure for separating parts that are already jammed together in the manufacturing assembly hopper can be avoided. When the actuating portion 19 bends about the longitudinal axis of the unlocking element 17 (i.e., parallel to the direction of relative displacement between the unlocking element 17 and the locking arm 16), the deviation of the bending angle also has only a slight effect on the radial dimension of the actuating portion 19. This also applies to the case where the entire unlocking element 17 is produced from preferably electrically insulating plastic in the case of casting or injection molding. Therefore, even with relatively large variations in the bending angle during manufacturing, it is always ensured that the deflection of the locking arm 16 of the plug-in connection is always sufficient to unlock, resulting in reproducible functional reliability and operational quality.

[0078] The inclined surface 25 on the locking arm 16 is preferably arranged in its rear portion so as to keep the component relatively short while still providing sufficient leverage to displace the unlocking element 17 from the passive position to the active position without requiring excessive force. Therefore, it is also advantageous for any part of the locking arm 16 not to protrude rearward beyond the unlocking surface. Here, it is particularly advantageous for the short structure of the insert connector housing 1 in the insertion direction that, even when the unlocking element is maximally displaced to its active position, no part of the unlocking element 17 protrudes beyond the effective inclined surface 25.

[0079] Instead of having the inclined surfaces on the unlocking element 17 and the locking arm 16 interact, it is also feasible for only one of these components to have such an inclined surface, and for the other of the two components to have a protrusion that interacts with the inclined surface. It is also feasible to have a separate, resettable resilient element that loads the locking arm 16 into the locked position, and / or to have another resettable resilient element that pushes the unlocking element 17 back to the blunt position when the user releases the resilient element. Instead of the resettable resilient design of the locking arm 16, it may also be pivotally mounted on the contact carrier 8 and loaded by a separate spring element into its position engaging in the locking structure of the complementary insert connector already inserted into the housing 1.

[0080] exist Figure 3As can be clearly seen, the housing 1 of the plug-in connector, in the form of a plug-and-receptacle or chassis socket, has an internal length to a rear cover 15, which coincides with the rear end of a locking arm 16, or with the rear end of an unlocking element 17 in its maximum active position, in which the housing 1 is displaced rearward to its maximum extent. This allows for the production of a substantially small housing 1 and thus a plug-and-receptacle with a very small installation depth in the insertion direction. This is particularly applicable to the figures shown. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment shown by way of example has an insertion opening 11 on the rear side of the housing 1, in which the insertion axis N is oriented transversely to the longitudinal central axis M of the housing 1 or transversely to the insertion axis of the first insertion opening 2.

[0081] In its blunt position, the unlocking element 17 preferably prevents further forward displacement in the direction of the insertion opening 2 by means of a stop element 31 that interacts with the contact carrier 8 and / or with the housing 1. This stop element 31 is preferably a stamped part extending in the longitudinal direction of the unlocking element 17 and curving upwards at its front (i.e., near the insertion opening 2) out of plane to the central portion of the unlocking element 17. A cutout 32 is provided between the stop element 31 and the flat or slightly curved central connecting portion 18 of the unlocking element 17.

[0082] Similarly, according to an advantageous embodiment of the unlocking element 17, an additional cutout 33 may be provided between the flat or slightly curved central connecting portion 18 of the unlocking element 17 and the actuating portion 19. However, both the actuating portion 19 and the stopping element 31 can also be machined from the unlocking element 17 without cutouts, for example by die-cutting. Figures 13 to 17 As shown in the exemplary embodiment, both the actuating portion 19 and the stopping element 31 can be in the form of raised portions integrally formed at the end of the connecting portion 18 or on the top side of the connecting portion 18. Furthermore, these structures 19 and 31 can also be separately manufactured components, connected to the unlocking element 17 in any desired manner to suit the requirements.

[0083] exist Figures 10 to 13 Another advantageous embodiment of the built-in plug connector according to the invention is shown in the figure.

[0084] An electrically insulated contact carrier 8 is inserted into a housing 1 having an insertion opening 2 for a complementary cable plug connector. A contact element 17, fixed in the contact carrier 8, protrudes into the insertion opening and is led out from the rear side of the housing 1. In this respect, the contact carrier 8 can still be a component or part of the housing 1 (in which case, the component or part is also made of electrically insulating material), but it can also be configured as a separate component and inserted into and fixed in a corresponding receiving portion within the housing 1. In the latter type of construction, the housing 1 is typically made of metal, and only the contact carrier 8 is made of insulating material (preferably plastic).

[0085] The front plate 34 is arranged on the front side of the housing 1, and is surrounded by the details of the unit wall W. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The switchboard and other components are concealed and surround the front of the contact carrier 8. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The front plate 34, which can be better seen in the middle, preferably has a web 35 around the circumference, which protrudes forward and extends along at least a portion (preferably most of) the circumference of the insertion opening 2, and in the process forms the front end and outer boundary of the insertion opening 2. Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 Finally, a printed circuit board or circuit board 36 (arranged horizontally here) is also shown. As an example, a built-in plug-in connector can also be present in the printed circuit board construction.

[0086] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the front panel 34 is made of a light-scattering or light-conducting material, into which light from an external light source can be coupled via at least one coupling input surface. Since this embodiment is intended to be integrated from the rear into a unit, switch cabinet, switchboard, etc., at least the housing 1 has a circumferential mounting portion 37, preferably with mounting holes machined in the mounting portion 37 to secure the device to the wall W of the unit or the switchboard, etc. Preferably, similar to the mounting holes 38 present in the wall W, coaxial mounting holes are also preferably present on the front panel 34 at positions corresponding to the mounting portion 37.

[0087] The light source for coupling light to the front panel 34 via the coupling input surface is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board or circuit board 36. The actual lighting device, preferably an LED or OLED, is preferably arranged directly adjacent to the coupling input surface. Control of the light source and the power supply to the light source (both achieved by cables or conductive traces on the circuit board 36) are kept potential-separated from the contact 17. For built-in plug-in connectors without circuit board 36, other types of light source arrangements are also possible, such as a “dangling” arrangement of a wired light source (preferably an LED or OLED). The light source is preferably designed or can be actuated to emit at least two different colors of light; for this purpose, multiple lighting devices of different colors can be used, for example. If desired, the control of the light source can be coupled to a switch for setting different states of the built-in plug-in connector device and configured such that different states are indicated by emitting different colors of light, for example, for visual recognition or optical display of connection status or characterization of various diagnostic messages.

[0088] To combine Figures 1 to 9 The same manner described can also be applied to embodiments of the built-in plug-in connector according to the invention, where a front panel 34 is provided to be equipped with locking devices 16, 17 for the complementary plug-in connector (preferably a cable plug), thereby preventing it from being accidentally pulled out, and thus also preventing the release of the plug-in connection. In this case, the unlocking element 17 protrudes through the front panel 34 and the wall W, switch plate, etc. of the unit, and is therefore accessible to the user. Regarding the function and attachment of the locking devices, refer to the relevant... Figures 1 to 9 The corresponding implementation method.

[0089] In any case, it is still preferred to be Figures 4 to 7 and Figure 9 In the specific embodiment of the unlocking element 17 shown, the center point Z of the actuating protrusion 21 and the longitudinal central axis L of the connecting portion 18 are radially offset relative to each other relative to the longitudinal central axis L. Therefore, for the embodiment according to Figures 10 to 13 In the implementation of the built-in plug-in connector, even with the locking devices 16 and 17 in the uppermost region of the housing 1 in their usual positioning, the overall structural height of the plug-in connector can be reduced, thereby achieving a space-saving structure.

[0090] exist Figures 18 to 21This illustration shows another embodiment of a built-in plug connector with asymmetrical actuation protrusions 21 having locking devices 16, 17 and unlocking elements 17 designed according to the invention. The embodiment discussed here is an XLR chassis socket having a housing 1 and contact carriers 8 formed or inserted into the housing 1, having five contact elements 17. For the purpose of securing the built-in plug connector to a unit, switchboard, etc., the housing 1, presented here as an example in another embodiment not shown previously, has at least two diametrically opposed fastening protrusions 39 with mounting holes 40, for the purpose of securing the built-in plug connector to a unit, switchboard, etc.

[0091] To combine Figures 1 to 9 The same method described Figures 18 to 21 The built-in plug-in connector is also equipped with locking devices 16, 17, which are preferably received in the contact carrier 8 of the XLR system designed here for complementary plug-in connectors. Here, again, its unlocking element 17 protrudes beyond the front face of the housing 1 and the contact carrier 8, thus making it easily accessible to the user when they wish to release the lock of the plug-in connection. For details regarding the function and attachment of the locking devices, refer to the relevant... Figures 1 to 9 The corresponding implementation is as follows. In this implementation, in order to achieve a small vertical installation height, the unlocking element 17 is also equipped with an actuation protrusion 21, wherein the center point Z of the actuation protrusion 21 and the longitudinal central axis L of the connecting portion 18 are radially offset relative to each other relative to the longitudinal central axis L.

[0092] To demonstrate that the present invention is not limited to built-in insert connectors, as another exemplary embodiment of the insert connector, Figures 22 to 24 A diagram shows two similar plug-in connectors, preferably for coupling cable plugs. The cubic (or cylindrical if desired) housing 1 has two insertion openings 2, preferably for the cable plugs, formed on opposite end faces of the housing 1. At least one (preferably both) of these plug sockets on the end faces of the housing 1 is provided with a mating... Figures 1 to 9 The locking device described.

[0093] exist Figure 24 As can be seen, the end plate 41 surrounding the contact carrier 8 (here for the RJ45 contact 17) is secured by mounting screws 42, and thus also secures the contact carrier 8 within the housing 1. Since this component no longer protrudes beyond the cross-section of the housing 1 due to the new positioning of the actuating protrusion 21 offset relative to the longitudinal center plane, the risk of cables or users getting caught on it and potentially being dragged along the coupler, damaging the coupler, or causing other damage is significantly reduced.

[0094] When the unlocking element 17 (preferably also the locking arm 16) is designed to have a short structure as described in the introduction, the overall length of the coupling element can also be reduced accordingly, and as a whole, a significant reduction in the installation size in all dimensions can be achieved.

[0095] Other Figures 25 to 30 Another embodiment of the built-in insertion connector according to the invention is shown, which has a different housing 1 construction, various contact carriers 8 for different plug shapes, and an unlocking element 17 designed according to the invention, which has an asymmetrical shape and a positioning actuating protrusion 21.

Claims

1. An electrically inserted connector for forming an electrically inserted connection with a complementary insert connector, the electrically inserted connector having a housing (1) in which a first insertion opening (2) is formed, the complementary insert connector being insertable into the first insertion opening (2) in the direction of an insertion axis, having at least one contact carrier (8), having at least one electrical contact element (12) held in the contact carrier (8), and having a locking device for the complementary insert connector, the locking device comprising: At least one locking arm (16) capable of elastic deflection or displacement, each locking arm having at least one first locking structure, wherein in the fully inserted state of the complementary plug connector, the first locking structure is coupled to a second complementary locking structure of the complementary plug connector; At least one rigidly constructed unlocking element (17) is manually displaced from a blunt position to an active position along a linear actuation stroke and includes an actuation protrusion (21) designed to be contacted by a user; at least one actuation portion (19) on the unlocking element (17), in the active position, the actuation portion (19) engages with the locking arm (16) and holds its first locking structure disengaged from the complementary locking structure; And at least one unlocking surface (25) on the locking arm (16), wherein, in the active position, the actuating portion (19) engages on the unlocking surface (25), characterized in that the actuating protrusion (21) is coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic, and the connecting portion (18) extends from the actuating protrusion (21) substantially parallel to the actuation stroke of the unlocking element (17) along the direction of the actuating portion (19), wherein the longitudinal central axis (L) of the connecting portion (18) is located in the region of the vertical longitudinal central plane of the plug connector, and the center point (Z) of the actuating protrusion (21) and the longitudinal central axis (L) of the connecting portion (18) are radially offset to one side relative to the longitudinal central axis (L).

2. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vertical longitudinal center plane includes the longitudinal center axis (L) and the center axis of the first insertion opening (2).

3. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The unlocking surface (25) of the locking arm (16) is at least partially coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic, or the entire locking arm (16) is coated with or made of electrically insulating plastic.

4. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The locking device for the complementary plug connector is received in a recess in the housing (1) and / or in the contact carrier (8).

5. The insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The unlocking element (17) can be displaced parallel to the insertion axis and installed in the recess (22) of the contact carrier (8).

6. The insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A second insertion opening (11) for another insert connector is arranged on the side opposite to the first insertion opening (2) and is also equipped with the locking device.

7. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The unlocking element (17) is completely coated with electrically insulating plastic or is made entirely of electrically insulating plastic.

8. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuating portion (19) is disposed at the outermost rear end of the unlocking element (17), and no part of the unlocking element (17) protrudes rearward beyond the actuating portion (19), thereby forming the rear end face of the unlocking element (17).

9. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuation protrusion (21) is perpendicular to the connecting portion (18) and / or perpendicular to the actuation stroke alignment.

10. The electrical insertion connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The actuation protrusion (21) is parallel to the connection portion (18) and / or parallel to the actuation stroke alignment.

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