Coupling adapter for mechanically fixing electrical plug connectors of different structural types

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection adapter for mechanically fastening electrical plug connector discs of different types of construction close to one another to form a higher-level plug connector arrangement, comprising a housing on which a first fastening means associated with a first type of construction is arranged on a front side of arrangement and installation, and a second fastening means associated with a second type of construction is arranged on a rear side of arrangement and installation, a first fastening means is provided for fastening a first electrical plug connector disc of a first structure type to the connection adapter counter to the arrangement installation direction, and a second fastening means associated with a second structure type is arranged on the housing on the arrangement installation rear side, second fastening means are provided for fastening a second electrical plug connector disc of a second structure type to the connection adapter in the arrangement installation direction. The invention also relates to a plug connector arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection adapter, which is used to mechanically fix electrical plug connector plates of different structural types that can be arranged and installed in an arrangement and installation direction close to each other to form a higher-level plug connector arrangement structure. The present invention also relates to a plug connector arrangement structure, which includes such a connection adapter. Background Art

[0002] In order to connect electrical conductors to electrical structures and / or circuits, in particular to electrical circuit boards, many electrical plug connectors are known, which can be connected to a mating plug connector arranged on a circuit board, in particular can be inserted into the mating plug connector. Depending on the application, the plug connector and the corresponding mating plug connector differ in the number and cross-section of connectable electrical conductors, their dimensions, in particular their (circuit board) grid dimensions, their size, their design and / or their handling. Here, a plurality of such plug connectors are usually arranged side by side. These plug connectors can be manufactured in one piece. They can also be composed of plug connector discs arranged next to each other in the arrangement installation direction.

[0003] In the case of complex electrical devices, plug connectors of different designs may be required for the device in order to provide all necessary electrical functions (voltage supply, signal transmission, communication). Due to the usually small available installation space and / or the need for clarity of the electrical device, it may be advantageous to place the plug connectors of different designs as close to one another as possible. As a result, the plug connectors can be accessible to the installer, in particular from the same installation or maintenance side. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective and rapidly installable possibility for attaching plug connectors of different designs to an electrical device in a clear, quick and space-saving manner, in particular close to one another and / or on the same side.

[0005] This object is achieved by means of a coupling adapter having the features of independent claim 1 and a plug connector arrangement having the features of independent claim 15. Advantageous embodiments can be derived from the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the technical solution of claim 1, a connection adapter is provided, which is used to mechanically connect electrical plug connector discs of different structural types that can be arranged in an arrangement and installation direction close to each other to form a higher-level plug connector arrangement structure. The connection adapter has a (insulating material) housing. A fixing device assigned to a first structural type is arranged on the housing on the front side of the arrangement and installation, and the fixing device assigned to the first structural type is configured to fix a first electrical plug connector disc of the first structural type to the connection adapter against the arrangement and installation direction. In addition, a fixing device assigned to a second structural type is arranged on the rear side of the arrangement and installation of the housing, and the fixing device assigned to the second structural type is configured to fix a second electrical plug connector disc of the second structural type to the connection adapter along the arrangement and installation direction. This constructs a first adapter part for adapting to the first plug connector disc on the front side of the arrangement and installation of the housing, and a second adapter part for adapting to the second plug connector disc on the rear side of the arrangement and installation of the housing.

[0007] By mounting a first electrical plug connector disc of a first design type on a coupling adapter, in particular on a first adapter part, in an alignment direction opposite to the alignment direction, and mounting a second electrical plug connector disc of a second design type on a coupling adapter, in particular on a second adapter part, in an alignment direction, a plug connector arrangement can be provided very simply and quickly, in which the adapted plug connector discs are arranged clearly, space-savingly and close to each other. Since the adapted plug connector discs are mechanically connected to each other via the coupling adapter, they can be actuated together. The fixing means ensures a reliable mechanical connection of the plug connector disc to the coupling adapter, which does not automatically come loose even in demanding environments, such as under strong vibration loads.

[0008] According to a preferred design, the fixing means may include positioning and clamping means, such as corresponding pins and recesses, and / or corresponding latching means. In principle, the first plug connector disc and the second plug connector disc can be fixed to the connection adapter against the arrangement and along the arrangement direction by a complex movement process, in which the corresponding plug connector disc is adjusted, in particular moved and / or rotated, in different spatial directions relative to the connection adapter. However, it is preferred that the fixing of the corresponding plug connector disc is carried out by moving the plug connector disc either in the arrangement direction or against the arrangement direction, i.e. plugging it onto the connection adapter.

[0009] The coupling adapter is preferably disc-shaped. Particularly preferably, the coupling adapter has a housing with a rear wall extending in a top-shaped manner on the rear side of the arrangement installation, and a narrow wall is adjacent to the edge of the rear wall. The narrow wall is preferably arranged directly at the edge of the rear wall. The narrow wall preferably extends at an angle relative to the rear wall. Preferably, the narrow wall extends at least partially or mainly transversely to the rear wall. In a preferred embodiment, the narrow wall is basically closed circumferentially. Here, the expression "basically closed circumferentially" also includes a narrow wall having a through opening for guiding a power supply conductor or an electrical component through. The housing of this embodiment is roughly pot-shaped. The rear wall can also be roughly rectangular. It is particularly preferred that the rear wall and the narrow wall limit the internal space. The internal space preferably has an opening at least on the front side of the arrangement installation of the housing. The internal space can be easily accessed from the outside through the opening.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the inner space is provided for receiving at least one electrical component, in particular an electrical member or an electrical structure group. The electrical component can be provided to be operated by means of a battery. However, preferably, the coupling adapter comprises a blind housing part, which is selectively provided for receiving a plug or a socket. The blind housing part forms the plug-in surface of the coupling adapter. It extends from the narrow wall in the insertion direction (the insertion direction extends transversely to the arrangement and installation direction) and has an open end. Thus, the coupling adapter can be inserted into the mating plug-in surface of the mating coupling adapter.

[0011] In a likewise preferred embodiment, the electrical assembly comprises an electrical circuit board. For example, the circuit board can be snapped or snapped or screwed to the housing, in particular snapped or snapped or screwed into the interior. In this embodiment, the electrical assembly can comprise a relatively complex circuit by using minimal electrical components, such as SMD components, which are arranged on the circuit board and electrically connected to one another, which can be arranged in the interior of the coupling adapter.

[0012] The plug received in the blind housing part or the received socket is preferably provided for supplying voltage to the electrical component. For this purpose, it is preferred that the plug or the socket is arranged in the blind housing part while being in electrical contact with the printed circuit board.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the plug or socket may be provided for signal transmission in order to enable the electrical component to communicate with at least one of the adapted first or second plug connector disks. For this purpose, preferably, the plug or socket is provided for establishing an electrically conductive connection between a communication interface of the electrical component and a communication interface of the corresponding plug connector disk. Likewise preferably, the plug or socket may be provided for establishing an electrically conductive connection between a communication interface of the electrical component and a communication interface of a mating coupling adapter that can be coupled to the coupling adapter or of an electrical assembly coupled to the mating coupling adapter.

[0014] In a likewise preferred embodiment, an electrical connection device or a plurality of electrical connection devices for making contact with at least one of the first or second adapted plug connector discs are provided in the housing on the rear side or the front side of the arrangement installation. These electrical connection devices are preferably also provided for supplying voltage to the electrical component and / or for communicating the electrical component with the adapted plug connector disc. They then establish an electrically conductive connection between the electrical component and the corresponding plug connector disc. The electrical connection device and / or the electrical component can also directly connect the first electrical plug connector disc and the second electrical plug connector disc to each other in an electrically conductive manner.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment provides that the electrical component is designed to identify the type of construction of at least one of the first or second adapted electrical plug connector disks. Additionally or alternatively, at least one display device may be provided in or on the housing, for example a display device for displaying the state of at least one of the first or second adapted electrical plug connector disks. Preferably, the display device is a light emitting device, for example an LED. However, other display devices, such as a 7-segment display or a display, are also preferred.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the coupling adapter has a locking device, which is provided for locking the coupling adapter to the mating coupling adapter. The locking device is preferably arranged in the interior space. The locking device can be received in the interior space as an alternative or in addition to the electrical component. The locking device ensures a reliable mechanical locking of the coupling adapter to the mating coupling adapter. As a result, they will not automatically detach from each other even in demanding environments, especially in environments with strong vibration loads.

[0017] The locking device is preferably configured as a lever for this purpose, which can be reversibly adjusted from a latching position to a disengaged position. Preferably, the lever can be adjusted by moving and / or pivoting from the latching position to the disengaged position. A latching hook is preferably arranged at the lever. In the latching position, the latching hook can interact with the mating latching hook of the mating coupling adapter in a latching manner. For this purpose, it is preferred that the lever completely passes through the inner space of the coupling adapter along the insertion direction. Preferably, the latching hook extends from the inner space so that the latching hook can be inserted into the mating coupling adapter along the insertion direction. In this embodiment, the latching hook passes through the first through-opening in the narrow wall. In addition, it is preferred that an operating device for (manually) operating the lever is provided at the lever. The operating device is also preferably extended from the housing so that the operating device can be touched from the outside. In this embodiment, the lever also passes through a second through-opening in the narrow wall, which can be arranged opposite to the first through-opening.

[0018] The object is also achieved with the aid of a mating coupling adapter, which is provided for mechanically fixing electrical mating plug connector plates of different design types close to each other to form a higher-level mating plug connector arrangement. The mating coupling adapter is preferably designed correspondingly to the coupling adapter, so that the coupling adapter and the mating coupling adapter can be plugged into each other, can be locked to each other and / or can be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the mating coupling adapter can have the same features as the coupling adapter and can be handled in a similar manner.

[0019] The object is also achieved by means of a plug connector arrangement, which comprises at least one first plug connector disk of a first design type and / or at least one second plug connector disk of a second design type and a coupling adapter, wherein the first plug connector disk is fixed to the coupling adapter on the front side of the coupling adapter for mounting and / or the second plug connector disk is fixed to the coupling adapter on the rear side of the coupling adapter for mounting. In this case, the first plug connector disk is arranged on the coupling adapter opposite to the mounting direction and the second plug connector disk is arranged on the coupling adapter in the mounting direction. On the front side of the coupling adapter for mounting, the coupling adapter forms a first adapter part with fixing means for fixing the first plug connector disk of the first design type, and on the rear side of the coupling adapter for mounting, the coupling adapter forms a second adapter part with fixing means for fixing the second plug connector disk of the second design type. For this purpose, the fixing means of the coupling adapter are designed corresponding to the counter-fixing means of the corresponding plug connector disk.

[0020] Preferably, a corresponding plurality of first plug-in connector disks can be arranged next to one another to form a first plug-in connector, and / or a corresponding plurality of second plug-in connector disks can be arranged next to one another to form a second plug-in connector. For this purpose, the plug-in connector disks each have fixing means for the first or second adapter part on the front side of the arrangement or on the rear side of the arrangement, and corresponding mating fixing means on the respectively opposite side.

[0021] Therefore, preferably, the fixing means of the connection adapter of the plug connector arrangement structure is constructed identically to the first fixing means on the front side of the arrangement and installation and is constructed correspondingly to the first mating fixing means of the first plug connector disk of the first structural type or the first plug connector, and is constructed identically to the second fixing means on the rear side of the arrangement and installation and is constructed correspondingly to the second mating fixing means of the second plug connector disk of the second structural type or the second plug connector.

[0022] Preferably, one or more first and second plug connector disks each have at least one connection clamping portion for electrically connecting the electrical conductor to a corresponding electrical counterpart plug connector disk or a corresponding electrical counterpart plug connector. In a preferred embodiment, the connection clamping portion is configured as a direct connection clamping portion (snap-in type). Other connection forms, such as push-in type, are also conceivable.

[0023] The coupling adapter enables a plug connector disc of a first design type or a plug connector comprising a plurality of plug connector discs of a first design type to be attached simply and quickly to a plug connector disc of a second design type or to a plug connector comprising a plurality of plug connector discs of a second design type. This provides the possibility of arranging complex plug connector arrangements in a space-saving and clear manner in a cost-effective and quickly installable manner.

[0024] The object is likewise achieved with the aid of a mating plug connector arrangement, which comprises at least one first mating plug connector disk of a first design type and / or at least one second mating plug connector disk of a second design type and a mating coupling adapter, wherein the first mating plug connector disk is fastened to the mating coupling adapter on an arranged and mounted front side of the mating coupling adapter and the second mating plug connector disk is fastened to the mating coupling adapter on an arranged and mounted rear side of the mating coupling adapter.

[0025] In a similar manner, the mating coupling adapter enables a mating plug connector disc of a first design type or a mating plug connector comprising a plurality of mating plug connector discs of a first design type to be attached simply and quickly to a mating plug connector disc of a second design type or to a mating plug connector comprising a plurality of mating plug connector discs of a second design type. This provides the possibility of arranging complex mating plug connector arrangements in a space-saving and clear manner in a cost-effective and quickly installable manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present invention is described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. These drawings are only exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the present invention. The accompanying drawings show:

[0027] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A perspective view of a first embodiment of a coupling adapter is shown respectively;

[0028] Figure 2a to Figure 2d The plug connector arrangement with the coupling adapter in FIG. 1 is shown, more precisely Figure 2a An exploded view showing the plug connector arrangement; Figure 2b A perspective view showing the plug connector arrangement; Figure 2c shows a side view of the plug connector arrangement; and Figure 2d Shown through Figure 2c A cross-sectional view of

[0029] Figure 3 Show Figure 2a to Figure 2d A plug connector arrangement structure in which a plug connector is arranged on the connection adapter on the front side of the arrangement installation and on the rear side of the arrangement installation, respectively, and the plug connector includes a plurality of plug connector disks of a structural type;

[0030] Figures 4a to 4c A plug connector arrangement with a coupling adapter of another embodiment is shown, more specifically Figure 4a An exploded view of the plug connector arrangement is shown and Figure 4b to Figure 4c 1. perspective views respectively showing the plug connector arrangement; and

[0031] Figure 5a A plug connector arrangement with another embodiment of a coupling adapter is shown, and Figure 5b to Figure 5c Shown respectively through Figure 5a sectional view of a coupling adapter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] exist Figure 1a and Figure 1b1 and 2 show perspective views of a first embodiment of a coupling adapter 1 . The coupling adapter 1 is provided for mechanically connecting electrical plug connector disks 2 , 3 of different designs close to one another to form a higher-level plug connector arrangement 100 .

[0033] The coupling adapter 1 has a housing 11 made of an insulating material, such as plastic. The housing 11 has a (mounting) front side 88 and a (mounting) rear side 80. On the housing 11, on the mounting front side, fastening means 13, 16 corresponding to the first structural type are arranged, which are provided for attaching a first electrical plug connector disk 2 of the first structural type (see Figure 2a to Figure 2d ) is fixed to the connection adapter 1 against the arrangement and installation direction 93. Therefore, the housing 11 is configured with a first adapter part A12 at its arrangement and installation front side 88 (see Figure 2a ), used to adapt to the first plug connector disc 2.

[0034] Furthermore, fixing means 14, 15, 17 corresponding to the second structural type are arranged on the housing 11 on the rear side of the arrangement, and are provided for fixing the second electrical plug connector disk 3 of the second structural type (see Figure 2a to Figure 2d ) is fixed to the connection adapter 1 along the arrangement and installation direction 93. Therefore, the housing 11 is configured with a second adapter part A13 at its arrangement and installation rear side 80 (see Figure 2a ), used to adapt to the second plug connector disc 3.

[0035] The arrangement mounting rear side 80 and the arrangement mounting front side 88 extend substantially transversely to the arrangement mounting direction 93. The arrangement mounting rear side and the arrangement mounting front side are each arranged parallel to an imaginary plane (not shown) formed by a line (not shown) extending in the conductor insertion direction 92 and by a line (not shown) extending in the extension direction 91. Both the insertion direction 92 and the extension direction 91 extend perpendicularly to the arrangement mounting direction 93 and perpendicularly to each other.

[0036] The first and second plug connector disks 2, 3 have first or second fixing means 26, 27, 33, 34, 37 on their arrangement installation front side or arrangement installation rear side (not indicated) and have counter-fixing means 23, 24, 35 on their opposite arrangement installation rear side or arrangement installation front side, which are designed to correspond to the first or second fixing means 26, 27, 33, 34, 37 in terms of their shape and their size. As a result, such fixing means 26, 27, 33, 34, 37 and such counter-fixing means 23, 24, 35 can be designed to interact with each other. As a result, two or more plug connector disks 2, 3 of the same design type can be mechanically connected along the arrangement installation direction 93 and against the arrangement installation direction (the arrangement installation direction extends perpendicularly to the arrangement installation rear side and / or the arrangement installation front side of the plug connector disks 2, 3), in particular can be inserted into each other and / or can be arranged next to each other. Each of the plug connector disks 2, 3 therefore has an adapter part A2, A3 on the front side of the arrangement or on the rear side of the arrangement (see Figure 2a ) and has a mating adapter part A2', A3' (see Figure 2a ). Thus, any number of identical plug connector discs 2, 3 can be arranged next to one another. Here, the front sides of the arranged plug connector discs 2, 3 are respectively joined to the rear sides of the arranged plug connector discs 2, 3 of the same structural type. Two or more plug connector discs 2, 3 arranged next to one another form a plug connector 20, 30 of a specific structural type, in particular of the first or second structural type (see Figure 3 ).

[0037] The fixing means 13 - 17 , 26 , 27 , 33 , 34 , 37 and / or the mating fixing means 23 , 24 , 35 of the plug-in connector disks 2 , 3 and / or of the coupling adapter 1 can for this purpose comprise positioning and clamping means 14 , 16 , 24 , 34 (e.g. pins and recesses), latching means 13 , 15 , 17 , 23 , 27 , 33 , 35 , 37 (e.g. latching hooks and latching recesses) and / or sliding means.

[0038] In order to mount the first plug connector disc 2 and the second plug connector disc 3 next to each other on the connection adapter 1, the first plug connector disc and the second plug connector disc are pushed onto the connection adapter 1 in the mounting direction 93 or against the mounting direction 93. In this case, the positioning and clamping means configured as pins 14, 24, 34 can be respectively pushed into the (counter) positioning and clamping means configured as recesses 16, wherein they are preferably clamped there. In addition, the latching means configured as latching hooks 17, 23, 35, 37 are respectively pushed into the (counter) latching means or (counter) latching means configured as latching recesses 13, 15, 27, 33, so that they are locked to each other.

[0039] When the first and second plug-in connector disks 2, 3 are mounted on the coupling adapter 1 on both sides, i.e. in the mounting direction 93 and against the mounting direction, the coupling adapter 1 is inserted between the plug-in connector disks 2, 3. The coupling adapter then forms a plug-in connector arrangement 100 together with the disks (see Figure 2a to Figure 2d , Figure 3 ). For this purpose, the connection adapter 1 is designed in a disk-shaped manner. As a result, the distance (not indicated) between the plug connector disks 2 , 3 is small.

[0040] The housing 11 of the coupling adapter 1 has a rear wall 118 extending in a planar manner on the rear side of the arrangement installation (see Figure 1b ), at whose edge 128 the narrow wall 112 adjoins. The narrow wall 112 is arranged here directly at the edge 128 of the rear wall 118 and extends transversely to the rear wall, i.e. at a right angle to the rear wall. Thus, the size of the narrow wall 112 in the arrangement installation direction 93 determines the spacing between the plug connector disks 2, 3 fixed on both sides of the coupling adapter 1. However, an embodiment is also preferred in which the narrow wall 112 extends at least partially at a different angle to the rear wall, for which see Figures 4a to 4c .

[0041] The rear wall 118 and the narrow wall 112 are approximately pot-shaped. The rear wall and the narrow wall delimit the interior space 10. The housing 11 has an opening 110 on the front side of the arrangement, so that the interior space 10 can be easily accessed from the outside.

[0042] The interior space 10 may be provided or may be used to accommodate an electrical component, in particular an electrical component or an electrical assembly.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the inner space may be provided for receiving the locking means 18. Figures 4a to 4c and Figure 5a to Figure 5c is further explained within the context of the description.

[0044] A blind housing part 12 may also be arranged on the housing 11. However, the blind housing part 12 may also be provided optionally for receiving at least one contact, such as a pin or a measuring device or a socket 53. Figures 4a to 4c In particular, the blind housing part 12 forms a plug-in surface of the coupling adapter 1 .

[0045] The blind housing part 12 protrudes from the narrow wall 112 in the conductor insertion direction 92. The blind housing part has an open end 120. As a result, the coupling adapter 1 can be inserted into the mating coupling adapter 1 '(see Figure 5a ) in a corresponding mating plug-in face (not shown).

[0046] Figure 2a to Figure 2d Shown with Figure 1a to Figure 1b The plug connector arrangement 100 of the coupling adapter 1 in FIG. Figure 2a An exploded view showing the plug connector arrangement; Figure 2b A perspective view showing the plug connector arrangement; Figure 2c shows a side view of the plug connector arrangement; and Figure 2d Shown through Figure 2c The plug connector arrangement structure 100 shown comprises: exactly one first plug connector disk 2 of a first structural type, which can be arranged on the arrangement installation front side of the connection adapter 1 (see Figure 2a ) or layout (see Figure 2b to Figure 2d ) at the connection adapter; connection adapter 1; and exactly one second plug connector disk 3 of the second structural type, the second plug connector disk can be arranged on the rear side of the connection adapter 1 (see Figure 2a ) or layout (see Figure 2b to Figure 2d ) at the coupling adapter.

[0047] On the front side of the coupling adapter 1, the housing 11 has a first adapter part A12 with fixing means 13, 16 for fixing a first plug connector disk 2 of a first design type. The first plug connector disk 2 of the first design type has a first mating adapter part A2' which is designed correspondingly to the first adapter part A12 of the coupling adapter 1 and can be plugged onto the first adapter part A12 of the coupling adapter 1. On the first mating adapter part A2' of the first plug connector disk 2, first mating fixing means 23, 24 are arranged correspondingly, i.e. identically with respect to their spatial positioning on the first mating adapter part A2'.

[0048] On the rear side of the coupling adapter 1, the housing 11 has a second adapter part A13 with fixing means 14, 15, 17 for fixing a second plug connector disc 3 of a second design type. The second plug connector disc 3 of the second design type has a second mating adapter part A3' which is designed correspondingly to the second adapter part A13 of the coupling adapter 1 and can be plugged onto the second adapter part A13 of the coupling adapter 1. On the second mating adapter part A3' of the second plug connector disc 3, second mating fixing means 33, 34, 37 are arranged correspondingly, i.e. identically with respect to their spatial positioning on the second mating adapter part A3'.

[0049] exist Figure 2d In the sectional view of FIG. 1 , the respective latching of the plug connector disks 2, 3 of different construction types on the coupling adapter 1 can be seen. The latching hooks 23, 35 of the first and second plug connector disks 2, 3 are latched in the latching recesses 13, 15 of the coupling adapter 1, respectively. The sectional view also shows that the rear wall 83 of the second plug connector disk 3 of the second construction type latched on the coupling adapter 1 closes the opening 110 of the interior space 10.

[0050] The first and second plug connector disks 2, 3 of the first and second structural types are each provided for electrically connecting an electrical conductor (not shown) to an electrical structural group (not shown), in particular an electrical device. For this purpose, they each have an electrical connection clamping portion 5 (see Figures 4a to 4c ), for electrically connecting at least one electrical conductor to the corresponding plug-in connector disks 2, 3.

[0051] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the figure, conductor insertion openings 28, 38 for inserting electrical conductors can be seen in the plug connector disks 2, 3. In addition, Figure 2a to Figure 2c An actuating means 29 , 39 (here a release means) is shown on each of the plug connector disks 2 , 3 , by means of which the electrical connection clamp 5 can be actuated by actuating the lever 391 .

[0052] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2a to Figure 2d The plug connector arrangement structure 100 in the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the connection adapter 1, not only a single plug connector disk 2, 3 of a structural type is arranged and installed on the arrangement installation front side and the arrangement installation rear side, but a plurality of plug connector disks 2, 3 of the same structural type are arranged next to each other to form plug connectors 20, 30.

[0053] In order to arrange a plurality of plug connector disks 2, 3 of the same type next to each other, adapter parts A2, A3 are provided on the side facing away from the mating adapter parts A2', A3' (not indicated), and the adapter parts are configured correspondingly to their mating adapter parts A2', A3'. As a result, plug connector disks 2, 3 of the same structural type can be arranged next to each other in the arrangement installation direction 93 or against the arrangement installation direction to form plug connectors 20, 30. The coupling adapter 1 can be arranged and installed on the plug connectors 20, 30 in the arrangement installation direction 93 or against the arrangement installation direction.

[0054] The plug-in face portions 22, 32 of the first and second plug connectors 20, 30 are visible, which plug-in face portions are connected to the plug or socket 53 (see FIG. Figures 4a to 4c ) and their sizes. Due to the different sizes of the plugs or sockets 53 of the plug-in face portions 22, 32, these plug-in face portions have different (circuit board) grid dimensions.

[0055] Figures 4a to 4c A plug connector arrangement 100 is shown with a coupling adapter 1 according to another embodiment, more specifically Figure 4a An exploded view of the plug connector arrangement is shown and Figure 4b to Figure 4c A perspective view of the plug connector arrangement is shown in each case.

[0056] exist Figure 4a The exploded view of shows the connection clamping parts 5 of the first and second plug connector disks 2 and 3, respectively, at which the electrical conductors can be connected. Here, the electrical connection clamping parts 5 are each configured as direct plug clamping parts. The first plug connector disk 2 of the first structural type has exactly one direct plug clamping part 5 for connecting the electrical conductor, and the second plug connector disk 3 of the second structural type has two direct plug clamping parts 5 for connecting the electrical conductor. In the following, the terms electrical connection clamping part 5 (Anschlussklemme) and direct plug clamping part are used synonymously.

[0057] The direct plug-in clamping part 5 is arranged in each case in an interior or interior part of the plug connector disk 2, 3 designed as a conductor clamping space 201, 301, 302. The direct plug-in clamping part 5 of the second plug connector disk 3 is explained below.

[0058] The direct plug-in clamping part 5 can have a spring clamping part 51 of a roughly V-shaped structure, which has a support leg (not indicated) and a clamping leg (not indicated), wherein the support leg can be supported at a support, here at the housing 31. The clamping leg is provided to clamp the electrical conductor pushed into the conductor clamping space 301 through the conductor introduction opening 38 along the conductor insertion direction 92 at the busbar 52 of the direct plug-in clamping part 5. The busbar 52 is here electrically connected to the socket 53 of the plug surface part 32. The operating device 39 is provided to disconnect the electrical conductor from the direct plug-in clamping part 5. By pushing the operating device 39, that is, pressing it onto the clamping leg, the clamping leg can be pressed away from the busbar 52, thereby releasing the electrical conductor. Then, the electrical conductor can be pulled out of the direct plug-in clamping part 5 against the conductor insertion direction 92. For less force-consuming operation, the lever 391 can also be used to operate the operating device 39.

[0059] The coupling adapter 1 has an inner space 10, which is used here to receive an electrical component. The electrical component is arranged here at an electrical circuit board 4 or can include such a circuit board. The electrical component can be pushed into the inner space 10 through an opening 110. Two sockets 53 are arranged here at the circuit board 4, which are electrically connected to the electrical component and are received in the plug-in surface 12 of the coupling adapter 1 when the electrical component is arranged in the inner space 10. The socket 53 can be provided for supplying voltage to the electrical component. However, the socket can also be selectively / alternatively designed for signal transmission.

[0060] In order to illustrate the interior space 10 with the installed circuit board 4, Figure 4b and Figure 4c The first plug connector disc 2 is not shown. Figure 4b and Figure 4c The circuit board 4 received in the interior space 10 and the socket 53 received in the plug surface 12 of the coupling adapter 1 are shown.

[0061] Figure 5a A plug connector arrangement 100 is shown with a further embodiment of a coupling adapter 1 , which is inserted into a mating plug connector arrangement 100 ′ which is designed correspondingly to the plug connector arrangement 100 . Figure 5b to Figure 5c Shown through Figure 5a sectional view of the coupling adapter 1.

[0062] The mating plug connector arrangement 100' can have a first mating plug connector 20', which includes a plurality (here four) of first mating plug connector disks 2' of a first structural type, which are configured correspondingly to the first plug connector disk 2 of the first structural type or the first plug connector 20 of the plug connector arrangement 100. In addition, the mating plug connector arrangement can also have a second mating plug connector 30', which includes a plurality (here four) of second mating plug connector disks 3' of a second structural type, which can be configured correspondingly to the second plug connector disk 3 of the second structural type or the second plug connector 30 of the plug connector arrangement 100. The first and second mating plug connector disks 2', 3' are arranged next to each other in the arrangement and installation direction 93 to form the first and second mating plug connectors 20', 30', respectively. In addition, the mating plug connector arrangement 100' also has a mating connection adapter 1', which is arranged between the mating plug connectors 20', 30'. The mating connection adapter 1' is constructed corresponding to the connection adapter 1. The mating plug connector arrangement 100' is provided for arrangement at an electrical device circuit board (not shown), in particular at an electrical device (not shown). For this purpose, the mating plug connector disks 2', 3' have corresponding mating sockets or mating plugs (not shown) for each plug or socket 53 of the plug connector disks 2, 3. These can be electrically connected to solder points (not shown) of the electrical device circuit board or electrical conductor tracks (not shown).

[0063] exist Figure 5a In the embodiment, the plug connector arrangement 100 is inserted into the mating plug connector arrangement 100'. The first plug connector 20 and the second plug connector 30 of the plug connector arrangement 100 are connected to the mating plug connector arrangement 100'. Figure 3 The first plug connector and the second plug connector of the plug connector arrangement are identical in structure. However, the connection adapter 1 of the plug connector arrangement 100 is similar to Figure 3 The plug connector arrangements 100 are different.

[0064] exist Figure 5a to Figure 5c The inner space of the connection adapter 1 replaces the circuit board 4 (see Figures 4a to 4c) is provided with a locking device 18. The locking device 18 extends in the conductor insertion direction 92. The locking device completely penetrates the connection adapter 1. At the actuation end 188 and the insertion end 189, the locking device protrudes from the connection adapter 1 beyond the connection adapter. At its actuation end 188, a slot is provided as an actuation device 183, into which a screwdriver (not shown) is provided for actuating the locking device 18. Manual actuation without tools is also possible. At its insertion end 189, a latching hook 180 is provided, which is provided for hooking the latching contour of the counterpart latching device 18' of the counterpart connection adapter 1' from behind.

[0065] Here, the locking device 18 is exemplarily configured as a lever. The lever can be reversibly movable from the locking position R ( Figure 5b The latching position is shown) is pivoted about the pivot support 191 to a disengaged position L ( Figure 5c ) in the disengaged position. Figure 5b In the embodiment, the coupling adapter 1 is inserted into the mating coupling adapter 1'. The latching hooks 180 of the locking means 18 are introduced into the inner space 10' of the mating coupling adapter 1' and hook the mating latching means 18' from behind, so that they are latched to each other. Figure 5c The detachment, ie the pulling apart, of the counter coupling adapter 1 ′ from the coupling adapter 1 is shown.

[0066] When the locking means 18 is pivoted about the pivot bearing 191, the pivot bearing pivots and moves along the pivot and guide contour 181. The locking means 1 furthermore has a guide contour 182, which slides along the guide means 192 when the locking means 1 is pivoted and moved, and which is arranged in the interior space of the coupling adapter 1. Due to this configuration, the locking means 18 automatically locks when the coupling adapter 1 is inserted into the mating coupling adapter 1'. The locking means 18 ensures a reliable mechanical locking of the coupling adapter 1 at the mating coupling adapter 1' or of the plug connector arrangement 100 at the mating plug connector arrangement 100'.

[0067] In addition to the locking means 18 , external electrical components can be accommodated in the interior space 10 of such a coupling adapter 1 .

[0068] Reference numerals list

[0069] 1Connection adapter

[0070] 1' Mating Adapter

[0071] 100 plug connector arrangement

[0072] 100' mating connector arrangement

[0073] 10. Interior Space

[0074] 110 opening

[0075] 11 (insulating material) housing

[0076] 118 Back Wall

[0077] 112 Narrow Wall

[0078] 128 Edge of the back wall

[0079] 12 blind body parts, plug-in face

[0080] 120 Open end of blind shell part

[0081] 13,15 card lock device

[0082] 14 Positioning and clamping devices (positioning and clamping pins)

[0083] 16 Positioning and clamping device (positioning and clamping blank)

[0084] 17 card lock device

[0085] 18 Locking device, lever

[0086] 180 card lock hook

[0087] 181,182 Guide Profile

[0088] 183 control device, blank part

[0089] 188,189 End of locking device

[0090] 191 Pivot and guide support

[0091] 192 Boot Device

[0092] 18' locking mating device (locking edge)

[0093] 2 First plug connector disc

[0094] 2' first mating connector disc

[0095] 20 First plug connector

[0096] 20' first mating connector

[0097] 21 First Shell

[0098] 22 First plug-in face

[0099] 23. First locking device (locking hook)

[0100] 24 First positioning and clamping device (positioning and clamping pin)

[0101] 27 The first locking device (locking blank portion)

[0102] 28 first conductor insertion opening

[0103] 29 first release device

[0104] 3 Second plug connector disc

[0105] 3' Second mating connector disc

[0106] 30 Second plug connector

[0107] 30' Second mating connector

[0108] 32 Second plug face

[0109] 33 Second locking device (locking blank portion)

[0110] 34 Second positioning and clamping device (positioning and clamping recess)

[0111] 35,37 Second locking device (locking hook)

[0112] 38 Second conductor insertion opening

[0113] 39 Second release device

[0114] 391 Leverage

[0115] 4 Circuit Board

[0116] 5Electrical connection clamping part, direct plug-in clamping part

[0117] 51 Clamping spring

[0118] 52 Busbar

[0119] 53 sockets

[0120] 201,301,302 conductor clamping space

[0121] 80 rear side

[0122] 83 Rear wall of the second plug connector disc

[0123] 88 front side

[0124] 90 steering direction

[0125] 91 extension direction

[0126] 92 vertical direction, conductor insertion direction

[0127] 93 Arrangement Installation Direction

[0128] R, L locking position, release position

[0129] A12 The first adapter part of the coupling housing

[0130] A13 Second adapter part of the connecting housing

[0131] A2: First adapter part of the first plug connector disc

[0132] A2' First mating adapter part of the first plug connector disc

[0133] A3 Second adapter part of the second plug connector disc

[0134] A3' Second mating adapter part of the second plug connector disc

Claims

1. A connection adapter (1), used for mechanically fixing electrical plug connector plates (2, 3) of different structural types that can be arranged in an arrangement and installation direction close to each other to form a higher-level plug connector arrangement structure (100), the connection adapter having a housing (11), a. a fixing device (13, 16) assigned to a first structural type is arranged on the housing on the front side of the arrangement installation, and the fixing device (13, 16) assigned to the first structural type is provided for fixing a first electrical plug connector disk (2) of the first structural type to the connection adapter (1) in the opposite direction of the arrangement installation direction (93), and b. A fixing device (14, 15, 17) assigned to a second structural type is arranged on the housing on the rear side of the arrangement installation, and the fixing device (14, 15, 17) assigned to the second structural type is provided for fixing an electrical second plug connector disk (3) of a second structural type to the connection adapter (1) along the arrangement installation direction (93).

2. The coupling adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing means comprises positioning and clamping means (14, 16) and / or locking means (13, 15, 17).

3. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coupling adapter is disc-shaped, wherein the housing (11) has a planarly extending rear wall (118) on the arrangement installation rear side, a narrow wall (112) adjoining the edge (128) of the rear wall, the narrow wall being arranged at an angle relative to the rear wall (118), wherein the rear wall (118) and the narrow wall (112) delimit an interior space (10), the interior space having an opening (110) at least on the arrangement installation front side of the housing (11).

4. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The interior space (10) is provided for receiving at least one electrical component, in particular an electrical component or an electrical assembly.

5. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coupling adapter comprises at least one blind housing part (12), which forms a plug-in surface and is selectively provided for receiving a plug or a socket (53).

6. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrical component comprises an electrical circuit board (4).

7. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The plug or the socket (53) is arranged in the blind housing part (12) while being in electrical contact with the printed circuit board (4) and is provided for supplying voltage to an electrical component and / or for communicating the electrical component with at least one of the adapted first or second plug connector disks (2, 3).

8. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An electrical connection device for contacting and conducting with at least one of the adapted first or second plug connector disks (3) is provided in the housing (11) on the rear side or the front side of the arrangement installation.

9. The coupling adapter (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The electrical component is designed to identify the design type of at least one of the adapted electrical first or second plug connector disks (2, 3).

10. The coupling adapter (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one display device, in particular a lighting device, is provided in or on the housing (11) for displaying the state of at least one of the adapted electrical first or second plug connector disks (2, 3).

11. The coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inner space (10) is configured to receive a locking device (18) for locking a mating coupling adapter (1') corresponding to the coupling adapter (1).

12. The coupling adapter (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking means (18) is designed as a lever which can be adjusted from a locking position (R) into a release position (L), in particular can be moved and / or pivoted from the locking position into the release position, and on which a locking hook (180) is arranged.

13. A plug connector arrangement (100), comprising at least one first plug connector disk (2) of a first structural type and / or at least one second plug connector disk (3) of a second structural type and a coupling adapter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first plug connector disk (2) is fixed to the connection adapter on the front side of the connection adapter (1) and / or the second plug connector disk (3) is fixed to the connection adapter on the rear side of the connection adapter.

14. The plug connector arrangement (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that The fixing means (13-17) of the connection adapter (1) are constructed identically to the first fixing means (26, 27) on the front side of the arrangement installation and are constructed correspondingly to the first counterpart fixing means (23, 24) of the first plug connector disk (2) of the first structural type, and are constructed identically to the second fixing means (33, 34, 37) on the rear side of the arrangement installation and are constructed correspondingly to the second counterpart fixing means (35) of the second plug connector disk (3) of the second structural type.

15. The plug connector arrangement (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that The first and second plug-in connector disks (2, 3) each have at least one connecting clamp (5) for electrically connecting an electrical conductor to an electrical mating plug-in connector disk (2', 3').

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