Adapter for establishing an electrical connection, plug connector with adapter and counter plug connector with adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter (10) for establishing an electrical connection, comprising: a first housing part (100) for accommodating a first mounting section (301, 401) of a contact module (300, 400), wherein the contact module (300, 400) is configured to form a plug connection with a counter contact module (300, 400) in a plug-in direction (X) of the adapter (10); a second housing part (200) for accommodating a second mounting section (302, 402) of the contact module (300, 400); wherein the first housing part (100) and the second housing part (200) are configured to form a coupling with each other in a mounting direction (M) to accommodate and hold the contact module (300, 400) in a defined position. The invention also relates to a plug connector (1) having the adapter (10) and to a counter plug connector (2) having the adapter (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of electrical installation technology and relates to an adapter for establishing an electrical connection, a plug connector for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, and a mating plug connector for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals. The plug connector and the mating plug connector each include an adapter and are configured to form a plug connection substantially along the plugging direction. Background Technology

[0002] Plug connectors are used for purposes such as transmitting electrical power and / or electrical signals. Plug connectors are used to establish electrical connections, for example, with mating plug connectors, and are used in a variety of applications, industries, and environments, such as in building technology, process industry, or vehicle technology.

[0003] Depending on the application and environment, plug connectors and mating plug connectors must meet different requirements, with establishing a reliable electrical connection being a primary requirement. The housings of plug connectors and mating plug connectors must be designed to be correspondingly robust, while also enabling easy installation.

[0004] Various plug-in connectors and mating plug-in connectors for different applications are known from existing patent literature.

[0005] For example, international patent document WO 2004 / 068020 A1 describes a detachable plug-in connection for brake lines in motor vehicle manufacturing, the brake lines consisting of a cylindrical receiving housing made of plastically deformable injection-molded metal. A central receiving cavity is used for inserting a tubular insert with surrounding retaining ribs by means of a locking element. The locking element consists of two plastic-molded half-shells for receiving the insert. Centering pins are provided on opposite end faces of the half-shells, which engage in corresponding notches on their respective opposite end faces when the half-shells are assembled together. The half-shells are held together by means of spring coils. A separate guide sleeve is used to guide the insert.

[0006] German patent publication DE 10 2006 023 713 A1 relates to a connector adapter for high-frequency connections, comprising a sleeve and a centering device for centering the connector end of the adapter. The sleeve is designed as a hollow cylinder into which the connector adapter is inserted. For this purpose, the sleeve has an inner diameter that is designed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connector adapter in order to secure the connector adapter radially within the sleeve. On the inner wall side, the sleeve has a shoulder that works in conjunction with a spring arranged on the outer wall side of the connector adapter to axially position the connector adapter within the sleeve. A retaining ring is used to secure the centering device to the sleeve; the retaining ring is inserted into a retaining groove and is axially secured to the centering device by a contact ring clamp.

[0007] A protective device for preventing tool-less disconnection of a plug-in connector is known from German utility model document DE 20 2016 103 599 U1, which has two half-shells in the form of a semi-tube. These half-shells are connected by a membrane hinge. At least one snap hook is formed on each half-shell, which, in the installed state, snaps into a corresponding mating snap hook of the other half-shell. During installation, the half-shells are joined together at the two joints such that the half-shells together form a tube that at least partially surrounds the plug-in connector along its length. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adapter for establishing electrical connections, which primarily enables a simple, time-saving, and reliable tool-free assembly configuration in the field. Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a plug-in connector and a mating plug-in connector with an adapter for transmitting electrical power and / or electrical signals.

[0009] This objective is achieved by the features of claims 1, 15, and 16. Other embodiments and applications of the invention are derived from the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] According to a first general aspect, the present invention relates to an adapter for establishing an electrical connection, comprising: A first housing component for accommodating a first mounting section of a contact module, wherein the contact module is configured to form a plug-in connection with a mating contact module substantially in the plugging direction of the adapter; A second housing component is used to accommodate a second mounting section of the contact module; wherein the first housing component and the second housing component are configured to couple to each other in the mounting direction to accommodate and hold the contact module, preferably in an assembled state, in a defined position.

[0011] The present invention provides, for example, an adapter characterized by the ability to easily accommodate and mount a contact module, which is, for example, in the form of a contact carrier or a contact socket, using only two housing components.

[0012] This coupling is preferably designed as a mechanical coupling and can be manually operated and / or manually disassembled. The first and second housing components enable secure housing of the contact module, and most importantly, precise retention between the housing components. Furthermore, the adapter according to the invention features a simplified assembly process and therefore improved installability. The two housing components are preferably designed and / or configured such that this coupling can be formed solely through a single assembly process, substantially along the installation direction. For example, no additional elements such as clamping rings or threaded connections are required to fully and / or properly secure the two housing components to each other.

[0013] The coupling between the first housing component and the second housing component may include at least one substantially form-fitting connection and / or at least one substantially force-fitting connection.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the mounting direction may be specified to be substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction; and / or the defined position may include a defined positioning of the contact module relative to the first housing component and / or relative to the second housing component; and / or the defined position may include a defined orientation of the contact module relative to the first housing component and / or relative to the second housing component and / or relative to the insertion direction.

[0015] The first housing component and the second housing component may be formed as separate individual components; and / or the first housing component may be formed as a shell and / or segmentally as a groove to segmentally enclose the first mounting section; and / or the second housing component may be formed as a shell and / or segmentally as a groove to partially enclose the second mounting section.

[0016] These two housing components can be designed as half-shells, which, in the assembled state of the adapter, completely or partially enclose the contact module in the circumferential direction along the insertion direction, thereby shielding the contact module from the external environment.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the coupling may be defined as including at least one substantially form-fitting connection formed by a centering element of a first housing component and a centering notch of a second housing component, wherein the centering element is substantially segmentally engaged into the centering notch along the mounting direction.

[0018] The centering element can be formed as a bolt, pin, or plug, thus taking the form of a bolt, pin, or plug. The centering notch may include a cross-section that is substantially the same as the cross-section of the centering element, preferably substantially circular. Preferably perpendicular to the insertion direction and / or perpendicular to the mounting direction, the coupling preferably includes two substantially form-fitting connections having a centering element and a centering notch arranged opposite each other and / or two spaced apart from each other. This at least one form-fitting connection can be formed substantially gapless.

[0019] In this way, for example, improved orientation between the two housing components can be achieved.

[0020] The coupling may include at least one substantially form-fit connection formed by a first guide rail (guide profile) of a first housing component and a second guide rail (guide profile) of a second housing component, wherein the guide rails (guide profiles) extend substantially in the insertion direction and wherein the guide rails (guide profiles) each have contact sections with substantially complementary constructions to each other.

[0021] Each housing component may preferably include two guide rails (guide profiles) arranged opposite to each other and / or two spaced apart from each other.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, it can be specified that, radially, the contact section of the second guide rail (guide profile) defines the contact section of the first guide rail (guide profile), or radially, the contact section of the first guide rail (guide profile) defines the contact section of the second guide rail (guide profile). Each corresponding contact section can have its respective contact surface formed as a radial stop. Thus, for example, during the coupling process, a more precise orientation between the housing components can be achieved, which is characteristic of the coupling and therefore the adapter of the present invention.

[0023] In a view along the insertion direction, preferably in the front view (main view) of the adapter showing the mating surfaces of the contact modules, the first guide rail (guide profile) and the second guide rail (guide profile) may contact along a contour that is at least segmentally characterized by a Z-shaped, V-shaped, or W-shaped orientation. This contour may preferably be characterized by a stepped orientation formed by the respective corresponding guide rails (guide profiles) of the first and second housing components. The respective corresponding guide rails of the first and second housing components may form a tongue-and-groove connection at least segmentally along the insertion direction.

[0024] According to another perspective of the invention, the coupling may be defined as including at least one substantially force-fit connection formed by a snap-fit ​​element of a first housing component and a snap-fit ​​receiving portion of a second housing component, wherein the snap-fit ​​element preferably extends substantially along the mounting direction and / or substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, and / or wherein the snap-fit ​​element is arranged and / or formed to be manually operable to release the coupling.

[0025] The latching element can be formed to be reversibly deformable, preferably spring-loaded. The latching element can be formed as a latching rod or a latching hook. The latching element may include an operating section at its free end for manual operation and thus for reversible deformation. The latching receiving portion may, for example, be formed as a through opening and arranged on the second housing member in a manner that facilitates, preferably tool-free, manual operation. The latching element may be arranged to allow operation by pressing towards the first and / or second housing member. Therefore, decoupling can be performed easily, resulting in, for example, easy detachability of the adapter.

[0026] At least one substantially force-fit connection preferably operates primarily in the mounting direction and couples the two housing components together, thereby achieving full containment and retention of the contact module.

[0027] The contact module can be received and / or held by two housing components in a substantially form-fitting and / or substantially force-fitting manner.

[0028] The adapter according to the invention preferably comprises four substantially force-fit connections, each formed by a snap-fit ​​element and a snap-fit ​​receptacle. Two substantially form-fit connections may be arranged and / or formed opposite each other and / or two spaced apart.

[0029] The snap-fit ​​receiving portion may be characterized by a closed cross-section and / or a closed profile, and / or the snap-fit ​​receiving portion may be characterized by a semi-open cross-section and / or a semi-open profile, which is preferably open in the insertion direction. This, for example, ensures further simplified detachability of the adapter.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the coupling may be defined as comprising two substantially shape-fitting connections arranged and / or formed oppositely, and two substantially force-fitting connections arranged and / or formed oppositely, wherein in the insertion direction, the corresponding two substantially shape-fitting connections and the corresponding two substantially force-fitting connections are alternately arranged and / or formed on the first housing component and the second housing component, respectively.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, the adapter includes a contact module, wherein the contact module is formed as a contact carrier with at least one electrical contact element, or wherein the contact module is formed as a contact socket with at least one mating electrical contact element.

[0032] The at least one electrical contact element may be cylindrical, preferably pin-shaped. The at least one mating electrical contact element may be hollow cylindrical, preferably sleeve-shaped. In other words, the at least one electrical contact element may be formed as a pin contact, while the at least one mating electrical contact element may be formed as a socket contact.

[0033] The contact module can be removed from multiple contact modules of the Modulbaukasten, and / or belong to multiple contact modules that are part of the Modulbaukasten, wherein each of these multiple contact modules includes a first mounting section and / or includes a second mounting section, wherein the first mounting sections are formed to be substantially identical to each other, and / or wherein the second mounting sections are formed to be substantially identical to each other.

[0034] This contact module can be formed as a mating contact module. For example, the contact module can be formed as a contact carrier. The mating contact module can be formed as a contact socket. This allows for a plug-in connection that is substantially along the plugging direction.

[0035] By classifying contact modules into modular assembly kits, the adapter according to the invention can be assembled in different ways and thus configured in different ways; however, the housing components for accommodating the contact modules remain identical and therefore unchanged. In other words, contact modules with different mating sections and / or different mating surfaces can be accommodated and held between two housing components. The mounting sections of the contact modules can be standardized to each other and thus formed substantially identical to enable modularity of the adapter. These contact modules can be configured to be mutually compatible and / or characterized by substantially identical accommodating sections for accommodating and holding between two housing components.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, the first housing component may include at least one protrusion on the side for receiving the first mounting section and / or the second housing component on the side for receiving the second mounting section, the protrusion extending segmentally substantially in the mounting direction and / or substantially in the radial direction, and configured to form an interlocking connection with at least one slit of the contact module, respectively.

[0037] Thus, the contact module can be retained through further direct coupling between the first and / or second housing components and the contact module.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, the first housing component and / or the second housing component may be specified as being manufactured integrally from a plastic-based material, wherein preferably, the first housing component and the second housing component are manufactured from a single, integrally constructed housing semi-finished product, wherein the first housing component and / or the second housing component are segmentally formed to be substantially shape-stable, and the segmental formation is substantially reversibly deformable, preferably substantially spring-elastically deformable; and / or wherein the first housing component and / or the second housing component are formed to be substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane, and preferably the adapter comprises four substantially force-fitted connections.

[0039] According to a second general perspective, the present invention relates to a plug connector for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, preferably a circular plug connector, wherein the plug connector includes an adapter having a contact module formed as disclosed herein, wherein the contact module is formed as a contact carrier having at least one electrical contact element, and wherein the plug connector includes a plug connector housing in which the adapter is segmentally housed.

[0040] According to a third general perspective, the present invention relates to a mating plug connector for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, preferably a circular mating plug connector, wherein the mating plug connector includes an adapter having a contact module formed as disclosed herein, wherein the contact module is formed as a contact socket with at least one mating electrical contact element, and wherein the mating plug connector includes a mating plug connector housing in which the adapter is partially housed.

[0041] According to a fourth general perspective, the present invention relates to an assembly having a plug connector as disclosed herein and a mating plug connector as disclosed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other in any way. Further details and other benefits of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In the picture: Figure 1a shows a perspective view of a first housing component according to a first embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; Figure 1b shows a perspective view of the contact module of the first embodiment of the adapter; Figure 1c shows a perspective view of the second housing component of the first embodiment of the adapter; Figure 1d shows another perspective view of the first housing component in Figure 1a; Figure 1e shows another perspective view of the contact module in Figure 1b; Figure 1f shows another perspective view of the second housing component in Figure 1c; Figure 1g shows a front view (main view) of the first housing component in Figure 1a. Figure 1h shows a front view (main view) of the contact module in Figure 1b. Figure 1i shows a front view (main view) of the second housing component in Figure 1c; Figure 1j shows a front view (main view) of the first embodiment of the adapter in the assembled state; Figure 2a shows a perspective view of a first housing component according to a second embodiment of the adapter of the present invention; Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the contact module of the second embodiment of the adapter; Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the second housing component of the second embodiment of the adapter; Figure 2d shows another perspective view of the first housing component in Figure 2a; Figure 2e shows another perspective view of the contact module in Figure 2b; Figure 2f shows another perspective view of the second housing component in Figure 2c; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the adapter in its assembled state; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the adapter in its assembled state; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the first housing component of the first and second embodiments of the adapter; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the second housing component of the first and second embodiments of the adapter; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the plug connector having the first embodiment of the adapter; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the mating plug connector with the second embodiment of the adapter. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are designated with the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of explaining them, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments and / or drawings to avoid repetition.

[0045] The following detailed description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings is for further clarification or illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

[0046] Figure 1a shows a perspective view of the first housing component 100 of the adapter 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1b shows a perspective view of the contact module 300 of the first embodiment of the adapter 10. Figure 1c shows a perspective view of the second housing component 200 of the first embodiment of the adapter 10. In other words, Figures 1a to 1c together constitute an exploded view of the adapter 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0047] The adapter 10 is configured to establish an electrical connection and features, for example, improved installation and removal characteristics, as well as modularity and configurability.

[0048] The adapter 10, preferably in its assembled state, includes a first housing component 100, a second housing component 200, and a contact module 300. In a first embodiment of the adapter 10, the contact module 300 is formed as a contact carrier. The contact module 300 is configured to form a plug-in connection with a contact module 400 substantially in the plugging direction X of the adapter 10. The contact module 400 is formed as a contact socket to enable a plug-in connection. The contact module 400 is a component of a second embodiment of the adapter 10 according to the present invention. The contact module 400 is, for example, shown in FIG. 2b. Figure 2e and Figure 4As shown in the diagram, contact module 400 is a paired contact module 400 corresponding to contact module 300. In other words, contact module 400 implements the functions of the paired contact module corresponding to contact module 300, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0049] The housing of the contact module 300 can be formed in one piece or in multiple pieces. The housing of the contact module 300 can be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and extend substantially along the insertion direction X. The contact module 300 includes at least one electrical contact element 330, preferably multiple electrical contact elements 330, configured for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals. For clarity, in Figure 1b The contact module 300 in Figure 1b is marked with only one electrical contact element 330. The marked electrical contact element 330 may, for example, be assigned a conductor protection function. The contact module 300 illustrated in Figure 1b includes seven electrical contact elements 330, which are arranged at intervals to each other, thereby forming the mating surface 320 of the contact module 300.

[0050] The at least one electrical contact element 330 is formed in a cylindrical shape, preferably in the form of a bolt or pin, and extends substantially along the insertion direction X. The contact module 300 includes an insertion section 310 that accommodates the at least one electrical contact element 330 and generally defines the mating surface 320 of the contact module 300.

[0051] The first housing component 100 is configured with a first mounting section 301 for receiving, preferably substantially form-fitting and / or preferably substantially force-fitting, the contact module 300, and includes a receiving section 101 for this purpose. The second housing component 200 is configured with a second mounting section 302 for receiving, preferably substantially form-fitting and / or preferably substantially force-fitting, the contact module 300, and includes a receiving section 201 for this purpose.

[0052] The housings (not shown in the figures) and / or at least their respective walls and / or at least their respective wall sections of the first housing component 100, the second housing component 200, and / or the contact module 300 are made of an insulating material, thereby being formed of an insulating material having inherent electrical insulating properties and the resulting insulating capability. This insulating material is preferably based on plastic. The housings of the first housing component 100 and / or the second housing component 200 and / or the contact module 300 can be manufactured respectively by at least one injection molding process and / or by at least one casting process and / or by at least one blow molding process and / or by at least one sintering process and / or by at least one 3D printing process. The first housing component 100 and / or the second housing component 200 are formed as separate single parts and / or integrally formed. The first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 can be made from a single and / or integrally formed housing semi-finished product, for example, additionally divided into the two housing components 100 and 200 by at least one separation process. The first housing component 100 and / or the second housing component 200 are respectively segmented into substantially shape-stable sections, and the segmented sections are substantially reversibly deformable, preferably substantially spring-elastically deformable, as will be further explained below.

[0053] The first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 are configured substantially in the mounting direction M, and thus preferably coupled to each other in a single direction, to accommodate and hold the contact module 300 in a defined position. The mounting direction M is preferably substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X.

[0054] In other words, the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 are configured to form a coupling and thereby interact with each other through a movement process substantially along the mounting direction M toward each other. This coupling is preferably a manually detachable and / or manually operable coupling. This coupling is preferably a mechanical coupling and preferably includes at least one detachable, substantially form-fitting connection 121, 221; 122, 222; 131, 231; 132, 232 and / or at least one detachable, substantially force-fitting connection 111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0055] The defined position includes the positioning of the contact module 300 relative to the first housing member 100 and / or relative to the second housing member 200. Preferably, the defined position includes the orientation of the contact module 300 relative to the insertion direction X and / or relative to the first housing member 100 and / or relative to the second housing member 200, that is, in and / or on the respective receiving sections 101, 201. The defined position is preferably determined primarily by the first and second receiving sections 101, 201 of the respective housing members 100, 200 when coupling is formed and therefore when the housing members 100, 200 are coupled to each other.

[0056] The first housing component 100 is formed in a shell shape and / or segmentally in a groove shape to enclose the first mounting section 301 via the receiving section 101. The second housing component 200 is formed in a shell shape and / or segmentally in a groove shape to enclose the second mounting section 302 via the receiving section 201. In other words, when the two housing components 100 and 200 are coupled and thus in a mutually coupled state, they constitute a two-piece shell-like housing body of the adapter 10, which internally includes a cavity for accommodating the contact module 300 and / or at least segmentally forms a closed structure. Both the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 can be at least segmentally formed into an arch shape. The housing components 100 and 200 can constitute a housing half-shell.

[0057] For further illustration, Figure 1d shows another perspective view of the first housing component 100 in Figure 1a, Figure 1e shows another perspective view of the contact module 300 in Figure 1b, and Figure 1f shows another perspective view of the second housing component 200 in Figure 1c.

[0058] Furthermore, Figure 1g shows a front view (main view) of the first housing component 100 in Figure 1a, Figure 1h shows a front view (main view) of the contact module 300 in Figure 1b, and Figure 1i shows a front view (main view) of the second housing component 200 in Figure 1c. Figure 1j shows a front view (main view) and an enlarged view of the first embodiment of the adapter 10 in its assembled state.

[0059] The coupling between the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 comprises two substantially form-fitting connections 121, 221 and 122, 222 and / or is achieved by forming two substantially form-fitting connections 121, 221 and 122, 222, i.e., by the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 moving substantially toward each other along the mounting direction M. These two substantially form-fitting connections 121, 221 and 122, 222 are formed by first guide rails 121, 122 of the first housing component 100 and second guide rails 221, 222 of the second housing component 200, respectively. These guide rails 121, 122 and 221, 222, as guide profiles or in the form of guide profiles, extend sectionally substantially along the insertion direction X on the respective end faces of the housing components 100, 200, and each has a contact section substantially complementary to the others, having its own corresponding contact surface.

[0060] In the radial direction R (see for details) Figure 1j The respective contact sections of the second guide rails 221 and 222 define the respective contact sections of the first guide rails 121 and 122. In other words, the second guide rails 221 and 222 are used to guide and / or orient the first housing component 100 at the second housing component 200, and vice versa. In other words, the respective contact sections of the first and second guide rails 121, 122, 221, 222 serve as stop elements in the radial direction R. Through the substantially form-fitting connections 121, 221 and 122, 222 formed between the respective guide rails 121, 122, 221, 222, the two housing components 100, 200 are more or less precisely, i.e., definedly, oriented to each other, and the contact module 300 housed therein is also oriented accordingly.

[0061] As from Figure 1j In a view along the insertion direction X, such as the front view, the respective first guide rails 121, 122 and the respective second guide rails 221, 222 are in contact along a profile that is at least segmentally characterized by a substantially Z-shaped orientation.

[0062] For example, mortise and tenon joints can be formed between the respective guide rails 121, 122, 221, 222.

[0063] The coupling between the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 additionally includes two substantially form-fitting connections 131, 231 and 132, 232, and / or additionally achieved by forming two substantially form-fitting connections 131, 231 and 132, 232, i.e., by the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 moving substantially toward each other along the mounting direction M. These two substantially form-fitting connections 131, 231 and 132, 232 are formed by centering elements 131, 132 of the first housing component 100 and centering notches 231, 232 of the second housing component 200, respectively.

[0064] Each corresponding centering element 131, 132 extends substantially along the mounting direction M from a corresponding end face section of the first housing component 100. This end face section is preferably formed substantially flat and / or substantially planar. The end face section is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction M. The centering elements 131, 132 may be formed as centering bolts or pins having a substantially circular cross-section. The centering elements 131, 132 may have a surrounding rounded or chamfered edge at their free ends to facilitate a substantially form-fitting connection with the centering notches 231, 232 during adapter 10 installation. These substantially form-fitting connections 131, 231 and 132, 232 serve, for example, to achieve precise orientation of the contact module 300 by orienting the housing components 100 and 200, and to ensure optimal coverage or enclosure of the contact module 300. This, for example, can improve the stability and quality of the coupling.

[0065] The coupling between the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 additionally includes four substantially force-fit connections 111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214 and / or additionally achieved by forming four substantially force-fit connections 111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214, i.e. by the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 moving substantially toward each other in the mounting direction M. These four essentially force-fitted connections 111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214 are respectively formed by the snap-fit ​​elements 111, 112, 113, 114 of the first housing component 100 and the snap-fit ​​receiving portions 211, 212, 213, 214 of the second housing component 200.

[0066] Each of the respective snap-fit ​​elements 111, 112, 113, 114 extends substantially along the mounting direction M and / or substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X. Each of the respective snap-fit ​​elements 111, 112, 113, 114 can be formed as a snap-fit ​​hook or snap-fit ​​bar, which, during coupling, engages with the corresponding snap-fit ​​receiving portions 211, 212, 213, 214 in the form of an undercut notch or a through hole. In other words, a snap-fit ​​connection, preferably a detachable snap-fit ​​connection, is formed between the snap-fit ​​elements 111, 112, 113, 114 and the snap-fit ​​receiving portions 211, 212, 213, 214, which facilitates the coupling of the first and second housing components 100, 200, and thus facilitates the reception and retention of the contact module 300.

[0067] On one free end, each of the respective snap-fit ​​elements 111, 112, 113, 114 includes a wedge-shaped snap-fit ​​section (snap-fit ​​wedge), which simultaneously forms an operating section and / or serves as an operating section so as to release the snap-fit ​​connection and thereby decouple by manual operation, preferably by pressing.

[0068] As can be seen, for example, from the illustration in FIG1c, the snap-fit ​​receiving portions 211 and 212 are formed as through holes passing through the first and second housing components 100, 200, i.e., through the respective walls, characterized by a closed profile or a closed cross-section. The profile or cross-section of the through hole may be, for example, rectangular or substantially square.

[0069] The snap-fit ​​receiving portions 213 and 214 are formed as through holes passing through the first and second housing components 100 and 200, respectively, having a semi-open profile or a semi-open cross-section, which are preferably open in the insertion direction X. This, for example, further simplifies and facilitates the manual operation of the snap-fit ​​elements 113 and 114.

[0070] In order to retain the contact module 300 preferably along the insertion direction X within the first and second housing components 100, 200, the contact module 300 includes at least one segmentally surrounding slit 341 in the region of the first mounting section 301 and at least one segmentally surrounding slit 342 in the region of the second mounting section 302.

[0071] The first housing component 100 has at least one protrusion 140 on the side for receiving the first mounting section 301 and thus on the receiving section 101. The second housing component 200 has at least one protrusion 240 on the side for receiving the second mounting section 302 and thus on the receiving section 201.

[0072] In the coupled state of the two housing components 100, 200, the respective protrusions 140, 240 and the respective at least one slit 341, 342 together form a substantially form-fitting connection, preferably a plug-in connection, whereby the contact module 300 is additionally held on the first and second housing components 100 and 200.

[0073] By forming a coupling along the mounting direction M and thus along a single direction, simple operability of the two housing components 100, 200 is ensured during installation and therefore during the assembly of adapter 10, which is characterized by adapter 10 in the assembled state.

[0074] Furthermore, as can be seen from the illustrations in Figures 1g and 1i, housing components 100 and 200 are constructed substantially symmetrically with respect to plane E, which is a definable or predefined intermediate plane. Similarly, contact module 300 can also be constructed substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane.

[0075] Figure 2a shows a perspective view of the first housing component 100 of the adapter 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the contact module 400 of the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment of the adapter 10. Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the second housing component 200 of the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment of the adapter 10.

[0076] The first housing component 100 of the second embodiment of adapter 10 has the same construction as the first housing component 100 of the first embodiment of adapter 10. The second housing component 200 of the second embodiment of adapter 10 has the same construction as the second housing component 200 of the first embodiment of adapter 10. The contact module 400 has a different construction than the contact module 300. The adapter 10 according to the invention is therefore characterized by using the same first housing component 100 and the same second housing component 200. The first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200 more or less serve as a standardized receiving and holding structure for the adapter 10 for contact modules 300, 400 with different configurations.

[0077] The contact module 400, which is a mating contact module corresponding to the contact module 300 in the form of a contact socket, is constructed differently in the area of ​​the plug-in section 410, which has an electrical contact element 430 therein, which forms the mating surface 420 of the contact module 400.

[0078] For clarity, only one mating electrical contact element 430 is shown in the accompanying drawings. Similar to contact module 300, contact module 400 includes seven mating electrical contact elements 430, which correspond to the respective contact elements 330 and are complementary in configuration.

[0079] However, the first mounting section 401 of the contact module 400 has the same construction as the first mounting section 301 of the contact module 300, for example, in terms of geometric dimensions such as length, diameter, and / or angle. The second mounting section 402 of the contact module 400 has the same construction as the second mounting section 302 of the contact module 300, for example, in terms of geometric dimensions such as length, diameter, and / or angle.

[0080] Therefore, housing components 100, 200 are configured to accommodate contact modules 300, 400 with different mating surfaces 320, 420, thereby providing configurability of adapter 10 for the respective application purpose.

[0081] For further illustration, FIG2d shows the first housing component 100 in FIG2a in another perspective view, FIG2e shows the contact module 400 in FIG2b in another perspective view, and FIG2f shows the second housing component 200 in FIG2c in another perspective view.

[0082] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the adapter 10 according to the first embodiment in an assembled state, i.e., a state in which coupling is formed between the first and second housing parts 100, 200, and a contact module 300 in the form of a contact carrier is accommodated and held.

[0083] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the adapter 10 according to the second embodiment in an assembled state, i.e., having the same housing components 100, 200 as the adapter 10 according to the first embodiment, but housing and holding a mating contact module 400 in the form of a contact socket.

[0084] By viewing Figures 3 and 4 together, it can be visually shown that the adapter 10 is used for completely identical housing parts 100 and 200 for contact modules 300 and 400 with different configurations.

[0085] Preferably, the contact module 300, 400, or these contact modules 300, 400, are taken from, and / or belong to, the plurality of contact modules 300, 400 that form part of the module assembly kit. Thus, the respective contact modules 300, 400 can be selected according to the application purpose. The adapter 10 according to the invention is thus characterized primarily by its configurability for the contact modules 300, 400 for each respective application purpose.

[0086] Furthermore, as can be visually seen from the illustrations in Figures 3 and 4, the manual, preferably tool-free operation of the snap-fit ​​connections 111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214 is used to disconnect the coupling between the first housing component 100 and the second housing component 200. The direction of operation for decoupling is preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X and / or substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction M. In other words, the coupling can be released by simply pressing the wedge-shaped snap-fit ​​sections (snap-fit ​​wedges) of the snap-fit ​​elements 111, 112, 113, 114 engaged in the snap-fit ​​receptacles 211, 212, 213, 214, thereby allowing the housing components 100 and 200 to be separated from each other again to release the correspondingly accommodated contact modules 300, 400.

[0087] Figure 5 shows, in perspective view, the first housing component 100 of the first and second embodiments of the adapter 10.

[0088] To achieve this operability, the respective wedge-shaped latching sections (latch wedges) of the latching elements 111, 112, 113, 114 face outward, i.e., they are away from the first housing component 100, so as to enable operation in the direction of the first housing component 100.

[0089] Figure 6 shows, in perspective view, the second housing component 200 of the first and second embodiments of the adapter 10.

[0090] Clearly visible is that the second housing component 200 is formed as a shell-shaped receiving structure for contacting modules 300, 400, and a semi-open snap-fit ​​receiving portion 214.

[0091] Figure 7 shows the assembly state of the first embodiment of the plug connector 1 according to the present invention, which has an adapter 10.

[0092] The plug connector 1 is preferably formed as a circular plug connector 1 and includes a plug connector housing 11. Inside the plug connector housing 11, an adapter 10 with a contact module 300 in the form of a contact carrier is arranged. The electrical contact elements 300 of the contact module 300 are connected to the respective electrical conductors of the cable 3.

[0093] Furthermore, the plug connector 1 includes a rotating closed housing component 12, which is substantially hollow cylindrical in shape and rotatably supported on the plug connector housing 11, preferably about an axis substantially parallel to the plugging direction X. The rotating closed housing component 12 is configured to form a detachable rotating closed connection with the mating plug connector housing 21.

[0094] Figure 8 shows the assembly state of the first embodiment of the mating plug connector 2 according to the present invention, which has a second embodiment with adapter 10.

[0095] The mating connector 2 is at least partially complementary to the mating connector 1 in construction and is therefore preferably formed as a circular mating connector 2, and includes a mating connector housing 21. Inside the mating connector housing 21, an adapter 10 with a contact module 400 in the form of a contact socket is arranged. The mating electrical contact elements 300 of the contact module 300 are connected to the respective electrical conductors of the cable 3.

[0096] When plug connector 1 and mating plug connector 2 form a plug connection through contact modules 300 and 400, they are configured to transmit electrical energy and / or electrical signals.

[0097] The adapter 10 according to the invention is versatile and ensures a reliable electrical connection while allowing for simple installation. Furthermore, the adapter 10 is characterized by a significantly reduced number of parts. Additionally, it avoids, for example, large tolerance chains in the insertion direction X.

[0098] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Instead, various variations and modifications are possible, all of which utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Preferably, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, but not for the claims to which they refer.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 1. Plug connector

[0101] 10 Adapters

[0102] 11. Connector housing

[0103] 12 Rotating enclosed housing component

[0104] 2. Pairing Connector

[0105] 21. Mating Connector Housing

[0106] 3 Cables

[0107] 100 Housing components

[0108] 101 Accommodation Section

[0109] 111 Clip-on component

[0110] 112 Snap-fit ​​component

[0111] 113 Clip-on components

[0112] 114 Clip-on components

[0113] 121 guide rail

[0114] 122 guide rail

[0115] 131 Centering element

[0116] 132 Centering element

[0117] 140 protrusion

[0118] 200 Housing components

[0119] 201 Accommodation Section

[0120] 211 Clip-in receiving part

[0121] 212 Snap-fit ​​receiving part

[0122] 213 Clip-in receiving part

[0123] 214 Clip-in receiving part

[0124] 221 guide rail

[0125] 222 guide rail

[0126] 231. The Gap in Reassurance

[0127] 232 The Gap in Reassurance

[0128] 132 Centering element

[0129] 240 protrusions

[0130] 300 contact module

[0131] 301 Installation Section

[0132] 302 Installation Section

[0133] 310 Plug-in Section

[0134] 320 mating surfaces

[0135] 330 Electrical contact element

[0136] 341 Slit

[0137] 342 Slit

[0138] 400 contact module

[0139] 401 Installation Section

[0140] 402 Installation Section

[0141] 410 Plug-in Section

[0142] 420 mating surfaces

[0143] 430 mating electrical contact element

[0144] 441 Slit

[0145] 442 Slit

[0146] E plane

[0147] M Installation direction

[0148] R radial

[0149] X plug-in direction

Claims

1. An adapter (10) for establishing an electrical connection, comprising: A first housing component (100) is used to accommodate a first mounting section (301, 401) of a contact module (300, 400), wherein the contact module (300, 400) is configured to form a plug-in connection with a mating contact module (300, 400) in the plugging direction (X) of the adapter (10); A second housing component (200) for accommodating a second mounting section (302, 402) of the contact module (300, 400); The first housing component (100) and the second housing component (200) are configured to couple to each other in the mounting direction (M) to accommodate and hold the contact module (300, 400) in a defined position.

2. The adapter (10) according to claim 1, The installation direction (M) is perpendicular to the insertion direction (X); and / or The defined positions include the positioning of the contact modules (300, 400) relative to the first housing component (100) and / or relative to the second housing component (200); and / or The defined position includes the orientation of the contact module (300, 400) relative to the first housing component (100) and / or relative to the second housing component (200) and / or relative to the insertion direction (X).

3. The adapter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, The first housing component (100) and the second housing component (200) are each formed as independent single components; and / or The first housing component (100) is formed in a shell shape and / or segmentally in a groove shape to segmentally enclose the first mounting section (301, 401); and / or The second housing component (200) is formed in a shell shape and / or in a segmented groove shape to segmentally enclose the second mounting section (302, 402).

4. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The coupling includes at least one form-fitting connection (131, 231; 132, 232) formed by a centering element (131, 132) of the first housing component (100) and a centering notch (231, 232) of the second housing component (200). The centering elements (131, 132) are segmentally engaged in the centering notches (231, 232) in the mounting direction (M).

5. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The coupling includes at least one form-fitting connection (121, 221; 122, 222) formed by a first guide rail (121, 122) of the first housing component (100) and a second guide rail (221, 222) of the second housing component (200). The guide rails (121, 122, 221, 222) extend in the insertion direction (X), and The guide rails (121, 122, 221, 222) each have contact sections with complementary structures.

6. The adapter (10) according to claim 5, In the radial direction (R), the contact section of the second guide rail (221, 222) defines the contact section of the first guide rail (121, 122), or In the radial direction (R), the contact section of the first guide rail (121, 122) defines the contact section of the second guide rail (221, 222).

7. The adapter (10) according to claim 5 or 6, In the view along the insertion direction (X), the first guide rail (121, 122) and the second guide rail (221, 222) are in contact along a contour that is at least segmentally characterized by a Z-shaped, V-shaped or W-shaped orientation.

8. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The coupling includes at least one force-fit connection (111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214), which is formed by the snap-fit ​​elements (111, 112, 113, 114) of the first housing component (100) and the snap-fit ​​receiving portions (211, 212, 213, 214) of the second housing component (200). Preferably, the snap-fit ​​elements (111, 112, 113, 114) extend in the mounting direction (M) and / or perpendicular to the insertion direction (X), and / or The snap-fit ​​elements (111, 112, 113, 114) are arranged and / or configured to be manually operable to release the coupling.

9. The adapter (10) according to claim 8, The snap-fit ​​receiving portions (211, 212) are characterized by a closed cross-section, and / or The snap-fit ​​receiving portion (213, 214) is characterized by a semi-open cross-section, which is preferably open in the insertion direction (X).

10. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The couplings include two shape-fitting connections (121, 221; 122, 222; 131, 231; 132, 232) with opposite arrangements and / or structures, and two force-fitting connections (111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214) with opposite arrangements and / or structures. In the insertion direction (X), two corresponding shape-fitting connections (121, 221; 122, 222; 131, 231; 132, 232) and two corresponding force-fitting connections (111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214) are alternately arranged and / or constructed on the first housing component (100) and the second housing component (200).

11. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, Including contact modules (300, 400), The contact module (300, 400) is configured as a contact carrier (300) with at least one electrical contact element (330), or The contact modules (300, 400) are configured as contact sockets (400) with at least one mating electrical contact element (430).

12. The adapter (10) according to claim 11, The contact modules (300, 400) are taken from, and / or belong to, the multiple contact modules (300, 400) that are part of the module assembly kit. The plurality of contact modules (300, 400) respectively include a first mounting section (301, 401) and / or respectively include a second mounting section (302, 402). The first installation sections (301, 401) are constructed to be identical to each other, and / or the second installation sections (302, 402) are constructed to be identical to each other.

13. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The first housing component (100) on the side for receiving the first mounting sections (301, 401), and / or the second housing component (200) on the side for receiving the second mounting sections (302, 402), respectively include at least one protrusion (140, 240), said protrusion extending segmentally in the mounting direction (M) and / or in the radial direction (R), and The protrusion is configured to form a plug-in connection with at least one corresponding slit (341, 441; 342, 442) of the contact module (300, 400).

14. The adapter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, The first housing component (100) and / or the second housing component (200) are respectively made of a single piece of plastic-based material, wherein preferably the first housing component (100) and the second housing component (200) are made of a single, integrally formed housing semi-finished product. The first housing component (100) and / or the second housing component (200) are segmentally formed to be shape-stable and reversibly deformable, preferably capable of spring-elastic deformation; and / or The first housing component (100) and / or the second housing component (200) are symmetrically constructed with respect to the plane (E), and preferably the adapter (10) includes four force-fit connections (111, 211; 112, 212; 113, 213; 114, 214).

15. A plug connector (1) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, preferably a circular plug connector (1), The plug connector (1) includes an adapter (10) with a contact module (300), the adapter being constructed according to any one of the preceding claims. The contact module is configured as a contact carrier (300) with at least one electrical contact element (330), and The plug connector (1) includes a plug connector housing (11) in which an adapter (10) is segmentally housed.

16. A mating connector (2) for transmitting electrical energy and / or electrical signals, preferably a circular mating connector (2), The mating connector (2) includes an adapter (10) with a contact module (400), said adapter being formed according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The contact module is configured as a contact socket (400) with at least one mating electrical contact element (430), and The mating connector (2) includes a mating connector housing (21) in which the adapter (10) is partially housed.

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