Electrical multi-pole connector device, modular building block device
By combining floating supports and mechanical forced guidance mechanisms, the problem of misalignment compensation during the docking process of electrical multipole connectors is solved, achieving a stable and reliable electrical connection and reducing the risk of damage.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIEMENS IND SOFTWARE NV
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrical multipole connectors are difficult to effectively compensate for misalignment during the mating process, leading to unstable connections and potential damage risks.
The connector design employs floating support, combining elastic support and mechanical forced guidance mechanism. It achieves misalignment compensation through spring-loaded support and stop elements, and ensures docking accuracy through tapered structure.
It achieves a stable and reliable connection even under misalignment conditions, reduces the risk of operational damage, and ensures the safety and accuracy of electrical connections.
Smart Images
Figure CN122459974A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical multipole connector device for connecting at least three terminals of a first connector to an equal number of terminals of a second connector when two connectors are mated together, wherein the first connector has a recess and the second connector has a convex portion, which interlock with each other when mated, wherein at least the convex portion or the recess, or both, are tapered, such that even if there is a certain degree of misalignment between the two connectors at the beginning of the mating process, the convex portion still engages with the recess. Background Technology
[0002] An electrical multipole connector device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP1670301A1, EP3796481A1 and US2871457A.
[0003] Documents WO03 / 038950A1 and WO2018 / 208943A1 disclose details of the electrical connections of two modular building blocks, each of which includes at least one connector. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The objective of this invention is achieved through the independent claims. The dependent claims describe advantageous improvements and modifications of the invention.
[0005] More specifically, the present invention proposes a method of the type initially mentioned above, which includes the following additional steps: An electrical multipole connector device is proposed for connecting at least three terminals of a first connector to an equal number of terminals of a second connector when two connectors are mated together, wherein the first connector has a recess and the second connector has a protrusion, and the two interlock with each other during mating. The convex or concave portion, or both, is tapered, such that even if there is some misalignment between the two connectors at the start of the mating process, the convex portion still engages with the concave portion.
[0006] The key is that at least one of the two connectors is supported in a floating manner to compensate for misalignment during the docking process.
[0007] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the floating support of the connector is provided by an elastic support or spring-loaded support of the connector relative to at least one alignment element, which defines the alignment position of the floating support connector by restricting at least one degree of freedom of the connector by the movement of the connector, thereby holding the connector in a predetermined position at the start of the docking process.
[0008] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the spring-loaded support is provided by at least one conical spring.
[0009] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that at least two springs are provided for the spring-loaded support of the connector relative to at least one alignment element. The translational movement of the connector along the direction of higher spring load is limited by a stop element. When the mating connector is inserted, the stop element is located essentially behind the connector on the insertion axis. The stop element is configured such that when a stop contact is established between the stop element and the connector, the stop element can cause the connector to tilt.
[0010] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the stop element has a contact surface that contacts the connector in a point manner to enable two-dimensional tilting movement along the contact point, or contacts the connector in a line manner to enable one-dimensional tilting movement along the contact axis.
[0011] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that a floating connector located on the opposite side of the mating option has a platform substantially orthogonal to the mating direction for providing floating support for the connector at at least three points on the platform, these points being located on the sides of the area where the two mating connectors abut each other.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the device includes a mechanically forced guiding mechanism for two connectors. The mechanical forced guidance mechanism is configured to guide the movement during the docking process.
[0013] According to one embodiment, a mechanically forced guiding mechanism is proposed to include at least one bayonet locking mechanism that locks the connector in a mating position.
[0014] According to one embodiment, terminals are provided in the protrusions and recesses of the connector so that they contact each other during mating.
[0015] Another equally important teaching of claim 10 relates to a modular building block device comprising at least two building blocks, the at least two building blocks comprising a connector device.
[0016] Another equally important teaching relates to a modular building block device comprising at least two building blocks, the at least two building blocks including a connector device according to at least one of the preceding claims.
[0017] According to one embodiment, it is proposed that a first building block of the building block device includes a first connector, and a second building block of the building block device includes a second connector, so as to electrically connect the building blocks of the building block device. Attached Figure Description
[0018] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below by way of example only and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a modular building block device comprising two building blocks according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the mechanical forced guidance mechanism for the two building blocks is shown; Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show three-dimensional sectional views of the mechanical forced guidance mechanism parts of the two building blocks, respectively; Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a modular building block device including two building blocks is shown, illustrating details of the mechanical forced guidance mechanism; Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the electrical multipole connector of the building block; Figure 6 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a multi-pole connector supported in a floating manner is shown; Figure 7 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of another cross-sectional view is shown, depicting two electrical multipole connectors that are supported in a floating manner and mated together. Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the platform for the electrical multipole connector is shown.
[0019] The illustrations in the accompanying drawings are schematic. It should be noted that similar or identical elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals in different drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Figure 1A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a modular building block BLC device according to the present invention is shown. Using these modular building block BLCs, an electronic device can be assembled. This modularity allows for the flexible creation, for example, of a measuring device for processing different types of measurement results. Depending on the specific circumstances, the number and type of building block BLCs can be varied. The device formed by this modular building block BLC device benefits from two basic functions. A mechanical locking mechanism allows for relatively rough operation without the risk of damage. When the modular building block BLCs are connected together via a multi-pole connector CNC device, the electrical connection is secure. The building block BLCs are electrically connected to each other using an electrical multi-pole connector CNC device according to the present invention. The modular building block BLCs are substantially rectangular in shape. At each edge of the rectangular shape, a mechanical forced guide mechanism (GDC) allows two building block BLCs to be positioned relative to each other in a predetermined geometric relationship. Furthermore, the mechanical forced guide mechanism (GDC) allows two building block BLCs to be fixed to each other. The modular building block (BLC) device is configured such that each modular building block BLC includes a first CNF connector (CNC) and a second CNS connector (CNC), thereby enabling the building block BLCs to stack electrical connections in a stack of more than two building block BLCs.
[0021] Figure 2 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the mechanically forced guide mechanism (GDC) of two building blocks (BLCs) is shown. Each GDC includes a pin (BLT) extending along the insertion axis (TAX) and rotatably supported within the housing (CSG) of the modular building block (BLC). As shown in Figure 3a), the pin BLT has a shoulder (SHD) to hold it in a defined angular position relative to the housing (CSG); this means the pin BLT cannot rotate relative to the housing (CSG). The pin BLT can move relative to the housing (CSG) in the axial direction (AXL), and some limitations are defined by the pin passing through the pin BLT and the transverse direction relative to the pin BLT's longitudinal direction, i.e., relative to the insertion axis (TAX). An elastic spring assembly consisting of disc springs (SPRs) holds the pin BLT in a predetermined axial position but allows it to be forced to move axially in a uniaxial direction.
[0022] A rotatable sleeve SLV with a handle HND is provided around the pin BLT assembly. This sleeve SLV is rotatable relative to the pin BLT and housing CSG along the longitudinal axis of the pin BLT, i.e., the insertion axis TAX. The sleeve SLV protrudes towards the insertion axis TAX, substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the rectangular shape of the building blocks BLC. When the building blocks BLC are stacked, the protrusion PRT of the sleeve SLV inserts into the recess RCS of the housing CSG, wherein the protrusion PRT and the recess RCS are correspondingly tapered TPS, thereby achieving increasingly precise centering as the two building blocks BLC are mated together. The laterally inserted pin PIN in the pin BLT corresponds to an opening in the front face of the sleeve SLV, so that at a predetermined rotational position of the sleeve SLV, the pin PIN passes through this opening, making way for the insertion of the protrusion PRT of the sleeve SLV into the recess RCS of the housing CSG without causing the front face to collide with the pin PIN of the pin BLT. Preferably, the sleeve SLV is rotated by using the handle HND to lock the pin into the cavity CVT of the sleeve SLV. The axial preload of the pin BLT pulls the pin towards the bottom of the recess RCS, thus tightly pulling the front end face of the sleeve SLV towards the bottom of the recess RCS. A groove GRV matching the shape of the pin is provided in the cavity CVT of the sleeve SLV, so that when the sleeve SLV rotates approximately 90° relative to the housing CSG and the pin BLT around the pin BLT, the pin is pulled into the groove GRV of the cavity CVT by the disc spring SPR, thereby indicating the circumferential position of the sleeve SLV and locking the sleeve SLV in that position. In this position, the handle HND of the sleeve SLV becomes part of one side of the building block BLC.
[0023] Figures 3a), 3b), and 3c) show three-dimensional cross-sectional views of the components of the mechanically forced guide mechanism GDC of the building block BLC. Figures 3a) and 3c) show that the pin BLT is circumferentially locked within the housing CSG of the building block BLC to prevent rotation. Furthermore, the shoulder SHD of the pin BLT, which contacts the housing CSG and prevents rotation, restricts the axial movement of the pin BLT relative to the housing CSG.
[0024] The friction ring FRR is pressed against the housing CSG by a disc spring SPR and is rotatable about the pin BLT. The friction ring FRR has a recess DNT that engages with a cam CAM on the surface of the housing CSG. Under the force of the disc spring SPR, the cam CAM is pressed into the recess DNT, thereby locking the sleeve SLV, which is rotatably connected to the friction ring FRR in 90° increments. Thus, even without engagement with any other building block BLC, the sleeve SLV can be held in a defined position. Furthermore, due to engagement with the friction ring FRR, the handle HND is locked, and due to the engagement of the recess DNT and the cam CAM, only a limited force can be applied to rotate it out of the open and closed positions.
[0025] Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a modular building block BLC assembly including two building block BLCs is shown, illustrating details of the mechanically forced guide mechanism (GDC). The diagram shows that the friction ring (FRR) holds the sleeve SLV in a predetermined position relative to the housing CSG. Due to the corresponding friction ring (FRR), rotating one sleeve SLV using the handle (HND) does not automatically rotate the other sleeve SLVs of adjacent building block BLCs.
[0026] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Three-dimensional schematic diagrams of cross-sectional views of the electrical multipole connector CNCs in different cutting planes are shown. The connector CNCs are used to connect at least three terminals TRM of a first CNF connector CNC to an equal number of terminals TRM of a second CNS connector CNC. Each building block (BLC) includes two multipole connector CNCs: a first CNF connector CNC and a second CNS connector CNC. The first CNF connector CNC has a recessed RCS, and the second CNS connector CNC has a raised PRT, which interlock with each other during mating. Thus, the first CNF connector CNC constitutes the female connector CNC, and the second CNS connector CNC constitutes the male connector CNC. Mixed male and female geometries are also possible. The terminals TRMs are not shown in detail in the figures. Preferably, the terminals TRMs are respectively located inside the recessed RCS and outside the raised PRT. The raised PRT and the recessed RCS are tapered TPS, such that even if there is some degree of misalignment between the two connector CNCs at the beginning of the mating process, the raised PRT still engages with the recessed RCS. Alternatively, the tapered TPS structure can be installed on only one of the mating parts.
[0027] When building blocks (BLCs) are stacked, the second CNS connector (CNC) is inserted into the first CNF connector (CNC). The mating of the connector CNCs is achieved along the insertion axis (TAX) and the insertion direction. This insertion direction and insertion axis (TAX) are defined by the above and... Figures 1 to 4 The mechanical forced guidance mechanism shown in the figure is used to define it.
[0028] While the second CNS connector CNC is substantially rigidly fixed to the housing CSG of the building block BLC and directly connected to the printed circuit board PCP, the first CNF connector CNC is floatingly mounted to the building block BLC. The floating connector CNC, located on the opposite side of the mating option, may have a platform PLF substantially orthogonal to the mating direction, providing the floating support SPT for the connector CNC at at least three points on the platform PLF located on the sides of the areas where the two mating connector CNCs abut against each other. Here, the platform PLF is capable of moving in a two-dimensional manner within specific predetermined limits in the axial direction of the insertion axis TAX and in the lateral direction relative to the axis. Furthermore, the first CNF connector CNC and its platform PLF are also capable of tilting. The floating support SPT of the connector CNC is provided by an elastic or spring-loaded support SPT of the connector CNC relative to at least one alignment element AEL, which defines the alignment position of the connector CNC with respect to the floating support SPT by restricting at least one degree of freedom of the connector CNC's movement, thereby holding the connector CNC in a predetermined position at the start of the mating process.
[0029] The spring-loaded support SPT is provided by four tapered TPS springs SPR, which press the connector CNC platform PLF against the alignment element AEL and advantageously restore the lateral position to a predetermined alignment position that has the highest probability of aligning with the mating connector CNC during the mating process. However, this alignment position is affected by the manufacturing tolerances of all relevant parts.
[0030] Preferably, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the translational movement of the connector CNC along the direction of the higher spring SPR load is limited by the stop element SEL. When the mating connector CNC is inserted, the stop element SEL is substantially located behind the connector CNC and its platform PLF on the insertion axis TAX. Preferably, and as shown, the stop element SEL is configured such that when a stop contact is established between the stop element SEL and the connector CNC, the stop element SEL allows the connector CNC to tilt. Figure 8As shown, the stop element SEL is part of the support portion SPT of the spring SPR, wherein the spring SPR is preferably arranged symmetrically around the stop element SEL. The stop element SEL has a contact surface that contacts the connector CNC in a point-like manner to enable two-dimensional tilting movement along the contact point. Here, the contact element is rounded to enable smooth tilting movement along the fillet radius.
[0031] Optionally, the stop element SEL may have a contact surface that contacts the connector CNC in a linear manner to enable one-dimensional tilting movement along the contact axis. This may be preferred where the connector CNC has a higher geometric tolerance for misalignment in non-tilting directions.
[0032] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can make many additional modifications and variations thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An electrical multipole connector device for connecting at least three terminals (TRM) of a first (CNF) connector (CNC) to an equal number of terminals (TRM) of a second (CNS) connector (CNC) when two connectors (CNC) are mated together. in, The first (CNF) connector (CNC) has a recess (RCS), and the second (CNS) connector (CNC) has a protrusion (PRT), the recess and the protrusion interlocking with each other during mating. Wherein, at least the protrusion (PRT) or the recess (RCS), or both, are configured as a tapered (TPS) shape, such that even if there is a certain degree of misalignment between the two connectors (CNCs) at the beginning of the mating process, the protrusion (PRT) still engages with the recess (RCS). Its features are, At least one of the two connectors (CNC) is supported in a floating manner (SPT) to compensate for misalignment during the docking process. The floating support (SPT) of the connector (CNC) is provided by an elastic or spring-loaded support (SPT) of the connector (CNC) relative to at least one alignment element (AEL). The at least one alignment element defines the alignment position of the connector (CNC) with respect to the floating support (SPT) by restricting at least one degree of freedom of the connector (CNC) to allow the connector (CNC) to remain in a predetermined position at the start of the mating process. The connector (CNC) is provided with at least two springs (SPR) for the spring-loaded support (SPT) relative to the at least one alignment element (AEL). The translational movement of the connector (CNC) toward the higher spring (SPR) load is limited by a stop element (SEL). When the mating connector (CNC) is inserted, the stop element (SEL) is located substantially behind the connector (CNC) along the insertion axis (IAX). The stop element (SEL) is configured such that when a stop contact is established between the stop element (SEL) and the connector (CNC), the stop element (SEL) can cause the connector (CNC) to tilt.
2. The electrical multipole connector device according to claim 1, wherein, The spring-loaded support (SPT) is provided by at least one tapered (TPS) spring (SPR).
3. The electrical multipole connector device according to claim 2, wherein, The stop element (SEL) has a contact surface that contacts the connector (CNC) in a point manner to enable two-dimensional tilting motion along the contact point, or contacts the connector in a line manner to enable one-dimensional tilting motion along the contact axis.
4. The electrical multipole connector device according to claim 3, wherein, The floating connector (CNC) located on the opposite side of the mating option has a platform (PLF) substantially orthogonal to the mating direction, wherein the floating support (SPT) of the connector (CNC) is provided at at least three points on the platform (PLF), wherein the points are located on the sides of the area where the two mating connectors (CNCs) abut against each other.
5. The electrical multipole connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device includes a mechanically forced guide mechanism (GDC) for two connectors (CNC), wherein the mechanically forced guide mechanism (GDC) is configured to guide the motion of the docking process.
6. The electrical multipole connector device according to claim 5, wherein, The mechanical forced guide mechanism (GDC) includes at least one bayonet locking mechanism (BLM) that locks the connector (CNC) in the mating position.
7. The electrical multipole connector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Terminals (TRMs) are disposed in the protrusions (PRTs) and recesses (RCS) of the connector (CNC) so that they contact each other during mating.
8. A modular building block device comprising at least two building blocks, said at least two building blocks including a connector (CNC) device according to at least one of the preceding claims, Its features are, The first (CNF) building block of the building block device includes the first (CNF) connector (CNC), and the second (CNS) building block of the building block device includes the second (CNS) connector (CNC) to electrically connect the building blocks of the building block device.
9. The modular building block device according to claim 8, wherein, The modular building block device includes at least one mechanical forced guide mechanism (GDC) according to claim 5 or 6.
10. The modular building block device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, Each modular building block includes a first (CNF) connector (CNC) and a second (CNS) connector (CNC), enabling the building blocks to be stacked and electrically connected in a stack of more than two building blocks.