Connector housing, housing assembly and plug connection
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610293528.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-14
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-15
Smart Images
Figure CN122763084A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a plug connector housing for plug connections, such as, but not limited to, an electrical plug connection for the automotive industry. Furthermore, this invention relates to a housing assembly having such a connector housing. Additionally, this invention relates to a plug connection device having a housing assembly. Background Technology
[0002] In many technical applications, such as automotive technology, cable-based plug connections are used to transmit current and signals. Typically, a male component and a female component (e.g., plug and socket) form a plug connection. The differences between these components must be taken into account during their installation, often resulting in an equal number of plugs and sockets being stocked. Plug connections introduce further complexity in terms of their cable, which may be equipped with one plug and one socket at each end, or may have two plugs or two sockets. The appropriate cable must then be selected based on the application.
[0003] To represent all these changes, considerable effort must be invested in the manufacture, storage, and installation of the plug connections.
[0004] Therefore, the present invention is based on the creation of options that generally improve the manufacturability and applicability of plug connections. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This objective is achieved by a connector housing of the type described at the beginning, wherein the connector housing is configured to be plugged into a mating housing configured to be structurally identical to the connector housing along the plugging direction, wherein the connector housing has a cable side and a plugging side, wherein the plugging side includes at least one form-fitting element extending transversely to the plugging direction and at least one receiving area, the receiving area being at least partially configured to be complementary to at least one form-fitting element.
[0006] The connector housing is identical to, or at least has the same structural configuration as, the associated mating housing, or is configured to be identical in size to the associated mating housing. In particular, the mating housing has a structurally identical mating side (including its own shape-fitting elements and receiving area) that mates with the mating side of the connector housing, thereby creating mutual mating capability.
[0007] Therefore, the receiving area of the connector housing is configured to mate with the shape-fitting element of the housing. Since the shape-fitting element of the connector housing interlocks with the receiving area of the mating housing (and vice versa), the insertion state can be ensured, and relative movement between the connector housing and the mating housing in the insertion direction can be prevented.
[0008] To release or unlock the insertion state, the interlock between the form-fitting element of the connector housing and the receiving area of the mating housing, as well as the interlock between the form-fitting element of the mating housing and the receiving area of the connector housing, must first be released. Therefore, the plug connection using the connector housing according to the invention is reliable and easy to use due to this dual-locking option.
[0009] Although the receiving area of the connector housing is not provided for the form-fitting element of the connector housing (but rather the mating housing), the shape of the form-fitting element of the connector housing still has a transmitting effect on the receiving area of the connector housing. In other words, the receiving area on the connector housing must be complementary to its own form-fitting element so that it can fully accommodate the form-fitting element of the mating housing with the same structure. Therefore, the receiving area configured to be complementary to the form-fitting element forms the mating part of the form-fitting element.
[0010] Another advantage of the connector housing according to the invention is its bisexual configuration, which is achieved in particular by means of the pluggability of two housings with identical structures and by means of the complementarity between the form-fitting elements and the receiving area.
[0011] Therefore, there is no need to distinguish between the plug housing and the socket housing, as is the case in traditional plug connections. Instead, the connector housing can be used on both sides of the plug connection, which simplifies the manufacturing and handling of the entire plug connection.
[0012] The housing assembly, including the connector housing according to the invention and a mating housing structurally identical thereto, also achieves the purpose stated at the beginning. The insertion side of the connector housing and the insertion side of the mating housing can be inserted together.
[0013] The advantages of connector housings have a positive impact on housing assemblies. Furthermore, compared to conventional housing assemblies consisting of plug and socket housings, two structurally identical components (i.e., connector housing and mating housing) can be used, thereby reducing the range of required component types by up to half. This lowers manufacturing costs because connector housings and mating housings can be manufactured using the same production equipment (e.g., injection molding).
[0014] The initial objective is further satisfied by a plug connection having a housing assembly according to the invention and at least one pair of contacts. Thus, the first contact of the pair can be held in the connector housing, while the second contact of the pair can be held in the mating housing. In the plugged-in state of the housing assembly, the contacts of the contact pair can contact each other, allowing current and signals to be transmitted.
[0015] The plug connection according to the invention benefits from the advantages already mentioned above. In particular, when bipolar contact pairs are also used, this facilitates the manufacture and assembly of the plug connection because it is not necessary to distinguish which contact of the bipolar contact pair belongs to which housing.
[0016] The connector, consisting of a single connector housing according to the invention and at least one contact held therein, also fulfills the purpose stated at the beginning, since the advantages of the connector housing also come into play there.
[0017] In addition to electrical contacts, the contact pairs of plug connections or the contacts of connectors can also be optical contacts, fiber optic contacts, or fiber optic end faces. The main electrical configurations will be discussed below. However, embodiments with optical conductors should not be excluded and are explicitly covered by this invention. Therefore, plug connections can be purely electrical plug connections, purely optical plug connections, electro-optic plug connections, or opto-plug connections.
[0018] The invention can be further improved by the following configurations, which are advantageous in themselves and can be combined with each other arbitrarily. The configurations described below also relate to the connector housing and the mating housing, which are structurally identical thereto.
[0019] According to the first possible configuration, at least one receiving region can at least partially form the negative shape of at least one shape-fitting element. This allows for simple complementarity between the shape-fitting element and the receiving region. Then, the negative form is the opposite form, where the receiving region captures a protrusion or projection of the shape-fitting element as a recess, and captures a recess of the shape-fitting element as a protrusion or projection.
[0020] Specifically, the negative form can be mirrored relative to the actual form-fitting element in a mirror plane. Alternatively or additionally, the negative form can be rotated relative to the actual form-fitting element in a plane of rotation. The mirror plane and / or the plane of rotation can each extend laterally to the mating direction, and particularly perpendicular to the mating direction. In other words, the form-fitting element and its receiving area forming the negative form can be mirror-reversed and / or rotated relative to each other. Accordingly, when the connector housing and the mating housing are oriented in a mirror-reversed manner and / or rotated relative to each other, the connector housing can then be mated with a mating housing of the same structure.
[0021] According to another configuration, at least one receiving area may be located between the cable side and at least one form-fitting element, particularly in the insertion direction between the cable side and at least one form-fitting element.
[0022] Therefore, from the perspective of the mating housing, the receiving area of the connector housing is located behind the form-fitting element of the connector housing. Thus, the connector housing and the mating housing must be deeply interlocked so that their respective form-fitting elements and receiving areas can engage, thereby reliably ensuring the mating or connection state.
[0023] Optionally, at least one receiving area may be defined at least partially by an abutment surface pointing towards the cable side. The abutment surface may span laterally to the insertion direction, and in particular perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0024] The form-fitting element of the mating housing from the plug side can abut against the abutment surface in a form-fitting manner, thereby preventing relative movement between the connector housing and the mating housing in the plugging direction and thus ensuring their plugging state. To release or unlock the plugging state, the form-fitting element of the mating housing can then be raised from the abutment surface of the connector housing, and vice versa.
[0025] According to another possible configuration, at least one form-fitting element can at least partially define at least one receiving area. This configuration is particularly advantageous because the mating housing assembly can be unlocked by removing a single form-fitting element from its associated receiving area. If, for example, the form-fitting element of the connector housing is removed, it leaves the associated receiving area of the mating housing. Simultaneously, the restriction of the receiving area of the connector housing is released, allowing the form-fitting element of the mating housing to also leave the associated receiving area of the connector housing.
[0026] The aforementioned abutment surface can be disposed on at least one form-fitting element. If the form-fitting element of the connector housing is moved in this configuration, it is lifted from the abutment surface of the housing. Simultaneously, the abutment surface of the connector housing is also lifted from the form-fitting element of the housing without moving the form-fitting element. This configuration also facilitates unlocking and releasing the plug housing assembly.
[0027] The above configuration (wherein the form-fitting element defines the receiving area) can be easily implemented because at least one form-fitting element of the connector housing is at least partially aligned with at least one receiving area of the connector housing, particularly in the mating direction. In other words, at least one form-fitting element and at least one receiving area in the connector housing can overlap in the mating direction.
[0028] Alternatively, at least one form-fitting element and at least one receiving area may be offset from each other, for example, by an angular offset. Therefore, mutual obstruction between at least one form-fitting element and at least one receiving area when they are mated together can be avoided.
[0029] Optionally, the at least one form-fitting element can be arranged on a deflectable snap-fit arm. For example, the snap-fit arm can be resiliently deflected laterally to the insertion direction, and particularly perpendicular to the insertion direction. The snap-fit arm can also be kept pivotable by a hinge. This simplifies the insertion process. In particular, the connector housing can have at least one insertion chamfer, through which the snap-fit arms of identical mating housings automatically deflect or pivot during the insertion process.
[0030] According to another possible configuration, at least one receiving area may form a cut-off portion for at least one shape-fitting element of the mating housing. Specifically, the cut-off portion may be present when viewed in the mating direction, such that when the shape-fitting element of the mating housing engages in the cut-off portion of the connector housing, movement of the mating housing in the mating direction is prevented. With this configuration, the mating state can be easily established and reliably ensured.
[0031] To simplify operation, the connector housing may include at least one rocker arm having a first lever arm extending away from the cable side and a second lever arm extending toward the cable side. An imaginary axis of rotation may be arranged between the first and second lever arms of the rocker arm, about which the two lever arms can pivot.
[0032] At least one form-fitting element can be arranged on the first lever arm of the rocker arm. For example, the aforementioned snap-fit arm can form the first lever arm of the rocker arm. An actuating element can be arranged on the second lever arm of the rocker arm. The form-fitting element and the actuating element are then connected to the rocker arm in a motion-transmitting manner. First, this allows the use of leverage. Second, the actuating element can have better accessibility on the cable side than the form-fitting element on the plug side.
[0033] The actuating element may be, for example, a pressure region. Actuation of the pressure region causes, for example, the second lever arm to lower and the first lever arm to rise. Thus, the form-fitting element can be removed from its engagement with the receiving region of the mating housing. As described above, this removal then allows the connector housing and the mating housing to be separated.
[0034] In addition to unlocking, the actuating element also helps to connect the connector housing and the mating housing together. Lowering the second lever arm while simultaneously raising the first lever arm allows the form-fitting element of the connector housing to move unimpeded across the receiving area of the mating housing. When the housing assemblies are fully engaged, the actuating element can be released, causing the form-fitting element of the connector housing to sink into the associated receiving area of the mating housing, thus securing the mating position.
[0035] As will be explained in more detail below, it may be advantageous for the first and second lever arms of the rocker arm to be at least partially located at different heights or levels. This is particularly true when the rocker arm is in a non-loaded state, where the first and second lever arms can be positioned at different heights or levels. These different heights can be measured perpendicular to the insertion direction.
[0036] For example, at least one form-fitting element on the first lever arm can be positioned lower than the second lever arm with the actuating element (i.e., closer to the rest of the connector housing). Specifically, the first lever arm can be positioned below the already mentioned axis of rotation, while the second lever arm is above the axis of rotation or at the same height. This height offset advantageously results in the movement trajectory of the form-fitting element having a pulling component pointing towards the cable side, pulling the connector housing and its mating housing towards each other. Therefore, any dimensional tolerances and undesirable clearances between the connector housing and the mating housing can be minimized, if not completely eliminated.
[0037] The first contact of the aforementioned pair of contacts can be secured in the connector housing by a terminal lock (TPA, Terminal Position Guarantee). For example, the terminal lock can be configured to be inserted into the connector housing laterally, particularly perpendicular to the mating direction. In the inserted state, the terminal lock can engage with the shape of the first contact of the pair of contacts. Optionally, the terminal lock can also be used to prevent deflection of the aforementioned latching arm or rocker arm.
[0038] In other words, the terminal lock can block the latching arm or rocker arm, thereby securing at least one form-fitting element of the connector housing within at least one receiving area of the housing. For this purpose, the terminal lock may include, for example, a blocking portion that engages around the latching arm or first lever arm of the rocker arm. Alternatively, the blocking section may also fill the gap between the second lever arm and the remainder of the connector housing, thus preventing the rocker arm from moving. Therefore, this configuration of the terminal lock prevents accidental release of the contact pair in two ways: by securing the first contact of the contact pair and simultaneously restricting the movement of at least one form-fitting element, it prevents accidental disconnection of the plug connection.
[0039] According to another possible configuration, the connector housing may include at least one coded protrusion and at least one coded recess. For example, at least one coded protrusion may be disposed on at least one form-fitting element and at least one coded recess in at least one receiving area. Of course, it is also conceivable that the coded protrusion and coded recess are arranged in opposite directions.
[0040] The mating housings, being structurally identical, also include at least one coded protrusion and at least one coded groove at corresponding locations. In the mating state, the coded protrusion of the mating connector housing contacts the coded groove of the mating housing, and similarly, the coded protrusion of the mating housing contacts the coded groove of the mating connector housing. Despite the bisexual configuration, restrictions can still be imposed to prevent incorrect mating of connector housings and mating housings that do not belong to each other.
[0041] Although the connector housing and mating housing have the same bisexual configuration, they can also be used for conventional, non-bisexual plug connections. This will be explained in more detail below, and has the advantage of providing backward compatibility between the connector housing according to the invention and existing plug devices or interfaces.
[0042] In other words, the connector housing according to the invention can be configured to connect to both structurally identical mating housings and structurally different mating housings. Specifically, the connector housing can be configured to connect to a plug housing or socket housing of any designated interface. This specific interface itself does not need to have a dual-gender configuration, such that the plug housing and socket housing of the specific interface are not structurally identical to the connector housing. For example, the designated interface can be a customer-specified or manufacturer-specified interface or the interface of an already installed plug device. Therefore, the designated interface is subject to immutable design constraints, which exclude its own dual-gender configuration, and the connector housing can be adapted to these design constraints.
[0043] In particular, backward compatibility with the socket housing of the specified interface is advantageous, as the latter is typically permanently installed in vehicle components, while the corresponding plug housing of the specified interface is located on the cable or wire. Consequently, existing socket housings can usually be replaced with greater difficulty or expense compared to existing plug housings.
[0044] An adapter can be provided to achieve backward compatibility with the receptacle housing of the specified interface, as just mentioned. The adapter may include an adapter inlet and an adapter outlet. The adapter inlet may be configured to at least partially receive the connector housing according to the invention, while the adapter outlet forms a connector face of the specified interface complementary to the receptacle housing. In other words, the adapter outlet may include the outer contour of a plug housing corresponding to the specified interface.
[0045] The adapter can then be used as a connecting link between the connector housing according to the invention and the socket housing with the specified interface. Thus, this adapter fulfills the purpose stated at the beginning because it expands the applicability of the plug connection. The (assembly) kit having the housing assembly according to the invention, the socket housing with the specified interface, and such an adapter also fulfills the purpose stated at the beginning. Here, the socket housing with the specified interface is structurally different from the connector housing of the housing assembly. In other words, in addition to the adapter, the (assembly) kit includes the connector housing, the mating housing which is structurally identical to it, and the socket housing with the specified interface which is structurally different from it.
[0046] As an alternative to the adapter, the connector housing according to the invention may also include an outer contour on its mating side, which corresponds to the plug housing of the designated interface. In other words, the mating side of the connector housing may form a connector face complementary to the receptacle housing. Therefore, when the mating side of the connector housing of the housing assembly forms a connector face complementary to the designated interface of the receptacle housing, the (assembled) kit having the housing assembly according to the invention and the receptacle housing of the designated interface also satisfies the purpose stated at the beginning. Currently, the usability of the plug connection is improved because the connector housing is compatible with both mating housings of housing assemblies that are structurally identical to it and receptacle housings of designated interfaces that are structurally different from it.
[0047] The stability of the mating state is increased when the mating side has two form-fitting elements and two receiving areas. For example, the two form-fitting elements can be arranged opposite each other perpendicular to the mating direction. Similarly, the two receiving areas can be arranged opposite each other perpendicular to the mating direction. Each form-fitting element can then be provided with its own insertion chamfer, rocker arm, coding groove or coding protrusion and / or latching arm.
[0048] Two receiving areas can be positioned between two form-fitting elements. Alternatively, the two form-fitting elements can be positioned between the two receiving areas. In both cases, a compact design of the connector housing is achieved.
[0049] According to another possible design, two form-fitting elements can jointly define two receiving areas. This achieves redundancy and increased security. If one of the form-fitting elements breaks, the corresponding other form-fitting element still defines the two receiving areas and prevents accidental unlocking of the housing assembly. Attached Figure Description
[0050] The invention will now be described by way of example using embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are always used for elements that correspond to each other in terms of function and / or structure.
[0051] Based on the above description, if the technical effect associated with a feature of an embodiment is not important to a particular application, that feature can be omitted. Conversely, if the technical effect of a feature to be added is important to a particular application, a feature that does not yet exist can be added to the embodiment according to the above description.
[0052] in:
[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the connector housing is shown;
[0054] Figure 2 A side sectional view shows the view from Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connector housing;
[0055] Figure 3 A side view shows the source Figure 1 A schematic detailed illustration of the connector housing;
[0056] Figure 4 The front view shows the source Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connector housing;
[0057] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the housing assembly is shown;
[0058] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plug connection is shown;
[0059] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing assembly is shown;
[0060] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing assembly is shown;
[0061] Figure 9 The image shows the device in the plugged-in state from... Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the housing assembly;
[0062] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing assembly is shown;
[0063] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing assembly is shown;
[0064] Figure 12 The image shows the device in the plugged-in state from... Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the housing assembly;
[0065] Figure 13 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the assembly kit is shown;
[0066] Figure 14 Showing from Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the assembly kit;
[0067] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the assembly kit is shown;
[0068] Figure 16 Showing from Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a portion of the assembly kit;
[0069] Figure 17 Showing from Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a portion of the assembly kit;
[0070] Figure 18 Showing from Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a portion of the assembly kit;
[0071] Figure 19 Showing from Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a portion of the assembly kit;
[0072] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the assembly kit is shown;
[0073] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the housing assembly is shown;
[0074] Figure 22 Showing from Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the housing assembly;
[0075] Figure 23 Showing from Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the housing assembly; and
[0076] Figure 24 Showing from Figure 21 A schematic diagram of the housing assembly. Detailed Implementation
[0077] Figure 1 A possible configuration of the connector housing 1 is shown in perspective. The connector housing 1 has a cable side 8 and a mating side 10.
[0078] On cable side 8, cable 12 (see...) Figure 2 The contact 16 can access the contact chamber 14 of the connector housing 1. The contact 16 can be retained in the contact chamber 14. The mating contact (not shown) can be retained in the mating housing 2 (see [link to mating housing 2]). Figure 5 Contact 16 and mating contacts can be electrical contacts, such as shielded contacts and / or coaxial contacts used in the automotive field. Optical contacts, fiber optic contacts, or fiber optic end faces can also be used.
[0079] Contact 16 can be secured in contact chamber 14 by terminal lock 80. Figure 2 As can be clearly seen in the cross-sectional view, for this purpose, the terminal lock 80 can engage with the contact 16 in a shaped fit. For example, the terminal lock 80 can be laterally inserted into the connector housing 1 via an insertion slot 82 (see...). Figure 21 The insertion slot 82 extends therein into the contact chamber 14 inside the connector housing 1. In the final position 84 of the terminal lock 80, the terminal lock 80 extends into the contact chamber 14 and can interlock there with the contact 16 in a form-fitting manner.
[0080] The connector housing 1 is bisexually configured and therefore can be inserted into a mating housing 2 along the insertion direction 18. The mating housing is structurally identical to the connector housing 1. The connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 constitute housing assembly 4 (see [link to housing assembly 4]). Figure 5 The connector housing 1 and the associated mating housing 2 are configured to be identical or at least have the same structural type or are configured to be identical in size. In particular, the mating housing 2 has a mating side 10' with the same structure, which mates with the mating side 10 of the connector housing 1. In particular, the mating side 10 of the connector housing 1 and the mating side 10' of the mating housing 2 can be mated together. Figure 6 , 9 Figures 1 and 12 each show this insertion state 20 between connector housing 1 and mating housing 2.
[0081] Therefore, the same housing component can be used twice, once as connector housing 1 and once as mating housing 2, without having to distinguish between plug housing and socket housing. Thus, connector housing 1 and mating housing 2 can be manufactured as injection molded parts using the same injection mold.
[0082] To ensure the insertion state 20, the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 each have a mating member 22 on their insertion sides 10, 10'. The following description of the mating member 22 also applies to the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2, which is structurally identical thereto.
[0083] The mating side 10 includes at least one form-fitting element 24 extending transversely to the mating direction 18. Specifically, the form-fitting element 24 may extend perpendicularly to the mating direction 18. In other words, the form-fitting element 24 may protrude transversely, and particularly perpendicularly, to the mating direction 18. For example, the form-fitting element 24 may be configured as a hook 26 (see...). Figure 2 ), fork 28 (see Figure 7 ) and / or Rib 30 (see Figure 8 ).like Figure 1As shown, two form-fitting elements 24 can be disposed on the mating side 10. The two form-fitting elements 24 can be disposed opposite each other perpendicular to the mating direction 18. However, a configuration with a single form-fitting element 24 for each connector housing 1 and mating housing 2 is also possible (see [link to documentation]). Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).
[0084] The mating side 10 also includes at least one receiving region 32, which is configured to be at least partially complementary to at least one form-fitting element 24. Each form-fitting element 24 may have its own receiving region 32. Figure 1 It is evident that two receiving areas 32 can be provided on the insertion side 10. The two receiving areas 32 can be provided perpendicular to each other in the insertion direction 18 and positioned between the two form-fitting elements 24. Alternatively, the two form-fitting elements can be positioned between the two receiving areas.
[0085] Although strictly speaking, the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 does not have a form-fitting element 24 for the connector housing 1, complementarity is still necessary. This is because the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 should mate with the form-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2, which has the same structure. However, in order for the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 to receive the form-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2, the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 must be complementary to the form-fitting element 24 on the connector housing 1, which has the same structure. In other words, the shape of the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1 gradually influences the shape of the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1.
[0086] Therefore, the receiving region 32, configured to be complementary to the shape-fitting element 24, forms a mating part of the shape-fitting element 24. For example, at least one receiving region 32 may at least partially form a negative form of at least one shape-fitting element 24. The negative form here is the opposite form, wherein the receiving region 32 captures the protrusion of the shape-fitting element 24 as a recess and captures the recess of the shape-fitting element 24 as a protrusion.
[0087] Given the shape of the shape-fitting elements already described as hook 26, fork 28 and / or rib 30, the complementary receiving region 32 can be configured as a recess 34 (see Figure 1 ), Groove 36 (see) Figure 7 ), Channel 38 (see Figure 8 Or other types of recesses that are recessed laterally or, in particular, perpendicularly to the insertion direction 18.
[0088] like Figure 7As shown, the receiving area 32, in its negative form, can be mirrored relative to the form-fitting element 24 at the mirror plane 40. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving area 32, in its negative form, can be rotated relative to the form-fitting element 24 in the rotation plane 42. The mirror plane 40 and / or the rotation plane 42 can each extend laterally to the mating direction 18, and particularly perpendicularly to the mating direction 18. In other words, the form-fitting element 24 and its negative form forming the receiving area 32 can be mirror-reversed and / or rotated relative to each other. Accordingly, when the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 are oriented and / or rotated relative to each other in a mirror-reversed manner, the connector housing 1 can then be mated with the mating housing 2, which has the same structure (see...). Figure 5 and Figures 7 to 12 ).
[0089] Due to the interlocking of the shape-fitting element 24 of connector housing 1 with the receiving area 32' of mating housing 2 and the interlocking of the shape-fitting element 24' of mating housing 2 with the receiving area 32 of connector housing 1, the insertion state 20 is fixed, and relative movement between connector housing 1 and mating housing 2 in the insertion direction 18 is prevented.
[0090] To achieve the deepest possible interlocking between the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2, it is recommended to arrange at least one receiving area 32 between the cable side 8 and at least one form-fitting element 24 (see [reference]). Figure 2 Specifically, the receiving area 32 can be disposed between the cable side 8 and the form-fitting element 24 in the insertion direction 18. Therefore, for the mating housing 2, the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 is disposed behind the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1. However, from... Figure 11 It is evident that the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 can also be arranged in front of the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1. In other words, the form-fitting element 24 can also be arranged between the cable side 8 and the receiving area 32 along the insertion direction 18.
[0091] To release or unlock the insertion state 20, the interlock between the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1 and the receiving area 32' of the mating housing 2, as well as the interlock between the form-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 and the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1, must be released. This unlocking is facilitated when at least one form-fitting element 24 is arranged on a deflectable latching arm 44. For example, the latching arm 44 can be elastically deflected laterally to the insertion direction 18, and particularly perpendicular to the insertion direction 18. Alternatively, the latching arm 44 can be held pivotable by a hinge (not shown). Each form-fitting element 24 can be provided with its own latching arm 44, or multiple form-fitting elements can share a common latching arm. Of course, at least one receiving area 32 can also be arranged on the latching arm 44 (see...). Figure 11 ).
[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, the latching arm 44 may be part of a rocker arm 46. The rocker arm 46 may include a first lever arm 48a extending away from the cable side 8 and a second lever arm 48b extending toward the cable side 8, wherein the latching arm 44 forms the first lever arm 48a. An imaginary axis of rotation 50 may be disposed between the first lever arm 48a and the second lever arm 48b of the rocker arm 46, about which the two lever arms 48a, 48b may pivot. Each latching arm 44 may have its own rocker arm 46.
[0093] An actuating element 52 may be provided on the second lever arm 48b of the rocker arm 46. The actuating element 52 and the form-fitting element 24 are connected via the rocker arm 46 in a motion-transmitting manner. The actuating element 52 may be, for example, a pressure region 54, which is actuated by a pressing force 56 perpendicular to the insertion direction 18, causing, for example, the second lever arm 48b to descend and the first lever arm 48a to rise (see...). Figure 3 This is equivalent to the deflection of the latching arm 44, causing the form-fitting element 24 to disengage from its engagement with the receiving area 32' of the mating housing 2. The housing assembly is unlocked when the corresponding actuating elements 52, 52' are pressed against the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2.
[0094] In addition to unlocking, the actuating element 52 can also support the connector housing 1 and mating housing 2 that are plugged together. This is because raising the first lever arm 48a while lowering the second lever arm 48b allows, for example, the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1 to move unimpeded through the associated receiving area 32' of the mating housing 2 (and vice versa). When the housing assembly 4 is fully plugged together, the actuating element 52 can be released, whereby the form-fitting element 24 sinks into the associated receiving area 32' and thus secures the plugging state 20. Similarly, the actuating element 52' at the mating housing 2 can also support the plugging process.
[0095] When at least one insertion chamfer 58 is provided on the connector housing 1, the raising of the first lever arm 48a or the deflection of the latching arm 44 can occur automatically during the mating process. Each form-fitting element 24 may have its own insertion chamfer 58.
[0096] For example, the shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2, provided on the snap-fit arm 44, can travel onto the insertion chamfer 58 of the connector housing 1. Then, it is recommended that the insertion chamfer 58 of the connector housing 1 be arranged along the insertion direction 18 to align with the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1. Therefore, after overcoming the insertion chamfer 58, the shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 can directly engage in the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 under the elastic restoring force of the snap-fit arm 44.
[0097] like Figure 7 As shown, at least one receiving area 32 may form a cut-out 60 for at least one shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2. In particular, when viewed in the insertion direction 18, the cut-out 60 may be present such that when the shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 engages in the cut-out 60, movement of the mating housing 2 in the insertion direction 18 is prevented.
[0098] The cut-off portion 60 can be formed here by an abutment surface 62 pointing towards the cable side 8, which at least partially defines at least one receiving area 32. For this purpose, the abutment surface 62 can span transversely to the insertion direction 18, and in particular perpendicularly to the insertion direction 18. The shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 abuts against the abutment surface 62, thereby preventing relative movement between the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 in the insertion direction 18, and thus ensuring their insertion state 20 (see Figure 6 ).
[0099] In order to release or unlock the plugging state 20, the shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 can therefore be raised from the abutment surface 62 of the connector housing 1, and vice versa.
[0100] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, at least one form-fitting element 24 and at least one receiving area 32 can be arranged offset from each other, for example, with a positional offset 64 and / or an angular offset 66 between them. Therefore, when they are plugged together, mutual obstruction between at least one form-fitting element 24 and at least one receiving area 32 can be avoided.
[0101] Alternatively, the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1 can also be arranged in the mating direction 18 to align with the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 (see [link]). Figure 2 In other words, at least one form-fitting element 24 and at least one receiving region 32 in the connector housing 1 may overlap in the mating direction 18. Specifically, at least one form-fitting element 24 may at least partially define at least one receiving region 32. Figure 1 It can be clearly seen that the two shaped matching elements 24 can jointly define the two receiving areas 32.
[0102] This configuration is particularly advantageous because the mating housing assembly 4 can be unlocked by removing at least one form-fitting element 24 from the associated receiving area 32' at only a single housing (connector housing 1 or mating housing 2). By removing the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1, it leaves the associated receiving area 32' of the mating housing 2. Without the form-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1, the definition of the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 is simultaneously removed, allowing the form-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 to also leave the receiving area 32 of the connector housing 1 unobstructed.
[0103] To achieve this configuration, the previously described abutment surface 62 (62') can be located on at least one form-fitting element 24 (24') in the connector housing 1 (and therefore also in the mating housing 2). In the fixed and plugged-in state 20, the abutment surfaces 62, 62' of the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 are then abutted against each other (see...). Figure 6 If, under these circumstances, the shape-fitting element 24 of the connector housing 1 moves, it is lifted off the abutment surface 62' of the mating housing 2, and at the same time, the abutment surface 62 of the connector housing 1 is also lifted off the shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2, without having to move the shape-fitting element 24' of the mating housing 2 for this purpose.
[0104] based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is understandable why it is advantageous to arrange the first lever arm 48a and the second lever arm 48b of the rocker arm 46 at at least partially different distances from the rest of the connector housing 1. In other words, the first lever arm 48a and the second lever arm 48b can be positioned at different heights 68a, 68b when the rocker arm 46 is not in a malfunctioning state, or at different heights measured perpendicular to the insertion direction 18 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 ).
[0105] For example, at least one form-fitting element 24 on the first lever arm 48a may be positioned lower than the second lever arm 48b having the actuating element 52 (i.e., closer to the rest of the connector housing 1). In particular, the first lever arm 48a may be positioned below the already mentioned rotation axis 50, while the second lever arm 48b may be positioned above the rotation axis 50 or at the same height as the rotation axis 50. Figure 3 This illustrates how the height offset 70 advantageously results in the movement trajectory 72 of the form-fitting element 24 having a pulling component 74 pointing towards the cable side 8, by which the connector housing 1 and its mating housing 2 are pulled towards each other. Therefore, any dimensional tolerances and undesirable clearances between the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 can be completely eliminated or at least minimized.
[0106] from Figure 4 As can be clearly seen, the connector housing 1 includes at least one coding protrusion 76 and at least one coding recess 78. For example, at least one coding protrusion 76 may be provided on at least one form-fitting element 24, and at least one coding recess 78 may be provided in at least one receiving region 32. Of course, it is also conceivable that the coding protrusion and coding recess are arranged in opposite directions. For each form-fitting element 24, its own coding recess 78 or coding protrusion 76 may be provided respectively.
[0107] The mating housing 2, which has the same structure, also includes at least one coding protrusion 76' and at least one coding groove 78' at the corresponding positions (see Figure 5 In the mating state 20, the coding protrusion 76 of the connector housing 1 meets the coding groove 78' of the mating housing 2, and the coding protrusion 76' of the mating housing 2 also meets the coding groove 78' of the connector housing 1. Therefore, despite the hermaphroditic configuration, a control function can still be performed to prevent incorrect mating of connector housings and mating housings that do not belong to each other.
[0108] Figure 6 A plug connector 6 with a housing assembly 4 is shown. A contact 16 is held in a contact chamber 14 of the connector housing 1. A mating housing 2 also includes a contact chamber 14', in which a mating contact is held. In the mating state 20, the contact 16 and the mating contact are in contact with each other, thereby enabling the transmission of current and signals between the cables 12 of the plug connector 6.
[0109] exist Figure 13 The diagram illustrates how connector housing 1 (despite its bisexual configuration) can also be used in conventional non-bisexual plug devices 86 together with a structurally identical mating housing 2. For example, backward compatibility of connector housing 1 with a receptacle housing 88 already fitted with a designated interface 86 can be achieved in this way. For this purpose, an adapter 90 including an adapter inlet 92 and an adapter outlet 94 can be provided. The adapter inlet 92 can be configured to at least partially receive connector housing 1, while the adapter outlet 94 forms a connector face 96 of the designated interface 86 complementary to the receptacle housing 88 (see [link to diagram]). Figure 14 In other words, adapter outlet 94 may include an outer contour 98 that corresponds to the outer contour of the plug housing of the designated interface 86.
[0110] The adapter 90 then serves as a link between the connector housing 1 and the socket housing 88 of the designated interface 86. The contact 16 can be accessed via the adapter outlet 94 to a mating contact (not shown) in the socket housing 88.
[0111] To reliably fulfill the function of the connecting links, adapter 90 may include an external retaining element 100 at adapter outlet 94. In the illustrated configuration, the external retaining element 100 is configured as a latching protrusion 102. When adapter outlet 94 is inserted into the socket housing 88 of designated interface 86, latching protrusion 102 engages, for example, in a form-fitting manner in a latching opening 104 on socket housing 88. Similarly, adapter inlet 92 may include an internal retaining element that forms-fits with connector housing 1. Alternatively or additionally, adapter 90 may also be retained by friction engagement or force engagement (e.g., magnetically).
[0112] Figure 13 and 14 The adapter 90 shown is part of assembly kit 106, which also includes housing assembly 4 and receptacle housing 88 for the designated interface 86. As indicated by the dashed arrow, connector housing 1 can be plugged into receptacle housing 88 with adapter 90 added. Furthermore, by omitting adapter 90, connector housing 1 can be directly plugged into mating housing 2, thereby providing improved flexibility for connector housing 1 in application with assembly kit 106.
[0113] like Figure 15 As shown in the alternative configuration, the connector housing 1 can also be configured to be compatible with the receptacle housing 88 of a specific interface 86 without the adapter 90, without losing its ambiguity. For this purpose, the previously mentioned latching protrusion 102 can be arranged at the connector housing 1. In other words, the mating side 10 of the connector housing 1 itself can form a connector surface 96 complementary to the receptacle housing 88 including the latching protrusion 102. Specifically, the latching protrusion 102 can be arranged on the mating side 10 such that it is accessible to the latching opening 104 of the receptacle housing 88 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 16 However, it does not obstruct the shape of the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2, nor does it obstruct the receiving areas 32 and 32'.
[0114] For this purpose, the latching protrusion 102 can be spaced apart from the mating elements 24, 24' and the receiving regions 32, 32' of any shape. Figure 15 In the configuration shown, the latching protrusion 102 is arranged on the snap-fit arm 44 on the other side of the form-fitting element 24 located there. This results in the latching protrusion 102 having to move toward the contact chamber 14 in order to release the connection with the socket housing 88, and the form-fitting element 24 arranged on the other side having to move away from the contact chamber 14 in order to release from the mating housing 2.
[0115] To support the mating process with the receptacle housing 88, the connector housing 1 may optionally include one or more guide elements 108. The guide elements 108 may be used in particular to define the connector face 96. Thus, the connector housing 1 can be slidably guided into the receptacle housing 88 via the guide elements 108. For example, the edge 110 of the latching arm 44 may represent the guide element 108. Alternatively or additionally, a further guide rail 112 may be formed at the connector housing 1 and serve as the guide element 108.
[0116] Since the mating housing 2 also includes latching protrusions 102' and guide rails 112' due to their identical structure, it is also necessary to ensure that the latching protrusions 102, 102' and guide rails 112, 112' of both the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 do not "interfere" with each other. For this purpose, it is recommended that the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 be configured such that they must be oriented relative to each other for rotation when mated together. Figures 17 to 19 In this process, connector housing 1 and mating housing 2 are rotated 90° relative to each other in rotation plane 42. The insertion process then causes the associated form-fitting elements 24, 24' and receiving areas 32', 32 to interlock (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 19 ), while the latch protrusions 102, 102' and guide rails 112, 112' are far apart from each other (see Figure 18 ). Figure 20 The alternative configuration shows that rotating 180° can also achieve simultaneous compatibility between connector housing 1 and mating housing 2, as well as between connector housing 1 and socket housing 88.
[0117] Based on Figures 21 to 24 Another function of the terminal lock 80 is explained below. The terminal lock 80 can be used to prevent the connector housing 1 and the mating housing 2 from being prematurely mated together. In addition to the already mentioned final position 84 (see...), Figure 23 and 24 In addition to ), control position 114 (see Figure 22 The device may include a terminal lock 80 for this purpose. In the control position 114, the terminal lock 80 is not fully received in its insertion slot 82, but rather protrudes partially. Specifically, the terminal lock 80 may include one or more control protrusions 116 that, in the control position 114, point toward the mating housing 2 and prevent them from being inserted together.
[0118] The control protrusion 116 only moves out of the path of the mating housing 2 when the terminal lock 80 is moved from the control position 114 to the final position 84 (e.g., when an assembly worker confirms that the contact 16 is installed in the contact chamber 14). (See also: [link to relevant documentation]) Figure 23 With terminal lock 80 in the final position 84, connector housing 1 and mating housing 2 can then be fully inserted together (see...). Figure 24 ).
[0119] Figure Labels
[0120] 1 Connector Housing
[0121] 2. Fitting the housing
[0122] 4 housing components
[0123] 6-plug connector
[0124] 8 Cable side
[0125] 10, 10' plug side
[0126] 12 cable
[0127] 14, 14' contact chamber
[0128] 16 contacts
[0129] 18 plug-in directions
[0130] 20 status
[0131] 22 Joint components
[0132] 24, 24' shape-fitting element
[0133] 26 hooks
[0134] 28 forks
[0135] 30 ribs
[0136] 32, 32' receiving area
[0137] 34 depressions
[0138] 36 grooves
[0139] 38 channels
[0140] 40 mirror planes
[0141] 42. Plane of Revolution
[0142] 44 buckle arm
[0143] 46 joysticks
[0144] 48a, 48b lever arms
[0145] 50 rotation axis
[0146] 52, 52' Actuating elements
[0147] 54 pressure zone
[0148] 56 Pressing pressure
[0149] 58 Insert chamfer
[0150] 60 resection sections
[0151] 62, 62' mating surfaces
[0152] 64 position offset
[0153] 66-degree offset
[0154] 68a, 68b height
[0155] 70 height offset
[0156] 72 movement trajectories
[0157] 74 pulling component
[0158] 76, 76' coding protrusion
[0159] 78, 78' coding groove
[0160] 80 terminal lock
[0161] 82 Insertion Slot
[0162] 84 final position
[0163] 86 interface
[0164] 88 socket housing
[0165] 90 adapter
[0166] 92 adapter entry
[0167] 94 adapter export
[0168] 96 connector face
[0169] 98 outer contour
[0170] 100 External Holding Element
[0171] 102, 102' latching protrusions
[0172] 104 latch opening
[0173] 106 Assembly Kit
[0174] 108 boot elements
[0175] 110 edge
[0176] 112, 112' guide rail
[0177] 114 control position
[0178] 116 control protrusion
Claims
1. A connector housing (1) for plug connection (6), wherein the connector housing (1) is configured to connect along a mating direction (18) to a mating housing (2) structurally identical to the connector housing (1), wherein the connector housing (1) has a cable side (8) and a mating side (10), and wherein the mating side (10) comprises: At least one shape-fitting element (24) extends transversely to the insertion direction (18), and At least one receiving region (32) is configured to be at least partially complementary to the at least one shape-fitting element (24).
2. The connector housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein The at least one receiving region (32) at least partially forms the negative form of the at least one shape-fitting element (24), which is mirrored at the mirror plane (40) and / or rotated in the rotation plane (42).
3. The connector housing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least one receiving area (32) is located between the cable side (8) and the at least one shape-fitting element (24).
4. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The at least one receiving area (32) is defined at least in part by the contact surface (62) facing the cable side (8).
5. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one shape-fitting element (24) at least partially defines the at least one receiving region (32).
6. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The at least one shape-fitting element (24) is at least partially aligned with the at least one receiving region (32), or the at least one shape-fitting element (24) and the at least one receiving region (32) are offset from each other.
7. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The at least one receiving region (32) forms a cut-off portion (60) for the at least one shape-fitting element (24).
8. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one form-fitting element (24) is arranged on a deflectable snap-fit arm (44).
9. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The connector housing (1) includes at least one rocker arm (46) having a first lever arm (48a) extending away from the cable side (8) and a second lever arm (48b) extending toward the cable side (8), wherein the at least one form-fitting element (24) is arranged on the first lever arm (48a) of the rocker arm (46), and wherein an actuating element (52) is arranged on the second lever arm (48b) of the rocker arm (46).
10. The connector housing (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The first lever arm (48a) and the second lever arm (48b) of the rocker arm (46) are at least partially positioned at different heights (68a, 68b).
11. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the connector housing (1) includes at least one coding protrusion (76) and at least one coding groove (78), wherein the at least one coding protrusion (76) is disposed on the at least one shape-fitting element (24), and wherein the at least one coding groove (78) is disposed in the at least one receiving area (32).
12. The connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The plug-in side (10) includes two shape-fitting elements (24) and two receiving areas (32), wherein the two shape-fitting elements (24) are arranged opposite each other perpendicular to the plug-in direction (18), and wherein the two receiving areas (32) are arranged opposite each other perpendicular to the plug-in direction (18).
13. The connector housing (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The two shape-fitting elements (24) together define the two receiving areas (32).
14. A housing assembly (4) having a connector housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a mating housing (2) structurally identical thereto, wherein, The plug-in side (10) of the connector housing (1) and the plug-in side (10) of the mating housing (2) are plugged together.
15. A plug connection (6) having a housing assembly (4) according to claim 14 and at least a pair of contacts, wherein, The first contact of the pair of contacts is held in the connector housing (1), and the second contact of the pair of contacts is held in the mating housing (2).
16. A kit having a housing assembly (4) according to claim 14, a receptacle housing (88) for a designated interface (86) and an adapter (90), wherein the adapter (90) includes an adapter inlet (92) and an adapter outlet (94), wherein the adapter inlet (92) is configured to at least partially receive the connector housing (1) of the housing assembly (4), and wherein the adapter outlet (94) forms a connector face (96) of the designated interface (86) that is complementary to the receptacle housing (88).
17. A kit having a housing housing (88) according to claim 14 and a designated interface (86), wherein, The plugging side (10) of the connector housing (1) of the housing assembly (4) forms a connector face (96) of the designated interface (86) that is complementary to the socket housing (88).