Coding element and plug connector

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of coding elements (100) for inserting plug-in connector (200), it has base body (110), the base body has the first end section (111) located at front in insertion direction (S) and the second end section (112) located at rear in insertion direction (S) are observed, wherein the notch (113) is formed on base body (110), for accommodating the engagement nose (213) formed on plug-in connector (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an encoding element for insertion into a mating connector. This invention also relates to a mating connector having at least one such encoding element. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, plug connectors are known to be encoded to prevent erroneous contact with mating connectors. For example, a plug connector can be a grommet that connects to a mating plug connector designed as a plug, where the plug may have one or more connection points for conductors, and the grommet can be connected to a printed circuit board via soldered connection elements. Encoding of plug connectors using encoding elements designed as elongated encoding pins is known. Elongated means that the length of the encoding element, or encoding pin in form, is greater than its width. The encoding elements are inserted into slot-shaped notches formed on the plug connector housing. To ensure that the encoding elements remain within the notches during transport or vibration, they are typically clamped. This can be done, for example, by press-fitting overlapping areas on the encoding element or the article, as described in US 3,566,340 B1. Geometries that form resilient clamping of the encoding elements are also known. However, a disadvantage of these press-fit or resilient geometries is that if plastic is used as the material for the encoding elements, the overlapping or resilient areas will undergo plastic deformation over time because plastic exhibits delayed behavior. In this way, the encoding element may detach from the receiving part or groove, and the encoding will no longer exist. Utility Model Content

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an encoding element and a plug connector, wherein the encoding element can be held securely on the plug connector.

[0004] This objective is achieved by utilizing the features of the independent claim according to this utility model. Useful designs and advantageous extensions of this utility model are given in the dependent claims.

[0005] The coding element according to the present invention has a base having a first end section located at the front when viewed in the insertion direction and a second end section located at the rear when viewed in the insertion direction, wherein a notch is formed in the base for receiving a snap-fit ​​nose formed on a plug connector.

[0006] By incorporating a notch in the coding element, a detachable snap-fit ​​connection between the coding element and the connector is achieved when the coding element is inserted into the connector, i.e., when the coding element is inserted into the connector. Even if the coding element is made of plastic, this snap-fit ​​connection is not negatively affected by the delay properties of the plastic material. The engagement of the snap-fit ​​nose with the notch on the coding element substrate securely supports the coding element on the connector. The substrate is preferably formed as an elongated flat profile. The notch may be provided as a deepened portion on this elongated flat profile.

[0007] The notch is preferably formed on the longitudinal side surface of the substrate. The notch is preferably positioned at a distance from the edge or side edge surface that defines the longitudinal side surface.

[0008] The notch is preferably formed in the region of the first end section of the base when viewed from the insertion direction. This ensures that a snap-fit ​​connection between the coding element and the connector only occurs when the receiving opening of the coding element into the housing or the connector housing is deep enough. Therefore, the notch is preferably eccentric relative to the length of the base or the length of the longitudinal side of the base.

[0009] The notch can be rectangular. Especially in the case of a wedge-shaped engagement nose, a rectangular shape can be used to create a particularly strong engagement between the coding element and the mating connector. The rectangle can extend laterally to the longitudinal axis of the coding element substrate.

[0010] To prevent the coded element from being excessively inserted into the receiving opening of the connector housing, an insertion stop can be formed on the base. The insertion stop provides a defined end position for the coded element in the inserted state. The insertion stop also serves as an indicator for the user, allowing them to see the coded poles on the connector. The insertion stop can also act as a stop element for the coded element.

[0011] The insertion stop preferably extends from the longitudinal side of the substrate. Unlike the notch on the substrate that engages with the engagement nose of the connector, the insertion stop thus forms a protrusion on the substrate. For example, the insertion stop can be formed in the form of a tab element or a protrusion that extends away from the longitudinal side of the substrate.

[0012] The insertion stop is preferably located as far away as possible from the notch in the substrate. In particular, the insertion stop can be formed in a second end section of the substrate, located at the rear when viewed from the insertion direction. The insertion stop can be directly attached to the outer edge of the substrate.

[0013] To facilitate insertion of the coding element into the receiving opening of the connector housing, the base can be narrowed in the region of its first end section at the front when viewed from the insertion direction. Therefore, an entrance ramp can be formed on the first end section of the coding element base at the front when viewed from the insertion direction.

[0014] The objective of this invention is further achieved by a plug connector having a housing and at least one encoding element housed in the housing, the encoding element being designed and extended as described above, wherein the housing has at least one receiving opening, the at least one encoding element being inserted into the receiving opening in an inserted state, wherein a snap-fit ​​nose is formed in the region of the at least one receiving opening, the snap-fit ​​nose engaging with a notch formed on the base of the encoding element in the inserted state.

[0015] The encoding element can be detachably inserted into a receiving opening in the connector housing, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the receiving opening as needed. A snap-fit ​​connection between the encoding element and the housing provides a force-fit connection in the inserted state. Two or more such receiving openings may also be formed on the housing, allowing two or more encoding elements to be inserted into them. A snap-fit ​​nose is formed in the receiving opening area, which engages with a notch on the encoding element base when the encoding element is inserted, forming a reliable connection between the encoding element and the connector. For example, the snap-fit ​​nose may be wedge-shaped. The snap-fit ​​nose preferably protrudes into the receiving opening. The connector may preferably be connected to a mating connector. For example, the connector may be a terminal block that can be electrically connected to plugs designed as mating connectors.

[0016] The housing of the plug connector may have at least one U-shaped notch, with an insertion stop for the coding element engaging in the inserted state. The U-shaped notch is preferably formed on the outer edge of the housing. When the coding element is inserted into the receiving opening of the housing, the insertion stop can be inserted into the U-shaped notch. The U-shaped notch is preferably visible to the user from the outside, so that when the coding element is inserted, the user can see the notch through the insertion stop. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0018] In the picture:

[0019] Figure 1A A perspective schematic diagram of the coding element according to the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1AA top view of the longitudinal side of the coding element shown.

[0021] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1A A top view of the lateral side of the coding element shown.

[0022] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of a plug connector according to the present invention is shown, in which a plug is inserted as follows: Figure 1A The encoding element shown,

[0023] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A The schematic cross-sectional view of the plug connector shown, and

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the plug connectors is shown, including... Figure 2A The shown are the plug connectors and mating plug connectors. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1A to 1C An encoding element 100 according to the present invention is shown. The encoding element 100 may be made of plastic material. The encoding element 100 has a substrate 110. The substrate 110 has an elongated, flat shape.

[0026] The substrate 110 has a first end section 111 located at the front when viewed in the insertion direction S and a second end section 112 located at the rear when viewed in the insertion direction S.

[0027] Viewed in the insertion direction S, the first end segment 111 at the front has a notch 113 in the substrate. The notch 113 is formed as a deepened portion or recess on the substrate 110, or more specifically, on the longitudinal side 114 of the substrate 110. The notch 113 is rectangular. Figure 1B As shown, the notch 113 extends transversely to the longitudinal axis L of the substrate.

[0028] Viewed in the insertion direction S, on the second end section 112 located at the rear, the base 110 has an insertion stop 115. The insertion stop 115 and the notch 113 are formed on the same longitudinal side 114. When the coding element 100 is inserted into the plug connector 200, the insertion stop 115 forms its stop surface or stop element.

[0029] Unlike notch 113, insertion stop 115 protrudes from longitudinal side 114. Insertion stop 115 is in the form of a tab or protrusion.

[0030] The insertion limiting member 115 is directly connected to the outer edge 116 of the base 110. On the other hand, the notch 113 is separated from the outer edge 116 of the base 110, or the outer peripheral surface and the side edge surfaces 117A and 117B, by a certain distance.

[0031] Along the longitudinal axis L, the insert limiter 115 and the notch 113 are spaced as far apart as possible from each other.

[0032] Viewed in the insertion direction S, in the first end section 111 at the front, the substrate 110 gradually tapers. Therefore, when viewed in the first end section 111 at the front in the insertion direction S, the outer contour of the substrate 110 is rounded. Conversely, when viewed in the second end section 112 at the rear in the insertion direction S, the outer contour of the substrate 110 is angular.

[0033] Especially Figure 1C As shown, the two opposite side edge surfaces 117A and 117B of the substrate 110 are arranged at an angle, so that they are formed to face each other and close to each other.

[0034] Figure 2A and 2B The plug connector 200 is shown, such as Figure 1A to 1C The coded element 100 shown is inserted into the housing 210 of the plug connector. Here, the plug connector 200 is designed as a connection terminal block with three slots.

[0035] In the design shown in this figure, the housing 210 has three receiving openings 211A, 211B, and 211C, each for a coding element 100. Each receiving opening 211A, 211B, and 211C is assigned a slot 212A, 212B, and 212C, which has contact elements 214A, 214B, and 214C designed here as pin contacts for connecting the plug connector 200 to the mating plug connector 300.

[0036] like Figure 2A As shown, the encoding element 100 is inserted in only one receiving opening 211A.

[0037] from Figure 2B In the cross-sectional view, taking the first receiving opening 211A as an example, it can be seen that a locking nose 213 is formed in the receiving opening 211A, and the locking nose extends into the receiving opening 211A. In the inserted state, as... Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the snap-fit ​​nose 213 is inserted into a notch 113 on the base 110 of the coding element 100, thereby forming a snap-fit ​​connection between the coding element 100 and the housing 210 of the plug connector 200. The snap-fit ​​nose 213 is molded onto the housing wall 215 of the housing 210 and extends from the housing wall 215 into the receiving opening 211A. The snap-fit ​​nose 213 is wedge-shaped.

[0038] In the inserted state, the insertion stop 115 engages with the U-shaped notches 216A, 216B, and 216C of the housing 210. Each receiving opening 211A, 211B, and 211C is provided with such U-shaped notches 216A, 216B, and 216C. Through these U-shaped notches, the user can see the inserted coding element 100 from the outside. The U-shaped notches 216A, 216B, and 216C are formed on the outer edge region 217 of the housing 210.

[0039] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2A and 2B The plug connector 200 shown, together with the mating plug connector 300, forms a plug connector arrangement.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0041] 100 encoding elements

[0042] 110 matrix

[0043] 111 First end section

[0044] 112 Second end section

[0045] 113 Gap

[0046] 114 Longitudinal side view

[0047] 115 Insert limiting component

[0048] 116 Outer edge

[0049] 117A and 117B side edge surfaces

[0050] 200 Plug Connector

[0051] 210 Housing

[0052] 211A, 211B, and 211C accommodate openings

[0053] 212A, 212B, 212C slots

[0054] 213 card nose

[0055] 214A, 214B, 214C contact elements

[0056] 215 Shell Wall

[0057] 216A, 216B, 216C U-shaped notch

[0058] 217 Outer edge region

[0059] 300 mating connector

[0060] S Insertion direction

[0061] L longitudinal axis

Claims

1. An encoding element (100) for insertion into a plug connector (200), the encoding element having a base (110) having a first end segment (111) located at the front when viewed in the insertion direction (S) and a second end segment (112) located at the rear when viewed in the insertion direction (S), characterized in that, A notch (113) is formed on the substrate (110) for receiving a snap-fit ​​nose (213) formed on the plug connector (200).

2. The encoding element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notch (113) is formed on the longitudinal side (114) of the substrate (110).

3. The encoding element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notch (113) is formed in the area of ​​the first end section (111) located at the front when viewed along the insertion direction (S).

4. The encoding element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The notch (113) has a rectangular shape.

5. The encoding element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insertion limiting member (115) is formed on the substrate (110).

6. The encoding element (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insertion limiting member (115) protrudes from the longitudinal side (114) of the base (110).

7. The encoding element (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The insertion limiting member (115) is formed on the second end section (112) of the base (110) located at the rear when viewed from the insertion direction (S).

8. The encoding element (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (110) narrows in the region of the first end section (111) located at the front when viewed from the insertion direction (S).

9. A plug connector (200) having a housing (210) and at least one encoding element (100) according to claim 1, housed on the housing (210), characterized in that, The housing (210) has at least one receiving opening (211A, 211B, 211C), and at least one of the coding elements (100) is inserted into the receiving opening in an inserted state, wherein a snap-fit ​​nose (213) is formed in the region of at least one of the receiving openings (211A, 211B, 211C), and in the inserted state, the snap-fit ​​nose (213) engages with a notch (113) formed on the base (110) of the coding element (100).

10. The plug connector (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing (210) has at least one U-shaped notch (216A, 216B, 216C) that engages with the insertion stop (115) of the coding element (100) in the inserted state.

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