Connection adapter for mechanically connecting corresponding electrical connectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection adapter (1) for mechanically connecting corresponding electrical connectors (20, 30), which preferably each have electrical connector discs (2, 3) arranged in series, comprising a first adapter disc part (12) for arranging at least one electrical connector disc (2) of the first connector (20) in and / or against an arranging direction (93), and a second adapter disc part (13) for arranging at least one electrical connector disc (3) of the second connector (30) in and / or against the arranging direction (93), wherein the first and the second adapter disc parts (12, 13) are detachably lockable together, and wherein the connection adapter (1) comprises a locking mechanism for locking the adapter disc parts (12, 13) together, which is designed to be self-locking, in particular such thatthat the locking of the adapter disc parts is achieved directly when the two connectors (20, 30) are pushed together in or against a sliding direction (92).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection adapter for mechanically connecting corresponding electrical connectors, which preferably each have electrical connector disks arranged in a row, and to a plug-in arrangement comprising the two connectors and such a connection adapter.

[0002] In electrical applications, for example in manufacturing technology or control cabinet construction, there is a need to be able to connect corresponding connectors, in particular consisting of connector discs arranged in rows, in a simple and mechanically safe manner.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective and easily and quickly mountable connection adapter, in particular for the detachable mechanical connection of connectors, from preferably lined-up connector discs.

[0004] The object is achieved with a connection adapter having the features of independent patent claim 1 and with a connector having the features of independent patent claim 12. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0005] According to claim 1, a connection adapter is provided for mechanically connecting corresponding connectors, each of which preferably has electrical connector disks arranged in a row. The connection adapter has a first adapter disk part for arranging at least one electrical connector disk of a first connector in a row in and / or counter to a row direction. Furthermore, it has a second adapter disk part for arranging at least one electrical connector disk of a second (counter) connector in a row in and / or counter to the row direction.The adapter disc parts can be detachably locked together, wherein the connection adapter comprises a locking mechanism for locking the two adapter disc parts for the two plug connectors together, which locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking, in particular in such a way that the locking of the adapter disc parts is established directly when the two plug connectors are pushed together in or against a sliding direction.

[0006] The two connectors of the plug-in arrangement can therefore be locked together very easily simply by sliding the second adapter disc part onto the first adapter disc part.

[0007] The connector disks of the two pluggable connectors can preferably have corresponding pluggable plug faces with corresponding plug contacts. When the adapter disk parts are plugged together, the plug faces of the two connector disks are preferably also plugged together, and the plug contacts are connected to one another. The connector disks of the two connectors can further preferably each have at least one or more connection contacts, preferably connected to the respective plug contact(s), for connecting a conductor or a connection of an electrical device, such as a circuit board.

[0008] Particularly advantageous are the cost-effective, easy-to-assemble connection adapter discs for mechanically connecting connectors from adjacent connector discs. The term "disk" should not be defined too narrowly. The discs do not have to be flat, but can also be relatively wide and non-flat in the direction of the alignment.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the adapter disc parts each comprise a housing part that encloses an interior part. It is further preferred that the locking mechanism comprises a locking hook means that extends at least partially into both interior parts when the connection adapter is in a locked state, in which the first adapter disc part is locked to the second adapter disc part. The locking mechanism is provided to securely connect the adapter disc parts and thus the two connectors.

[0010] For this purpose, the locking mechanism preferably comprises a counter-locking means which is arranged on or in the second adapter disc part, as well as a locking hook which is arranged on the locking hook means and which interacts with the counter-locking means in a locking state.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the second housing part forms the counter-locking means. It is particularly preferred that the locking hook means be automatically adjustable from a release position, in which the locking hook does not interact with the counter-locking means, to a locking position, in which the locking hook interacts with the counter-locking means in a locking manner. Due to the automatic adjustability of the locking hook means from the release position to the locking position, the locking mechanism ensures secure and permanent locking of the adapter disc parts to one another, even in demanding environments, for example, under strong vibration loads.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first adapter disc part comprises a pivot bearing that forms a rotation axis, wherein the locking hook means is mounted on the pivot bearing so that it can rotate reversibly about the rotation axis in one direction of rotation. The locking hook means can therefore be reversibly adjusted from the locking position to the release position by rotating about the rotation axis.

[0013] It is particularly preferred that the first adapter disc part comprises a guide means that engages with a slotted guide of the locking hook means, so that the locking hook means can be guided along the slotted guide when rotating about the rotation axis. The shape of the slotted guide also allows the locking hook means to be rotated back from the released position to the locked position.

[0014] The link preferably comprises a release end and a latching end, wherein the guide means is arranged at the release end in the release position of the latching hook means and at the latching end in the latching position of the latching hook means.

[0015] Preferably, the locking hook means completely penetrates the first interior portion of the first adapter disc part. The locking hook means preferably penetrates the first adapter disc part in a longitudinal direction transverse to the alignment direction.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the latching hook means further comprises an actuating means for manually actuating the latching hook means, which is accessible from the outside. Most preferably, the actuating means protrudes from the first housing part. The actuating means can be actuated manually, for example, with a finger or a screwdriver.

[0017] According to claim 12, the following subject matter is also created: A plug-in arrangement with two plug-in connectors and with a connection adapter according to one of the claims related thereto, wherein at least one electrical plug-in connector disk of a first plug-in connector is arranged in a row in or against a row direction on a first and a second adapter disk part of the connection adapter, and wherein at least one electrical plug-in connector disk of the other plug-in connector is arranged in a row in or against a row direction on the other adapter disk part of the connection adapter.

[0018] The electrical connector plates of the first and second connectors, or the connectors formed from the electrical connector plates of the first and second connectors, can be easily and quickly locked together using the connection adapter. Disconnection is also very easy and quick by activating the actuating device.

[0019] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiment. They show: Fig. 1 in a) - e) a connection adapter, whereby the Fig. 1a) - b) show the connection adapter in a locked position, with the Fig. 1c) show the connection adapter when releasing a second adapter disc part from a first adapter disc part of the connection adapter, and wherein the Fig. 1d) - e) show the connection adapter in a separated state in which the second adapter disc part is separated from the first adapter disc part; and Fig. 2 in a) and b) each a connector consisting of two corresponding connectors with the connection adapter of the Fig. 1.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a connection adapter 1 according to the invention. The connection adapter 1 is provided for the mechanical connection of two corresponding electrical connectors 20, 30, which can each have a row of connector disks 2, 3 (see also Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b). The connector discs 2, 3 of the respective connectors 20, 30 can thus be plugged together in a row direction 93.

[0021] The two connector discs 2, 3 of the two connectors 20, 30 also each preferably have corresponding pluggable plug faces with corresponding pluggable or Fig. 2 plug-in contacts (not shown in detail here, e.g., designed as pin and socket contacts). The two connectors can be plugged together in a plugging or sliding direction 92 that is aligned perpendicular to the alignment direction 93.

[0022] The connection adapter 1 has a first adapter disk part 12, which is provided for arranging at least one or more of the first electrical connector disks 2 of the first connector in and / or against a arranging direction 93. The connection adapter 1 further has a second adapter disk part 13, which is provided for arranging at least one or more of the second electrical connector disks 3 of the second corresponding connector in and / or against the arranging direction 93.

[0023] The adapter disc parts 12, 13 can be releasably locked together. For this purpose, the connection adapter 1 has a locking mechanism for locking the adapter disc parts 12, 13 together. This locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking, in particular such that the locking is established directly and automatically when the connectors 20, 30 are pushed together in the sliding direction 92.

[0024] When the first and second connector disks 2, 3 are arranged on both sides of the connection adapter 1, i.e., in and against the alignment direction 93, the connection adapter 1 can be arranged between the connector disks 2, 3. The connection adapter 1 is disk-shaped for this purpose. Both the first adapter disk part 12 and the second adapter disk part 13 each have two opposing broad sides 102 (see Fig. 1 e)), which are connected to each other by narrow sides 101. Alternatively, several connection adapters can also be provided.

[0025] The broad sides 102 extend flatly parallel to a plane (not shown) spanned by a line extending in a Z direction 91 (not shown) and a line extending in a sliding direction 92 (not shown). The Z direction 91 and the sliding direction 92 each extend transversely to each other and transversely to the alignment direction 93.

[0026] The Fig. 1a) - b) show the connection adapter 1 in a locking state R, in which the first adapter disc part 12 is locked to the second adapter disc part 13, whereby Fig. 1a) a side view and Fig. 1b) shows a perspective view. The Fig. 1c) shows the connection adapter 1 when the second adapter disc part 13 is removed from the first adapter disc part 12. The Fig. 1d) - e) show the connection adapter 1 in a separation state T, in which the second adapter disc part 13 is separated from the first adapter disc part 12, wherein Fig. 1d) a side view and Fig. 1e) shows a perspective view.

[0027] The adapter disc parts 12, 13 each each have a housing part 121, 131 that encloses an interior part 120, 130. The housing parts 121, 131 are made of insulating material, in particular from a plastic. In the locking state R, the locking mechanism extends into the interior parts 120, 130 of both adapter disc parts 12, 13. In the present embodiment, it completely penetrates the first adapter disc part 12 and at least partially penetrates the second adapter disc part 13.

[0028] The locking mechanism comprises a locking hook means 11, which is mounted on a pivot bearing 123 for reversible rotation about a rotation axis 9 in a rotation direction 90. The pivot bearing 123 is designed here as a web. The web is manufactured in one piece with the first housing part 121. It extends along the rotation axis 9, which is aligned in the alignment direction 93.

[0029] The locking hook means 11 is flat. It extends parallel to the broad sides 102.

[0030] To lock the second adapter disc part 13 to the first adapter disc part 12, the locking mechanism further comprises a counter-locking means 134. The counter-locking means 134 is arranged on or in the second adapter disc part 13. It is manufactured in one piece with the second housing part 131 of the second adapter disc part 13. Furthermore, the locking mechanism comprises a locking hook 18 arranged on the locking hook means 11. Preferably, the locking hook 18 is manufactured in one piece with the locking hook means 11. In the locking state R, the locking hook 18 interacts with the counter-locking means 134 in a locking manner.

[0031] For this purpose, the locking hook 18 protrudes from the first adapter disc part 12 through a first connection opening 128, which extends through a narrow side 101 of the first housing part 121. In the locking state R of the connection adapter 1, the locking hook 18 protrudes into the second adapter disc part 13 through a second connection opening 138, which extends through a narrow side 101 of the second housing part 131. In the locking state R, the locking hook 18 engages behind the counter-locking means 134.

[0032] By rotating the locking hook means 11 in the direction of rotation 90, the locking hook means 11 can be automatically adjusted from a release position L, in which the locking hook 18 does not interact with the counter-locking means 134, into a locking position V, in which the locking hook 18 interacts with the counter-locking means 134 in a locking manner. In the release position L of the locking hook means 11, the second adapter disc part 13 can be separated from the first adapter disc part 12, in particular by sliding it in the sliding direction 92. The connection adapter 1 is then in the separation state T.

[0033] For automatic locking of the locking mechanism, the first adapter disc part 12 has a guide means 14, which engages with a slotted guide 16 of the locking hook means 11. The guide means 14 is formed integrally with the first housing part 121 and extends parallel to the rotation axis 9 in the alignment direction 93.

[0034] When the locking hook means 11 rotates about the rotation axis 9, the link 16 is guided along the guide means 14. The link 16 has a release end 161 and a locking end 162, wherein the guide means 14 is arranged at the release end 161 in the release position L of the locking hook means 11 and at the locking end 162 in the locking position V of the locking hook means 11. The shape of the link 16 is designed such that the locking hook means 11 automatically rotates from the release position L into the locking position V when the two adapter disc parts 12, 13 are inserted into one another in the sliding direction 92.

[0035] To separate the adapter disc parts 12, 13 from one another, the locking hook means 11 further comprises an actuating means 15. The actuating means 15 is provided for manually actuating the locking hook means 11. It is manufactured here in one piece with the locking hook means 11. It is accessible from the outside through an actuating opening 125, which is arranged opposite the first connection opening 128 and extends through a narrow side 101.

[0036] A slot-shaped actuating recess 151 is provided on the actuating means 15. Therefore, the actuating means 15 can be actuated either with a finger or with a screwdriver 7.

[0037] On the further narrow sides 101 of the first adapter disc part 12, third and fourth connection openings 170 with snap connections 17 are provided, to which the adjacent connector discs 2 of the two connectors 20 can be connected.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows in a) and b) a plug-in arrangement which is assembled from two corresponding plug-in connectors, whereby the connection adapter of the Fig. 1 is used. The connectors 20, 30 differ here only in the number of electrical connector discs 2, 3 connected to the connection adapter 1.

[0039] In the first embodiment of the Fig. 2a) in the alignment direction 93, one connector disk 2 of the first connector 20 and one connector disk 3 of the second connector 30 are arranged in a row on the connection adapter 1, and against the alignment direction 93, two connector disks 2 of the first connector 20 and two connector disks 3 of the second connector 30 are arranged in a row.

[0040] In the second embodiment of the Fig.2b) two connector disks 2 of the first connector 20 and two connector disks 3 of the second connector 30 are arranged in a row on the connection adapter 1 both in and against the row direction 93.

[0041] In order to arrange the connector disks 2, 3 next to each other and to the respective adapter disk part 12, 13, the adapter disk parts 12, 13 can each have sliding, snap-in and latching hook means 192 - 195 corresponding to the connector disks 2, 3 of their connector that can be arranged next to each other.

[0042] By separating the second adapter disc part 13 from the first adapter disc part 12, that is to say by actuating the actuating means 15 so that the latching hook means 11 rotates counter to the direction of rotation 90, the terminal arrangement can be separated into two plug connectors 20, 30, wherein the first of the two plug connectors 20, 30 then comprises the plug connector discs 2 of the first plug connector and the first adapter disc part 12, and the second of the two plug connectors 20, 30 comprises the plug connector discs 3 of the second plug connector and the second adapter disc part 13.

[0043] The connectors 20, 30 can thus be locked together very easily simply by sliding the second adapter disc part 13 against the sliding direction 92 onto the first adapter disc part 12.

[0044] For this purpose, the locking hook 18 has a ramp (not designated) which is guided along the counter-locking means 134 when the locking hook 18 is inserted into the second interior part 130 of the second adapter disc part 13. The locking hook means 11 rotates counter to the direction of rotation 90 from the locking position V into the release position L. As soon as the locking hook 18 has passed the counter-locking means 134, the locking hook means 11 is automatically rotated back in the direction of rotation 90 by the lower edge of the locking hook means 11 pressing against the narrow side of the adapter disc part 13 below the second connection opening 138. The locking hook 18 is thereby rotated in the direction of rotation 90 and then engages behind the counter-locking means 134, so that the adapter disc parts 12, 13 lock together in the locking position V. The connectors 20, 30 are then locked together again to form a plug-in arrangement of two connectors. Reference symbol 1 connection adapter 101 narrow side 102 Broadside 11 locking hook means 12 First adapter disc part 120 First interior 121 First (insulating) housing part 123 pivot bearings 125 operating opening 128 First connection opening 13 Second adapter disc part 130 Second interior 131 Second (insulating) housing part 134 Counter-locking devices 138 Second connection opening 14 Guide rails, bridge 15 Actuating means, lever 151 Operating recess 16 backdrop 161 Release end 162 locking 17 Snap connection 170 Third, fourth connection opening 18 locking hooks 192 - 195 Sliding, snap and locking hooks 20 First connector 2 First connector disc 30 Second connector 3 Second connector disc 7 screwdrivers 9 axis of rotation 90 direction of rotation 91 Z-direction 92 sliding direction 93 Arranging direction R resting state T separation state L release position V locking position

Claims

[1] Connection adapter (1) for the mechanical connection of corresponding electrical plug-in connectors (20, 30), which preferably each have electrical plug-in connector disks (2, 3) arranged in a row, with a first adapter disk part (12) for the rowing of at least one electrical plug-in connector disk (2) of the first plug-in connector (20) in and / or against a rowing direction (93), and a second adapter disk part (13) for the rowing of at least one electrical plug-in connector disk (3) of the second plug-in connector (30) in and / or against the rowing direction (93), wherein the first and the second adapter disk part (12, 13) can be detachably locked to one another, and wherein the connection adapter (1) comprises a locking mechanism for locking the adapter disk parts (12, 13) to one another, which is designed to be self-locking, in particular such that the locking of the adapter disk parts (12, 13) takes place directly when the two plug-in connectors (20,30) in or against a sliding direction (92). [2] Connection adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the connector discs (2, 3) of the two connectors (20, 30) each have corresponding pluggable plug faces with corresponding pluggable plug contacts. [3] Connection adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the connector discs (2, 3) of the two connectors (20, 30) further each have at least one connection contact for connecting a conductor or a circuit board. [4] Connection adapter (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized byin that the adapter disc parts (12, 13) each comprise a housing part (121, 131) which encloses an interior part (120, 130), wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking hook means (11) which, in a locking state (R) of the connection adapter (1), in which the first adapter disc part (12) is locked to the second adapter disc part (13), extends at least partially in both interior parts (120, 130). [5] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the locking mechanism comprises a counter-locking means (134) which is arranged on or in the second adapter disc part (13), and a locking hook (18) which is arranged on the locking hook means (11) and which interacts with the counter-locking means (134) in a locking state (R). [6] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the second housing part (131) forms the counter-latching means (134), and that the latching hook means (11) can be automatically adjusted from a release position (L), in which the latching hook (18) does not interact with the counter-latching means (134), into a latching position (V), in which the latching hook (18) interacts with the counter-latching means (134) in a latching manner. [7] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first adapter disc part (12) comprises a pivot bearing (123) which forms a rotation axis (9), and that the locking hook means (11) is mounted on the pivot bearing (123) so as to be reversibly rotatable about the rotation axis (9) in a rotation direction (90). [8] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first adapter disc part (12) comprises a guide means (14) which engages in a slotted guide (16) of the latching hook means (11), so that the latching hook means (11) can be guided along the slotted guide (16) when rotating about the axis of rotation (9). [9] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the link (16) comprises a release end (161) and a latching end (162), wherein the guide means (14) is arranged at the release end (161) in the release position (L) of the latching hook means (11) and at the latching end (162) in the latching position (V) of the actuating means (11). [10] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking hook means (11) completely penetrates the first interior part (120) of the first adapter disc part (12). [11] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the latching hook means (11) comprises an actuating means (15) for manually actuating the latching hook means (11), which is accessible from the outside. [12] Plug-in arrangement with two plug-in connectors (20, 30) and with a connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrical plug-in connector disk (2) of the first plug-in connector (20) is arranged in a row in or against a row direction (93) on a first and a second adapter disk part (12, 13) of the connection adapter (1), and wherein at least one electrical plug-in connector disk (3) of the other plug-in connector (30) is arranged in a row in or against a row direction (93) on the other adapter disk part (13, 12) of the connection adapter (1).

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