Connection adapter for the mechanical fastening of electrical connectors of various types

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connection adapter for mechanically fastening electrical connector discs of different types to one another to form a superior connector assembly, comprising a housing on which, at the front of the connection adapter, first fastening means associated with a first type are arranged for fastening a first electrical connector disc of the first type against a direction of attachment, and at the rear of the connection adapter, second fastening means associated with a second type are arranged for fastening a second electrical connector disc of the second type in the direction of attachment. The present invention further relates to a connector assembly.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection adapter for mechanically fastening electrical connector disks of different types, which can be arranged in a row in a row direction, to one another to form a higher-level connector assembly. The present invention further relates to a connector assembly comprising such a connection adapter.

[0002] For connecting electrical conductors to electrical assemblies and / or circuits, in particular to electrical printed circuit boards, a variety of electrical connectors are known which can be connected to, and in particular plugged into, mating connectors arranged on the printed circuit boards. Depending on the application, the connectors and the corresponding mating connectors differ in the number and cross-section of the connectable electrical conductors, their dimensions, in particular their (board) pitch, their size, their design and / or their handling. Often, several such connectors are arranged next to one another. These can be manufactured in one piece. They can also be formed from connector disks arranged next to one another in a row direction.

[0003] For complex electrical devices, connectors of different types may be required to provide all required electrical functions (power supply, signal lines, communication). Due to the often limited space available and / or the need for clarity within the electrical devices, it may be advantageous to place the connectors of the different types as close to each other as possible. This allows them to be accessible to an installer, especially from the same assembly or maintenance side.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cost-effective and quickly mountable possibility for placing connectors of different types on an electrical device in a clear, quick and space-saving manner, in particular close to one another and / or on the same side.

[0005] The object is achieved with a connection adapter having the features of independent patent claim 1 and a connector arrangement having the features of independent patent claim 15. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] According to the subject matter of claim 1, a connection adapter is provided for mechanically connecting electrical connector disks of different types, which can be aligned in a row direction, to one another to form a higher-level connector arrangement. The connection adapter has an (insulating) housing. Fastening means assigned to a first type are arranged on the housing on the row front side and are provided for fastening a first electrical connector disk of the first type to the connection adapter against a row direction. Furthermore, fastening means assigned to a second type are arranged on the housing on the row rear side and are provided for fastening a second electrical connector disk of the second type to the connection adapter in the row direction.On the front side of the housing, this forms a first adapter part for adapting the first connector plate, and on the rear side of the housing, a second adapter part for adapting the second connector plate.

[0007] By arranging the first electrical connector disc of the first type in a row against the row direction on the connection adapter, in particular on the first adapter part, and the second electrical connector disc of the second type in the row direction on the connection adapter, in particular on the second adapter part, a connector arrangement can be created very easily and quickly in which the adapted connector discs are arranged clearly, space-savingly, and close to one another. Since the adapted connector discs are mechanically connected to one another by the connection adapter, they can be handled together. The fastening means ensure a secure mechanical connection of the connector discs to the connection adapter, which does not come loose automatically even in demanding environments, such as under strong vibration loads.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening means can comprise positioning and clamping means such as corresponding pins and recesses and / or corresponding locking means. The fastening of the first connector disk and the second connector disk, respectively against or in the alignment direction, to the connection adapter can, in principle, be achieved through a complex movement sequence in which the respective connector disk is adjusted, in particular shifted and / or rotated, in different spatial directions relative to the connection adapter. However, it is preferred that the fastening of the respective connector disk is achieved by shifting, i.e., plugging, the connector disk onto the connection adapter either in or against the alignment direction.

[0009] The connection adapter is preferably disc-shaped. More preferably, it comprises a housing with a rear wall extending flatly towards the rear of the row, to the edge of which a narrow wall is connected. The narrow wall is preferably arranged directly at the edge of the rear wall. The narrow wall preferably extends at an angle to the rear wall. Preferably, it extends at least partially or predominantly transversely to the rear wall. In a preferred embodiment, the narrow wall is essentially closed around its circumference. The wording “essentially closed around its circumference” here also includes a narrow wall that has a through-opening for the passage of an electrical conductor or an electrical component. The housing of this embodiment is approximately pot-shaped. The rear wall can also be approximately rectangular. Very particularly preferably, the rear wall and the narrow wall delimit an interior space.The interior preferably has an opening at least on the front side of the enclosure. This opening allows easy access to the interior from the outside.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the interior space is provided to accommodate at least one electrical component, in particular an electrical part or an electrical assembly. The electrical component can be provided so as to be battery-operated. However, it is preferred that the connection adapter comprises a dummy housing part, which is optionally provided to accommodate a plug or a socket. The dummy housing part forms a mating face of the connection adapter. It protrudes from the narrow wall in a mating direction extending transversely to the alignment direction and has an open end. This allows the connection adapter to be plugged into a mating mating face of a mating connection adapter.

[0011] In a likewise preferred embodiment, the electrical component comprises an electrical circuit board. The circuit board can, for example, be snapped, latched, or screwed onto the housing, particularly into the interior. In this embodiment, the electrical component can comprise a relatively complex electrical circuit that can be arranged in the interior of the connection adapter by using extremely small electrical components, such as SMD components, which are arranged on the circuit board and electrically interconnected.

[0012] A plug or socket accommodated in the dummy housing part is preferably provided for supplying power to the electrical component. For this purpose, it is preferred that the plug or socket be arranged in the dummy housing part, making electrical contact with the printed circuit board.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the plug or socket can be provided for signal transmission for communication between the electrical component and at least one of the adapted first or second connector disks. For this purpose, it is preferred that the plug or socket is provided for establishing an electrically conductive connection between a communication interface of the electrical component and a communication interface of the respective connector disk. Likewise preferably, the plug or socket can be provided for establishing an electrically conductive connection between the communication interface of the electrical component and a communication interface of a mating connection adapter connectable to the connection adapter or of an electrical assembly to which the latter is connected.

[0014] In a likewise preferred embodiment, one or more electrical connection means are provided on the rear or front of the housing for contacting at least one of the adapted first or second connector disks. These electrical connection means are also preferably provided for the voltage supply and / or for communication between the electrical component and the adapted connector disks. They then establish the electrically conductive connection between the electrical component and the respective connector disk. The electrical connection means and / or the electrical component can furthermore directly electrically connect the first electrical connector disk and the second electrical connector disk to one another.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment provides that the electrical component is configured to identify the types of at least one of the adapted first electrical connector disks or second electrical connector disks. Additionally or alternatively, at least one display means, for example for displaying a status of at least one of the adapted first or second electrical connector disks, can be provided in or on the housing. The display means is preferably a light source, for example an LED. However, other display means, such as a 7-segment display or a display, are also preferred.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the connection adapter has a locking means provided for locking the connection adapter to a mating connection adapter. The locking means is preferably arranged in the interior. It can be accommodated in the interior as an alternative or in addition to the electrical component. The locking means ensures a secure mechanical locking of the connection adapter to the mating connection adapter. This prevents them from spontaneously separating from each other, even in demanding environments, particularly those subject to high vibrations.

[0017] The locking means is preferably designed as a lever that can be reversibly adjusted from a locked position to a released position. It can preferably be adjusted from the locked position to the released position by sliding and / or pivoting. A locking hook is preferably arranged on the lever. In the locked position, the locking hook can interact in a locking manner with a counter-locking hook of the mating connection adapter. For this purpose, it is preferred that the lever completely penetrates the interior of the connection adapter in the insertion direction. The locking hook preferably protrudes from the interior so that it can be inserted into the mating connection adapter in the insertion direction. In this embodiment, it penetrates a first through-opening in the narrow wall. It is further preferred that an actuating means for (manually) actuating the lever is provided on the lever. The actuating means also preferably protrudes from the housing so that it is accessible from the outside.In this embodiment, too, the lever passes through a second through-opening in the narrow wall, which can be arranged opposite the first through-opening.

[0018] The problem is also solved with a mating connection adapter, which is provided for mechanically fastening electrical mating connector plates of different types to one another to form a higher-level mating connector arrangement. The mating connection adapter is preferably designed to correspond to the connection adapter, so that the connection adapter and the mating connection adapter can be plugged into one another, locked together, and / or electrically connected to one another. The mating connection adapter can have the same features as the connection adapter and can be handled in a similar manner.

[0019] The object is also achieved with a connector arrangement comprising at least one first connector disk of a first design type and / or at least one second connector disk of a second design type, as well as such a connection adapter, wherein the first connector disk is fastened to the connection adapter on the front side of the assembly, and / or the second connector disk is fastened to the connection adapter on the rear side of the assembly. The first connector disk is arranged counter to the assembly direction, and the second connector disk is arranged in the assembly direction on the connection adapter. On the front side of the assembly adapter, the latter forms a first adapter part with fastening means for fastening the first connector disk of the first design type, and on the rear side of the assembly adapter, the latter forms a second adapter part with fastening means for fastening the second connector disk of the second design type.The fastening means of the connection adapter are designed to correspond to the counter-fastening means of the respective connector disc.

[0020] It is preferred that a plurality of first connector disks can be arranged in series to form a first connector and / or a plurality of second connector disks can be arranged in series to form a second connector. For this purpose, the connector disks each have the fastening means of the first or second adapter part on the front or rear side of the assembly, and the corresponding counter-fastening means on the respective opposite side.

[0021] It is therefore preferred that the fastening means of the connection adapter of the connector arrangement are constructed on the front side of the row to be identical in construction to the first fastening means and corresponding to the first counter-fastening means of the first connector disc or the first connector of the first type, and on the rear side of the row to be identical in construction to the second fastening means and corresponding to the second counter-fastening means of the second connector disc or the second connector of the second type.

[0022] Preferably, the first and second connector disks each have at least one connection terminal for electrically connecting electrical conductors to a corresponding electrical mating connector disk or a corresponding electrical mating connector. In a preferred embodiment, the connection terminal is designed as a direct connection terminal (snap-in). Other connection forms, such as push-in, are also conceivable.

[0023] The connection adapter enables simple and quick attachment of a connector disk of a first type or a connector comprising multiple connector disks of the first type to a connector disk of a second type or to a connector comprising multiple connector disks of the second type. This creates the possibility of placing complex connector arrangements in a space-saving and clearly arranged manner in a cost-effective and quick-to-assemble manner.

[0024] The object is also achieved with a mating connector arrangement comprising at least one first mating connector disk of a first construction type and / or at least one second mating connector disk of a second construction type and such a mating connection adapter, wherein the first mating connector disk is fastened to the mating connection adapter on the front side and the second mating connector disk is fastened to the mating connection adapter on the rear side.

[0025] Similarly, the mating connector adapter enables simple and quick attachment of a mating connector plate of a first type or a mating connector comprising multiple mating connector plates of the first type to a mating connector plate of a second type or to a mating connector comprising multiple mating connector plates of the second type. This allows for the cost-effective and quick installation of complex mating connector arrangements in a space-saving and clearly arranged manner.

[0026] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. They show: Fig. 1 in (a) and (b) each show a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connection adapter; Fig. 2 a connector assembly with the connection adapter Fig. 1, namely in (a) an exploded view, in (b) a perspective view, in (c) a side view and in (d) a section through Fig. 2 (c); Fig. 3 the connector arrangement Fig. 2, wherein connectors comprising a plurality of connector disks of one type are arranged on the connection adapter on the front and rear sides; Fig. 4 in (a) - (c) a connector assembly with a connection adapter of a further embodiment, namely in (a) in an exploded view, and in (b) - (c) each in a perspective view; and Fig. 5 in (a) a connector arrangement with a further embodiment of a connection adapter, and in (b) - (c) each a sectional view through the connection adapter of the Fig. 5 (a).

[0027] Fig. 1 shows in (a) and (b) each a perspective view of a first embodiment of a connection adapter 1. The connection adapter 1 is provided for mechanically connecting electrical connector discs 2, 3 of different types to one another to form a higher-level connector arrangement 100.

[0028] The connection adapter 1 has a housing 11 made of an insulating material, such as a plastic. The housing 11 has a (baying) front side 88 and a (baying) rear side 80. Fastening means 13, 16 assigned to a first construction type are arranged on the housing 11 on the baying front side and are used to fasten a first electrical connector plate 2 (see Fig. 2) of the first type are provided against a baying direction 93 on the connection adapter 1. The housing 11 therefore forms a first adapter part A12 on its baying front side 88 (see Fig. 2a) to adapt the first connector disc 2.

[0029] In addition, fastening means 14, 15, 17 assigned to a second construction type are arranged on the housing 11 on the rear side of the row, which fastening means are used to fasten a second electrical connector plate 3 (see Fig. 2) of the second type are provided in the alignment direction 93 to the connection adapter 1. The housing 11 therefore forms a second adapter part A13 on its alignment rear side 80 (see Fig. 2a) to adapt the second connector disc 3.

[0030] The rear side 80 and the front side 88 extend essentially transversely to the alignment direction 93. They are each arranged parallel to a fictitious plane (not shown) defined by a line (not shown) extending in a conductor insertion direction 92 and by a line (not shown) extending in an extension direction 91. The insertion direction 92 and the extension direction 91 both extend perpendicular to the alignment direction 93 and perpendicular to one another.

[0031] The first and second connector discs 2, 3 have on their front or rear side (not designated) first and second fastening means 26, 27, 33, 34, 37, respectively, and on their opposite rear side or front side, counter-fastening means 23, 24, 35, which correspond in terms of their shape and dimensions to the first and second fastening means 26, 27, 33, 34, 37, respectively. As a result, such fastening means 26, 27, 33, 34, 37 and such counter-fastening means 23, 24, 35 are designed to interact with one another. As a result, two or more connector disks 2, 3 of the same type can be mechanically connected, in particular plugged into one another and / or aligned with one another, in and against the alignment direction 93, which extends perpendicular to the alignment rear side and / or the alignment front side of the connector disks 2, 3.Each of the connector discs 2, 3 therefore has an adapter part A2, A3 on the front or rear of the row (see . Fig. 2a) and on the opposite rear or front side a correspondingly designed counter adapter part A2', A3' (see Fig. 2a). This allows any number of connector disks 2, 3 of the same type to be aligned in series. In this case, a front side of a connector disk 2, 3 is joined to a rear side of a connector disk 2, 3 of the same type. Two or more connector disks 2, 3 aligned in series form a connector 20, 30 (see Fig. 3) of the specific, in particular first or second, type of construction.

[0032] The fastening means 13 - 17, 26, 27, 33, 34, 37 and / or counter-fastening means 23, 24, 35 of the connector discs 2, 3 and / or the connection adapter 1 can comprise positioning and clamping means 14, 16, 24, 34 such as pins and recesses, locking means 13, 15, 17, 23, 27, 33, 35, 37 such as locking hooks and locking recesses and / or sliding means.

[0033] To line up the first connector plate 2 and the second connector plate 3 on the connection adapter 1, they are each pushed onto the connection adapter 1 in the alignment direction 93 or counter to the alignment direction 93. Positioning and clamping means designed as pins 14, 24, 34 can be inserted into (counter) positioning and clamping means designed as recesses 16, where they preferably clamp firmly. Furthermore, locking means designed as locking hooks 17, 23, 35, 37 are inserted into (counter) snap-in or (counter) locking means designed as locking recesses 13, 15, 27, 33, so that they lock together.

[0034] When the first and second connector disks 2, 3 are aligned on both sides of the connection adapter 1, i.e., in and against the alignment direction 93, the connection adapter 1 is aligned between the connector disks 2, 3. It then forms a connector arrangement 100 with these disks (see Fig. 2, Fig. 3). The connection adapter 1 is designed in a disc shape. This minimizes the distance (not marked) between the connector discs 2 and 3.

[0035] The housing 11 of the connection adapter 1 has a flat rear wall 118 on the rear side of the row (see Fig. 1b), to whose edge 128 a narrow wall 112 adjoins. The narrow wall 112 is arranged here directly at the edge 128 of the rear wall 118 and extends transversely, i.e., at a right angle, to the latter. Thus, the extent of the narrow wall 112 in the alignment direction 93 determines the distance between the connector disks 2, 3 attached to both sides of the connection adapter 1. However, embodiments are also preferred in which the narrow wall 112 extends at least partially at a different angle to the rear wall, see Fig. 4.

[0036] The rear wall 118 and the narrow wall 112 are approximately cup-shaped. They define an interior space 10. The housing 11 has an opening 110 on the front side of the enclosure, so that the interior space 10 is easily accessible from the outside.

[0037] The interior space 10 can be provided or used to accommodate an electrical component, in particular an electrical part or an electrical assembly.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided to receive a locking means 18. This will be explained in the context of the description of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is further explained.

[0039] A dummy housing part 12 can also be arranged on the housing 11. However, the dummy housing part 12 can optionally also be provided to accommodate at least one contact such as a pin or a blade or a socket 53. This will be explained in the context of the description of the Fig. 4. The dummy housing part 12 forms, in particular, a type of mating face of the connection adapter 1.

[0040] The dummy housing part 12 protrudes from the narrow wall 112 in the conductor insertion direction 92. It has an open end 120. This allows the connection adapter 1 to be inserted into a corresponding mating connector face (not shown) of a mating connection adapter 1' (see Fig. 5a) can be inserted in conductor insertion direction 92.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a connector assembly 100 with the connection adapter 1 from Fig. 1, namely in (a) an exploded view, in (b) a perspective view, in (c) a side view and in (d) a section through Fig. 2 (c). The illustrated connector assembly 100 comprises exactly one first connector plate 2 of the first type, which can be arranged on the front side of the connection adapter 1 (see Fig. 2a) or arranged (see Fig. 2b-d), the connection adapter 1 and exactly one second connector plate 3 of the second type, which can be arranged on the rear side of the connection adapter 1 (see Fig. 2a) or arranged (see Fig. 2b-d).

[0042] On the front side of the connection adapter 1, the housing 11 has the first adapter part A12 with the fastening means 13, 16 for fastening the first connector plate 2 of the first design type. The first connector plate 2 of the first design type has a first mating adapter part A2' configured to correspond to the first adapter part A12 of the connection adapter 1 and which can be plugged onto the first adapter part A12 of the connection adapter 1. For this purpose, first mating fastening means 23, 24 are arranged on the first mating adapter part A2' of the first connector plate 2 in a corresponding manner, i.e., identical in terms of their spatial positioning on the first mating adapter part A2'.

[0043] On the rear side of the connection adapter 1, the housing 11 has the second adapter part A13 with fastening means 14, 15, 17 for fastening the second connector plate 3 of the second design type. The second connector plate 3 of the second design type has a second mating adapter part A3' corresponding to the second adapter part A13 of the connection adapter 1, which can be plugged onto the second adapter part A13 of the connection adapter 1. For this purpose, second mating fastening means 33, 34, 37 are arranged on the second mating adapter part A3' of the second connector plate 3 in a corresponding manner, i.e., identical in terms of their spatial positioning on the second mating adapter part A3'.

[0044] In the cross-section of the Fig. 2 (d) shows the locking of the connector discs 2, 3 of the different types on the connection adapter 1. The locking hooks 23, 35 of the first and second connector discs 2, 3 are each locked into locking recesses 13, 15 of the connection adapter 1. The sectional view also shows that a rear wall 83 of the second connector disc 3 of the second type, which is locked to the connection adapter 1, closes the opening 110 of the interior space 10.

[0045] The first and second connector discs 2, 3 of the first construction type and the second construction type are each provided for electrically connecting an electrical conductor (not shown) to an electrical assembly (not shown), in particular an electrical device. For this purpose, they each have electrical connection terminals 5 (see Fig. 4) for electrically connecting at least one electrical conductor to the respective connector disc 2, 3.

[0046] In Fig. 2a and b, conductor insertion openings 28, 38 for inserting an electrical conductor are visible in the connector discs 2, 3. In addition, the Fig. 2a - c each show actuating means 29, 39, here solvents, on the connector discs 2, 3, with which the electrical connection terminals 5 can be actuated by actuating the lever 391.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows the connector assembly 100 of Fig. 2, but not only a single connector plate 2, 3 of one type is arranged in a row on the front and rear sides of the connection adapter 1, but rather several connector plates 2, 3 of the same type arranged in a row to form a connector 20, 30.

[0048] For arranging several connector discs 2, 3 of the same type in series, adapter parts A2, A3 are provided on the side facing away from the mating adapter part A2', A3' (not labeled). These adapter parts are designed to correspond to their mating adapter parts A2', A3'. This allows the connector discs 2, 3 of the same type to be arranged in series in or against the alignment direction 93 to form a connector 20, 30. The connection adapter 1 can be arranged in series with the connector 20, 30 in or against the alignment direction 93.

[0049] Visible are the plug faces 22, 32 of the first and second connectors 20, 30, which differ in the number of connectable plugs or sockets 53 (see Fig. 4) as well as their dimensions. Due to the different dimensions of the plugs or sockets 53 of the connector faces 22, 32, these serve different (circuit board) pitches.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows in (a) - (c) a connector assembly 100 with a connection adapter 1 of a further embodiment, namely in (a) in an exploded view, and in (b) - (c) each in a perspective view.

[0051] In the explosive representation of the Fig. 4a shows the connection terminals 5 of the first and second connector plates 2, 3, to each of which an electrical conductor can be connected. The electrical connection terminals 5 are each designed as direct plug-in terminals. The first connector plate 2 of the first type has exactly one direct plug-in terminal 5 for connecting an electrical conductor, while the second connector plate 3 of the second type has two direct plug-in terminals 5 for connecting an electrical conductor. The terms electrical connection terminal 5 and direct plug-in terminal are used synonymously below.

[0052] The direct plug-in terminals 5 are each arranged in an interior space or interior part of the connector plates 2, 3, designed as a conductor terminal space 201, 301, 302. They are explained below using a direct plug-in terminal 5 of the second connector plate 3 as an example.

[0053] The direct plug-in terminal 5 can have an approximately V-shaped spring terminal 51 with a support leg (not designated) and a clamping leg (not designated), wherein the support leg can be supported on an abutment, here on the housing 31. The clamping leg is provided for clamping an electrical conductor, which is inserted through the conductor insertion opening 38 in the conductor insertion direction 92 into the conductor clamping space 301, to a busbar 52 of the direct plug-in terminal 5. The busbar 52 is here electrically connected to a socket 53 of the plug-in face 32. The actuating means 39 is provided for releasing the electrical conductor from the direct plug-in terminal 5. By moving, i.e. pressing, the actuating means 39 onto the clamping leg, the latter is pushed away from the busbar 52, so that the electrical conductor is released. It can then be pulled out of the direct plug-in terminal 5 against the conductor insertion direction 92.For less forceful operation, the lever 391 can also be used to operate the actuating means 39.

[0054] The connection adapter 1 has the interior 10, which is used here to accommodate an electrical component. The electrical component is arranged on an electrical circuit board 4 or can comprise such a board. This can be inserted into the interior 10 through the opening 110. Two sockets 53 are arranged on the circuit board 4, which are electrically connected to the electrical component and which, when the electrical component is arranged in the interior 10, are accommodated in the connector face 12 of the connection adapter 1. The sockets 53 can be provided for supplying voltage to the electrical component. Optionally / alternatively, they can also be designed for signal transmission.

[0055] To show the interior 10 with the printed circuit board 4 mounted, Fig. 4 (b) and (c) the first connector plate 2 is not shown. The Fig. 4 (b) and (c) therefore show the printed circuit board 4 accommodated in the interior 10 and the sockets 53 which are accommodated in the plug face 12 of the connection adapter 1.

[0056] Fig. Figure 5 shows in (a) a connector assembly 100 with a further embodiment of a connection adapter 1, which is plugged into a mating connector assembly 100' designed to correspond to the connector assembly 100. The Fig. 5(b) - (c) each show a sectional view through the connection adapter 1 of the Fig. 5 (a).

[0057] The mating connector assembly 100' can have a first mating connector 20' comprising a plurality (here four) first mating connector disks 2' of the first design type, which are configured to correspond to the first connector disks 2 or the first connector 20 of the first design type of the connector assembly 100. Furthermore, it can have a second mating connector 30' comprising a plurality (here four) second mating connector disks 3' of the second design type, which can be configured to correspond to the second connector disks 3 or the second connector 30 of the second design type of the connector assembly 100. The first and second mating connector disks 2', 3' are each arranged in a row in the row direction 93 relative to the first and second mating connectors 20', 30'.Furthermore, the mating connector assembly 100' has a mating connection adapter 1', which is arranged between the mating connectors 20', 30'. The mating connection adapter 1' is designed to correspond to the connection adapter 1. The mating connector assembly 100' is intended for arrangement on an electrical device circuit board (not shown), in particular an electrical device (not shown). For this purpose, the mating connector disks 2', 3' each have a corresponding mating socket or mating plug (not shown) for each plug or socket 53 of the connector disks 2, 3. These can be electrically connected to a soldering point (not shown) or an electrical conductor track (not shown) of the electrical device circuit board.

[0058] In Fig. 5 (a), the connector assembly 100 is plugged into the mating connector assembly 100'. The first connector 20 and the second connector 30 of the connector assembly 100 are identical in construction to those of the Fig. 3. However, the connection adapter 1 of this connector assembly 100 differs from that of the connector assembly 100 of the Fig. 3.

[0059] Inside the connection adapter 1 of the Fig. 5 is instead of the electrical circuit board 4 (see Fig. 4) a locking means 18 is arranged. The locking means 18 extends in the conductor insertion direction 92. It completely penetrates the connection adapter 1. At an actuating end 188 and an insertion end 189, it protrudes beyond the connection adapter 1. At its actuating end 188, a slot is provided as the actuating means 183, into which a screwdriver (not shown) is inserted for actuating the locking means 18. Manual actuation is also possible without tools. At its insertion end 189, a latching hook 180 is provided, which is designed to engage behind a latching contour of a counter-latching means 18' of the counter-connection adapter 1'.

[0060] The locking means 18 is designed here as a lever, for example. This can be reversibly moved from a locking position R, the Fig. 5 (b) shows, in a release position L, the Fig. 5 (c) shows, to be pivotable about a pivot bearing 191. In Fig. 5 (b), the connection adapter 1 is inserted into the mating connection adapter 1'. The locking hook 180 of the locking means 18 is inserted into an interior space 10' of the mating connection adapter 1' and engages behind the mating locking means 18', so that they are locked together. Fig. 5 (c) shows the release, i.e. pulling away, of the mating connection adapter 1' from the connection adapter 1.

[0061] When the locking means 18 pivots about the pivot bearing 191, it is pivoted and displaced along a pivot and guide contour 181. The locking means 1 also has a guide contour 182, which slides along a guide means 192 provided in the interior of the connection adapter 1 when the locking means 1 is pivoted and displaced. Due to this design, the locking means 18 locks automatically when the connection adapter 1 is inserted into the mating connection adapter 1'. The locking means 18 ensures a secure mechanical locking of the connection adapter 1 to the mating connection adapter 1' or of the connector assembly 100 to the mating connector assembly 100'.

[0062] In addition to the locking means 18, the electrical component could also be accommodated in the interior 10 of such a connection adapter 1. Reference symbol 1 connection adapter 1' counter connection adapter 100 connector arrangement 100' mating connector array 10 Interior 110 Opening 11 (Insulating) housing 118 Rear wall 112 narrow wall 128 Edge of the back wall 12 Dummy housing part, mating face 120 Open end of the dummy housing part 13, 15 Resting means 14 Positioning and clamping devices (positioning and clamping pin) 16 Positioning and clamping devices (positioning and clamping recess) 17 rest stops 18 Locking device, lever 180 locking hooks 181, 182 guide contour 183 Actuating means, recess 188, 189 End of the locking device 191 Swivel and guide bearings 192 management tools 18' locking countermeasure (locking edge) 2 First connector disc 2' First mating connector disc 20 First connector 20' First mating connector 21 First housing 22 First mating face 23 First locking device (locking hook) 24 First positioning and clamping device (positioning and clamping pin) 27 First locking device (locking recess) 28 First conductor insertion opening 29 First solvent 3 Second connector disc 3' Second mating connector disc 30 Second connector 30' Second mating connector 32 Second mating face 33 Second locking means (locking recess) 34 Second positioning and clamping means (positioning and clamping recess) 35, 37 Second locking device (locking hook) 38 Second conductor insertion opening 39 Second solvent 391 levers 4 circuit board 5 Electrical connection terminal, direct plug-in terminal 51 clamping spring 52 Busbar 53 socket 201, 301, 302 conductor terminal compartment 80 Back 83 Rear wall of the second connector plate 88 Front 90 Actuation direction 91 Direction of extension 92 Vertical direction, conductor insertion direction 93 Arranging direction R, L locking position, release position A12 First adapter part of the connection housing A13 Second adapter part of the connection housing A2 First adapter part of the first connector disc A2' First mating adapter part of the first connector disc A3 Second adapter part of the second connector disc A3' Second mating adapter part of the second connector disc

Claims

[1] Connection adapter (1) for mechanically fastening electrical connector discs (2, 3) of different types that can be arranged in a row to form a higher-level connector arrangement (100), with a housing (11), a. on the front side of the row, fastening means (13, 16) assigned to a first type are arranged, which are provided for fastening a first electrical connector plate (2) of the first type against a row direction (93) to the connection adapter (1), and b. on the rear side of the row, fastening means (14, 15, 17) assigned to a second construction type are arranged, which are provided for fastening a second electrical connector plate (3) of the second construction type in the row direction (93) to the connection adapter (1). [2] Connection adapter (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the fastening means comprise positioning and clamping means (14, 16) and / or locking means (13, 15, 17). [3] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that it is disc-shaped, wherein the housing (11) has a flatly extending rear wall (118) on the rear side of the row, to the edge (128) of which a narrow wall (112) is connected, which is arranged at an angle to the rear wall (118), wherein the rear wall (118) and the narrow wall (112) delimit an interior space (10) which has an opening (110) at least on the front side of the housing (11). [4] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the interior (10) is provided for accommodating at least one electrical component, in particular an electrical part or an electrical assembly. [5] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that it comprises at least one dummy housing part (12) which forms a plug face and which is optionally provided for receiving a plug or a socket (53). [6] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrical component comprises an electrical circuit board (4). [7] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug or the socket (53), electrically contacting the printed circuit board (4), is arranged in the dummy housing part (12) and is provided for the voltage supply and / or for the communication of the electrical component with at least one of the adapted first or second connector discs (2, 3). [8] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat electrical connection means for contacting at least one of the adapted first or second connector disks (3) are provided on the rear or front side of the housing (11). [9] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electrical component is designed to identify the types of at least one of the adapted first or second electrical connector discs (2,3). [10] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one display means for displaying a status of at least one of the adapted first or second electrical connector discs (2, 3) is provided in or on the housing (11), in particular a lighting means. [11] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the interior (10) is provided for receiving a locking means (18) for locking a mating connection adapter (1') corresponding to the connection adapter (1). [12] Connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking means (18) is designed as a lever which can be adjusted from a locking position (R) into a release position (L), in particular is displaceable and / or pivotable, and on which a locking hook (180) is arranged. [13] Connector arrangement (100) comprising at least one first connector disc (2) of a first construction type and / or at least one second connector disc (3) of a second construction type and a connection adapter (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector disc (2) is fastened to the front side of the connection adapter (1) and / or the second connector disc (3) is fastened to the rear side of the connection adapter (1). [14] Connector assembly (100) according to claim 13, characterized by that the fastening means (13 - 17) of the connection adapter (1) on the front side of the row are identical in construction to the first fastening means (26, 27) and corresponding to the first counter-fastening means (23, 24) of the first connector plate (2) of the first type, and on the rear side of the row are identical in construction to the second fastening means (33, 34, 37) and corresponding to the second counter-fastening means (35) of the second connector plate (3) of the second type. [15] Connector assembly (100) according to one of claims 13-14, characterized by that the first and second connector discs (2, 3) each have at least one connection terminal (5) for electrically connecting electrical conductors to an electrical mating connector disc (2', 3').

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