Modular connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular connector (1) with a first module carrier (10) in which several multipole connector modules (15) are inserted into module receptacles (11) of the module carrier (10) and a second module carrier (20) with several multipole connector modules (25) which are inserted into module receptacles (21) of the second module carrier (20), wherein the connector modules (15, 25) each have several contacts (16, 26) and when the two module carriers (10, 20) are plugged together, the respective contacts (16, 26) are axially plugged together in the plug-in direction (S), wherein at least the connector modules (25) in the second module carrier (20) are mounted with a specified positional clearance for tolerance compensation, preferably floating in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction (S), and wherein these connector modules (25) each have a circumferential elastic seal (27) for sealing and tolerance compensation.which, in the assembled state of the connector (1), bear in a sealing contact with a sealing surface (18) of the module receptacles (11) of the first module carrier (10), thereby centering and / or aligning the respective connector modules (25) in their position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular connector.

[0002] A wide variety of modular connectors are known from the state of the art.

[0003] Document WO 2014 202050 A1 discloses a modular connector with a mounting frame into which the connector modules can be inserted. Such mounting frames are typically required to provide a modular connector. Several, especially different, connector modules can be combined and inserted into such a frame. The mounting frame holds the connector modules together and secures them to one another. The mounting frame can then be inserted into a connector housing and fixed in place. The connector can be connected to a matching, also modular, mating connector.

[0004] German patent DE19707120C1 discloses another modular connector with a mounting frame for holding connector modules. The connector modules are also inserted into the mounting frame, with retaining elements on the connector modules interacting with recesses provided in opposing frame parts of the mounting frame, thus holding the connector modules securely in the mounting frame.

[0005] In this and other solutions known from the prior art, there are – conveniently – many different connector modules that can be inserted into such a mounting frame. The various connector modules have a wide variety of contact elements of different dimensions integrated into the modules.

[0006] A negative aspect of the solutions known in the prior art is the tolerances. Particularly in the mating areas of the contact elements (pin and socket contacts), there are differing tolerances and insertion depths. Furthermore, a sealed housing is required, in which a sealing surface in the interface area seals the modules inside the housing, which has proven disadvantageous in certain applications.

[0007] Typically, a seal runs completely around the modular connector or around the module inserts and seals against the housing of the mating connector, as is known, for example, from publication CN 213401670 U. A similar solution is known from WO 1995 017029 A1, where a circumferential seal rests against a sealing flange.

[0008] Manufacturing tolerances, however, lead to various problems in practice with conventional modular connectors, negatively impacting both assembly behavior and the required sealing in certain applications. Specifically with modular PCB connectors, the contact ends and contact connections (e.g., solder terminals or press-fit contacts) must align with the mating contacts on the PCB side. When many connector modules are positioned side-by-side in a connector frame, these tolerances accumulate unfavorably.

[0009] In a 90° angled design, there is an additional problem that the frame does not run perfectly parallel to the circuit board, but regularly (due to manufacturing) has a slight curve, so that the contact ends penetrate the contact openings of the circuit board at different lengths.

[0010] Furthermore, gaps between the connector modules and the circuit board are undesirable, as they can lead to unwanted crosstalk in Ethernet applications. For this reason, it is also desirable for the connector modules to sit flush against the circuit board, thus preventing any unwanted gaps.

[0011] Further prior art in the present technical field is disclosed in documents US 2020 / 0 099 172 A1, US 2007 / 0 004 274 A1, DE 103 38 279 A1, DE 19 65 793 U and US 2022 / 0 026 647 A1.

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing a solution for a modular connector, in particular with modules for data transmission, which has an improved sealing concept in which assembly-related tolerances are better compensated and in which assembly can be carried out in such a way that data transmission without adverse crosstalk can be avoided. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a modular connector in which one of the two connector pairs can be mounted on a printed circuit board as intended, in particular by soldering.

[0013] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0014] According to the invention, a modular connector is proposed, comprising a first module carrier in which several multi-pole connector modules are inserted into module receptacles of the first module carrier and a second module carrier with several further multi-pole connector modules which are inserted into module receptacles of the second module carrier, wherein the connector modules of the two module carriers each have several contacts and, when the two module carriers are plugged together, the respective contacts are axially connected in the plug-in direction, wherein at least the further connector modules in the second module carrier are mounted with a specified positional clearance for tolerance compensation, preferably floating in a direction transverse to the plug-in direction, and wherein the further connector modules in the second module carrier each have a circumferential elastic seal for sealing and tolerance compensation.which, when the connector is plugged in, seal against a sealing surface of the module receptacles of the first module carrier, thereby centering and / or aligning the respective further connector modules in the second module carrier in their position.

[0015] The basic idea is to design individual mounting and sealing systems so that the cavities for the modules are sealed, while the connector modules are simultaneously mounted with a tolerance compensation device. Transverse tolerance compensation, and additionally compensation in the mating direction, is particularly advantageous.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a module carrier cap pivotably mounted about a rotational axis and comprising a locking mechanism and a locking lever is provided on the second module carrier. The additional connector modules in the second module carrier can only be inserted into the module receptacles in the insertion direction S when the module carrier cap is open. The locking lever can be actuated from an open position to a locked position to lock the two module carriers, with a gear on the pivot bearing of the locking lever actuating the locking mechanism. The connector modules are latched in the module inserts by means of locking arms, which are in turn locked in their position by a cap (in particular, a movable cap) when the cap has been moved into its final assembly position. In this way, the modules can be fixed in their position.Furthermore, a control cam for control cams can be provided, which necessitates forced guidance.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the contact ends of the connector modules of the first module carrier are designed as printed circuit board (PCB) connections, preferably as solder contacts, and further preferably for wave soldering on a PCB. One application of the invention is the provision of a corresponding PCB connector that can be connected to a corresponding connector (comprising the second module carrier with the connector modules). It is particularly advantageous if the connector modules also include modules for data transmission, so that Ethernet connections in the Gigabit range can be implemented.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the connector modules of the first module carrier each have positioning domes projecting towards the terminal ends of the contacts. These domes are designed for positioning and / or centering during the mounting of the first module carrier on a printed circuit board (PCB), and can be inserted into corresponding positioning openings on the PCB. In addition to the positioning domes on the connector modules, further positioning domes can also be provided on the module carrier, allowing it to be brought into a defined position for soldering. Particularly in the case of manufacturing-related warping or a non-planar (flat) module carrier frame relative to a flat PCB, the vertical play compensates for the housing warping, ensuring that the connector modules always lie flat against the PCB (even if they are, for example, partially recessed in the housing).(positioned centrally at the point of maximum distortion). A surface-mount soldering process improves the shielding effect and consequently the signal quality of Ethernet modules (reduced crosstalk).

[0019] It is also advantageous if several positioning domes are provided on the respective connector modules of the first module carrier, preferably four positions each provided at the corners.

[0020] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides that the connector modules of the two module carriers each have a square shape with preferably rounded corners when viewed in a cross-section along the insertion direction S. The modules can each have a rectangular cross-section when viewed along their entire length in the insertion direction.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the module receptacles of the first module support are surrounded by module support walls that completely encircle the module receptacles, and a wall web separating the module receptacles is provided between each pair of adjacent module receptacles. Thus, each module has its own separate module receptacle, which is separated from the adjacent module receptacle by a partition wall.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the module receptacles of the second module carrier are surrounded by module carrier walls that completely encircle the module receptacles, and that between each pair of adjacent module receptacles there is a wall web separating the module receptacles.

[0023] The measures mentioned above allow each module to be individually designed and sealed independently of the other modules. In one embodiment of the invention, the seal can also be achieved without the wall in the module carrier, since the wall on the corresponding other module carrier can be functionally designed for the sealing fit.

[0024] It is further advantageous if the circumferential module support walls of the first module support each form the sealing surface for the elastic seal of the subsequent connector modules of the second module support, particularly for the radial contact of the respective seal. The radial seal also optimizes tolerance compensation perpendicular to the insertion direction. Optionally, axial tolerance compensation in the insertion direction can be achieved by a seal with an axial sealing lip.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the seal, viewed in the insertion direction, rests against a circumferential rib formed on the respective further connector module in the second module carrier.

[0026] The connector modules of the two module carriers can advantageously be provided with off-center coding ribs extending in the insertion direction, which, when assembled, engage in corresponding grooves within the module receptacles on the respective module carrier. A set of differently coded modules can be provided, ensuring that specific modules are used in specific slots or positions.

[0027] It is particularly advantageous if the solution is used for a printed circuit board connector, in which the contacts of the connector modules of the first module carrier can be connected or are connected to a printed circuit board with their printed circuit board connections.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the protective function of the seal. Since the individual seals of the modules can be damaged, the invention provides that a protective cap can be actuated from a pre-locking position to a final locking position in such a way that, in the delivery state, and thus preferably in the pre-locking position, the seal is covered and does not exert its sealing function against a sealing surface.

[0029] In this state, the protective cap fulfills its protective function for the seal around the module. When the module is inserted into the connector housing with the protective cap in the pre-lock position, the design ensures that the protective cap abuts a contact surface on the housing and, with further actuation, automatically moves from its pre-lock position to its final locking position upon insertion. In the final locking position, the protective cap engages with corresponding locking contours.

[0030] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0031] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first module carrier; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a second module carrier with a housing that is connected to the first module carrier from the Fig. 1. It can be assembled together; Fig. 3 a perspective detail view of an embodiment of a second module carrier in which only one connector module is used; Fig. 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector module, which is designed to be inserted into a suitable module receptacle in the module carrier shown next to it; Fig. 5 another perspective view of the embodiment of a first module carrier made of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 a detail from Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a sectional view through an embodiment through a modular connector; Fig. 8 a sectional view through a further embodiment by means of a modular connector; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a section of a first module carrier not fitted with connector modules, Fig. 10. A perspective view of a connector module with a sealing cap; Fig. 11 a respective side view of a connector module with a sealing cap once in pre-lock position and once in end-lock position and Fig. 12. The illustration of the actuation mechanism when inserting a connector module into the housing.

[0032] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0033] In the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows exemplary embodiments of assembled modular connectors 1. These have a first module carrier 10, as shown in the Fig. 1 is shown and a second module carrier 20, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown.

[0034] In the module carrier 10, which Fig. 1, several multi-pole connector modules 15 are inserted into module receptacles 11.

[0035] In the Fig. 2 (and partially in the Fig. (as shown in Figure 3) several multi-pole connector modules 25 are inserted into the second module carrier 20, which are inserted into module receptacles 21 of the second module carrier 20. The module receptacles 21 of the module carrier 20 are also shown in the Fig. 3 evident. In the Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a connector module 25, which is secured by the locking lugs 21a after being inserted into the module receptacles 21 from the rear, as seen in the drawing. The connector modules 25 shown are socket modules, which carry several contacts 26, namely socket contacts 26.

[0036] In contrast, the connector modules 15 each have several contacts 16, namely pin contacts 16 in this embodiment.

[0037] When the two module carriers 10, 20 are plugged together, the respective contacts 16, 26 are plugged together axially in the plugging direction S and contacted.

[0038] The connector modules 25 in the second module carrier 20 are mounted with a specified positional and displacement clearance for tolerance compensation, preferably floating in a direction transverse to the insertion direction S, and wherein these connector modules 25 each have a circumferential elastic seal 27 for sealing and tolerance compensation, which in the assembled state of the connector 1 (see Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) seal against a sealing surface 18 of the module mounts 11 of the first module support 10 (see the Fig. 9) and center and / or align the respective connector modules 25 in their position.

[0039] On the second module carrier 20, a module carrier cap 30, pivotably mounted about a rotation axis 30a, is provided with a locking mechanism 30b comprising a locking lever 31. The locking lever 31 can be moved in the direction of the arrow according to Fig. 3 is actuated and serves to lock the two module carriers 10, 20 from an open position into a locked position, in which a gear 33 on the pivot bearing of the locking lever 31 causes an actuation of the locking mechanism and the pins 50 on the first module carrier 10 are guided along the control cam 30b similar to a rack.

[0040] The connection ends 16a of the contacts 16 of the connector modules 15 of the module carrier 10 are as shown in the Fig. 5 shown, as printed circuit board terminals, preferably as solder contacts for wave soldering on a printed circuit board.

[0041] In the Fig. Figure 6 shows that the connector modules 15 of the first module carrier 10 each have positioning domes 19 projecting towards the terminal ends 16a of the contacts 16. These domes engage in corresponding positioning openings on the printed circuit board (PCB) for positioning and / or centering during mounting of the module carrier 10. Four positioning domes 19 are shown as an example, each located at the corners of the connector modules 15 on their side facing the PCB.

[0042] The contacts 16 are bent by 90° from the insertion direction S in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction S and then run in the direction of insertion into openings 19a in a printed circuit board LP.

[0043] The module recordings 21 (as in the Fig. 4 shown) of the second module support 20 are completely surrounded by module support walls 21a surrounding the module mounts 21 and between each two adjacent module mounts 21 there is a wall web 11b separating the module mounts 21 as part of the module support walls 21a.

[0044] The module mounts 11 of the first module support 10 are also surrounded by module support walls 11a completely encircling the module mounts 11, and between each pair of adjacent module mounts 11 there is a wall web 11b separating the module mounts 11.

[0045] In the Fig. Figure 9 shows that the circumferential module support walls 11a of the first module support 10 each form the sealing surface 18 for the elastic seal 27 of the connector modules 25 of the second module support 20, in particular for the radial contact of the respective seal 27 and for tolerance compensation in the area indicated by the arrows in the Fig. 9 directions shown.

[0046] The seal 27, viewed in the insertion direction S, rests against a circumferential rib 44 formed on the respective connector module 25 (see e.g. Fig. 4) The connector modules are provided with off-center coding ribs 45 extending in the plugging direction, which, in the assembled state, engage in corresponding grooves 46 within the module receptacles on the respective module carrier.

[0047] In the Fig. Sections 10 to 12 explain a further aspect of the present invention, namely the protective function of the seal 27 of the connector modules 25. For this purpose, the connector modules 25 are equipped with a sealing cap 50, which forms a protective rib 51 running around the seal 27, which protects the seal 27 in the Fig. 11 left view covers to prevent damage.

[0048] The sealing cap 50 also has two locking arms 52 with which it is mounted in a first locking position (pre-locking position) on a counter-locking element 53 on the connector module 25. From the one in the Fig. In the pre-position shown in 11 (left view), the sealing protective cap 50 can be inserted into the Fig. The (right) view shown in section 11 is actuated, corresponding to the end detent position. In this process, the respective detent arm 52 is released from its first detent position on the counter-detent 53 and engages in a second detent position at the end of the actuation. As can be seen from the right view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the seal 27 is now exposed.

[0049] In the Fig. Figure 12 shows the operating sequence. When the connector module 25 is inserted into the module carrier 20, the sealing cap 50 is brought into contact with a contact surface 54 of the module carrier 20. As the connector module 25 is further inserted into the module carrier 20, the sealing cap 50 automatically abuts the contact surface 54 and, with further actuation, is automatically moved from its pre-lock position to its end-lock position during insertion, and the seal is exposed at the end of the insertion path (see right-hand figure). Fig.12) In other words, this means that, according to the invention, an axially movable sealing cap 50 is provided on the connector module 25 to protect the seal 27, which is in a pre-locking position before the connector module 25 is inserted into the module frame, in which it at least partially surrounds, covers and / or encloses the seal 27 and can be brought into a final locking position when the connector module 25 is inserted into the module frame, preferably indirectly by it, in which the sealing cap 50 no longer surrounds, covers and / or encloses the seal 27.

[0050] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiments specified above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable which make use of the solution presented even in fundamentally different designs.

Claims

[1] Modular connector (1) comprising a first module carrier (10) in which several multipole connector modules (15) are inserted into module receptacles (11) of the first module carrier (10) and a second module carrier (20) comprising several further multipole connector modules (25) which are inserted into module receptacles (21) of the second module carrier (20), wherein the connector modules (15, 25) of the two module carriers (10, 20) each have several contacts (16, 26) and, when the two module carriers (10, 20) are plugged together, the respective contacts (16, 26) are axially connected in the plug-in direction (S), wherein at least the further connector modules (25) in the second module carrier (20) are mounted with a specified positional clearance for tolerance compensation and wherein the further connector modules (25) in the second module carrier (20) each have a circumferential elastic seal for sealing and tolerance compensation (27) exhibit,which, in the assembled state of the connector (1), seal against a sealing surface (18) of the module receptacles (11) of the first module carrier (10) and thereby center and / or align the respective further connector modules (25) in the second module carrier (20) in their position. [2] Modular connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that a module carrier cap (30) pivotably mounted about a rotational axis with a locking mechanism comprising a locking lever (31) is provided on the second module carrier (20) and the further connector modules (25) in the second module carrier (20) can only be inserted into the module receptacles (21) in the plug-in direction (S) in the second module carrier (20) when the module carrier cap (30) is open and the locking lever (31) can be actuated from an open position to a locked position to lock the two module carriers (10, 20), in which a gear (33) on the pivot bearing of the locking lever (31) causes the locking mechanism to be actuated. [3] Modular connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the terminal ends (16a) of the contacts (16) of the connector modules (15) of the first module carrier (10) are designed as printed circuit board terminals, preferably as solder contact ends, further preferably designed for wave soldering on a printed circuit board. [4] Modular connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connector modules (15) of the first module carrier (10) each have positioning domes (19) projecting towards the terminal ends (16a) of the contacts (16), which dip into corresponding positioning openings of a printed circuit board for positioning and / or centering when mounting the first module carrier (10) on a printed circuit board. [5] Modular connector (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that several positioning domes (19) are provided on the respective connector modules (15) of the first module carrier (10), preferably four positions provided at the corners. [6] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the connector modules (15, 25) of the two module carriers (10, 20) each have a square shape with preferably rounded corners (40) when viewed in a cross-section in relation to the insertion direction (S). [7] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the module supports (11) of the first module support (10) are surrounded by module support walls (11a) completely encircling the module supports (11) and that between each two adjacent module supports (11) there is a wall web (11b) separating the module supports (11). [8] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the module receptacles (21) of the second module support (20) are surrounded by module support walls (21a) completely encircling the module receptacles (21) and that between each two adjacent module receptacles (21) there is a wall web (11b) separating the module receptacles (21). [9] Modular connector (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the circumferential module support walls (11a) of the first module support (10) each form the sealing surface (18) for the elastic seal (27) of the further connector modules (25) of the second module support (20), in particular for the radial attachment of the respective seal (27). [10] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the seal (27) is viewed in the direction of insertion, rests against a circumferential rib (44) formed on the respective further connector module (25) in the second module carrier (20). [11] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that on the connector modules (15, 25) of the two module carriers (10, 20) eccentric coding ribs (45) extending in the plugging direction are provided which, in the assembled state, engage in corresponding grooves (46) within the module receptacles (11, 21) on the respective module carrier (10, 20). [12] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connector (1) is a printed circuit board connector in which the contacts of the connector modules (15) of the first module carrier (10) can be connected or are connected to a printed circuit board with their printed circuit board connections. [13] Modular connector (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the locking of the further connector modules (25) in the second module carrier (20) is effected by means of actuable locking arms, the locking arms in turn being locked in their position by the module carrier cap (30) which can be pivoted into a final assembly position. [14] Modular connector (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an axially movable sealing cap (50) is provided on the further connector module (25) in the second module carrier (20), which is in a pre-locking position before the further connector module (25) is inserted into the module frame of the second module carrier (20), in which it at least partially surrounds, covers and / or encloses the seal (27) and can be brought into a final locking position when the further connector module (25) is inserted into the module frame of the second module carrier (20), preferably indirectly by this, in which the sealing cap (50) no longer surrounds, covers and / or encloses the seal (27).

Images