Connector and electronic component with multiple slots for two-wire technology

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element according to the preamble of claim 1, a kit of parts according to the preamble of claim 11 and an electronic component according to the preamble of claim 12.

[0002] A detachable connector can be used to establish and detach an electrical or optical connection between a data transmission cable and a mating connector, such as a socket. These connectors are known in almost any number of poles; for example, an 8-pole connector is known from EP 2 359 441 B1.

[0003] Within every communication and supply technology, in addition to manufacturer-specific specifications, general norms and standards have emerged that define dimensions and safety-relevant requirements.

[0004] Such standards vary, sometimes nationally or regionally, so adapter systems are widespread. These adapters are common, for example, in the 220-2240V power cable and connector range, as described in WO 2009 / 152630 A1 or EP 2 297 824 B1, which describe complex travel adapters that allow power connections to the most common plug contacts. These adapters are characterized by either having multiple sockets, each with two plug sockets leading to a single fixed connector, or vice versa.

[0005] In the field of two-wire technology, such as PoDL (Power over Data Line), SPE (Single Pair Ethernet), and TPE (Twisted Pair Ethernet), connection elements are also known, and corresponding connection elements conforming to various standards, such as IEC 60603-7-5, are available. Embodiments of connection elements that comply with this standard are known, for example, from DE 10 2017 101 544 B3, which discloses a connection element with a locking element held at a fixed bearing and a floating bearing. A comparable connection element is known from DE 10 2019 131 596 B3, in which the connection element enables an advantageous, secure, positive-locking connection with the mating connection element.

[0006] The increasing development of automation technology leads, on the one hand, to several standardized but differently constructed connection elements for the same transmission technology, such as SPE, and on the other hand, to progressive miniaturization leading to high demands regarding the weight and space requirements of the connection elements. To meet these requirements, DE 20 2019 000 733 U1, for example, proposes providing a type of adapter socket that interacts with a removable interchangeable or replaceable element, which, when installed in a 180° rotated position, can provide two different connectors.

[0007] A disadvantage of existing solutions is that the wide variety of possible connecting elements is very complex for electronic component manufacturers and requires extensive warehousing. Furthermore, users of such electronic components often have to provide adapter elements, which require additional installation space and themselves represent a potential weak point for data transmission.

[0008] Further relevant prior art is described in the following documents: EP 1983617 A2, US 11 025 000 B2, US 2017 062977 A1, US 2021 408740 A1, US 2021 013657 A1

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved connecting element which largely avoids the aforementioned disadvantages in the prior art.

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by a connecting element according to the features of claim 1, a kit of parts according to the features of claim 10 and an electronic component according to the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the respective, associated dependent claims.

[0011] The task is then solved by a connecting element for a power and / or data transmission technology, in particular SPE, TPE, PoDL or the like, comprising The system comprises at least one guide element, two spaced-apart current- and / or data-conducting contact elements with a first and a second, central contact element axis, wherein the at least one guide element at least partially encloses the contact elements and is further configured to guide and receive at least one (complementary) mating connection element, which includes two spaced-apart current- and / or data-conducting mating contact elements and at least one counter-guiding element. Each contact element has a contact path that lies on a connecting line perpendicular to both contact element axes. In other words, the contact paths, along which a current- and / or data-conducting connection between contact plugs and contact pins can be established, extend transversely to the axis of movement for assembling the contact elements.These contact element sections (E, F) have a length of at least 1.1 mm ± 0.15 mm and do not exceed a length of 1.5 mm ± 0.15 mm.

[0012] Here, the contact path is defined as the path along which a contact element can be connected to a counter-contact element.

[0013] Ideally, the contact paths of the contact elements are of different lengths. As explained in more detail below, this allows mating connectors to be connected for data and electrical conduction, even if they meet the requirements of different standards.

[0014] According to the invention, the contact path is essentially formed by one of the two alternatives, by The length of a contact section is generally synonymous with the width of a contact socket or the travel distance of a contact pin in a pair of contact pins, at least one of which is mounted to be slidably linear and parallel to the contact section, ideally both being mounted to be slidably linear. Thus, the length of a contact section is generally synonymous with the width of a contact socket or the travel distance of at least one contact pin.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the contact bushing can be designed as a flat clip, clamp, or flat one- or two-sided spring element, which is held resiliently on at least one side and / or has a resilient section. The contact area on which a mating element can be brought into contact and held corresponds to the width of such a contact bushing as described above. Alternatively, the contact area can be formed by a funnel-shaped bushing opening or insertion, by means of which the contact pins of a mating connection element are positively guided. In an alternative embodiment, the contact bushing is designed as a round or oval sleeve that is pivotably mounted. Furthermore, the sleeve can be formed from at least two segments and / or have at least one opening slot in the axial direction to allow a certain degree of elastic deformation in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the slot widths of the respective contact sockets or the travel distances of the contact pins can each be different.

[0017] As explained, the contact sections of the contact elements are of different lengths, with the wider of the two contact sections having a length of 1.35–1.65 mm and the shorter contact section having a length of 0.95–1.25 mm. As detailed below, mating connectors can thus be joined that meet the requirements of different standards.

[0018] In a further improved version of the connecting element, the guide element has a transverse width defined by a first standard, for example, DIN EN IEC 63171-6. This transverse width consists, in particular, of an inner or opening width, primarily the narrower of two possible inner opening widths, of a counter-guide element of a first mating connecting element. Advantageously, this first transverse width is 2.3 to 2.6 mm ± 0.05 mm. Furthermore, the connecting element has a longitudinal width transverse to the aforementioned transverse width, defined by a second standard, for example, DIN EN IEC 63171-5. This longitudinal width consists, in particular, of a further, especially the larger, inner longitudinal width or opening of a counter-guide element of a second mating connecting element.Advantageously, this longitudinal width is 4.7 to 4.9 mm + / - 0.05 mm. In other words, only one standard defines the limiting dimensions for guiding or attaching a standardized mating connector in one direction only for at least one central element.

[0019] In a further improved variant, at least one first coding element is arranged outside or outside the guide element, so that a mating connection element is always uniquely defined with respect to the pole arrangement and incorrect connections are prevented.

[0020] In a first group of embodiments, the connecting element is a connecting bushing, which is characterized or defined in particular by having two contact elements designed as contact bushings.

[0021] In an improved variant for the first group of embodiments, a first coding element and / or a second coding element is provided, wherein the first coding element with the guide element forms a guide lane for a frame section of a first mating connector designed as a mating connector along a section parallel to a long side, and the second coding element has an inner contact surface which serves as a support and guide surface for a second mating connector, in particular for the outside of a guide element of a mating connector.

[0022] In this context, "inside," "inner side," or "inner surface" should be understood to mean the side, surface, or direction that is closer to and / or opposite the center of the connecting element. Analogously, but inverted, "outside," "outer side," or "outer surface" should be understood to mean this, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0023] If the mating connector has guide elements in the form of a fully or partially circumferential frame, this is guided and supported in a guide channel formed between the first, inner coding element and the guide element of the connector socket. Additionally or alternatively, the guide element of a mating connector can be placed on the inside of the second, outer coding element, supported, and / or its position determined.

[0024] The contact sockets are advantageously designed as wide slots, as described above, and are dimensioned differently with respect to their respective opening width and contact length. In an advantageous embodiment, the guide element of a connecting socket is funnel-shaped and widened at least in the direction of the contact length towards the contact sockets, so that a mating connector can be easily inserted. Furthermore, the guide element between two contact sockets is designed as a separating or central rib and ideally consists of an electrically insulating material or is coated with one. The separating or central rib is advantageously arranged eccentrically to accommodate two or more mating connector standards.

[0025] The connector advantageously has a snap-in or locking mechanism. This mechanism has a spring element that is pushed from its rest position when a mating connector is inserted and springs back into a recess when inserted, thus snapping or locking the connecting elements. Advantageously, the device is located on the connection surface.

[0026] In a second group of embodiments, the connecting element is a connector which is characterized or defined in particular by having two contact elements designed as contact pins.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the connector, the guide element is not formed completely around the circumference, but is formed from at least guide element sections or has at least one opening section.

[0028] This allows a mating socket with its outer contour of the guide element to project transversely beyond a theoretical base area of ​​the guide element of the connector and to be brought into contact, supported and / or guided only section by section on the guide element sections.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide element has a bore or opening into which a spring element (locking lug) of the mating bushing can be inserted and held in contact when plugged in. This thus constitutes a snap-in or locking mechanism. Advantageously, the bore or opening is located on the connecting edge. In an improved variant, the opening can be located on a spring element, so that it is positioned in the appropriate, complementary position for a mating bushing. It is advantageous if the spring element is mounted or spatially arranged in such a way that it In an embodiment with a wide insulating body, it can be moved slightly elastically when inserted, and in an embodiment with a snap-in or locking mechanism, it behaves rigidly when tensile forces are applied.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the guide element has a separate section that is designed or includes a locking lug. This locking lug is dimensioned such that its inner side is further away from the connecting axis than the socket element of a possible mating connector, in particular 1.45 mm + / - 0.1 mm, and at the same time, on its outer side, which has the locking lug, it maintains the dimension required for engagement in another possible mating socket (2.7 mm + / - 0.1 mm).

[0031] In the present case, a connecting element is partially described by its mating connecting element and, in particular, by the standard of the mating connecting element. This serves only for illustration and clarity; the mating connecting element is not intended to be the subject of the invention unless something different is expressly described.

[0032] The different designs of connecting elements and / or counter-connecting elements, which are defined by different standards, ideally belong to the same main standard, so that they also belong to the same technology or technology field, such as SPE.

[0033] In particular, an improvement consists of the fact that at least one locking and / or locking element is arranged on the connecting element, which interacts with a complementary counter-locking and / or locking element of the respective mating connecting element. The locking and / or locking element can be arranged, in particular, on the guide element and / or on a frame or frame section.

[0034] The invention further comprises an electronic component for data and power-conducting two-wire technology, such as SPE, TPE, etc., and includes a housing and at least one internal electronic component. This internal component is, in particular, at least one printed circuit board (PCB) with, for example, at least one electronic component arranged thereon, such as a microprocessor and / or a memory element. The electronic component includes at least one connecting element according to one of the preceding embodiments and variants.

[0035] Ideally, the housing is designed or has a corresponding connection element for mating plugs, in which the insulating body forms an integral part of the housing and / or the connection element.

[0036] Furthermore, the invention comprises a kit of parts, which essentially consists of or comprises a connector socket and a connector plug for the data and power transmission of electronic components, wherein the kit of parts is configured according to one of the following alternatives: The connector socket is designed according to one of the embodiments of the invention and the mating connector element is designed as a mating connector in accordance with EN IEC 63171-5 or EN IEC 63171-6, the connector plug is designed according to one of the embodiments of the invention and the mating connector element is designed as a mating socket in accordance with DIN EN IEC 63171-5 or DIN EN IEC 63171-6, or the connector socket and the connector plug are each designed according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention comprises an electronic component for data and power-conducting two-wire technology, such as SPE, TPE, PoDL, etc., which includes a component housing with at least two sides and / or a wall element. At least one electronic component is connected to or enclosed therein, which may in particular be at least one printed circuit board (PCB) with at least one electronic component arranged thereon. The electronic component includes at least one connecting element configured as a connector socket according to one of the preceding embodiments and / or as a connector plug according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0038] The improvement lies in the fact that the housing of the connecting element is an integral part of at least one section of the component housing.

[0039] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several exemplary embodiments shown in the following drawings.

[0040] It shows: Fig. 1a A sectional view of a connecting element designed as a connecting bushing, Fig. 1b a schematic, perspective view and section view of the Figur 1 of the connecting element, Fig. 2 a top view of the first embodiment of the connecting bushing according to Figur 1 Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of another embodiment of a connecting bushing, Fig. 4 shows a top view of the embodiment according to Fig. 3 in three partial views I, II and III, Fig. 5 a sectional view of a third embodiment of a connecting bushing, Fig. 6 a top view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5 in three partial views I, II and III with a first mating connector, Fig. 7 a top view of the embodiment according to Fig. 5 in three partial views I, II and III with a second mating connector, Fig. 8 a top view of two further embodiments in two partial views I and II as variations of the embodiment according to Fig. 7 , Fig. 9 a top view of a connecting element designed as a connector in three partial views I, II and III, Fig. 10 a sectional view of the connector according to Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 a to Figur 10 alternative embodiment of the movable mounting of the contact pins.

[0041] In the Fig. 1 a) A connecting element 1 is shown as a connecting socket 1.1, which runs along the line in the Fig. 1 b) The section line XX shown is cut. The connecting socket 1.1 has a central guide body 2 in which a contact element 3, designed as a contact socket, is received. The contact element 3 extends in the direction of the contact element axis 6, which is shown as a dashed line and along which a mating connection element is inserted for the power and / or data connection. From the rear of the connecting socket 1.1, supply line 30 with two conductors 31, 32 is led into the interior of the housing 7, with conductor 32 being conductively connected to the contact element 3 in a manner not shown in detail. The space between the guide element 2 and the housing 7 serves, as partially shown in the following figures, to receive a mating connection element (not shown). In the perspective view of the Fig. 1 b ) shows the same connector socket.

[0042] Overall, the housing of the connecting element and / or the mating housing, made of plastic, metal, or a combination thereof, is known from the frequently cited standards, as are the solutions for the mutual form-fit and / or force-fit connection of a housing to a mating housing. These solutions are applied analogously here and are therefore not described in detail.

[0043] The top view of the Fig. 2 shows the same connecting element 1 designed as connecting socket 1.1 of the Fig. 1 The housing 7 has an outer diameter D1 and an inner diameter D2, in or on which the mating housing of a mating connecting element can be positively and / or force-fitted in a manner not described in detail. Any connecting elements, such as union nuts, etc., required for this purpose are not shown. The two contact element axes 6, arranged centrally in the respective contact sockets 3.1a and 3.2a, are depicted as circles with a cross and point perpendicularly out of the illustration area. They are spaced A apart from each other by 2.2 mm, have an inner width E of 1.5 mm, and a further inner width F of 1.1 mm, which corresponds in this case to the length of the respective contact sections 4 on which a contact pin can be brought into conductive contact. These contact sockets are 1.7–2.4 times wider than the width of the standardized contact pins (0.64 mm) and 1.1–1.6 times wider than the standardized contact socket (0.95 mm).The opening width C of the contact socket 3.1a, 3.2b corresponds to the width of DIN EN IEC 63171-5 and is 0.95 mm.

[0044] The guide element 2 has flattened or inclined surfaces on its left side, which function as a coding element 10 with a corresponding mating connector.

[0045] The essential feature of this connector 1.1 is that the (smaller) transverse width B1 of the guide element 2, shown vertically, conforms to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6 and is 2.5 mm. The (larger) longitudinal width B2, shown horizontally, conforms to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5 and has a length of 4.8 mm, as specified in this standard. As shown in more detail in the following figures, a connector according to DIN EN IEC 63171-6 essentially only makes (positive) contact on the longitudinal sides 12 of the guide element 2, whereas a connector according to DIN EN IEC 63171-5 essentially only makes (positive) contact on the transverse side 13 and the coding sections 16.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the distance M1 of the left contact element axis 6 to the transverse side shown on the left (outer side) is 1.3 mm + / -0.05 mm, the distance M2 of the right contact element axis 6 is 3.5 mm + / -0.05 mm and the distance M3 of the center web 17 is 2.3 mm + / - 0.05 mm.

[0047] In the sectional view according to the Fig. 3 A mating connection element 20, configured as a mating connection element 50 according to DIN EN IEC 63171-6, with its associated mating housing 27, is inserted into a connection socket 1.1 in a current- and data-conducting manner by the contact socket 3.1a receiving and clamping the mating contact pin of the mating contact element 21, configured as a mating plug connector 50. The cross-section corresponds to that shown in the Fig. 1 b) along the section line XX shown. The connecting bushing 1.1 of the Fig. 3 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 1 by providing an (outer) coding element 11 which, in conjunction with the counter-coding element 23 of the mating connector 20, 50, ensures a unique connection between the two connector elements. As described in the associated Fig. 4 As shown in more detail in partial view I, the coding element 11 is visible. On its inner side 11.1, it has a section parallel to the longitudinal side 12 of the guide element 2 and a second section parallel to the first coding section 16 of the guide body 2. The outer side 11.2 of the coding element 11 is parallel to the inner wall of the housing 7, so that, as shown in partial views II and III, the mating housing 27 of a mating connection element 20 can be inserted there. Partial view II shows a mating connection element 50 (mating connector) designed according to DIN EN IEC 63171-6. This has a mating coding element 23 on one longitudinal side of the mating guide element 22, which is designed as a frame. Regardless of the specific embodiment, the transverse width B1 of the mating connector 50 correlates with the transverse width B1 of the guide element 2 of the connection socket 1.1, where the "+" indicates that the transverse width B1 +< is 0.05 to 0.5 mm larger than the transverse width B1. In other words, the transverse width B1 +< is the width or range of widths standardized according to DIN EN IEC 63171-6, such that the transverse width B1 according to the invention is 0.05 to 0.5 mm smaller than the standardized transverse width according to DIN EN IEC 63171-6. Partial view III shows the connection of the connection bushing 1.1 according to the invention with the standardized mating connector. As shown in partial view III, the standardized mating connector according to DIN EN IEC 63171-6 rests against the two longitudinal sides 12 of the guide element 2, with the coding element 11, in conjunction with the counter-coding element 23, allowing only a single mounting position. The standardized mating connector 50 is not guided on the transverse sides 13.

[0048] The Fig. 5 The sectional view shows the same embodiment of the connecting bushing 1.1 as the Figuren 3 ,4 , however, in conjunction with a standardized mating connector 60 according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5. The cross-section corresponds to that in the Fig. 1 b) along the section line XX shown. As also shown in partial views II and III of the Fig. 6 As can be clearly seen, the counter-guide element 22 does not rest against the longitudinal sides 12 of the guide element 2. The counter-guide element 22 only rests against the inner side 11.1 of the coding element 11 with an outer partial surface, the exact assignment of which is shown in the partial views of the Figur 6 can be seen in detail. Analogous to the Figur 4 Partial view I shows the connecting bushing 1.1 according to the invention with one coding element 11 and the coding section 16 on the transverse side 13 of the guide element 2 shown on the left. Partial view III of the Fig. 6 Figure 1 shows the situation in which the connecting socket 1.1 and the mating connector 60 are plugged into each other. The mating contact elements 21 of the standardized mating connector 60 have a distance E of 1.8 mm ± 0.02 mm from each other. The mating contact element 21 shown on the left, which is designed as a pin, is received in the left, wider contact socket 3.1a adjacent to the central rib 17, whereas the mating contact element 21 shown on the right, which is also designed as a pin, is arranged in the right, narrower contact socket 3.2a, also adjacent to the central rib 17.

[0049] The mating connector 60 rests with the inner surfaces of its transverse sides against the transverse sides 13 of the guide element 2 and has a distance to the longitudinal sides 12 of the guide element 2.

[0050] The position coding between connection socket 1.1 and the mating connector 60 is achieved via The coding section 16 of the guide element 2, on which the counter-coding section 23 of the mating connector 60 is located opposite and / or abuts an inner surface, and the coding section 11.3 shown on the right of the outer coding element 11, on which the counter-coding section 23 of the mating connector 60 is located opposite and / or abuts a partial surface of the outer surface. The positional coding and external guidance via the coding section 11.3 of an outer coding element 11 are optional.

[0051] Regardless of the design variant and analogous to the designs regarding Fig. 4 The longitudinal width B2 +< of the mating connector 60 correlates with the longitudinal width B2 of the guide element 2 of the connecting socket 1.1, where the "+" means that the longitudinal width B2 +< is 0.02 to 0.5 mm larger than the longitudinal width B1. In other words, the longitudinal width B2 +< is the width or range of widths standardized according to DIN EN IEC 63171-5, such that the transverse width B2 according to the invention is 0.02 to 0.5 mm smaller than the standardized longitudinal width according to DIN EN IEC 63171-5.

[0052] In the Fig. 7 The embodiment is also shown in a top view according to Fig. 5 The assembly is shown in three partial views I, II, and III, the difference being an additional resilient coding element 10 designed as a web or wall. This creates an inner guide lane 15 parallel to and along the longitudinal side 12 of the guide element 2 shown above, between the longitudinal side 12 of the inner contact surface 10.1 of the coding element 10 and an outer guide lane 18, between the outer contact surface 10.2 of the (inner) coding element 10.

[0053] In partial view II. of the Fig. 7 The connection of the socket 1.1 with a mating connector 20, 50 according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6 is shown, wherein the frame-shaped guide element 22 is also held and guided by the coding element 10 in the guide groove 15, with the corresponding section being pushed outwards from its rest position, at least partially. The coding element 23 is arranged on the opposite side. Both coding elements 10 and 11 prevent the mating connector 50 from being rotated. It is also clearly visible that the two mating contact elements 21 in the contact sockets 3.1a, 3.2a are received and held at the outer ends on the left and right, i.e., far from the central web 17, in contrast to the mating contact elements of the other mating connector 50.

[0054] In partial view III of the Fig. 7 The connection of the connection socket 1.1 with a mating connector 60 according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5 is shown, wherein its counter-guiding element 22 designed as a frame with the corresponding section is also held and guided by the coding element 10, but in the outer guide lane 18.

[0055] In the example shown, the coding element 10 is pressed inwards from its rest position, at least section by section, and in particular with spring action. The coding is carried out as already shown in partial view III. Fig. 4 describe the coding section 16 and the counter-coding section 23. Thus, with this variant, it is possible to insert a mating connector 50, where the surrounding area is filled.

[0056] During a Figur 7 In an alternative embodiment not shown, only the web-like (inner) coding element 10 is provided and the outer coding element 11 is omitted, in which case the space or shadow area of ​​the omitted outer coding element 11 can be at least partially filled by a mating connector 50.

[0057] In the two partial views of the Fig. 8 Further embodiments of a connecting bushing 1.1 are shown, wherein the inner coding element 10 and the outer coding element 11 are arranged on the longitudinal sides 12 opposite the guide element 2. In partial view I. of the Fig. 8 An electronic component 28 with a housing 29 is schematically indicated by a dashed box, whereby internal structural and electronic components are not shown. The mating connector 60 is designed according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5, analogous, for example, to partial view III. Fig. 7 .

[0058] The outer code 11 in partial view II. of the Fig. 8 has a recess or groove in which the counter-coding element 23 can be guided in the nominal position of the mating connector 50, which is analogous to partial view II. of the Fig. 7 The device is designed according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6. The counter-coding element 23 can include a detent or locking mechanism according to the standard DIN EN IEC 61171-6, and the outer coding element 11 can be designed as a complementary retaining element for the detent mechanism.

[0059] The Figuren 9 and 10 Finally, the second group of embodiments is shown, in which the connector 1.2 according to the invention is described in more detail. The top views of the Fig. 9 Partial view I shows the connector 1.2 according to the invention, whose guide element 2 is formed from two C- or U-shaped guide element sections 2.1, 2.2. A coding element 10 is arranged along the upper longitudinal side 12 for position coding. The (outer) transverse width or the (inner) transverse width, as outer transverse width minus the wall thickness of the guide element sections 2.1, 2.2, correlates with the requirements of DIN EN IEC 63171-6, as can be seen particularly in partial view III. The inner and outer transverse widths (not labeled) and the longitudinal width B3 of the C- or U-shaped guide element sections 2.1, 2.2 correlate with the requirements of the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6, as shown particularly in partial view III, since the mating socket element 50 is designed according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6.

[0060] The transverse width B2, which corresponds to the specifications according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5, extends as twice the length from the connection grade 6 (center) to the inner surface of the coding element 10. The longitudinal width B1, which also corresponds to the specifications according to the standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5, extends from the (left) inner surface of the first guide frame section 2.1 to the vertical outer edges of the second guide frame section 2.2.

[0061] The contact elements 3, designed as contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b, are each guided in an elongated hole 14 on the upper side, with further details on the guidance of the movable contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b in the Fig. 10 The diagrams are shown. Partial views II and III each show the connector 1.2 with a standardized mating connector 50, 60, whereby partial view II shows the connection with a mating connector 60 according to standard DIN EN IEC 63171-5 and partial view III shows the connection with a mating connector 50 according to standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6. The mating connector 60 in partial view II is position-coded by its right-hand transverse side aligning with the edges of the right-hand guide element section 2.2 and its angled surfaces aligning with the edges of the left-hand guide element section 2.1, or being guided by these edges during mating. The longitudinal sides of the mating connector 60 extend beyond the base area defined by the two guide element sections 2.1 and 2.2.In other words, the mating connector 60 extends beyond the guide element sections 2.1, 2.2 in the open sections in the transverse direction to the connecting line 5.

[0062] The coding process continues because the legs of the guide element sections 2.1 and 2.2 have different flank extensions in the direction of the longitudinal side 12. For this purpose, the transverse side of the mating connector 60, facing away from the mating coding sections 23, rests against the guide element section 2.2 with a shorter or shorter flank extension. The longer flank extension of the guide element section 2.1 on the side facing the mating coding sections 23 projects towards them up to a contact point or at a slight distance. The movable contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b of the connector 1.2 are engaged by the standardized and funnel-shaped mating contact elements / sockets 21 and moved in the direction of the contact element axis 6 and centered in the mating contact elements 21. The funnel-shaped opening can also be formed by insulating material surrounding the actual counter-contact elements 21.

[0063] In partial view III of the Fig. 9 The connection with the mating connector 50 according to standard DIN EN IEC 63171-6 is shown. This connector has an inner guide element 22 and an outer coding element 23 designed as a frame around its circumference. The outer coding element 23 has a shaft- or channel-like structure on one longitudinal side, which corresponds to the coding element 10 of the connector 1.2. The guide element 22 is enclosed externally by the two guide element sections 2.1 and 2.2 and largely fills the space between them. Analogous to partial view II, the slidably mounted contact pins 3.1b and 3.2b are engaged, displaced, and centered by the round and funnel-shaped mating contact elements 21.

[0064] The outer coding element 23, designed as a surrounding frame, lies completely against the two guide element sections 2.1, 2.2 on the outer surface and extends in the area of ​​the coding element 10, so that the frame section there lies against the outside of the coding element 10 or is guided behind it.

[0065] In the illustration of the Fig. 10 is the invention according to the invention and already in connection with the Fig. 9 The described connector 1.2 is shown in a vertical sectional view. The different flank extents of the two guide element sections 2.1 and 2.2 are clearly visible. The linear guide 19 of the contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b, which are guided in the respective elongated hole 14 and a linear bearing 19 arranged below it, is particularly evident. The contact sections 4 are defined by either the maximum width of the elongated holes 14 or the maximum width of the linear bearings 19, whichever is shorter. Each conductor 31, 32 is connected to a fixed contact pin, which in turn is connected via a flexible conductor section to the lower end of each movable contact pin 3.1b, 3.2b.

[0066] In an embodiment not shown, the respective conductors 31, 32 of the supply line 30 are directly connected to the lower end of the respective contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b. In the illustrated embodiment, the left contact pin 3.1b is in its central position, aligned with the contact element axis 6, i.e., unshifted. The right contact pin 3.2b is shifted to the right, in the direction of the transverse side of the guide element section 2.2. Advantageously, elastic bodies, spring elements, or similar means can be provided for returning the contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b to their initial position, which is not shown here.

[0067] In a further embodiment, the displacement of a contact pin 3.1b, 3.2b is achieved by rotation within a cylinder 8, on the circumference of which the contact pins 3.1b, 3.2b are guided or attached, as shown in the Figur 11 The circumference and position of the cylinders 8 are chosen such that the displacement along the permissible length of the connecting line 5, which intersects the two cylinders 8, is essentially a linear displacement, meaning that the orthogonal components of the displacement are very small. The flexibility is advantageously achieved by a supported spiral 9 or a spiral arrangement of a current- and data-conducting material.

[0068] The embodiments shown are for an M8 housing, but this is not a limiting factor, as these embodiments can be provided independently of a housing or in an M12 housing or a larger housing. The smallest size and / or proximity to an adjacent connector or connecting element 1 according to the invention is essentially determined by the outer dimensions of the respective mating connecting element 20, including the desired dimensions of the mating housing 27.

[0069] Overall, the text repeatedly refers to a "contact" or "touch" between surfaces or parts of the connecting elements on the one hand and the respective mating connecting elements or surfaces and parts thereof. This should not be understood as restrictive, as it also includes complete or partial opposition, since complementary elements of a plug-socket connection do not usually touch permanently and / or over their entire surface. Bezugszeichenliste

[0070] 1 Connecting element 1.1 Connection socket 1.2 Connection plug 2 Guide element 2.1, 2.2 Guide element section 3 Contact element (also 3.1, 3.2) 3.1a, 3.2a Contact socket 3.1b, 3.2b Contact pin 4 Contact path 5 Connecting straight section 6 Contact element axis 7 Housing 8 Cylinder 9 Spiral 10 Coding element (inner) 10.1 Contact surface, inner 10.2 Contact surface, outer 11 Coding element, second (outer) 11.1 Contact surface, inner 11.2 Contact surface, outer 11.3 Coding section 12 Longitudinal side 13 Transverse side, also 13.1 14 Slotted hole 15 Guide lane (inner) 16 Coding section 17 Center web 18 Guide lane (outer) 19 Linear bearing 20 Counter-connecting element 21 Counter-contact elements 22 Counter-guiding element 23 Counter-coding element / section 27 Counter housing 28 Electronic component... 29 Component housing 30 Supply cable 31 Wire 32 Wire 50 Mating connector according to ICE-6, first standard (also mating plug connector, mating socket connector) 60 Mating connector according to ICE-5, second standard (also mating plug connector, mating socket connector) ASpacing B1, B1 +< Cross width B2, B2 +< Longitudinal width COpening width D1Outer diameter D2Inner diameter EWidth, inner FWidth, inner

Claims

1. Connection element (1) for power- and / or data-conducting transmission technology, in particular SPE, TPE or the like, comprising - at least one guide element (2), - two power- and / or data-conducting contact elements (3.1, 3.2) which are spaced apart at a distance (A) from each other and have a first and a second, central contact element axis (6), wherein the at least one guide element (2) - at least partially surrounds the contact elements (3.1, 3.2) and - for guiding and receiving at least one mating connection element (20) comprising two power- and / or data-conducting mating contact elements (21) spaced apart at a distance (G1) from each other and at least one mating guide element (22), characterized in that the contact elements (3) each have a contact section (4, E, F), which lies on the straight connection line (5) which runs orthogonally through both contact element axes (6), wherein the contact sections (E, F) of the contact elements (2.1, 2.2) are of different lengths, wherein the contact section (E, F) is formed by - a slot width of the respective contact elements (3.1, 3.2), which are designed as contact sockets (3.1a, 3.2a) or - the movement path of contact elements (3.1, 3.2), which are designed as contact pins (3.1b, 3.2b), at least one of which contact elements is mounted such that it can move linearly and parallel to the contact section (E, F).

2. Connection element (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that - the slot widths (E, F) of the respective contact sockets (3.1a, 3.2a) or - the movement paths of at least one of the contact pins (3.1b, 3.2b) are each of different sizes.

3. Connection element (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (2) - has a first transverse width (B1), which is defined by a first standard, for example DIN EN IEC 63171-6, in particular a (relatively small) inner transverse width (B1+) of a mating guide element (22) of a first mating connection element (20), this transverse width in particular being 2.3 to 2.6 mm + / - 0.05 mm, and - a longitudinal width (B2) transverse to the transverse width (B1), which longitudinal width is defined by a second standard, for example DIN EN IEC 63171-5, in particular a (relatively large) inner longitudinal width (B2+) of a mating guide element (22) of a second mating connection element (60), the longitudinal width (B2) in particular being 4.7 to 4.9 mm + / - 0.05 mm.

4. Connection element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first coding element (10) is arranged on the outside or outside the guide element (2).

5. Connection element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection element (1) is a connection socket (1.1).

6. Connection element (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that a first inner coding element (10) and / or a second outer coding element (11) are / is provided, wherein - the first inner coding element (10) forms, with the guide element (2), a guide passage (15) for a frame portion of a first mating connection element (50), which is designed as a mating plug, along a section parallel to a longitudinal side (12), and - the second coding element (11) has an inner contact surface (11.1), which serves as a support and guide surface for a second mating plug (60).

7. Connection element (1) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection element (1) is a connection plug (1.2), which has two contact pins (3.1b, 3.2b).

8. Connection element according to Claim 7, characterized in that the guide element (2) is not completely circumferential and either - is formed from at least guide element portions (2.1, 2.2) or - has at least one opening portion.

9. Connection element (1) according to either of Claims 7 and 8, characterized in that at least one contact pin (3.1b, 3.2b) is movably mounted in such a way that it can be moved relative to the respectively other contact pin (3.1b, 3.2b) with varying distance, wherein in particular a linear guide is provided in the housing (7).

10. Set of parts, i.e. "kit-of-parts", comprising a connection socket (1.1) and a connection plug (1.2) for data and power-conducting connection of electronics components, characterized in that - the connection socket (1.1) is formed according to any of Claims 1 to 6 and the mating connection element (20, 50, 60) is formed as a mating connection plug according to DIN EN IEC 63171-5 or -6, or - the connection plug (1.2) is formed according to any of Claims 1 to 4 or 7 to 9 and the mating connection element (20, 50, 60) is formed as a mating connection socket (1.1) according to DIN EN IEC 63171-5 or DIN EN IEC 63171-6, or - the connection socket (1.1) is formed according to any of Claims 1 to 6 and the connection plug (1.2) is formed according to any of Claims 1 to 4 or 7 to 9.

11. Electronic component (28) for data- and power-conducting two-wire technology, such as in particular SPE, TPE, PoDL etc., comprising a component housing (29) and at least one electronic component inside and / or supported by the component housing, in particular at least one printed circuit board (circuit board) with at least one electronic component arranged on it, characterized in that this component (28) comprises a connection element (1), which is designed as - a connection socket (1.1) according to any of Claims 1 to 6 and / or - a connection plug (1.2) according to any of Claims 1 to 4 or 7 to 9.