Hybrid plug-in connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a hybrid plug-in connector for connecting electrically conductive contacts to a mating plug-in connector, in particular a bushing, wherein the hybrid plug-in connector has at least two energy contacts for transferring electrical energy and four data contact pairs for transferring electrical signals and / or electronic data, is principally rectangular and comprises at least one insulating body for fixing the contacts, having at least one shielding element for shielding, at least in part, the signal and / or data transfer occurring through the data contact pairs from possible electromagnetic interference, wherein the shielding element is formed such that the shielding of a data cable, first of all in the hybrid plug-in connector, and in the connected state of the hybrid plug-in connector to the mating plug-in connector is at least extensively maintained, wherein four data contact pairs are arranged in a principally rectangular insulating body, spatially separated from the energy contacts, the insulating body having an offset in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the hybrid plug-in connector between the data contact pairs and the energy contacts, such that the hybrid plug-in connector is uniquely positioned on the mating plug-in connector thereof during a plug-in process.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hybrid connector according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] Such hybrid connectors are needed, especially in industrial applications, to transmit both electronic data or signals and electrical energy to a mating connector, in particular a socket on a circuit board, using at least one multi-core cable.

[0003] The invention specifically relates to a hybrid connector with a so-called push-pull locking mechanism. Such locking mechanisms are known in various forms in the prior art and ensure easy insertion of the connector onto a mating connector while simultaneously preventing unintentional disconnection. Disconnection can typically only occur by pulling on a locking sleeve associated with the connector. This releases both the locking mechanism and disconnects the connector. State of the art

[0004] As industry becomes increasingly digitalized, ever-higher data transmission rates are essential to connect the constantly growing number of actuators and sensors associated with automation and digitalization, as well as with corresponding control nodes and / or control units. High channel capacities are particularly necessary for near real-time process monitoring. Data transmission rates are categorized, especially for bus systems such as PROFIBUS, CAN, or Ethernet. A currently widespread classification, Cat-3 (Category 3), describes a possible data transmission rate of up to ten megabits per second (10 Mbit / s). However, this data transmission rate is rarely sufficient for current applications, not only in information technology but also in industry.The data transfer rate of Cat-5 (Category 5) is in the range of one gigabit per second (1Gbit / s) and basically meets current needs.

[0005] German patent DE 20 2015 105 928 U1 discloses a hybrid connector capable of simultaneously transmitting both electrical signals or electronic data and electrical power to a suitable module. This allows a multi-core cable to be used for multiple purposes and implemented in a space-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0006] However, a disadvantage of the disclosed solution is that the combination of data lines and power transmission, and the associated electromagnetic interference, prevents a high data transmission rate from being achieved unless an increasingly expensive shielding device is integrated.

[0007] Furthermore, the depicted round design of the hybrid connector increases uncertainty during the insertion process. Although a Poka-Yoke-based design is mentioned, a user must at least visually verify the intended insertion position.

[0008] Furthermore, the disclosure regarding the locking of the corresponding hybrid connector to its mating connector describes a screw connection. While this locking mechanism is fundamentally simple and provides a secure hold, it requires a considerable amount of installation space and is time-consuming, particularly during assembly.

[0009] US Patent 8,715,016 B2 discloses an electrical connector comprising a connector housing with at least one contact cavity and a replacement opening. A power contact is held by the connector housing within the contact cavity. The power contact is configured to conduct electrical current. A replaceable signal module is detachably attached to the connector housing such that at least part of the signal module is held within the replacement opening of the connector housing. The signal module includes an insulating body that holds a signal contact configured to conduct electrical data signals.

[0010] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: US 2011 / 0294342 A1, DE 298 04 728 U1, DE 298 04 728 U1, JP 2006-66352 A, US 2014 / 0162488 A1, DE 10 2007 031 504 A1, DE 10 2014 110 466 A1, US 8,894,448 B2, DE 10 2010 011 370 B3, DE 10 2015 109 311 B4 and US 9,106,025 B2. Task

[0011] The object of the invention is to provide a simple, space-saving and cost-effective option for the transmission of electronic data and electrical power, enabling data transmission adapted to current standards according to industrial categorization, while simultaneously ensuring the highest possible assembly safety, particularly with regard to the plugging process itself.

[0012] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0014] The hybrid connector according to the invention is designed for connecting electrically conductive contacts to a mating connector, in particular a socket. The hybrid connector accommodates at least two power contacts for transmitting electrical energy and four data contact pairs for transmitting electrical signals and / or electronic data in a housing. The housing is generally rectangular and includes a generally rectangular insulating body for securing the contacts. Furthermore, the hybrid connector is provided with at least one shielding element for at least partially shielding the signal and / or data transmission occurring through the data contact pairs from potential electromagnetic interference.The shielding element is shaped in such a way that the shielding of a data cable is largely maintained both within the hybrid connector and when the hybrid connector is connected to its mating connector. The four data contact pairs are spatially separated from the power contacts within the insulating body. The insulating body also features an axial offset between the data contact pairs and the power contacts, ensuring unambiguous positioning of the hybrid connector on its mating connector during mating. Furthermore, the generally rectangular insulating body incorporates a spatial separator between the data contact pairs, which acts as a guide during the mating process.The additional spatial separation of the data contacts ensures, among other things, that the data contacts are not damaged during insertion when using pin contacts. In this case, a spatial separator is primarily used to improve the guidance of the hybrid connector and, in particular, the data contact pairs during insertion. For this purpose, it is recommended that the spatial separator be at least as long as the pin contacts. Ideally, the length of the separator should be matched to the length of the insulating body in the area of ​​the data contact pairs. This means that the separator should be at least partially flush with the area of ​​the insulating body that accommodates the data contact pairs.The separating element is designed as an additional shielding element, extending the shielding of the data contact pairs from the environment by providing shielding for each data contact pair against the remaining data contact pairs. This means that the data contact pairs are not only shielded from the power contacts and the environment, but also from all adjacent data contact pairs. In other words, the design of the separating element as an additional shielding element ensures that all data contact pairs are individually shielded. The term "electrical signals" refers specifically to simple binary or analog values ​​that are directly assigned and interpreted. The term "electronic data" refers specifically to complex information that is evaluated, interpreted, and potentially further processed by electronic logic components and / or control elements.The term mating connector refers specifically to inverted-shaped fitting parts into which the hybrid connector can be inserted. The connector socket of a control unit serves as an example of such a mating connector.

[0015] In a clever embodiment of the invention, a hybrid connector is detachably connected to a mating connector by means of a locking device. The locking device has an outer sleeve which, when axially oriented, actuates at least one locking element and, when axially oriented, unlocks the locking element, allowing the hybrid connector to be separated from its mating connector in the same movement. These locking devices are often referred to in the prior art as "push-pull locks." Push-pull locks offer the advantage of simple locking and equally simple release.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, at least one locking lug is formed along at least two opposite sides of a rectangular outer sleeve within said outer sleeve. A further locking lug is formed on the housing or insulating body of the hybrid connector. When the hybrid connector is plugged onto a mating connector, the locking lug of the outer sleeve slides over at least one retaining element formed on the mating connector. As the hybrid connector is plugged onto the mating connector, the retaining element of the mating connector engages with the locking lug of the insulating body. By pulling on the outer sleeve of the hybrid connector in the opposite direction to the plug-in direction, the locking lug of the insulating body is flexibly lifted from the locking lug of the outer sleeve and released from the retaining element of the mating connector. This allows the hybrid connector to be easily removed from the mating connector.

[0017] A particularly preferred embodiment provides that contact between the data contact pairs of the insulating body in conjunction with the shielding element of the data contact pairs allows a data transmission rate in the range of greater than or equal to 1 Gbit / s when using a suitable cable.

[0018] This achieves the Cat-5 standard and enables modern data transmission rates while simultaneously supplying electrical power to a connected module.

[0019] The data contact pairs are arranged at a distance of between 2 mm and 4 mm from each other when viewed from the front of the connector face. A distance of 2.2 mm to 3.0 mm is particularly preferred. In one claimed embodiment, the data contact pairs are spaced 2.4 mm apart along the x-axis. In another embodiment, the data contact pairs are spaced 2.8 mm apart along the y-axis. In principle, a reversal of the axial distances is conceivable.

[0020] In one embodiment, the separating element is geometrically defined by two plates arranged along two perpendicularly intersecting planes. Such separating elements are commonly referred to as a shield cross. In a more ingenious embodiment, the plates are not simply two intersecting flat plates. Instead, they have special contours. These contours can be grooves, tongues, wedges, recesses, stiffeners, or other advantageous shapes.

[0021] A future-oriented embodiment envisions the data contact pairs being arranged within the insulating body in such a way that, in conjunction with the shielding elements and when using a suitable cable, a data transmission rate of 10 Gbit / s or greater is achieved. This data transmission rate corresponds to Category Cat-6 and enables the hybrid connector to be used for several years, thanks to its performance already exceeding current industry needs.

[0022] A clever design recommends connecting the shielding element within the insulating body to the cable via at least two flexible contact elements that can be brought into contact with the cable's shielding. This primarily refers to establishing contact between the flexible contact element of the shielding element and the braided shield of an inserted data cable. However, it can also refer to a crimp sleeve that secures the braided shield of the inserted data cable to the cable's insulation.

[0023] A particularly ingenious embodiment provides that the shielding element has a flexible contact surface within the insulating body, preferably arranged between two contacts of a data contact pair. This embodiment ensures that at least four contact surfaces guarantee the shielding of the data contact pairs from their environment and extend it to the mating connector. In one embodiment, a spring steel element protrudes from the insulating body in such a way that, during a mating operation, a shielding element of the mating connector can ideally make contact with all contact surfaces of the shielding element. Example of implementation

[0024] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is explained in more detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a hybrid connector according to the invention; Fig. 2 a front view of the mating face of a hybrid connector according to the invention; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the mating face of a hybrid connector according to the invention with particular attention to the contact surfaces of the shielding element; Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of a hybrid connector according to the invention in the mated state with a mating connector; Fig. 5 a longitudinal section of a hybrid connector according to the invention with particular attention to the contact surfaces of the shielding element in the mated state.

[0025] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently.

[0026] Directional terms such as "left", "right", "up" and "down" are to be understood in relation to the respective figure and may vary in the individual depictions compared to the object depicted.

[0027] The figures have reference symbols, which are additionally marked with a ' ' . This clarifies that these are elements mentioned in the reference symbol list, which may be shaped differently than the elements without a reference symbol suffix, or may differ in form and / or function from the differently numbered elements.

[0028] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a hybrid connector 1 according to claim 1 in a three-dimensional representation. The hybrid connector 1 is provided with a total of 10 contacts 2. The contacts 2 differ in their functions. It can be seen that the power contacts 4 are arranged away from the data contacts 5. The insulating body 7 has a clearly visible offset 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the data contacts 5 protrude significantly from the power contacts 4. Furthermore, a locking element 10, known in the prior art as a "push-pull locking mechanism," can be seen. The outer sleeve 11 is slidably arranged around the insulating body 7. A separating element 13 can also be seen, which achieves a spatial separation of the paired data contacts 5.In addition to spatial separation, this separating element 13 ensures the secure guidance of the data contacts 5 of the hybrid connector 1 during a mating operation. In the . Fig. 1 Furthermore, additional elements can be identified on the insulating body 7, in particular on the offset 9, which initially simplify the guidance of the hybrid connector 1 during a mating operation with a mating connector 3. These features also prevent improper insertion of the hybrid connector 1, for example into unsuitable mating connectors.

[0029] The Figure 2 shows a two-dimensional representation of the plug face of the in Figure 1The hybrid connector shown (1) illustrates several points more clearly, in addition to the elements already mentioned. Firstly, the positioning of the contacts (2) is easier to understand. It becomes clear that the power contacts (4) are arranged along a vertical line running through the diagram. The data contacts (5) are arranged in pairs to allow for the logical assignment of data cables with twisted pairs, so-called "twisted-pair cables".

[0030] Between the corresponding paired data contacts 5, it can be seen that grooves or recesses are provided in the insulating body 7, through which extensions of the shielding element 8, used as contact surfaces, project towards the data contacts 5. The in the Figure 1The clearly visible offset 9 reveals a previously mentioned, molded element designed to further ensure secure connection. This projection engages in a correspondingly shaped step in the insulating body 7 of the mating connector 3.

[0031] To achieve the desired data transmission rate of 1 gigabit per second or greater while minimizing installation space, the spacing of the data contacts 5 is adjusted in addition to the shielding provided by the shielding element 8. The data contact pairs 5 are arranged at a distance of between 2 mm and 4 mm from each other. The preferred embodiment has a horizontal spacing a, a' of 1.3 mm between the data contacts 5 within a data contact pair. A distance b of 2.4 mm is achieved between the data contact pairs. Along a vertical axis, the distances between the data contacts 5 within a data contact pair are 1.4 mm. The data contact pairs are spaced 2.8 mm apart along a vertical axis.

[0032] These dimensions make it possible to offer a hybrid connector 1 according to DIN EN 61076-3-106, which can nevertheless transmit both data and power. Data transmission rates corresponding to Category 5 are possible. By designing the separating element 13 as an additional shielding element, i.e., as a so-called shielding cross, Category 6 can be achieved. In addition, the power contacts 4 are designed to transmit current up to 10 A at 24 V DC. The locking elements 11 of the hybrid connector 1, which locks using a push-pull principle, are indicated.

[0033] The spatial arrangement of the contacts 2 and in particular the arrangement of the shielding element 8 or its contact surfaces is described in the Figure 3This clarifies the shape of the insulating body 7, including its offset 9 between the data contacts 5 and the power contacts 4. Additional design elements of the insulating body 7 are also revealed. All visible geometric shapes serve to ensure reliable insertion and make the insertion process simpler and more secure. The depicted separating element 13 can be configured as a shield cross. The separating element 13, which can be configured as a shield cross, can also be designed as a continuous element between the shielding element 8 and could be used to achieve further improved data transmission rates. This is more clearly illustrated than in the preceding illustrations. Figure 1 and 2 The locking elements 12 of the locking device 10 can be seen here.

[0034] The Figure 4Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a hybrid connector 1 according to the invention in the mated state with a mating connector 3. The contacts 2 in the hybrid connector 1 are designed as pin contacts. Congruent socket contacts 2' are used in the mating connector 3. The insulating body 7 projects into the mating connector 3 with its offset 8. The shielding element 8 of the hybrid connector 1 is brought into contact with the shielding element 8' of the mating connector 3 along the described contact surfaces. The further shielding is provided by a data cable (not shown). Shielding in data cables is usually achieved by metal braids, but metallic foil is also frequently used to achieve better shielding. This shielding can then be taken over and continued by the shield transmission element 8.1 of the hybrid connector 1.In other words, the shielding against EMS is continued by a cable within the hybrid connector 1 and in turn transferred to a mating connector 3. To achieve a further improved data transmission rate, the separating element 13 can be designed as an additional shielding element and create a shield between the data contacts 5, or the data contact pairs. This shielding cross then engages with the separating element 13' in the mating connector 3, which is also designed as a shielding element.

[0035] Details of the contact formation by the shielding elements 8 and 8', as well as the engagement of the insulating body 7 with its offset 9 into the insulating body 7' of the mating connector 3, are shown in the Fig. 5The illustrated cross-section of a hybrid connector 1 according to the invention is particularly evident. It is clearly visible that the design of the shielding element 8 provides tabs which are flexibly shaped and project beyond the insulating body 7 into the area of ​​the data contacts 5. This ensures that the shielding element 8' of a mating connector 3 can establish a secure connection with the shielding element 8 of the hybrid connector 1 as soon as a mating operation has taken place. Reference symbol list

[0036] 1 Hybrid connector 2, 2' Contact 3 Mating connector 4, 4' Power contact 5, 5' Data contact 6, 6' Housing 7, 7' Insulator 8, 8' Shielding element 8.1 Shielding transmission element 9 Offset 10 Locking device 11 Locking element 12, 12' Outer sleeve 13 Separating element a, a' Vertical distance between contacts within a data contact pair b Vertical distance between data contact pairs c, c' Horizontal distance between contacts within a data contact pair d Horizontal distance between data contact pairs

Claims

1. A hybrid plug-in connector (1) for connecting electrically conductive contacts (2) to a mating plug-in connector (3), wherein the hybrid plug-in connector (1) has at least two energy contacts (4) for transmitting electrical energy and four data contact pairs (5) for transmitting electrical signals and / or electronic data in a housing (6), which is of basically rectangular shape and comprises a basically rectangular insulating body (7) for fixing the contacts (2), having at least one shielding element (8) for at least partially shielding the signal and / or data transmission taking place through the data contact pairs (5) from possible electromagnetic interference, wherein the shielding element (8) is formed in such a way that the shielding of a data cable is at least largely maintained initially in the hybrid plug-in connector (1) and in a state in which the hybrid plug-in connector (1) is connected to the mating plug-in connector (3), wherein the four data contact pairs (5) are arranged in the insulating body (7) in a manner spatially separated from the energy contacts (4), characterized in that the insulating body (7) has an offset (9) in axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (I) of the hybrid plug-in connector (1) between the data contact pairs (5) and the energy contacts (4), so that the hybrid plug-in connector (1) is uniquely positioned on its mating plug-in connector (3) during a plug-in process, the insulating body (7) has a spatial separating element (13) between the data contact pairs (5), the separating element (13) assumes a guiding function during the plug-in process and the separating element (13) is embodied as a further shielding element, which extends the shielding of the data contact pairs (5) from the environment by shielding in each case one data contact pair (5) from the respectively remaining data contact pairs (5).

2. The hybrid plug-in connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hybrid plug-in connector (1) can be releasably connected to a mating plug-in connector (3) by a locking means, wherein the locking means has an outer sleeve which, when axially oriented pressure is applied in the longitudinal direction of the hybrid plug-in connector (1) brings at least two locking elements into engagement with one another and, due to the outer sleeve being pulled in an axially oriented manner in the longitudinal direction, unlocks the at least two locking elements, so that the hybrid plug-in connector (1) can be separated from its mating plug-in connector (3) in the same movement.

3. The hybrid plug-in connector (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data contact pairs (5) are arranged within the insulating body (7) in such a way that, in conjunction with the shielding element (8) and given use of a suitable cable, a data transmission rate in a range of greater than or equal to 1 Gbit / s can be achieved.

4. The hybrid plug-in connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating element (13), with respect to its geometry, is described by two plates which are arranged along two perpendicularly intersecting planes.

5. The hybrid plug-in connector (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the data contact pairs (5) are arranged within the insulating body (7) in such a way that, in conjunction with the shielding elements (8) and given use of a suitable cable, a data transmission rate in a range of greater than or equal to 10 Gbit / s can be achieved.

6. The hybrid plug-in connector (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding element (8) in the insulating body (7) has, on the cable side, at least two transmission elements (8.1) which are embodied in a flexibly yielding manner and can be brought into contact with the shielding of a cable.

7. The hybrid plug-in connector (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shielding element (8) respectively has a contact area within the insulating body (7), which is embodied in a flexibly yielding manner and is basically arranged between two contacts (2) of a data contact pair (5).

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