connector

Abstract

The connector 1 comprises a housing 2 having an internal space 3 defined by a side wall 4, an electrical contact element 5 disposed within the internal space 3 and having a contact section 6 and a connection section 7, and a first fixing element 8 and a second fixing element 9. The housing 2 comprises at least one first housing-side receiving structure 10 and at least one second housing-side receiving structure 11. The contact element 5 comprises a first contact element-side receiving structure 12 and a second contact element-side receiving structure 13. When the contact element 5 is inserted, the first fixing element 8 engages with the first housing-side receiving structure 10 and the first contact element-side receiving structure 12, and the contact element 5 is fixed to the housing 2 by the first fixing element 8. When the contact element 5 is inserted, the second fixing element 9 engages with the second housing-side receiving structure 11 and the second contact element-side receiving structure 13, and the contact element 5 is fixed to the housing 2 by the second fixing element 9.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector according to claim 1 and a method of assembling the connector according to claim 17.

Background Art

[0002] Connectors are known from the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is based on the problem of providing a connector having improved characteristics. In particular, the fixing, positioning, and mounting of the contact element within the housing should each be improved.

[0004] The connector according to claim 1 solves these problems and other problems. Thus, the connector comprises a housing having an internal space defined by side walls, an electrical contact element disposed within the internal space and having a contact section and a connection section, and a first fixing element and a second fixing element. The housing comprises at least one first housing-side receiving structure and at least one second housing-side receiving structure. The contact element also comprises a first contact-element-side receiving structure and a second contact-element-side receiving structure. When the contact element is inserted, the first fixing element engages with the first housing-side receiving structure and the first contact-element-side receiving structure, and the contact element is fixed to the housing by the first fixing element. When the contact element is inserted, the second fixing element engages with the second housing-side receiving structure and the second contact-element-side receiving structure, and the contact element is fixed to the housing by the second fixing element.

[0005] The arrangement of fixing the contact element to the housing by both of the two fixing elements has the advantage of increasing the safety against unintentional detachment.

[0006] The contact section functions to provide electrical contact between an electrical contact element and a further contact element in another connector that can be connected to the connector described in the claims.

[0007] The contact section can be designed as a socket opening or a plug pin.

[0008] The connection section functions to connect the cable to the contact element.

[0009] The term "fixed" means that a contact element is firmly connected to or permanently fastened to a housing by a fixing element.

[0010] The terms “first fixed element” and “second fixed element” simply refer to two different fixed elements. The terms “first” and “second” serve to define and assign characteristics to each fixed element, and do not indicate the order of assembly.

[0011] The internal space has a shape that allows the contact element to be inserted in the correct position. The shape of the internal space is designed to be partially complementary or compatible with the contact element.

[0012] Preferably, the first fixing element partially protrudes from the internal space and is therefore accessible from the outside of the housing. Preferably, the second fixing element is located entirely within the internal space of the housing.

[0013] Preferably, the side wall has at least one recess from which the first fixing element protrudes from the internal space. Preferably, the actuation section of the fixing element is located outside the housing when the fixing element is inserted. Preferably, the actuation section can be gripped with a tool, thereby allowing the first fixing element to be removed by applying force with the tool. Alternatively, the first fixing element can be gripped and removed without the use of a tool.

[0014] The second fixing element is preferably accessible through a recess in the side wall. For example, the connection between the fixing element and the housing or contact element can be released by inserting a tool into the internal space through the recess.

[0015] This arrangement has the advantage that even if the first fixing element can be removed, the other fixing elements will continue to secure or hold the contact element to the housing. The positioning of the second fixing element within the housing provides the advantage that the connection between the contact element and the housing cannot be accidentally disconnected. Instead, separation requires the use of appropriate tools by a skilled technician.

[0016] Preferably, at least one of the two fixing elements provides a shape-fit connection between the housing and the contact element.

[0017] Therefore, the corresponding fixing elements engage with the respective housing-side receiving structure and the respective contact element-side receiving structure by shape fitting.

[0018] The first fixing element is preferably spaced away from the contact section. The second fixing element is preferably at least partially surrounding the contact section.

[0019] The shape of the contact section determines the plug insertion direction, and it is preferable that the first fixing element can be inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure and the first contact element-side receiving structure in the plug insertion direction, and the second fixing element can be inserted into the housing in a transverse direction relative to the plug insertion direction.

[0020] Preferably, the first fixing element is designed separately from the contact element, and engagement between the first fixing element and the contact element and the housing can only be achieved after the contact element has been inserted into the internal space. This means that the first fixing element can engage with the first housing-side receiving structure and the first contact element-side receiving structure only when the contact element is inserted.

[0021] In the first preferred variant, the second fixing element is connected to the contact element so that the second fixing element and the contact element can be inserted together into the internal space, the engagement between the second fixing element and the contact element can be obtained before the contact element is inserted into the internal space, and the engagement between the second fixing element and the housing can be obtained during the insertion of the contact element. This means that the second fixing element is already engaged with the second contact element side receiving structure before it is inserted into the internal space, and is engaged with the second housing side receiving structure during insertion into the internal space.

[0022] In a second preferred modification, the second fixing element is connected to the housing such that engagement between the second fixing element and the housing can be obtained before the contact element is inserted into the internal space, and engagement between the second fixing element and the contact element can be obtained during insertion of the contact element. This means that the second fixing element is already engaged with the second housing-side receiving structure before insertion into the internal space and engages with the second contact element-side receiving structure during insertion into the internal space.

[0023] The first fixing element preferably comprises at least one fixing section, the fixing section engaging with both the first housing-side receiving structure and the first contact-side receiving structure.

[0024] The fixing section of the first fixing element is preferably designed as a rigid fixing section.

[0025] The term "rigid fixing section" is understood such that during the intended insertion of the fixing element, deformation of the rigid fixing section is not intended.

[0026] At least one fixing section preferably has a substantially or mainly cylindrical shape, which preferably has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The first housing-side receiving structure with which the fixing section engages has a cross-section designed to match the cylindrical cross-section.

[0027] The first fixing element preferably comprises two fixing sections spaced apart from each other.

[0028] The first fixing element preferably comprises at least one latching structure, whereby the first fixing element can be latched to the housing and / or the contact element. To remove the first fixing element, a force must be applied to release the latching connection.

[0029] The second fixing element preferably comprises at least two fixing sections, with at least one of the at least two fixing sections engaging the second housing-side receiving structure and at least one of the at least two fixing sections engaging the second contact element-side receiving structure.

[0030] Preferably, at least two fixing sections of the second fixing element have spring elasticity, particularly in the form of latching tabs with spring elasticity. Here, the receiving structures are formed as recesses in the housing or the contact element, and the latching tabs engage these latching recesses.

[0031] Preferably, at least two fixing sections are designed as latching tabs with spring elasticity, the latching tabs with spring elasticity being oriented in the direction in which the contact element can be inserted into the housing, and the latching tabs being spring-biased and pivoting from their initial position during the insertion process. The latching tabs preferably return to their initial position and engage the respective receiving structures when they reach them.

[0032] Preferably, the second fixing element has a U-shape having a base leg and two side legs extending from the base leg, and the fixing section is positioned on the side legs.

[0033] The contact element preferably has a support surface on which the base leg and / or side leg abuts the contact element in a planar manner.

[0034] It is preferable that the base portion and the support surface be rounded at the point where the base portion makes contact.

[0035] Preferably, the side legs are designed as straight tabs, and the support surface that the tabs contact is designed as a flat support surface.

[0036] Preferably, the first fixing element extends transversely through the internal space so as to prevent the insertion of the contact element if the first fixing element is inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure before the contact element is inserted.

[0037] A method for assembling the above connector, In the first step, the second fixing element is connected to the housing or contact element. In the second step, the contact element is inserted into the housing, and after the contact element is inserted, the second fixing element engages with the second housing-side receiving structure and the second contact element-side receiving structure, thereby fixing the contact element to the housing. In the third step, the first fixing element is inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure and the first contact element-side receiving structure, and after the insertion of the first fixing element, the contact element is further fixed to the housing by the first fixing element.

[0038] The second fixing element is already installed on the contact element during assembly, and it is particularly preferable that the second fixing element engages with the second contact element-side receiving structure. When the contact element reaches the correct position within the housing, the second fixing element engages with the second housing-side receiving structure, thereby fixing the contact element to the housing via the second fixing element.

[0039] Further embodiments are provided in the dependent claims.

[0040] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to one embodiment of the present invention before assembly. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1 during assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 1 after assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connector shown in the above figure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the IV-IV section in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The drawing shows a connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the connector 1 comprises a housing 2, an electrical contact element 3, a first fixing element 8, and a second fixing element 9. The two fixing elements 8 and 9 are designed to hold or fix the contact element 5 within the internal space 3.

[0043] The housing 2 comprises an internal space 3 defined on the outside by a side wall 4. The contact element 5 is inserted into the internal space 3, and when inserted, the housing 2 surrounds the contact element 5 from the outside. The housing 2 essentially comprises two access openings 23, 24. The contact element 5 can be inserted into the internal space 3 through one access opening designated by reference numeral 23. A contact element of another connector (not shown) can be introduced into the contact element 5 through the other access opening designated by reference numeral 24.

[0044] The electrical contact element 5 comprises a contact section 6 and a connection section 7. The contact section 6 is designed here as a socket. The contact portion 25 is located here within the socket, thereby establishing electrical contact between the socket shown here and a plug pin protruding into the socket. However, the contact section 6 can also be designed as a plug pin. Here, a conductive cable 26 is located in the connection section 7.

[0045] The contact element 5 is inserted into the internal space 3 from the position shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows the contact element 5 in the inserted state. In the inserted state, the first fixing element 8 is not yet engaged with the housing 2 or the contact element 3, while the second fixing element 9 is already in contact with the housing 2 and the contact element 5. When the contact element 5 is in the inserted state, the first fixing element 8 can be inserted from the position shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the first fixing element 8 in the fixed position, where the first fixing element 8 fixes the contact element 5 to the housing 2. During assembly, engagement via the second fixing element 9 occurs first, followed by engagement via the first fixing element 8.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, the first fixing element 8 partially protrudes from the internal space 3, and a portion of the first fixing element 8 is accessible from outside the housing 2. This portion can be grasped by the user, allowing the first fixing element 8 to be separated from the housing 2 or the contact element 5.

[0047] The second fixing element 9 is located entirely within the internal space 3 of the housing 2. The housing 2 may optionally have at least one recess 27 that provides access to the second fixing element 9, thereby disengaging the connection between the housing 2 and the contact element 5 established by the second fixing element 9. In the illustrated embodiment, two recesses 27 are located laterally to the contact section 6. Refer to Figure 4, in which the recesses 27 are shown.

[0048] Preferably, both the first fixing element 8 and the second fixing element 9 are designed to have a shape-fitting connection between the housing 2 and the contact element 5.

[0049] Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of connector 1. The first fixing element 8 engages with the contact element 5 between the contact section 6 and the connecting section 7, separated from the contact section 6. In other words, this means that the first contact element side receiving structure 12 is located between the contact section 6 and the connecting section 7. In Figure 4, the connecting section 7 is covered by the side wall 4.

[0050] The second fixing element 9 abuts against the support surface 20 located outside the contact element 5, and at least partially surrounds the contact section 6. In other words, this means that the second contact element side receiving structure 13 is located outside the contact element 5.

[0051] The shape of the contact section 6 defines the plug insertion direction S. In Figure 4, the plug insertion direction S extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing element 8 is positioned so that it can be inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure 10 and the first contact element-side receiving structure 12 in a direction parallel to the plug insertion direction.

[0052] As shown in the figure, the first fixing element 8 is designed separately from the contact element 5, and engagement between the first fixing element 8 and the contact element 5 and housing 2 can only be achieved after the contact element 5 has been inserted into the internal space 3. This means that the fixing element 8 can only engage with the first housing-side receiving structure 10 and the first contact element-side receiving structure 12, respectively, after the contact element 5 has been inserted. The first fixing element 8 extends across the internal space 3 and can prevent the insertion of the contact element 5 if the first fixing element 8 is inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure 10 before the contact element 5 is inserted.

[0053] As can be seen in the drawings, particularly Figure 1, the second fixing element 9 is connected to the contact element 5, and the second fixing element 9 and the contact element 5 can be inserted together into the internal space 3. The engagement between the second fixing element 9 and the contact element 5 can be obtained before the contact element 5 is inserted into the internal space 3, and the engagement between the second fixing element 9 and the housing 2 can be obtained when the contact element 5 is inserted into the internal space 3. This means that the engagement between the fixing element 9 and the second contact element side receiving structure 13 is obtained before the contact element 5 is inserted into the internal space, and the engagement between the second fixing element 9 and the second housing side receiving structure 11 is obtained during the insertion of the contact element 5.

[0054] The preferred design of the first fixed element 8 shown in the drawings will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0055] Preferably, the first fixing element 8 has at least one fixing section 14. In the illustrated embodiment, two fixing sections 14 are provided. At least one fixing section 14 engages with both the first housing-side receiving structure 10 and the first contact element-side receiving structure 12. This engagement is shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5. At least one fixing section 14 extends through the first contact element-side receiving structure 12 and engages with the housing-side receiving structure 10, where portions of the housing-side receiving structure 10 are located on both sides of the contact element 5.

[0056] Preferably, at least one of the fixing sections 14 of the first fixing element 8 is designed as a rigid fixing section 14.

[0057] Behind at least one fixed section 14 is an operating section 28, which is the portion of the first fixed element 8 that is accessible from outside the housing 2 when the fixed element 8 is inserted.

[0058] As described above, the first fixed element 8 has two fixed sections 14 that are spaced apart from each other. The two spaced-apart fixed sections 14 extend from the operating section 28 and extend parallel to each other.

[0059] Preferably, at least one fixed section 14 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and this cylindrical shape preferably has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The first housing-side receiving structure 10 with which the fixed section 14 engages has a cross-section designed to match the cross-section of its cylindrical shape. The first contact element-side receiving structure 12 may have a corresponding shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact element-side receiving structure 12 is designed so that both fixed sections 14 extend through a single contact element-side receiving structure 12.

[0060] Furthermore, the first fixing element 8 comprises at least one optional latch structure 15, which is located on at least one fixing section 14. Figure 5 shows the interaction between the at least one latch structure 15 and the housing 2. The at least one latch structure 15 engages with the stop edge 29 of the housing 2. More generally, the first fixing element 8 can latch into the housing 2 by its latch structure 15. In other embodiments, the first fixing element 8 can also latch into the contact element 5.

[0061] A preferred embodiment of the second fixing element 9 shown in the figure will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0062] The second fixing element 9 comprises at least two fixing sections 16, which are shown in Figures 1 and 4. At least one of the at least two fixing sections 16 engages with the second housing-side receiving structure 11, and at least one further fixing section 16 engages with the second contact element-side receiving structure 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing section 16 and the further fixing section 16 are each located on either side of the contact section 6.

[0063] Preferably, at least two fixed sections 16 are spring-elastic, and in particular in the form of spring-elastic latch tabs 17. The second housing-side receiving structure 11 and the second contact element-side receiving structure 13 are designed as latch recesses 22 into which the latch tabs 17 engage.

[0064] The spring-elastic latch tab 17 is oriented in a direction that allows the contact element 5 to be inserted into the housing 2. During the insertion process, the latch tab 17 is spring-biased and pivots from its initial position. When the latch tab 17 reaches the respective receiving structures 11 and 13, it returns to its initial position and engages with the respective receiving structures 11 and 13. This engagement secures the contact element 5 to the housing 2.

[0065] Preferably, the second fixing element 9 has a U-shape having a base leg 18 and two side legs 19 extending from the base leg 18. The fixing section 16 is positioned on the side legs 19. The contact element 5 includes a support surface 20 to which the base leg 18 and / or side legs 19 abut planar against the contact element 5. The base leg 18 and the support surface 20 are rounded so as to have a curve 21 at the point where the base leg 18 abuts. The side legs 19 are designed as straight tabs, and the support surface 20 to which these tabs abut is designed as a flat support surface 20.

[0066] The first fixing element 8 and housing 2 are preferably made from a non-conductive material such as plastic. The second fixing element 9 is preferably made from spring steel. The contact element 5 is made from a conductive material.

[0067] The method for assembling the above connector is: In the first step, the second fixing element 9 is connected to the housing 2 or the contact element 5, In the second step, the contact element 5 is inserted into the housing 2, and after the contact element 5 is inserted, the second fixing element 9 engages with the second housing-side receiving structure 11 and the second contact element-side receiving structure 13, thereby fixing the contact element 5 to the housing 2. In the third step, the first fixing element 8 is inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure 10 and the first contact element-side receiving structure 12, and after the insertion of the first fixing element 8, the contact element 5 is further fixed to the housing 2 by the first fixing element 8. It is characterized by the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1 Connector 2 Housing 3. Interior space 4 side wall 5 Contact elements 6 Contact section 7 Connection Sections 8. First fixed element 9. Second fixed element 10 First housing-side receiving structure 11. Second housing-side receiving structure 12 First contact element side receiving structure 13. Second contact element side receiving structure 14. Fixed section of the first fixed element 15. Latch structure 16. Fixed section of the second fixed element 17 Latch tab 18 Base leg 19 Side legs 20 Support surface 21. Roundness 22 Latch recess 23 Access openings 24 Access openings 25 Contact area 26 Cables 27 recess 28 Operation Section 29 Stopping edge

Claims

1. A housing (2) having an internal space (3) defined by a side wall (4), An electrical contact element (5) is arranged within the internal space (3) and comprises a contact section (6) and a connection section (7), The first fixed element (8) and the second fixed element (9), Equipped with, The housing (2) comprises at least one first housing-side receiving structure (10) and at least one second housing-side receiving structure (11), The contact element (5) comprises a first contact element side receiving structure (12) and a second contact element side receiving structure (13), When the contact element (5) is inserted, the first fixing element (8) engages with the first housing-side receiving structure (10) and the first contact element-side receiving structure (12), and the contact element (5) is fixed to the housing (2) by the first fixing element (8). When the contact element (5) is inserted, the second fixing element (9) engages with the second housing-side receiving structure (11) and the second contact element-side receiving structure (13), and the contact element (5) is fixed to the housing (2) by the second fixing element (9). connector.

2. The connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing element (8) partially protrudes from the internal space (3) and is therefore accessible from outside the housing (2), and / or the second fixing element (9) is fully located within the internal space (3) of the housing (2).

3. The connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the two fixing elements (8, 9) provides a shape-fit connection between the housing (2) and the contact element (5).

4. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fixing element (8) is spaced apart from the contact section (6), and / or the second fixing element (9) surrounds the contact section (6) at least partially.

5. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shape of the contact section (6) defines a plug insertion direction (S), the first fixing element (8) can be inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure (10) and the first contact element-side receiving structure (12) in a direction parallel to the plug insertion direction, and the second fixing element (9) can be inserted into the housing (2) in a direction transverse to the plug insertion direction (S).

6. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The first fixing element (8) is formed separately from the contact element (5) and / or such that engagement between the first fixing element (8) and the contact element (5) and the housing (2) can only be achieved after the contact element (5) has been inserted into the internal space (3), The second fixing element (9) is connected to the contact element (5) such that the second fixing element (9) and the contact element (5) can be inserted together into the internal space (3), the engagement between the second fixing element (9) and the contact element (5) can be obtained before the contact element is inserted into the internal space (3), the engagement between the second fixing element (9) and the housing (2) can be obtained during the insertion of the contact element (5), and / or The connector is characterized in that the second fixing element (9) is connected to the housing (2) such that engagement between the second fixing element (9) and the housing (2) can be obtained before the contact element is inserted into the internal space (3), and engagement between the second fixing element (9) and the contact element (5) can be obtained during insertion of the contact element (5).

7. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first fixing element (8) comprises at least one fixing section (14), the fixing section (14) engaging with both the first housing-side receiving structure (10) and the first contact element-side receiving structure (12).

8. The connector (1) according to claim 7, wherein the fixing section (14) of the first fixing element (8) is formed as a rigid fixing section (14), and / or the first fixing element (8) comprises two fixing sections (14) spaced apart from each other.

9. The connector (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the fixed sections (14) has a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape preferably has a circular or elliptical cross-section, and the first housing-side receiving structure (10) with which the fixed section (14) engages has a cross-section that matches the cross-section of the cylindrical shape.

10. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first fixing element (8) comprises at least one latch structure (15), and at least one of the latch structures (15) can latch the first fixing element (8) to the housing (2) and / or the contact element (5).

11. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second fixing element (9) comprises at least two fixing sections (16), at least one of the at least two fixing sections (16) engages with the second housing-side receiving structure (11), and at least one of the at least two fixing sections (16) engages with the second contact element-side receiving structure (13).

12. The connector (1) according to claim 11, wherein at least two of the fixed sections (16) are spring-elastic, and in particular in the form of spring-elastic latch tabs (17).

13. The connector (1) according to claim 11, wherein at least two of the fixed sections (16) are formed as spring-elastic latch tabs (17), the spring-elastic latch tabs (17) are oriented in a direction that allows the contact element (5) to be inserted into the housing (2), the latch tabs (17) elastically pivot from their initial position during the insertion process, and when the latch tabs (17) reach the receiving structures (11, 13) respectively, they return to their initial position and engage with the receiving structures (11, 13) respectively.

14. The connector (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second fixing element (9) has a U-shaped form having a base leg (18) and two side legs (19) extending from the base leg (18), and the fixing section (16) is arranged on the side legs (19).

15. The connector (1) according to claim 14, The contact element (5) is provided with a support surface (20) on which the base leg (18) and / or the side leg (19) abut against the contact element (5) in a planar manner, and / or The base portion (18) and the support surface (20) are formed with a rounded shape such that the base portion (18) has a rounded shape (21) at the point where it contacts, and / or The connector is characterized in that the side leg portion is formed as a straight tab, and the support surface (20) that the tab abuts against is formed as a flat support surface (20).

16. A connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first fixing element (8) extends transversely through the internal space (3) so as to prevent the insertion of the contact element (5) if the first fixing element (8) is inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure (10) before the contact element (5) is inserted.

17. A method for assembling a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 16, In the first step, the second fixing element (9) is connected to the housing (2) or the contact element (5), In the second step, the contact element (5) is inserted into the housing (2), and after the contact element (5) is inserted, the second fixing element (9) engages with the second housing-side receiving structure (11) and the second contact-side receiving structure (13), thereby fixing the contact element (5) to the housing (2). In the third step, the first fixing element (8) is inserted into the first housing-side receiving structure (10) and the first contact element-side receiving structure (12), and after the insertion of the first fixing element (8), the contact element (5) is further fixed to the housing (2) by the first fixing element (8). The method characterized by the above.

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