Panel adapter for attaching an electrical connector to a panel, as well as an adapter assembly and connection set having such a panel adapter

Abstract

To provide improved means for mounting electric connectors to panels, which is easy to handle and high in reliability.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a panel adapter (1) for mounting an electric connector (2) to a panel. The panel adapter includes: a frame element (12) that has at least one frame opening (14) configured to at least partially receive the electric connector in an insertion direction (16), and has a bearing surface (20) surrounding the frame opening; and at least one guide structure (30) for slidably guiding a slider element (28) movable along the bearing surface in a translation direction (32). The frame opening penetrates through the frame element, the guide structure is arranged on the bearing surface, and the translation direction extends transversely to the insertion direction. Further, the present invention relates to an adapter assembly (8) including such a panel adapter and a connection set (10) including such an adapter assembly and the use of the guide structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a panel adapter for attaching an electrical connector, such as a panel mounting connector of an electric vehicle or other type of electrical system, to a panel. Further, the present invention relates to an adapter assembly comprising such a panel adapter, and a connection set comprising such an adapter assembly.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of electric mobility and other technical fields related to electrical engineering, electrical connectors of cables or wire harnesses are used to establish a releasable conductive connection between units that are spaced apart or adjacent to each other. For example, it may be necessary to connect an electric motor to an inverter, or the inverter may require a connection to a battery module or the like.

[0003] Some of these units are often incorporated into a housing or chassis as part of a modular design and / or are manufactured by different suppliers. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a connection through a panel, partition wall, or housing wall located between the units to be connected. In such cases, the electrical connector is attached to the interface surface of the unit, such as a cutout in the panel.

[0004] In order to firmly attach the electrical connectors to their respective panels, separate fixing means that function similarly to a circlip are loosely provided and must be properly attached to the electrical connectors. However, with such existing solutions, during the entire mounting process, the fixing means must be positioned, aligned, and maintained in the correct orientation. This procedure is time-consuming and error-prone because the fixing means may come loose or be pushed in.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to have means for attaching an electrical connector to a panel that can be easily handled with a low error rate.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved means for attaching an electrical connector to a panel that is easy to use and highly reliable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] This object is achieved by a panel adapter for attaching an electrical connector to a panel. The panel adapter includes a frame element having at least one frame opening configured to at least partially receive the electrical connector in an insertion direction, and a bearing surface surrounding the frame opening, and at least one guide structure for slidably guiding a slider element movable in a translation direction along the bearing surface. The frame opening penetrates the frame element in the insertion direction, the guide structure is disposed on the bearing surface, and the translation direction extends intersecting the insertion direction.

[0008] As will be described in more detail later, the slider element may be any type of fixing means suitable for firmly attaching the electrical connector to the panel adapter, and it should be understood that the panel adapter can be attached to the panel. By the translation direction in which the slider element is guided extending intersecting the insertion direction, when the electrical connector is received in the frame opening, the slider element can be used to prevent the electrical connector from coming off in the insertion direction. Specific embodiments of the slider element will be described in more detail later.

[0009] The function of the above panel adapter is mainly achieved by providing a guide structure. First, the guide structure can function as an aid for finding the exact position and alignment of the starting position of the slider element. Second, the slider element can slide along the bearing surface under the guidance of the guide structure to the final position. That is, the guide structure not only facilitates the accurate positioning and alignment of the slider element but also helps to maintain the correct orientation of the slider element during installation. Therefore, the guide structure also enhances the reliability by reducing the risk of the slider element slipping out or being pushed in.

[0010] The above solution can be further improved by adding one or more of the following optional mechanisms. Each optional mechanism is advantageous in itself and can be combined independently of other optional mechanisms.

[0011] According to one possible embodiment of the panel adapter, the frame opening can be configured as a circumferentially closed through-opening completely surrounded by the bearing surface. Thereby, a frame element with high structural stability can be obtained.

[0012] Alternatively, the bearing surface can surround only a peripheral portion of the frame opening, for example, less than 75% of the periphery of the frame opening. That is, instead of being closed in the circumferential direction, the frame opening may be open in the lateral direction. This embodiment results in material and cost savings.

[0013] According to an embodiment that requires a minimum installation space, the bearing surface can be formed by a flat surface of the frame element, particularly a flat surface extending perpendicular to the insertion direction. Preferably, the frame element can have two substantially plate-shaped flat surfaces arranged opposite to each other. That is, in order to achieve an overlap or at least a precise fit between the frame element and the panel, the height of the frame element measured parallel to the insertion direction can be a fraction of the length and width of the frame element measured perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the bearing surface may be curved, wavy, or have an uneven outer shape formed by frame elements adjusted to the shape of the panel. Since this embodiment can be used in combination with non-flat panels, it has a wide range of applications.

[0015] As described above, the panel adapter can be attached to a panel, particularly to a cutout of the panel. For this purpose, the frame element can be fixed to the panel by welding, soldering, adhesion, or other methods. Therefore, the inner contour of the cutout is smaller than or equal to the outer contour of the frame element.

[0016] Alternatively, the panel adapter can be provided with means for fixing the frame element to the panel. For example, the frame element can include at least one eyelet, preferably a plurality of eyelets, through which fastening elements such as screws or bolts can pass. In yet another embodiment, the frame element can be an integral part of the panel. That is, the panel and the frame element can be manufactured as a single part, for example, by rolling, forging, stretching, punching, etc.

[0017] The panel can be a common panel, a partition wall, a housing wall, or a part of a chassis to which an electrical connector is attached by the panel adapter. The frame opening may be smaller than the cutout of the panel. According to an alternative embodiment, the frame opening may coincide with or be larger than the cutout. Therefore, the panel adapter can be used for cutouts of various sizes.

[0018] According to an embodiment that is easy to manufacture, the guide structure can be integrally connected to the frame element. That is, the guide structure and the frame element may be a single part formed by, for example, injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc. Alternatively, the guide structure can be provided as a separate part and fixed to the frame element or directly to the panel by screwing, bolting, welding, soldering, adhesion, etc. This alternative embodiment increases the flexibility when selecting the materials of the guide structure and the frame element. In particular, different materials can be used for the guide structure and the frame element according to the requirements of the application.

[0019] According to one possible embodiment, the guide structure can extend intersecting (crossing) with respect to the insertion direction, preferably perpendicular to the insertion direction. In particular, the guide structure can extend parallel to the translational direction in order to guide the slider element in the translational direction. In particular, the guide structure can be located adjacent to the frame opening and extend at least partially beyond the frame opening. That is, a part of the guide structure can extend adjacent to the frame opening in a direction perpendicular to the translational direction.

[0020] According to an embodiment with high stability, the panel adapter can include two guide structures arranged opposite to each other with respect to the frame opening. Furthermore, the two guide structures provide reliable redundancy in case one of the guide structures breaks. In particular, the two guide structures may be mirror images of each other.

[0021] To guide the slider element, each guide structure can include at least one sliding surface, preferably a plurality of sliding surfaces. For example, the first sliding surface can contact the bearing surface at an angle, preferably an angle of 90°. Further, the first sliding surface can extend parallel to each other in two guide structures. The second sliding surface may be spaced apart from the bearing surface. Further, the second sliding surface may face the bearing surface. It is preferable that the second sliding surface extends parallel to the bearing surface. The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface can each extend in the translational direction.

[0022] A first object is an adapter assembly comprising a panel adapter according to any one of the above embodiments and a slider element, the slider element being movably guided in the translational direction between a release position and a fixed position by a guide structure, the slider element being closer to the frame opening in the fixed position than in the release position, which is further achieved by the adapter assembly.

[0023] This adapter assembly is advantageous because it employs the above mechanisms and advantages of the panel adapter. Further, due to the mobility with respect to the frame opening, the slider element can be used to selectively fix and release an electrical connector received in the frame opening.

[0024] The slider element can be at least partially disposed between two guide structures, particularly between the first sliding surfaces. Further, the first sliding surface and the bearing surface together can define a guide groove for the slider element. Thereby, the slider element and the panel adapter can form a linear plain bearing in which the slider element is guided by the panel adapter. In this embodiment, reliable guidance of the slider element is realized.

[0025] Furthermore, the second sliding surface, together with the first sliding surface and the bearing surface, can define a duct for the slider element. The slider element can be at least partially disposed between the guide structure and the frame element, particularly between the second sliding surface and the bearing surface. Thereby, the slider element can be tethered by the panel adapter, making the handling of the adapter assembly even easier.

[0026] To achieve easy handling, the adapter assembly can include at least one latch element for capturing the slider element in the release position. Alternatively or in addition, the latch element may be configured to capture the slider element in the fixed position. According to further alternative embodiments or additional embodiments, the latch element may be configured to capture the slider element in an intermediate position between the release position and the fixed position. The advantages of the intermediate position will be further described later.

[0027] Optionally, the adapter assembly can include at least two latch elements spaced apart from each other for capturing the slider element in each of the release position, the fixed position, and / or the intermediate position. This embodiment improves the function by capturing the slider element in a plurality of different positions.

[0028] The latch element can be disposed on the panel adapter and / or the slider element. Therefore, each latch element can be configured to engage with a respective complementary latch element of the slider element or the panel adapter. The latch element of the slider element can also be configured to engage with the complementary latch element of the electrical connector.

[0029] The latch element of the panel adapter can be disposed on the frame element and / or the guide structure. For improved visibility, the latch element can be disposed on the bearing surface. For example, the latch element can be a latch cam, and the latch cam projects on the bearing surface and together forms a latch notch for the slider element.

[0030] Alternatively or in addition, each latching element may be a flexible latching prong formed by a respective guide structure. In particular, each latching prong may form part of the first sliding surface or the second sliding surface. This results in an embodiment that saves space.

[0031] For error prevention purposes, the slider element can cover at least part of the frame opening in the fixed position and can move away from the covered part in the release position. In particular, as long as the slider element is not in the release position, the slider element can prevent the insertion of an electrical connector into the frame opening. For this purpose, the slider element can include at least one locking part that overlaps the frame opening in the insertion direction when the slider element is in the fixed position. This can prevent the inadvertent insertion of an electrical connector and thus perform a mistake-proofing function.

[0032] Optionally, the slider element may still partially cover the frame opening in the intermediate position. The intermediate position can be used during the transportation of the adapter assembly. In the intermediate position between the release position and the fixed position, the slider element is closer to the release position than when in the fixed position, but still prevents the insertion of an electrical connector into the frame opening. Therefore, when the adapter assembly reaches its mounting point, the above-mentioned mistake-proofing function becomes effective and the operation can be stopped with little effort.

[0033] The first object is also achieved by a connection set comprising an adapter assembly according to any one of the above embodiments and an electrical connector. The electrical connector may in particular be a panel-mounted connector configured to be inserted at least partially in the insertion direction into the frame opening. The panel-mounted connector can include at least one recess for receiving the slider element at least partially, and the recess extends intersecting the insertion direction. The recess preferably extends parallel to the translational direction.

[0034] The connection set has an effect due to the above functions and advantages of the adapter assembly, in particular the panel adapter. Due to the mobility with respect to the frame opening, the slider element in the fixed position is closer to the panel mounting connector inserted into the frame opening than the slider element in the release position. Furthermore, the slider element may be configured to engage the panel mounting connector by a form fit acting in the insertion direction. In particular, the slider element can be configured to engage in the recess by said form fit when the slider element is in the fixed position. Thus, the panel mounting connector can be selectively fixed to the panel adapter by the slider element.

[0035] According to an embodiment that is easy to manufacture, the recess can be designed as a groove or slot extending crosswise (transversely) with respect to the insertion direction, preferably perpendicular to the insertion direction. When the panel mounting connector is received in the frame opening, it is more preferable that the slot can extend parallel to the guide groove and / or the duct. When the panel mounting connector is received in the frame opening, it is more preferable that the slot forms an extension of the guide groove and / or the duct.

[0036] The locking part of the slider element can be formed complementarily to the slot. For improving stability, the slider element can include two locking parts arranged opposite to each other with respect to the frame opening. In particular, the slider element may be U-shaped in a cross-section parallel to the bearing surface, and the two locking parts are mirror-inverted to each other.

[0037] Thus, the panel mounting connector can include two slots for each locking part. Furthermore, the slider element in the fixed position can surround the panel mounting connector inserted into the frame opening, and the two locking parts engage the panel mounting connector by a form fit in the two slots.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment having a simpler design, the slider element may have only one locking part and be substantially linear. Further, in this embodiment, the slider element can be configured in a slide bolt manner moored and guided by a guide structure.

[0039] Optionally, the panel mounting connector can include a flange spaced from the slot. In particular, the distance between the flange and the slot may be equal to or greater than the height of the frame element measured in the insertion direction. In other words, the frame element fits into the space between the flange and the slot. The flange can act as a stop to limit the insertion depth of the panel mounting connector into the frame opening.

[0040] Optionally, the panel mounting connector can further include a sealing ring located between the flange and the slot. The sealing ring can be seated on the flange and spaced from the slot. In particular, the distance between the sealing ring and the slot may be equal to or less than the height of the frame element measured in the insertion direction. That is, the frame element fits into the space between the sealing ring and the slot only when the sealing ring abuts against the frame element and is compressed between the flange and the frame element if necessary.

[0041] To prevent interference with the slider element and the guide structure, the flange and / or the sealing ring can abut against the frame element on the opposite side of the guide structure. Thereby, it is also possible to sandwich the frame element between the flange and the slider element to achieve a form fit. When the slider element is moored by the guide structure, the flange can be omitted from the panel mounting connector.

[0042] According to an embodiment with a wide range of applications, the frame element can include a plurality of frame openings each receiving one panel mounting connector. Further, the panel adapter can include one, preferably two, guide structures for each frame opening. Thus, the adapter assembly can include a plurality of slider elements, preferably one slider element for each frame opening. Alternatively, several frame openings can be assigned to a single slider element. Further, the connection set can include a plurality of panel mounting connectors, preferably one panel mounting connector for each frame opening.

[0043] According to another possible embodiment, the frame element can be formed by the housing of the header connector. In other words, the panel adapter can be an integral part of the header connector. This enables the manufacturer of the panel adapter to incorporate its own connectors and also creates the possibility of including connectors from third-party suppliers.

[0044] The first objective is achieved by using a guide structure in the panel for slidably holding a slider element configured to lock an electrical connector attached to the panel. In particular, the slider element can be configured by any one of the above embodiments. The guide structure can be provided as part of the panel adapter according to the above embodiments. Alternatively, the guide structure can be provided as part of the panel itself.

[0045] This is advantageous as it can guide substantially all slider elements used to lock any type of electrical connector attached to any type of panel. Thus, the use according to the present invention exhibits a wide range of applications.

[0046] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The illustrated and described embodiments are merely for explanation. The combination of mechanisms shown in the embodiments can be changed according to the foregoing description. For example, if the technical effects related to the mechanisms described above but not shown in the embodiments are advantageous for a specific application, those mechanisms can be added. Conversely, if the technical effects related to the mechanisms shown as part of the embodiments are unnecessary for a specific application, those mechanisms can be omitted as described above.

[0047] In the figures, elements corresponding to each other with respect to function and / or structure are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the structure of a possible embodiment of a panel adapter 1 for attaching an electrical connector 2, such as a panel mounting connector 4 of an electric vehicle (not shown), to a panel 6 will be described. Further, FIGS. 2 to 6 are used to explain the structure of an adapter assembly 8 and a connection set 10 according to the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a panel adapter 1. The panel adapter 1 includes a frame element 12 having at least one frame opening 14, and the frame opening 14 is configured to at least partially receive the electrical connector 2 in an insertion direction 16 (see FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, one frame opening 14 of the frame element 12 is configured as a circumferentially closed through-opening 18 having an inner contour complementary to the outer contour of the electrical connector 2. In particular, the frame opening 14 penetrates the frame element 12 in the insertion direction 16.

[0051] A bearing surface 20 of the frame element 12 completely surrounds the frame opening 14. The bearing surface 20 is formed by a flat surface 22 of the frame element 12 and can extend perpendicular to the insertion direction 16. According to another embodiment (not shown), the bearing surface 20 may have a concave-convex outer shape formed by a frame element 12 adjusted to the shape of a panel (not shown) that is curved, wavy, or not flat. Further, the bearing surface 20 can surround only a peripheral portion of the frame opening 14, for example, less than 75% of the periphery of the frame opening 14. That is, instead of closing in the circumferential direction, the frame opening 14 may be open in the lateral direction.

[0052] As seen in FIG. 1, the frame element 12 may be generally plate-shaped and have two flat surfaces 22 arranged opposite to each other. That is, the height of the frame element 12 measured parallel to the insertion direction 16 may be a fraction of the length and width of the frame element 12 measured perpendicular to the insertion direction 16.

[0053] In FIG. 1, the panel adapter 1 is shown as being attached to panel 6, in particular as being attached on cut-out 24 of panel 6. For this purpose, frame element 12 can be fixed to panel 6 by welding, soldering, gluing, or other means. According to another possible embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the panel adapter 1 can comprise means for fixing frame element 12 to panel 6. For example, frame element 12 can include at least one eyelet 26, preferably a plurality of eyelets 26, through which fastening elements (not shown), such as screws or bolts, can pass. In yet another embodiment (not shown), frame element 12 can be an integral part of panel 6. That is, panel 6 and frame element 12 can be manufactured as a single part, for example, by rolling, forging, stretching, punching, etc.

[0054] Panel 6 can be a general panel, partition wall, housing wall, or part of a chassis that attaches electrical connector 2 by panel adapter 1 and slider element 28 (see FIGS. 2 - 6). In FIG. 1, cut-out 24 in panel 6 is larger than frame opening 14. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), cut-out 24 can match or be smaller than frame opening 14. It is preferred that the inner contour of cut-out 24 is smaller than or equal to the outer contour of frame element 12.

[0055] At least one guide structure 30 for slidably guiding the slider element is arranged on bearing surface 20 of frame element 12. Guide structure 30 can be integrally connected to frame element 12. That is, guide structure 30 and frame element 12 can be a single part formed, for example, by injection molding, additive manufacturing, etc. Alternatively, guide structure 30 can be provided as a separate part and fixed to frame element 12 or directly to panel 6 by screwing, bolting, welding, soldering, gluing, etc.

[0056] The guide structure 30 functions as a guide for the slider element 28 movable in the translational direction 32 along the bearing surface 20. In particular, the guide structure 30 intersects (crosses) the insertion direction 16, preferably extending perpendicular to the insertion direction 16 and parallel to the translational direction 32. Specifically, the guide structure 30 is located adjacent to the frame opening 14 and can extend at least partially beyond the frame opening 14.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the guide structure 30 is designed as a rail 34 extending in the translational direction 32 on the bearing surface 20. Further, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the panel adapter 1 comprises two guide structures 30 arranged opposite each other with respect to the frame opening 14. In particular, the two guide structures 30 are mirror images of each other.

[0058] To guide the slider element 28, each guide structure 30 can include at least one sliding surface 36, preferably a plurality of sliding surfaces 36a, 36b. The first sliding surface 36a can contact the bearing surface 20 at an angle, preferably a 90° angle. Further, the first sliding surface 36a can extend parallel to each other in the two guide structures 30. The slider element 28 can be at least partially arranged between the two guide structures 30, particularly between the first sliding surfaces 36a. Further, the first sliding surface 36a and the bearing surface 20 together can define a guide groove 38 (see FIG. 2) for the slider element 28. Thereby, the slider element 28 and the panel adapter 1 can form a linear sliding bearing 40 in which the slider element 28 is guided by the panel adapter 1.

[0059] On the other hand, the second sliding surface 36b may be spaced apart from the support surface 20. Further, the second sliding surface 36b may face the support surface 20. It is preferable that the second sliding surface 36b extends parallel to the support surface 20 and, together with the first sliding surface 36a and the support surface 20, defines a duct 42 (see FIG. 2) for the slider element 28. The slider element 28 can be at least partially disposed between the guide structure 30 and the frame element 12, particularly between the second sliding surface 36b and the support surface 20. Thereby, the slider element 28 can be tethered by the panel adapter 1.

[0060] FIGS. 2 to 5 show possible embodiments of the adapter assembly 8. The adapter assembly 8 includes a panel adapter 1 according to any one of the above embodiments and a slider element 28. As described above, the slider element 28 is movably guided by the guide structure 30 between a release position 44 (see FIG. 4) and a fixed position 46 (see FIG. 5). The slider element 28 in the fixed position 46 is closer to the frame opening 14 compared to the slider element 28 in the release position 44.

[0061] FIG. 3 further shows an exploded perspective view of a connection set 10 according to one possible embodiment of the present disclosure. The connection set 10 includes the adapter assembly 8 and an electrical connector 2. The electrical connector 2 may be a panel mounting connector 4 configured to be at least partially inserted into the frame opening 14 (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, the slider element 28 in the fixed position 46 is closer to the panel mounting connector 4 inserted into the frame opening 14 than the slider element 28 in the release position 44.

[0062] The panel mounting connector 4 can include at least one recess 50 for at least partially receiving the slider element 28. In particular, the recess 50 can be configured to engage the slider element 28 when the slider element 28 is in the fixed position 46. The recess 50 can be designed as a groove 52 or a slot 54 that intersects (crosses) the insertion direction 16, preferably extending perpendicular to the insertion direction 16. When the panel mounting connector 4 is received in the frame opening 14, it is more preferable for the slot 54 to extend parallel to the guide groove 38 and the duct 42. Most preferably, when the panel mounting connector 4 is received in the frame opening 14, the slot 54 forms an extension of the guide groove 38 and the duct 42.

[0063] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slider element 28 can preferably include at least one locking portion 56 formed complementary to the slot 54. When the slider element 28 is in the fixed position 46, the locking portion 56 can overlap the frame opening 14. In particular, when the slider element 28 is in the fixed position 46, the locking portion 56 and the frame opening 14 can overlap each other in the insertion direction 16.

[0064] The panel mounting connector 4 can include a flange 58 spaced from the slot 54. In particular, the distance between the flange 58 and the slot 54 can be equal to or greater than the height of the frame element 12 measured in the insertion direction 16. In other words, the frame element 12 fits into the space between the flange 58 and the slot 54.

[0065] Optionally, the panel mounting connector 4 can further include a sealing ring 60 positioned between the flange 58 and the slot 54. The sealing ring 60 can be seated on the flange 58 and spaced from the slot 54. In particular, the distance between the sealing ring 60 and the slot 54 can be equal to or less than the height of the frame element 12 measured in the insertion direction 16. That is, the frame element 12 fits into the space between the sealing ring 60 and the slot 54 only when the sealing ring 60 abuts against the frame element 12 and is compressed, if necessary, between the flange 58 and the frame element 12.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the slider element 28 includes two locking portions 56 arranged opposite to each other with respect to the frame opening 14 (see FIG. 6). Accordingly, the panel mounting connector 4 includes two slots 54 for each locking portion 56. As seen in FIG. 5, the slider element 28 in the fixed position 46 can surround the panel mounting connector 4 inserted into the frame opening 14, and the two locking portions 56 engage the panel mounting connector 4 in a form-fit manner in the two slots 54. For this purpose, the slider element 28 is U-shaped in a cross-section parallel to the bearing surface 20. However, the slider element 28 can be substantially linear or can be configured in a slide bolt manner that is tethered and guided by the guide structure 30.

[0067] The adapter assembly 8 can include at least one latch element 62 for capturing the slider element 28 in the release position 44. Alternatively, the latch element 62 can be configured to capture the slider element 28 in the fixed position 46. Further alternatively, the latch element 62 can be configured to capture the slider element 28 in an intermediate position 64 between the release position 44 and the fixed position 46 (see FIG. 6).

[0068] As can be seen in the upper left of FIG. 6, the slider element 28 at the fixed position covers at least a portion 66 of the frame opening 14. At the intermediate position 64, the slider element 28 still partially covers the frame opening 14 (see lower left and lower right of FIG. 6). When in the release position 44, the slider element 28 moves away from the frame opening, particularly from the previously covered portion 66 (see upper right of FIG. 6).

[0069] The latch element 62 can be arranged on the panel adapter 1 or the slider element 28. Thus, the latch element 62 can be configured to engage with the respective complementary latch element 68 of the slider element 28 or the panel adapter 1. Additionally or alternatively, the latch element 68 of the slider element 28 can be configured to engage with the complementary latch element 70 of the panel mounting connector 4 (see FIG. 5).

[0070] The latch element 62 of the panel adapter 1 can be arranged on the frame element 12 or the guide structure 30. In particular, the latch element 62 can be a latch cam 72 protruding on the bearing surface 20, and the slider element 28 includes a latch notch (not shown). Optionally, two latch cams 72 can be provided to together form a latch notch 74 for the slider element 28. In this case, the slider element 28 itself does not require a latch notch.

[0071] Alternatively or additionally, the latch element 62 can be a flexible latch prong 76 formed by the respective guide structure 30. Optionally, each latch prong 76 can form part of the first sliding surface 36a or the second sliding surface 36b. Further, each latch prong 76 can include a hook (not shown) at the free end for engaging with the slider element 28.

[0072] Optionally, the adapter assembly 8 can include two or more latch elements 62 spaced apart from each other to capture the slider element at the respective release position 44, fixed position 46, and / or intermediate position 64.

[0073] Furthermore, in some cases, the frame element 12 can include a plurality of frame openings 14 for receiving one electrical connector 2 each (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Thus, the adapter assembly 8 can include a plurality of slider elements 28, preferably one slider element 28 for each frame opening 14, as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the connection set 10 can include a plurality of panel mounting connectors 4, preferably one panel mounting connector 4 for each frame opening 14.

[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 7, the frame element 12 can be formed by the housing 78 of the header connector 80. In other words, the panel adapter 1 can be an integral part of the header connector 80.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0075] 1 Panel adapter 2 Electrical connector 4 Panel mounting connector 6 Panel 8 Adapter assembly 10 Connection set 12 Frame element 14 Frame opening 16 Insertion direction 18 Through opening 20 Bearing surface 22 Flat surface 24 Cutout 26 Eyelet 28 Slider element 30 Guide structure 32 Translation direction 34 Rail 36, 36a, 36b Sliding surface 38 Guide groove 40 Linear sliding bearing 42 Duct 44 Release position 46 Fixed position 50 Recess 52 Groove 54 Slot 56 Locking part 58 Flange 60 Seal ring 62 Latch element 64 Intermediate position 66 Portion 68 Complementary latch element 70 Complementary latch element 72 Latch cam 74 Latch notch 76 Latch prong 78 Housing 80 Header connector

Claims

1. A panel adapter (1) for attaching an electrical connector (2) to a panel (6), wherein the panel adapter (1) comprises: - at least one frame opening (14) configured to at least partially receive the electrical connector (2) in an insertion direction (16); and a frame element (12) having a bearing surface (20) surrounding the frame opening (1 4); and - at least one guide structure (30) for slidably guiding a slider element (28) movable in a translation direction (32) along the bearing surface (20), the frame opening (14) penetrates the frame element (12) in the insertion direction (16), the translation direction (32) extends intersecting the insertion direction (16), the guide structure (30) is disposed on the bearing surface (20), the guide structure (30) has a J-shaped portion in a side view extending in the insertion direction (16) and the translation direction (32), a free end of the J-shaped portion is spaced from the bearing surface (20) and faces the bearing surface (20 ), and constitutes a sliding surface (3 6, 36b) for slidably guiding the slider element (28), the J-shaped portion is displaced from the frame opening (14) and disposed on the bearing surface (20), panel adapter (1).

2. Of the J-shaped portion of the guide structure (30), a wall extending from the bearing surface (20) constitutes an additional sliding surface (36, 36a ) for slidably guiding the slider element (28). The panel adapter (1) according to claim 1.

3. The guide structure (30) is integrally connected to the frame element (12). The panel adapter (1) according to claim 1.

4. An adapter assembly (8) comprising the panel adapter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and a slider element (28), wherein the slider element (28) is slidably guided in the translation direction (32) between a release position (44) and a fixed position (46) by the guide structure (30), and the slider element (28) is closer to the frame opening (14) than the release position (44) at the fixed position (46). Adapter assembly (8).

5. The slider element (28) and the panel adapter (1) form a linear sliding bearing (40). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4.

6. The slider element (28) is at least partially disposed between the guide structure (30) and the support surface (20). The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4.

7. The adapter assembly (8) has at least one latch element (62, 68) for capturing the slider element (28) in the release position (44), the fixed position (46), and / or an intermediate position (64) between the release position (44) and the fixed position (46). Comprising. The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4.

8. The adapter assembly (8) comprises at least two latch elements (62 , 68) spaced apart from each other. The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 7.

9. The latch element (62) is disposed on the guide structure (30) and / or the support surface (2 0). The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 8.

10. The slider element (28) covers at least a portion (66) of the frame opening (1 4) in the fixed position (46) and moves away from the covered portion (66) in the release position (44). The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4.

11. The slider element (28) includes at least one locking portion (56) that overlaps the frame opening (14) in the insertion direction (16) when the slider element (28) is in the fixed position (46). The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4.

12. The slider element (28) includes two locking portions (56), and / or the panel adapter (1) includes two guide structures (30) disposed opposite to each other with respect to the frame opening (14). The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 11.

13. The slider element (28) is U-shaped in a cross-section parallel to the support surface (20). 、 The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4.

14. The adapter assembly (8) according to claim 4, and An electrical connector (2) configured to be at least partially inserted into the frame opening (14) in the insertion direction (16). A connection set (10) comprising: The electrical connector (2) at least partially receives the slider element (28). including at least one recess (50) for..., said recess (50) extending crosswise to said insertion direction (1 6). Connection set (10).

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