Assembly, connector, and plug assembly including a housing member for a connector capable of being plugged into a mating connector and a pivot lever pivotably attached to the housing member

Abstract

To enable simple assembly of a connector which can be plugged together with a mating connector.SOLUTION: The assembly comprises a housing member (20), a pivot lever (50) which can be attached to the housing member (20) to be pivotal, and a locking mechanism (77) comprising a locking element (70). The locking element (70) is slidable by the mating connector (200) from a locked position (170) to a release position (180) and which, in the locked position (170), affixes the pivot lever (50) in an initial position (150) and by way of which, in the release position (180), a pivotal motion of the pivot lever (50) relative to the housing member (20) is enabled. The invention additionally relates to a connector (10) comprising such an assembly. The invention furthermore relates to a connector assembly (300) comprising such an assembly and a mating connector (200).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a housing member for a connector capable of plugging into a mating connector, and a pivot lever pivotably mountable to the housing member.

[0002] The invention further relates to a connector comprising such an assembly.

[0003] The invention additionally relates to a plug-in assembly comprising such an assembly and a mating connector. [Background technology]

[0004] Connectors having pivoting levers are known. In some known connectors, the pivoting levers are used, for example, to press or push the connector into a mating connector. However, assembly of such connectors is often complicated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One object of the present invention is to enable easy assembly of a connector to a mating connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention achieves this objective by providing an assembly having a locking mechanism with a locking element that is slidable by a mating connector from a locked position to an released position, in which the locking element secures the pivot lever in an initial position, and in which the release position allows pivotal movement of the pivot lever relative to the housing member.

[0007] According to this solution, when the connector is not yet connected to the mating connector, the pivot lever is fixed in an initial position. At this time, the connector can be easily connected to the mating connector without the need for complicated alignment of the pivot lever. Once the connector is assembled with the mating connector, the pivot lever is automatically released and a pivoting movement can be performed, for example to secure the connector to the mating connector using leverage or to attract or retract the connector to the mating connector.

[0008] The invention can be further improved by the following developments and configurations, each of which is advantageous on its own and can be combined randomly with one another.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the locking element is formed by a part of a pivot lever that is slidable relative to the housing member. This means that fewer components are required. In addition to being pivotable relative to the housing member, the pivot lever may also be slidable relative to the housing member. Here, pivotability may be provided in one position and slidability in another position.

[0010] The locking element may be part of a slide attached to the pivot lever, which allows for easy operation.

[0011] In a space-saving configuration, the locking element in the locked position may be inserted into a slot in the housing member. The slot may extend substantially along the plug-in direction, to some extent along the plug-in direction, or at an angle to the plug-in direction, in particular at an angle of less than 60 degrees, to allow easy sliding. The slot may be at least partially straight and / or at least partially curved. The slot may have a uniform cross-section to allow easy guidance.

[0012] For easier operation, it may be provided that the locking element is only slidably guided in the slot.

[0013] To facilitate the pivoting action, the locking element in the release position may be pushed out of the slot.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the slot opens on the side of the housing member facing the mating connector, as a result of which the locking element can be accessible to the mating connector and can be easily deflected by the mating connector.

[0015] In a simple and space-saving construction, the pivot lever may be guided along a connecting link relative to the housing member.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the pivot lever has a connecting link into which the sliding block of the mating connector can be inserted in the locked position, which allows for simple assembly. In particular, the sliding block may be insertable into the connecting link only in the locked position. Here, the connecting link should be understood as a guide assembly for the corresponding sliding block, allowing the sliding block to move only along a single movement path. The connecting link may have side walls that serve as guide or support elements and may be formed to some extent as grooves, slots and / or by protruding strips.

[0017] The connecting link may form a positive guide for the pivot lever, which allows movement to be particularly easy and reliable in a defined direction.

[0018] The pivot lever may be constrained to translate and rotate, i.e., only defined movements are forced on the pivot lever. The position of the pivot lever relative to the housing member may be limited to various positions arranged along a defined path. In particular, the pivot lever may be constrained to translate in a first portion of the connecting link and to rotate in a second portion of the connecting link. The second portion may follow the first portion of the connecting link. These configurations allow for easier operation, since the direction of movement is defined in each case.

[0019] In a particularly simple configuration, the pivot lever may be pivotally mounted on a pin, which may in particular be a stub axis, and which may be configured to be cylindrical in order to allow easy rotation.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the pin may be slidable in a groove, which is preferably straight.

[0021] In a possible configuration, the pin is located in the housing member and the groove is located in the pivot lever.

[0022] According to a further possible configuration, the pin may be arranged on the pivoting lever and the groove on the housing member, as a result of which the mass of the lever that needs to be moved can be smaller, thereby making operation easier.

[0023] The assembly may be configured such that the mating connector is attracted towards the connector by a pivoting action. In particular, the connector can be pushed or pulled into the mating connector, or vice versa. The pivoting action can shorten the distance between the connector and the mating connector.

[0024] According to a further configuration, the distance between the connector and the mating connector may remain constant during the pivoting motion, which may then act to secure the connector to the mating connector, for example, without forcing the connector and the mating connector together.

[0025] In an advantageous configuration, the lever length of the pivot lever is longer in the release position than in the locked position, resulting in less force being required by the user, while minimizing the risk of injury in the locked position, since the external force generates less force due to the lower leverage.

[0026] In order to keep the transport volume as small as possible and to reduce the risk of damage, the extension of the pivot lever, measured in the insertion direction relative to the housing part, may be greater in the released position than in the locked position.

[0027] According to an advantageous configuration, in the locked position, a pivoting movement may be prevented. In the locked position, only a translational movement of the pivot lever relative to the connector and / or the mating connector may be possible. The absence of pivoting capability in particular makes it possible to prevent the connector from being unintentionally disconnected from the mating connector.

[0028] To enhance safety, the fixed position may be located on the opposite side of the initial position with respect to the pivoting operation. The pivoting range of the pivoting operation may be between the initial position and the fixed position. In particular, the initial position may be reachable at one end, and the fixed position may be reachable at another end opposite to the one end of the pivoting operation. This reduces the risk of the assembly unintentionally moving from the fixed position to the initial position, since the assembly must first perform the pivoting operation.

[0029] In an arrangement that is easy to manufacture, the pivot lever may be formed as one piece. Alternatively, the pivot lever may consist of several elements that are immovably connected to one another.

[0030] The assembly may include at least one support element for supporting the housing member and / or the pivot lever for pivotal and / or translational movement. The support element may be configured as a track, hole, slot, protrusion, strip, flat surface, curved surface, or partially cylindrical surface. Additional support elements may be present in the mating connector.

[0031] The present invention also provides a connector comprising an assembly according to the present invention. The connector may further comprise contact elements, in particular electrical contact elements, for establishing contact with a mating connector. The contact elements may be arranged in contact element receptacles accessible to corresponding mating contact elements of the mating connector. The contact element receptacles may define a plug-in direction. The contact element receptacles may be elongated and / or extend along the plug-in direction.

[0032] The plug assembly according to the invention in particular comprises an assembly according to the invention and a mating connector, which may be configured to be plugged into a connector that is part of the housing member, and the specifications for the connector and / or the mating connector may be defined in national, international, proprietary or other standards.

[0033] In an advantageous configuration, the plug assembly may include a gear mechanism for reducing the distance between the connector and the mating connector. The gear mechanism may include at least one tooth projecting transversely to the plugging direction. The gear mechanism may include a gear, a gear segment, or a gear rack.

[0034] According to a further configuration, the bayonet assembly may include a helical guide mechanism for reducing the distance between the connector and the mating connector, the helical guide mechanism may include a wall that reduces the angular distance to a center of rotation that may be defined by the pin.

[0035] The present invention also provides a housing member for an assembly according to the present invention, and a pivot lever for an assembly according to the present invention.

[0036] The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of example on the basis of advantageous configurations with reference to the drawings, in which advantageous further developments and configurations shown therein are each independent of one another and may be combined with one another randomly, depending on the extent to which the application requires them. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are schematic perspective views of various parts of a first embodiment of a bayonet assembly. [Figure 2] 2A-2E are schematic cross-sectional side views of a first embodiment of a bayonet assembly at various stages of the connection process. [Figure 3] 3A-3D are schematic perspective views of various portions of a second embodiment of a bayonet assembly. [Figure 4] 4A-4E are schematic cross-sectional side views of a second embodiment of a bayonet assembly at various stages in the connection process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Two different exemplary bayonet assemblies 300 are shown in the drawings, which are similar in some respects.

[0039] They each comprise a connector 10, a pivot lever 50, and a counter connector 200. The connector 10 is here only diagrammatically represented by a housing member 20. However, the connector 10 may comprise further elements, such as contact elements, receptacles for counter contact elements, mounting elements for a cable, etc. The same applies to the counter connector 200, which is configured to be plugged into connection with the connector 10 along the plug-in direction S. This can be achieved in particular in that the guide elements of the connector 10 and / or the counter connector 200, at least some of them, are configured in such a way, e.g. they extend along the plug-in direction S.

[0040] The pivot lever 50 is configured to be attached to the housing member 20. Once attached, the mobility between the housing member 20 and the pivot lever 50 is limited to various positions relative to one another. In certain positions, the pivot lever 50 is able to pivot, i.e., rotate, relative to the housing member 20. In other positions, only translational slidability is allowed between the housing member 20 and the pivot lever 50. It is further contemplated that combined rotational and translational movement between the pivot lever 50 and the housing member 20 is possible, although this is not shown in the illustrated example.

[0041] Generally, support elements 60 are used to limit the relative movement between the individual parts. The support elements 60 may function as part of a translational support and / or a rotational support. In particular, the illustrated support element 60 is configured as a sliding support. There are no additional elements, such as balls or rollers, between the two moving parts. Instead, the movement is achieved by sliding friction between the relevant surfaces. To keep the forces occurring during sliding friction small, the individual elements may be made from specific materials or have a special configuration on the sliding surface, for example, a coating thereon.

[0042] The assembly 100, consisting of the connector 10 and the pivot lever 50, each includes a locking mechanism 77 that includes a locking element 70 that can be moved by the mating connector 200 from a locked position 170 to an unlocked position 180. In the locked position 170, the pivot lever 50 is fixed in the initial position 150. In the initial position 150, the pivot lever 50 has a defined rotational position relative to the housing member 20. However, in the unlocked position 180, the pivot lever 50 is allowed to pivot relative to the housing member 20.

[0043] The illustrated embodiment is further configured such that the pivot lever 50 in a secured position 190 is slidable relative to the housing member 20 so that the connector 10 is secured to the mating connector 200. The secured positions 190 are located opposite the initial position 150 with respect to the pivoting movement. They are each at one end of the pivoting range in the illustrated example. In the secured position 190, the relative position between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 does not change further or changes only slightly. In the secured position, relative rotation between the pivot lever 50 and the housing member 20 is not possible.

[0044] In the two illustrated embodiments, the movement that can be performed by the pivot lever 50 in the locked position 190 extends along a transverse direction Q that runs perpendicular to the plugging direction S. This allows a positive fit connection to be easily formed with low forces. When fully locked, corresponding form fit elements or stops 56, 206 on the housing part 20, the pivot lever 50 and the mating connector 200 abut against each other, thus preventing relative movement along the plugging direction S.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the pivoting action can attract the connector 10 toward the mating connector 200, thereby creating a desired contact force between the contact elements, for example. In other embodiments not shown, the pivoting action can be used solely to secure the connector 10 relative to the mating connector 200, without forcing relative movement between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200.

[0046] The two illustrated embodiments differ with regard to the exemplary mechanism used to attract the connector 10 towards the mating connector 200. In the embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2, a spiral guide mechanism 320 is used, in which the distance between the connector 10 and the mating connector 200 is shortened during the pivoting movement due to the guided movement of a sliding block 98 arranged on the mating connector 200 in the connecting link 95 of the pivoting lever 50. This is achieved in particular by varying the distance between the connecting link 95 and the pin 25 used as a rotation axis in the housing member 20 for each position of the pivoting movement.

[0047] On the other hand, in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, a gear mechanism 310 is used in which teeth 53 on the pivot lever 50 and teeth 211 on the housing member 220 of the mating connector 200 mesh with each other, thereby converting rotational or pivotal motion into translational motion.

[0048] In both embodiments, as the locking mechanism 77 moves from the locked position 170 toward the released position 180, the lever length 59 of the pivot lever 50 extends. This is achieved by connecting the pivot lever 50 and the housing member 20 to each other by a slot 51 and a pin 25 that is mounted in and movable within the slot 51. The cylindrical pin 25 serves as a support for the pivoting movement. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 51 is located on the pivot lever 50 and the pin 25 is located on the housing member 20. Alternatively, an inverted configuration is possible.

[0049] Furthermore, the overhang length 52 by which the swivel lever 50 projects in the insertion direction S relative to the housing member 20 extends towards the release position 81 during such sliding in the locked position 170. This has the advantage that in the transport position the swivel lever 50 projects less and therefore the risk of damage is lower than with a fixed swivel lever. However, if the swivel lever 50 still hits, for example, an external element, the smaller lever length 59 means that a smaller force acts on the assembly 100, thereby preventing or minimizing any possible damage.

[0050] In both embodiments, the assembly 100 is slid to the release position 180 by the mating connector 200. This occurs automatically when the mating connector 200 is inserted into the connector 10 during the initial mating action.

[0051] The locking elements 70 are each formed by a portion 57 of the pivot lever 50 that is slidable relative to the housing member 20 in the locked position 170. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the portion 57 is located on a side of the pivot lever 50. In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, an inwardly projecting pin 55 on the pivot lever 50 functions as the locking element 70.

[0052] In both cases, the locking element 70 is inserted into the slot 21 of the housing member 20 in the locked position 170. Here, the locking element 70 is only slidably guided. In the released position 180, the locking element 70 is pushed out of the slot 21. The translation-only slidable guide is no longer rotated. The slot 21 opens in the direction opposite to the plug-in direction S, i.e., on the side 22 of the housing member 20 facing the mating connector 200.

[0053] In other embodiments, the locking element 70 may be part of a slide that is attached to the pivot lever 50 .

[0054] The pivot lever 50 is guided relative to the housing member 20 along connecting links 90, 95. The connecting links 90, 95 form a forced guide for the pivot lever 50.

[0055] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pivot lever 50 comprises a connecting link 95 into which the sliding block 98 of the mating connector 20 can be inserted only in the locked position 170 .

[0056] In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the pivoting lever 50 is constrained to translate in a first portion 91 of the connecting link 90 and to rotate in a second portion 92 adjacent to the first portion 91 of the connecting link 90.

[0057] In the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2, a pin 225 is present on the housing member 20 of the connector 10 and the housing member 220 of the mating connector 200, respectively, and engages a corresponding groove 61 in the pivot lever 50.

[0058] In the configurations of Figures 3 and 4, respective pins 25, 55 and grooves 61 are formed in the housing member 20 and the pivot lever 50, which interact with grooves 61 or pins 55, 25 in the respective other elements 50, 20.

[0059] Depending on the desired operation, the grooves 61 may be configured to be straight, curved, angled, and / or partially circular in shape.

[0060] Each of the illustrated pivot levers 50 is a single piece. Alternatively, the pivot levers 50 may be made up of multiple elements immovably connected to one another.

[0061] The pivot lever 50 is configured to be U-shaped. An operating part 54, which can be manually or mechanically operated, is disposed between two legs, at the ends of which the pivot lever 50 is attached to the housing member 20.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 200 is shown only by a housing member 220, which forms, for example, a receptacle 201 for the connector 10. In other embodiments, such a receptacle 201 may be absent from the mating connector 200 or may be configured to further open at the side.

[0063] 3 and 4, the teeth 211 of the mating connector 200 are formed on the housing member 220 as a gear rack 210 extending along the plug-in direction, where the teeth 211 protrude along the lateral direction Q and are configured to form a form-fit connection with at least one tooth 53 on the pivot lever 50.

[0064] 2A-2E, this embodiment is configured such that the pins 225 or sliding blocks 98 of the housing member 220 of the mating connector 200 are located strictly behind the pins 25 of the housing member 20 of the connector 10 along the insertion direction S. This allows for good transmission of the pulling forces generated by the rotational movement without the connector 10 pressing against the mating connector 200 due to lateral forces.

[0065] 2A-2E and 4A-4E, the connection process proceeds similarly in both embodiments. First, the mating connector 200 approaches the connector 10 along the plugging direction S (FIGS. 2A and 4A). The locking mechanism 77 is in the locked position 170, where the pivot lever 50 is fixed in the initial position 150.

[0066] The assembly 100 is slid by the mating connector 200 along the locked position 170 until the locked position 170 transitions to the released position 180 (FIGS. 2B and 4B), where the pivot lever 50 is permitted to pivot.

[0067] The mating portions of the spiral guide mechanism 320 or gear mechanism 310, respectively, draw the connector 10 towards the mating connector 200 (FIGS. 2C and 4C).

[0068] At the end of the pivoting movement, a locking position 190 is reachable (Figures 2D and 4D), which allows the connector 10 to be locked onto the mating connector 200 by sliding the pivoting lever 50 along the lateral direction Q (Figures 2E and 4E). [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10 Connectors 20 Housing member 21 slots 22 Side facing the mating connector 25-pin 26 Stopper 50 Swivel lever 51 long hole 52 Overhang length 53 teeth 54 Operation section 55 pin 56 Stopper 57 parts 59 Lever length 60 Supporting Elements 61 Groove 70 Rock Elements 77 Locking mechanism 90 Connecting link in housing member 91 First Part 92 Second Part 95 Connecting link in swivel lever 96 Opening 98 Sliding Block 100 Assembly 150 Initial position 170 Lock position 180 Release position 190 Fixed position 200 Mating Connector 201 Receptacle 206 Stopper 210 Gear rack 211 teeth 220 Housing member of mating connector 225 pins 300 Insertion Assembly 310 Gear Mechanism 320 Spiral guide mechanism Q Horizontal S Insertion direction

Claims

1. An assembly (100) comprising: The assembly (100) comprises: a housing member (20) for a connector (10) that can be plugged into a mating connector (200); - a pivot lever (50) pivotably attached to said housing member (20); - a locking mechanism (77) comprising a locking element (70); It is equipped with The locking element (70) is slidable by the mating connector (200) from a locked position (170) to a released position (180), and at the locked position (170) fixes the pivot lever (50) in an initial position (150), and at the released position (180) allows the pivot lever (50) to pivot relative to the housing member (20); The outer peripheral portion of the pivot lever (50) is guided by a rotational support portion of the housing member (20) to perform the pivoting movement when the locking element (70) is in the release position (180), and is guided by a translational support portion of the housing member (20) to perform a translational movement relative to the housing member (20) until the locking element (70) reaches the release position (180). Assembly (100).

2. the locking element (70) is formed by a portion (57) of the pivot lever (50) that is slidable relative to the housing member (20); The assembly (100) of claim 1.

3. The locking element (70) in the locked position (170) is inserted into a slot (21) of the housing member (20). The assembly (100) of claim 1.

4. The locking element (70) in the slot (21) is only slidably guided, The assembly (100) of claim 3.

5. The locking element (70) is pushed out of the slot (21) in the release position (180). The assembly (100) of claim 3.

6. The slot (21) opens to a side (22) of the housing member (20) facing the mating connector (200). The assembly (100) of claim 3.

7. The pivoting lever (50) is guided along connecting links (90, 95) relative to the housing member (20). The assembly (100) of claim 1.

8. The pivot lever (50) comprises a connecting link (95) into which a sliding block (98) of the mating connector (200) can be inserted in the locked position (170). The assembly (100) of claim 1.

9. The connecting links (90, 95) form a forced guide for the pivoting lever (50).

8. The assembly (100) of claim 7.

10. The pivoting lever (50) is forcibly guided to translate and rotate; The assembly (100) of claim 1.

11. The pivot lever (50) is pivotally mounted on a pin (25, 55, 225), The assembly (100) of claim 1.

12. The pin (25, 55, 225) is slidable in the groove (61).

12. The assembly (100) of claim 11.

13. The pivot lever (50) is mounted so as to be pivotable on a pin provided in the housing member (20), The rotating lever (50) is configured so that the distance between the groove provided in the rotating lever (50) for guiding the mating connector (200) and the pin becomes shorter before the rotating lever (50) rotates from the initial position (150) to the release position (180), or so that a rack gear provided in the mating connector (200) and a pinion gear provided in the rotating lever (50) mesh with each other, The mating connector (200) is attracted towards the connector (10) by the pivoting movement of the pivot lever (50). The assembly (100) of claim 1.

14. An assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a contact element; Connector (10).

15. An assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and a mating connector (200). Insertion assembly (300).

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