Connectors, connection assemblies, and connection groups

Abstract

To provide a connector with which a securing element can be released more easily.SOLUTION: A connector 100 for connecting at a proximal end 101 of the connector along a connection direction C includes a contact section 11 adapted to fix at least one contact element 15, a base section 70, and an arm 60 extending from the base section substantially along the connection direction. The arm includes at least one securing element 41 for securing the connector against the connection direction. The base section is located closer to a distal end 102 of the connector than the contact section. The distal end is opposite to the proximal end along the connection direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting at the proximal end of the connector along the connection direction. The connector comprises a contact part adapted to fix at least one contact element, a base, and an arm extending substantially along the connection direction from the base, the arm comprising at least one fixing element for fixing the connector against the connection direction.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a connection assembly comprising a connector and a mating connector, and to a connection group comprising a connector, a mating connector, and a partition wall.

Background Art

[0003] The fixing element can function to fix the connector in a mating structure, such as a mating connector. In particular, when the connector is arranged in a receiving part of a further structure, such as a partition wall, it may be difficult to release the fixing element.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector that allows the fixing element to be released more easily.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to the present invention, this is achieved when the base is arranged closer to the distal end of the connector than the contact part. The distal end is on the opposite side of the proximal end along the connection direction. At this time, the base and the arm are more easily accessible, for example, to an instrument or a finger.

[0006] The solution according to the present invention can be further improved by the following further developments and advantageous embodiments, which are independent of each other and can be arbitrarily combined as required.

[0007] The connector may be adapted to connect to the mating connector. In particular, the connector may be at least partially complementary to the mating connector. For example, in the case of a plug connector, the plug surface may match the mating plug surface of the mating connector.

[0008] The contact element may be adapted to contact the mating contact element of the mating connector. The contact element may have pins that can be inserted into the socket of the mating contact element, or vice versa.

[0009] A connector may have more than one contact element.

[0010] The connector may be an electrical connector that enables the transmission of electrical signals and / or power. However, other types of connectors are also possible. For example, the connector may be an optical connector that enables the transmission of optical signals. In another example, the connector may be adapted to transmit fluids.

[0011] The fixing element may be adapted to fix the connector to the mating connector in the opposite direction of connection. Thus, the fixing element may be used to transmit a tension or force acting on the connector in the opposite direction of connection, and therefore attempting to separate the connector from the mating connector, to the mating connector, particularly the corresponding structure in the mating connector.

[0012] At the base, except for tolerances, the movement of the arm relative to other parts of the connector in the connection direction should be impossible or very limited. It is advantageous at the base that the arm cannot move in the direction opposite to the connection direction. The base may further function to restrict the mobility of the fixed end of the arm in additional directions, for example, in one or more radial directions and / or opposite directions each perpendicular to the connection direction, or in at least one tangential direction and / or opposite directions perpendicular to both the radial and connection directions.

[0013] Fixation by the fixing element may be achieved by different mechanisms. For example, the fixing element may form a shape fit (also known as a positive fit) in which the movement of the first element is blocked by a second element that interferes with the first element. In particular, the first element and / or the second element may have a stopper face perpendicular to the desired movement, and in this example perpendicular to the direction of connection.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the fixing element may secure the connector by force fitting, where the force acting between the two elements is large enough to produce a frictional force that blocks the movement of the two elements relative to each other.

[0015] The fixing element may lock the connector to the mating connector in the opposite direction of connection.

[0016] The fixing element may be adapted so that fixing can be automatically achieved during the connection step, for example, when the connector moves relative to the mating connector. In another embodiment, fixing may be non-automatic and be achieved, for example, by manual operation.

[0017] The fixing element may be adapted to mate with the opposing fixing element in the mating connector. At least a portion of the fixing element may be complementary to a portion of the mating fixing element.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the arm may include an actuation mechanism, and the fixing element may transition from a fixed state to a released state by operation of the actuation mechanism. The fixing element may be configured to automatically enter a fixed state, possibly via a released state, when the connector is connected to the mating connector along the connection direction. Such automatic transition should be impossible when a force attempts to separate the connector from the mating connector in the opposite direction of connection.

[0019] The fixed element and / or the opposing fixed element in the mating connector may have at least one bending surface inclined with respect to the connection direction to allow the arm to bend automatically during the connection step. To achieve easy bending, the inclination angle may be less than 60°.

[0020] This transition may be achieved by moving a fixed element, particularly by bending a portion of the arm. To achieve this transition, the actuarial part may be pressed or pushed in. Lever action may be used to increase or decrease the movement of the fixed element.

[0021] The fixed elements may be in a fixed position when the connector is fixed. Furthermore, the fixed elements may be in a released position when the connector is released. These positions may be defined in particular in relation to other parts of the connector.

[0022] In a solution that allows for easy operation, the actuarial portion may extend over 60% of the length of the contact portion. The corresponding length of the actuarial portion may be greater than 60% of the length of the contact portion. Preferably, the actuarial portion extends over 80%, and especially over 90%, of the length of the contact portion. The length of the contact portion may be the length of the longest contact element. In any case, the length may be measured along the direction of connection.

[0023] To facilitate operation, the operating part may be separated from the rest of the connector along its entire length. The term "separated" specifically means that a gap exists, particularly in the radial direction.

[0024] When the fixed element comprises or is a latch element, a particularly simple operation can be realized. The corresponding opposing fixed element may be an opposing latch element. The opposing latch element may be a ring, a hole, particularly a through-hole, or a receiving portion, or preferably comprises a ring, a hole or a receiving portion. The opposing latch element may be entirely disposed behind the front face of the mating connector. The opposing latch element may be spaced apart behind the front face. The front face may be defined by the portion of the mating connector that extends farthest towards the connector in a direction opposite to the connection direction.

[0025] The latch element may comprise a latch projection that protrudes radially outwards. Thereby, the latch element can be moved radially inwards, thereby enabling a simple and space-saving operation.

[0026] The latch portion of the arm comprising the latch element may be bendable radially inwards.

[0027] The connector may be adapted such that the latch portion of the arm bends inwards.

[0028] The arm may be at least partially radially spaced apart from other parts of the connector by a distance that allows the bending length of the latch element to be between 1 and 5 times the latch height. The latch height may be, for example, the height of the latch element or a step, and these heights are measured radially. A preferred ratio is 1 to 3, more preferably 1 to 2. Thereby, a compact design is possible. The latch height may in particular be a height that can be achieved without breakage and / or with a predetermined force. The predetermined force may be set according to a public standard or a company standard.

[0029] In particular, the latch portion may be spaced apart from other parts of the connector by between 1 and 5 times the latch height, preferably 1 to 3 times, preferably 1 to 2 times.

[0030] To enable a compact design and flexibility, other parts of the connector may include at least one recess that allows the arm to bend. The recess may accommodate the bent portion of the arm.

[0031] The arm may be radially separated from the rest of the connector at the contact point.

[0032] The latching element may have a latching surface facing in the opposite direction to the connection direction in order to enable secure latching. The latching surface may be substantially perpendicular to the connection direction.

[0033] The latch element may have a step. The step may have an inner edge and an outer edge. The latch surface may be part of the step, and may be located particularly between the inner edge and the outer edge.

[0034] To facilitate simple assembly, the fixing elements may be placed at the ends of the arms, particularly at the free ends.

[0035] To enable safe lateral guidance, the arm may be provided with at least one lateral guide surface for guiding the fixed element laterally or in the opposite direction.

[0036] The normal to the lateral guide surface may be perpendicular to the connection direction and the bending direction of the fixed element. The lateral guide surface may guide the fixed element toward the opposing fixed element.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, at least one guide surface is located at the end of the arm. This allows for guidance in the initial stages of the connection process.

[0038] To enable guidance in two opposite directions, the arm may have two lateral guide surfaces on either side. The two lateral guide surfaces may be parallel, but may face opposite directions. In another embodiment, the two lateral guide surfaces may be tapered to enable funneling guiding.

[0039] At least one opposing lateral guide surface may be present on the mating connector. The opposing lateral guide surface may be at least partially complementary to the guide surface.

[0040] The arm may have at least one stop face facing the connection direction to restrict the movement of the mating connector toward the arm. A corresponding opposing stop face may be located on the mating connector.

[0041] The working parts may be adapted to be accessible from the outside. The instrument or test finger may be specified in an official or industry standard regarding accessibility.

[0042] An access space may exist when the device is installed. This access space may be an open access space that allows access from multiple directions.

[0043] The access space may include a linear access channel extending from the working part to an external point. Such a linear access channel may be a cylindrical channel having the diameter of a test finger, thereby simulating finger accessibility.

[0044] Fixed elements have the advantage of being externally operable, and especially being releaseable.

[0045] To enable a good flow of force, the connector may be fitted to the cable to transmit force. The cable may be a suitable cable and / or a standardized cable.

[0046] Cable mounting may be performed by clamping or force fitting. The connector may have a mounting portion to which the cable is attached. The mounting portion may have a receiving portion adapted to clamp the cable. To enable good clamping, the inner cross-section of the receiving portion is preferably slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the cable. In other embodiments, only a portion of the cable is mounted, for example, only the shield or insulation portion is clamped to the connector.

[0047] The solution of the present invention makes it possible to separate the mechanical connection and contact between a connector and a mating connector. In particular, each means can be located in a separate part.

[0048] When installed, any tension (or force) exerted by the cable in the direction opposite to the connection direction may be guided from the cable through the arm to the mating connector.

[0049] The contact area is preferably subjected to no tension or only slight tension. Less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, of the force exerted by the cable may be present at the contact area.

[0050] To enable easy operation, the arm may include a first extension extending from the base, a second extension extending from the first extension, and a terminal extension extending from the second extension.

[0051] For easy insertion and fitting, the outer surface of the base may be parallel to the connection direction, the outer surface of the first extension may be inclined at a first angle with respect to the connection direction, the outer surface of the second extension may be inclined at a second angle with respect to the connection direction, the second angle being greater than the first angle, and the outer surface of the end may be parallel to the connection direction. These surfaces may be planar. To enable good accessibility, the first angle is preferably considerably small, for example, between 10 and 30 degrees. The second angle is preferably considerably large, for example, between 40 and 80 degrees, particularly between 50 and 70 degrees. This allows for a good latch height while maintaining a reasonable overall length of the arm.

[0052] The first section may be at least twice as long (measured along the direction of connection) as the second section. To enable good operability, the first section may occupy at least one-third of the total length of the arm.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, the arm may be integrated with further parts of the connector (or synonymously, a single piece or monolithic structure). For example, the arm may be integrated with the base, contact portion and / or the base of the connector. In a preferred embodiment, the entire connector, except possibly the contact element, is a single integral piece. Such a connector can be readily manufactured, for example, by injection molding, from a plastic material.

[0054] According to different embodiments, the arm may be part of a separate element or a separate component.

[0055] The arm may be part of a strain relief device for transmitting mechanical tension acting on the connector in a direction opposite to the connection direction to the mating connector, the strain relief device being attachable to and / or attached to the rest of the connector.

[0056] The arm or strain relief device is preferably made from a different material than the material from which the other parts of the connector are made. For example, the other parts of the connector may be made from plastic, while the part with the arm may be made from metal to achieve high mechanical stability.

[0057] In another embodiment, the other parts of the connector and the part comprising the arms are each made of plastic, and these two different parts have different properties. For example, the other parts of the connector may be made from an easily moldable material, while the part comprising the arms may be made from a plastic containing fibers, particularly glass fibers, to increase mechanical stability.

[0058] The arm or strain relief device may be repeatedly detachable from the rest of the connector. In other embodiments, the arm or strain relief device is only mountable once and cannot be detached without damaging or destroying the arm or the portion of the connector to which the arm is mounted.

[0059] Installation may be achieved by, for example, press fitting, shape fitting, or force fitting. Further possible methods of installation include bonding and / or ultrasonic welding.

[0060] The connector, particularly the connector base, may include a mounting portion for attaching a strain relief device or arm. The mounting portion may be located closer to the distal end of the connector than the contact portion.

[0061] The strain relief device may include a base. To facilitate manufacturability, the arm may be integrated with the base.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the strain relief device includes an opening ring, an arm protruding from the opening ring, and a connector, particularly a base, includes an engagement portion for the opening ring, the engagement portion having at least one engagement surface facing toward the distal end of the connector.

[0063] The opening ring may be adapted to accommodate a strain relief device on other parts of the connector. The engaging portion may be a mounting portion.

[0064] The arm may project or extend in a direction that crosses the plane defined by the opening ring. For example, the direction of extension of the arm, which can be defined as extending from the center point at the tip to the center point at the part to which the arm is attached to the base, may have an angle greater than 70° with respect to the plane defined by the opening ring.

[0065] To ensure stable attachment, the engaging portion may be at least partially complementary to the opening ring.

[0066] The opening ring may have at least one mating engagement surface adapted to engage with the engagement surface of the engaging portion. The engaging surface and the mating engagement surface may be at least partially complementary. The mating engagement surface may face the connection direction when installed.

[0067] The opening ring and the arm may be firmly connected to each other. Preferably, the two are a single unit.

[0068] The open ring, base, and arm may be the only components of the strain relief device, without the presence of any further intermediate parts.

[0069] The force acting on the cable may be transmitted from the cable to the mating connector via the mounting portion, engagement portion, strain relief device, and opposing fixing element.

[0070] To enable a simple mating process, the end portion of the arm may extend parallel to the connection direction. In particular, the end portion may be perpendicular to the plane defined by the opening ring.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the arm decreases in the direction of connection, extension, or away from the opening ring, respectively. Such a configuration provides stability in the portion adjacent to the base while allowing for easy bending at the free end.

[0072] To achieve lateral stability, the width of the arm, which can be measured tangentially, may remain constant along the connection direction all the way to the end.

[0073] The thickness of the arm, which can be measured radially, may decrease along the connection direction or extension direction, at least up to the fixed element.

[0074] The ratio of the width to the thickness of the arm is preferably at least 1.2 along the cable direction. This ratio may preferably increase along the cable direction or the extending direction, respectively, so that the cross-section gradually changes from one that provides stability to one that allows flexibility.

[0075] To facilitate manufacturing, the arm may have a rectangular cross-section. The cross-section may be cut perpendicular to the connection direction or the extension direction. The rectangular cross-section may be maintained along the entire length measured along the connection direction or the extension direction.

[0076] The ratio of the arm length to the maximum outer diameter of the opening ring is preferably between 0.5 and 4. This allows for easy operation of the fixing element while providing sufficient stability due to the sufficiently large diameter of the opening ring. Here, the arm length should be understood as the free length of the arm extending away from the base.

[0077] More preferably, this value is greater than 1, particularly greater than 1.5, and / or less than 3, more preferably less than 2.

[0078] Apart from the contact elements, the connector may consist only of a strain relief device and a substrate. The contact portion may be part of the substrate.

[0079] The connector may include an insulating collar positioned between the engaging portion and the distal end. This allows for electrical isolation between components located on different sides of the insulating collar.

[0080] The insulating collar may protrude outward. To achieve good insulation, it is preferable that the insulating collar extends around the entire circumference. The insulating collar may form a wall in the engagement portion. In a compact design, the insulating collar provides at least one opposing engagement surface to the strain relief device, oriented in the connection direction. The insulating collar may be integrated with other parts of the connector, particularly the substrate. A favorable embodiment is one in which the plane defined by the insulating collar is parallel to the plane defined by the opening ring in the installed state.

[0081] To enable the defined relative position, other parts of the strain relief device and / or connector, particularly the substrate, may be provided with at least one key element.

[0082] The key element may be adapted to block rotational movement of the strain relief device relative to other parts of the connector. Rotation should be understood as rotation around the connection direction.

[0083] The key element may have at least one projection and / or at least one recess.

[0084] To facilitate production, at least one device key element (a key element placed in the strain relief device) is positioned at one end of the open ring. Preferably, two device key elements are positioned at the opposite ends of the open ring.

[0085] To enable a more secure grip, the inner circumference portion of the strain relief device between the two device key elements is equal to or slightly smaller than the peripheral portion between the two connector key elements in the connector, particularly in the substrate. This peripheral portion should be located in the engagement area. These portions may be defined as being defined by the two anti-rotation surfaces of the strain relief device or the two mating anti-rotation surfaces of the connector.

[0086] To enable a compact design, it is preferable that at least one device key element protrudes radially inward.

[0087] To achieve good dispersion, the open-ring and / or strain-relief device may be mirror-symmetric.

[0088] Similarly, the arm may be attached to the opening ring midway between the two ends of the opening ring.

[0089] The gap in the opening ring may be on the radially opposite side of the arm.

[0090] To achieve a well-balanced distribution of forces, the opening ring may be substantially circular. Here, "circular" refers to the overall shape of the opening ring.

[0091] In another development, the open ring may have a different overall shape, such as a rectangle, polygon, or ellipse.

[0092] The opening ring may have a rectangular cross-section, where the cross-section is cut in the radial-axial plane. Such embodiments may be easy to manufacture.

[0093] The longer sides of the rectangle may be oriented outward and inward, while the shorter sides may be oriented along the connection direction and the opposite direction. This provides stability against inclination while offering good engagement in the connection direction and the opposite direction.

[0094] The ratio of the length of the longer side to the length of the shorter side is preferably less than 4, and more preferably less than 2.

[0095] The engaging portion preferably comprises a substantially circular groove. The engaging portion may be formed as a channel or trough. The engaging portion may have side walls and a bottom wall, thereby obtaining a basically open rectangular cross-section.

[0096] To optimize the free length of the arm, the engaging portion may be positioned between the contact portion and the distal end of the connector.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the engaging portion, where applicable, extends tangentially on the outer surface of the connector, particularly the base. To facilitate easy mounting, the engaging portion may open radially outward.

[0098] The engaging portion may extend approximately 360° around the connection direction, for example, more than 320° or more than 340°, and / or over more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, of the circumference.

[0099] To enable a space-saving configuration, the fixed elements may be placed within the internal space defined by the open ring when viewed along the connection direction.

[0100] In addition, when viewed along the connection direction, the ratio of the distance between the outermost point of the fixed element and the centroid of the open ring to the distance between the innermost point of the open ring and the centroid of the open ring is less than 0.8. This improves stability. This ratio is preferably less than 0.6, less than 0.5, less than 0.3, or less than 0.2.

[0101] The centroid is equal to the center of mass when the material is considered to be homogeneous. This can be considered the geometric center of mass.

[0102] In a preferred configuration for improved stability, the opening ring extends at least 300°, preferably at least 320°, and more preferably at least 340° around the centroid.

[0103] The connection assembly according to the present invention comprises a connector according to the present invention and a mating connector.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment, particularly in the pre-installation state where the connector and the mating connector are separated from each other along the connection direction with respect to the mated state, the distance between at least one lateral guide surface on the connector and the mating opposing lateral guide surface on the mating connector is smaller than the distance between each contact element and its corresponding mating contact element. In any case, the foremost point of a surface or element may be used to measure the distance between them.

[0105] In the corresponding connection step, the lateral guide surface overlaps with or contacts the opposing lateral guide surface before any of the contact elements contact the corresponding opposing contact element. This enhances safety.

[0106] In a further embodiment of the connection assembly, the connector is connected to a mating connector, and the actuation part is accessible from the outside. This allows for the operation of the fixed element in the connected state.

[0107] The connectors are connected to the mating connectors in a manner that relieves tension, particularly through arms or strain relief devices.

[0108] Access spaces and, in particular, access channels as defined above may exist.

[0109] In one embodiment, the mating connector is mounted on a support on the underside of the connection assembly, and the arm is positioned on the upper side of the connection assembly. This allows for access to the arm. The upper side is opposite to the lower side. Therefore, the other parts of the connection assembly are positioned between the arm and the support. The possible support may be a printed circuit board (PCB), particularly a flexible PCB.

[0110] The present invention further relates to a connection group comprising a connection assembly and a partition wall. The connection assembly is positioned in a receiving portion of the partition wall, and the working portion is accessible through an opening in the receiving portion. Here again, access may be defined by an access space, particularly an access channel, as described above.

[0111] In one embodiment, the receiving portion is tubular. The receiving portion may be open in the connection direction and the opposite direction, and may be closed in the radial direction.

[0112] The opening may be a front opening or an external opening.

[0113] The connector may have at least one contact element receptacle for at least one contact element. The contact element may be insertable into the contact element receptacle.

[0114] In other embodiments, the contact elements may be overmolded and secured to the rest of the connector during the molding step.

[0115] The connector may be adapted to connect to the mating connector by plugging. The connector may be a male connector, while the mating connector may be a female connector, or vice versa.

[0116] Contact elements may be fitted to be inserted along the insertion direction. The insertion direction may be the connection direction. For example, at least one contact element and the mating contact element may be elongated along the insertion direction.

[0117] The distal end is preferably the cable-side end, i.e., the end where the cable enters the other part of the connector, such as the base of the connector.

[0118] Herein, the present invention will be described in more detail and illustratively using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described are merely possible configurations, and the individual features described above may be provided independently of each other or omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0119] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a connector attached to a cable. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of a strain relief device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view of the substrate. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view of a connection group. [Figure 5] A further schematic perspective of the connection group. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connection group in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 3 is a further schematic perspective view of the substrate. [Figure 8] Figure 2 shows a further schematic perspective of the strain relief device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0120] The drawings show exemplary embodiments of connector 100, mating connector 200, connection assembly 300, and connection group 500.

[0121] Connector 100 is adapted to connect to mating connector 200 along connection direction C. As can be seen in Figures 4, 5, and 6, the mating connector is accessible through the receiving portion 403 of the partition wall 400. The partition wall 400 is mounted on a housing 407, for example, an electrical device. The mounting plate 405 of the partition wall 400 is mounted on the housing 407 by screws 406.

[0122] Connector 100 is a plug that can be connected to a mating connector 200 by inserting it at its proximal end 101. The insertion direction P is parallel to the connection direction C. The contact element 15 of connector 100 is elongated along the connection direction C and is implemented as a socket 14 used to contact a mating contact element 215 in the mating connector 200. The mating contact element 215 comprises pins 216 adapted to be inserted into the contact element 15. The pins 216 extend from the back of the mating connector 200 to a support portion 510 in the form of a PCB 511.

[0123] The connector 100 includes an arm 60 that extends away from the base 70 of the connector 100. The arm 60 essentially extends in the same direction as the connection direction C, for example, along the extending direction E as shown in Figure 2. In the exemplary embodiment, there is an angle of about 10 to 20° between the extending direction E and the connection direction C. The extending direction E may be defined as extending from the center point of the arm adjacent to the base 70 to the center point of the front end of the arm 60.

[0124] A fixing element 41 is positioned at the end portion 73 of the arm 60, which functions to secure the connector 100 to the mating connector 200. The fixing element 41 is a latching element 42 that automatically latches with the opposing latching element 242 on the mating connector 200 when the connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 200.

[0125] The latch element 42 includes a latch projection 43 that protrudes radially R. Radial R is perpendicular to the connection direction C. To enable automatic bending of the arm 60, the latch element 42 has a bending surface 44 at its front that is inclined with respect to the connection direction C.

[0126] For example, in the mated state shown in Figures 6 and 7, the latch surface 45 of the latch element 42 contacts the opposing latch surface 245 of the mating connector 200. The latch surface 45 is part of a step and faces in the opposite direction to the connection direction C. Therefore, a tension (strain) or force 7 acting on the cable 1 attached to the connector 100 in the opposite direction to the connection direction C is transmitted to the mating connector 200 via the arm 60. Only a small force exists between the contact element 15 and the mating contact element 215. Therefore, the fixing element 41 fixes the connector 100 to the mating connector 200.

[0127] The base 70 is positioned closer to the distal end 102 of the connector 100 than the contact portion 11 where the contact element 15 is located. Therefore, the arm 60 is more easily accessible to the operator via the front surface of the receiving portion 403. The operator can release the latch connection by pushing or pressing the actuation portion 95 of the arm 60 in the actuation direction A. Pushing or pressing may be done, for example, with a finger or a tool. At this time, the arm 60 moves from a fixed state 121 where the fixing element 41 is in a fixed position 131 to a released state where the fixing element 41 is in a released position. The fixing element 41 bends along the bending direction D parallel to the actuation direction A when pushed, and the latch is released. At this time, the connector 100 can be disconnected from the mating connector 200.

[0128] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the arm 60 is part of a strain relief device 40 that can be attached to the base 10 of the connector 100 at the mounting portion 12. The mounting portion 12 is located between the contact portion 11 and the distal end 102.

[0129] In this example, the mounting portion 12 is implemented as an engaging portion 20. This comprises a groove or channel 29 extending circularly along the circumferential direction U of the base body 10. The channel 29 comprises a first side wall 26 facing in the opposite direction to the connection direction C, and a second side wall 27 facing in the connection direction C, opposite to the first side wall 26. A bottom wall 28 extends between the first side wall 26 and the second side wall 27. The channel 29 opens radially outward. It functions to receive and engage with the opening ring 50 of the strain relief device 40.

[0130] The arm 60 is attached to the opening ring 50 via the base 70. All three parts are integral. The strain relief device 40 is preferably a single element made from a different material than the material from which the substrate 10 is made. For example, the strain relief device 40 may be made from a fiber-retaining plastic to achieve good mechanical stability. The substrate 10 may be made from an easily moldable plastic.

[0131] In the installed state, the opening ring 50 fits into the channel 29. This provides a shape fit or positive fit between the strain relief device 40 and the base 10 in the connection direction C and the opposite direction. The engagement surface 21 formed by the first side wall 26 faces in the direction opposite to the connection direction C and thus blocks the movement of the opening ring 50 relative to the base 10 along the connection direction C. The engagement surface 21 contacts the mating engagement surface 51 of the opening ring 50 at least when a force 7 attempts to pull the connector 100 away from the mating connector 200.

[0132] Similarly, the opposing engagement surface 22 formed by the second side wall 27 interferes with the opposing engagement surface 52 on the opening ring 50, thereby blocking the movement of the opening ring 50 relative to the base 10 in the direction opposite to the connection direction C.

[0133] Therefore, at the base 70, except for tolerances, the arm 60 cannot move relative to the base 10 in the connection direction C and the opposite direction, or can hardly move at all. Furthermore, the base 70 cannot move radially inward or outward due to the engagement of the opening ring 50 and the engaging portion 20.

[0134] In addition, rotation of the base 70 along the radial direction R and the tangential direction T perpendicular to the connection direction C is blocked by the engagement of the device key element 55 and the connector key element 25. As can be seen best in Figures 2, 7, and 8, the device key element 55 is formed as a projection that protrudes radially inward from the end 59 of the opening ring 50 and engages with the connector key element 25, which is formed as a hole or recess that opens radially outward.

[0135] To achieve a tight mating, the inner circumferential portion 54 of the opening ring 50 between the two device key elements 55 is equal to or slightly smaller than the peripheral portion 24 between the two connector key elements 25. This portion may be defined in particular by the stop faces 125 of the device key elements 55 and the connector key elements 25.

[0136] The open ring 50 and the arm 60, and therefore the entire strain relief device 40, are mirror-image symmetric with respect to the plane of symmetry S2. This results in good force distribution.

[0137] To enable easy installation, the base 70 and arm 60 are positioned radially opposite the gap 58 between the ends 59 of the opening ring 50. The arm 60 is located midway between the two ends 59.

[0138] The open ring 50 is basically circular.

[0139] In a plane encompassing the radial direction R and the connection direction C, the cross-section is rectangular and essentially matches the open rectangular cross-section of the channel 29. The longer sides of the rectangle face inward and outward in the radial direction, while the shorter sides face in and outward in the connection direction C. To achieve good mechanical stability, the width 151 of the open ring 50, measured along the connection direction C, is approximately twice the thickness 153, measured along the radial direction R.

[0140] The plane O defined by the opening ring 50 is perpendicular to the connection direction C.

[0141] The centroid 57 of the open ring 50 lies on a parallel plane X that is parallel to the plane of symmetry S2 and the plane S1 passing through the center of the open ring 50. The centroid 57 should be understood as the geometric centroid, which coincides with the centroid when the density of the open ring 50 is uniform. In the illustrated case, the centroid 57 is slightly offset toward the base 70 due to the gap 58.

[0142] To keep the force on the opening ring 50 small when the latch element 42 bends along the bending direction D, the fixing element 41 is positioned within the internal space 53 defined by the opening ring 50 when viewed along the connection direction C.

[0143] In particular, when viewed along the connection direction C, the ratio of the radial distance 145 between the outermost point of the fixed element 41 and the centroid 57 of the opening ring 50 to the radial distance 146 between the innermost point of the opening ring 50 and the centroid 57 of the opening ring 50 is less than 0.8.

[0144] The connector 100 is fitted so that the latch portion 92 of the arm 60 bends inward. The actuation portion 95 is radially separated from the base 10 along its entire length. To enable the inward bending of the actuation portion 95 and the latch portion 92 in which the latch element 42 is located, the base 10 is provided with a first recess 16 and a second recess 17, the second recess 17 being located in the contact portion 11. The first recess 16 and the second recess 17 have surfaces that are inclined with respect to the connection direction C. This improves the mechanical stability of the base 10. The latch portion 92 is radially bendable.

[0145] The arm 60 is radially separated from the rest of the connector 100 by a distance that allows the bend length of the latch element 42 to be between 1 and 5 times the latch height 47. Here, the latch height 47 is equal to the height of the latch surface 45 along the bending direction D. This can be achieved when the latch portion 92 is separated from the rest of the connector 100 by a distance between 1 and 5 times the latch height 47.

[0146] The actuation portion 95 extends over more than 60% of the length of the contact portion 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation portion 95 extends over almost the entire length of the contact portion 11. Due to the lever action, the actuation portion 95, which is positioned between the latch portion 92 and the base, does not need to bend as much as the latch portion 92. Only a portion of the latch height 47 needs to be actuated to release the latch connection.

[0147] The latch portion 95 is the terminal portion 73 located at the free end of the arm 60.

[0148] When fitted, the open ring 50 extends over almost the entire circumference of the base 10, for example, more than 300° around the connection direction C. When not fitted, the open ring 50 extends more than 300° around the centroid 57.

[0149] The connector 100 may be attached to the cable 1, for example, at the mounting portion 13, to transmit force. In this case, the force 7 can be transmitted mainly from the cable 1 to the engaging portion 20, the opening ring 50, the arm 60, and the fixing element 41, and then to the mating fixing element 241 of the mating connector 200. Thus, the mechanical connection is separated from the electrical contact.

[0150] The arm 60 comprises a first extension portion 71 extending from the base portion 70, a second extension portion 72 extending from the first extension portion 71, and an end portion 73 extending from the second extension portion 72.

[0151] The outer surface 80 of the base 70 is basically parallel to the connection direction. The outer surface 81 of the first extension 71 is inclined at a first angle 171 with respect to the connection direction. The outer surface 82 of the second extension 72 is inclined at a second angle 172 with respect to the connection direction C, and the second angle 172 is greater than the first angle 171. This allows for easy insertion of the connector 100 into the receiving portion 403, on the one hand, and keeps the volume of material that needs to be removed for the second recess 17 small, thereby making the base 10 mechanically stable. Surfaces 80, 81, 82, and 83 are shown as planes.

[0152] The width 62 of the arm 60 remains essentially constant along the connection direction C or the extending direction E until it reaches the terminal portion 73. The width 62 is measured perpendicular to the extending direction E and the radial direction R.

[0153] The thickness 63 of the arm 60, measured along the radial direction R, decreases along the extending direction E or the connecting direction C.

[0154] Consequently, the cross-sectional area of ​​the arm 60 decreases along the extending direction E or the connecting direction C. Therefore, the terminal portion 73 can be easily bent, while the arm 60 adjacent to the base portion 70 remains stable. To minimize twisting of the arm 60, the ratio of the width 62 to the thickness 63 increases along the extending direction E or the connecting direction C. The arm 60 has a basically rectangular cross-section.

[0155] The ratio of the free length 61 of the arm, measured along the connection direction C, to the maximum outer diameter 56 of the opening ring 50 is approximately 2. This represents a good compromise between the stability and accessibility of the actuation part 95.

[0156] To facilitate easy connection, the termination section 73 is substantially parallel to the connection direction C.

[0157] To guide the arm 60 perpendicular to the connection direction C and the bending direction D, particularly the latch element 42 toward the mating latch element 242, the arm 60 is provided with two lateral guide surfaces 66. Part of the lateral guide surfaces 66 is part of the latch element 42. The two lateral guide surfaces 66 are located on either side of the arm 60 at its end and face in opposite directions, namely the lateral direction L perpendicular to the connection direction C and the bending direction D and the opposite direction. The lateral guide surfaces 66 are adapted to engage with the opposing lateral guide surfaces 266 of the mating connector 200 during the mating process. In particular, the connector 100 and the mating connector 200 are configured such that the lateral guide surfaces 66 contact (or, in the case of perfect alignment, at least overlap) the opposing lateral guide surfaces 266 before the contact element 15 contacts the mating contact element 215.

[0158] In a pre-installation state (not shown) where connector 100 and mating connector 200 are spaced apart from each other along the connection direction C, the distance between at least one lateral guide surface 66 and the mating opposing lateral guide surface 266 is smaller than the distance between each contact element 15 and the corresponding mating contact element 215.

[0159] To restrict the movement of the mating connector 200 toward connector 100, a stopper surface 69 facing the connection direction C is positioned on the arm 60. A corresponding opposing stopper surface 269 is positioned on the mating connector 200.

[0160] When connector 100 is mated with the mating connector 200, the actuation part 95 becomes accessible from the outside. An access space 310 exists. The access space 310 may be an open access space 310 that opens in multiple directions, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The access space 310 particularly includes an access channel 320 (see Figure 4), which may be cylindrical, for example. The access channel 320 may be accessible by a finger, for example a test finger, or a specified instrument. Such accessibility may be defined by an official standard or a company standard. The linear access channel 320 shown extends from the actuation part 95 to a point outside.

[0161] The connector 100 includes an insulating collar 19 positioned between the engaging portion 20 and the distal end 102. The insulating collar 19 protrudes radially outward, extends around its entire circumference, and forms a second side wall 27 of the engaging portion 20. The plane defined by the insulating collar 19 is parallel to the plane O defined by the opening ring 50 in the installed state.

[0162] As can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the mating connector 200 is mounted on the support 510 on the lower side of the connection assembly 300, and the arm 60 is positioned on the upper side of the connection assembly 300, opposite to the lower side.

[0163] The opposing fixing element 241 includes an opposing latching element 242. The opposing latching element is part of a ring 243 having an opposing latching surface 245 on its back. The opposing fixing element 242 and the ring 243 do not protrude from the rest of the mating connector 200 in the direction opposite to the connection direction C. The front surface of the ring 243 is flush with the foremost part of the rest of the mating connector 200.

[0164] Figures 5 and 6 show an additional housing 505 that can be attached to the connector for protective purposes by a bayonet mechanism 409. The seal 408 functions to seal the connection to the housing 505.

[0165] As can be seen in Figure 6, the exemplary cable 1 comprises a line 4 having an internal conductor 3 that is electrically connected to a contact element 15.

[0166] In Figures 1, 4, and 6, you can see the cage 110 used to connect the outer shield layer of cable 1 to further components.

[0167] The extension length of the contact portion 12 along the connection direction C may be defined as the extension length of the longest contact element 15 along the connection direction C.

[0168] The expression "closer than" can be understood as meaning that the farthest or most distant part of one element is closer to the distal end 102 than the nearest part of the second element. In this example, the farthest part of the base may be closer to the distal end 102 than the nearest part of either of the contact elements 15.

[0169] The strain relief device 40 is repeatedly detachable from the rest of the connector 100, particularly from the base 10. In other embodiments, the strain relief device 40 may be a one-time installation. For example, the ends of the rings may be welded together.

[0170] In the illustrated example, the arm 60 is attached to the base 10 by the opening ring 50. In other embodiments, the arm may be attached by a different mechanism, for example, a pin and socket mechanism, by bonding, ultrasonic welding, or press-fit connection.

[0171] Furthermore, the arm 60 is shown as separate from the other parts of the connector 100. In another embodiment, the arm may be integrated with the other parts of the connector 100, particularly the base 10.

[0172] In one embodiment, the distal end 102 is the cable-side end 103 into which the cable 1 enters the connector 100. In other embodiments, the cable-side end 102 may be different from the distal end 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1 Cable 3. Inner conductor 4 lines 5 Shields 7 power 10 Base 11 Contact Section 12 Mounting part 13 Mounting part 14 sockets 15 Contact Elements 16 First recess 17. Second recess 19 Insulating Color 20 Engaging part 21 Engagement surface 22 Self-facing engagement surfaces 24 Surrounding part 25 Connector Key Elements 26 First side wall 27 Second side wall 28 Bottom wall 29 channels 40. Strain relief devices 41 fixed elements 42 Latch elements 43 Latch projection 44. Curved surface 45 Latch surface 47 Latch height 50 Open rings 51 Mating surface 52 Opposing engagement surfaces on the mating side 53 Interior space 54 Surrounding part 55 Device Key Elements 56 Outer diameter 57 Centroid 58 Gap 59 End 60 Arm 61 Length 62 width 63 Thickness 66 Side guide surface 69 Stopping surface 70 Base 71 First extension 72 Second extension 73 Termination section 80 Outer surface of the base 81 Outer surface of the first extension 82 Outer surface of the second extension 83 Outer surface of the terminal section 92 Latch section 95 Operating part 100 connectors 101 Proximal end 102 Distal end 103 Cable end 110 cages 121 Fixed state 125 Stopping surface 131 Fixed position 145 distance 146 distance 151 width 153 Thickness 171 First angle 172 Second Angle 200 mating connector 210 Base 211 Contact Section 215 Contact elements 216 pins 241 Opposing fixed element 242 Opposing latch element 243 Ring 245 Opposing latch surface 266 Opposing lateral guide surface 269 ​​Opposing mating surfaces 300 connection assemblies 310 Access Space 320 access channels 400 Bulkhead 403 Receiving part 405 Mounting Plate 406 screw 407 Housing 408 Seal 409 Part of the bayonet mechanism 410 Opening 500 connection groups 505 Housing 510 Support part 511 PCB A Operating direction C connection direction D Bending direction E Extending direction L (horizontal direction) O plane P Insertion direction R radial direction S1 is a plane passing through the center. S2 symmetrical plane T Tangential direction U circumferential direction X parallel plane

Claims

1. A connector (100), wherein the connector (100) is for connection at its proximal end (101) along the connection direction (C), A contact portion (11) adapted to fix at least one contact element (15), Base (70) and One arm (60) is integrally formed with the base (70) and extends substantially along the connection direction (C) from the base (70) Equipped with, The arm (60) is provided with at least one fixing element (41) for fixing the connector (100) in the opposite direction of connection (C), The base portion (70) is positioned closer to the distal end (102) of the connector (100) than the contact portion (11), and the distal end (102) is on the opposite side from the proximal end (101) along the connection direction (C). The arm (60) is provided with an operating part (95) that moves radially away from the base (10) of the connector (100), The fixing element (41) can be moved from a fixed state (121) to a released state by pushing or pressing the operating part (95) of the arm (60) in the operating direction (A). The aforementioned operating direction (A) intersects with the aforementioned connection direction (C). Connector (100).

2. The contact portion (11) is part of the base (10) of the connector (100), The contact portion (11) is arranged such that one end of each of the multiple contact elements (15) protrudes from the base (10) of the connector (100). The fixing element (41) of the arm (60) extends to the contact portion (11), The connector (100) according to claim 1.

3. The actuation part (95) of the arm (60) is adapted to be accessible from the outside. The connector (100) according to claim 1.

4. The arm (60) is provided with at least one lateral guide surface (66) for guiding the fixing element (41) in the lateral direction (L) or the opposite direction. The connector (100) according to claim 1.

5. The arm (60) comprises a first extension (71) extending from the base (70), a second extension (72) extending from the first extension (71), and an end portion (73) extending from the second extension (72). The connector (100) according to claim 1.

6. The fixed element (41) includes a latching element (42). The connector (100) according to claim 1.

7. The latch element (42) is provided with a latch projection (43) that protrudes radially outward. The connector (100) according to claim 6.

8. The latch portion (92) of the arm (60) equipped with the latch element (42) is bendable radially inward. The connector (100) according to claim 6.

9. The arm (60) is at least partially part of a strain relief device (40) for transmitting mechanical tension acting on the connector (100) in the opposite direction to the connection direction (C) to the mating connector (200). The strain relief device (40) can be attached to other parts of the connector (100). A connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The strain relief device (40) includes an opening ring (50), The arm (60) protrudes from the opening ring (50), The connector (100) is provided with an engagement portion (20) for the opening ring (50), and the engagement portion (20) is provided with at least one engagement surface (21) facing toward the distal end (102) of the connector (100). The connector (100) according to claim 9.

11. When viewed along the connection direction (C), the ratio of the distance (145) between the outermost point of the fixed element (41) and the centroid (57) of the opening ring (50) to the distance (146) between the innermost point of the opening ring (50) and the centroid (57) of the opening ring (50) is less than 0.

8. The connector (100) according to claim 10.

12. A connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a mating connector (200) are provided, The arm (60) is provided with at least one lateral guide surface (66) for guiding the fixed element (41) in the lateral direction (L) or the opposite direction. In the pre-installation state where the connector (100) and the mating connector (200) are separated from each other along the connection direction (C), the distance between the at least one lateral guide surface (66) and the mating opposing lateral guide surface (266) is smaller than the distance between each contact element (15) and the corresponding mating contact element (215). Connection assembly (300).

13. A connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a mating connector (200) connected to the connector (100), The actuation part (95) of the arm is accessible from the outside. Connection assembly (300).

14. The connection assembly described in claim 13 and a partition wall (400) are provided, The connecting assembly (300) is positioned on the receiving portion (403) of the partition wall (400). The actuation part (95) of the arm is accessible through the opening (410) of the receiving part (403). Connection group (500).

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