BLOCK PART OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of electrical connectors. The technical result consists in increasing the durability of the block portion of an electrical connector due to a hermetically sealed lid. The technical result is achieved due to the block portion being equipped with a lid closer comprising a bracket pivotally connected to the housing, an elastic means operating by torsion, one arm of which is attached to the housing and the other to one of the ends of the bracket and which provides a torque directed at the hinged convergence of the housing and the bracket towards each other, and a pressing element provided at the end of the bracket opposite the end of the elastic means attachment and configured to interact with said lid. 9 c.p. phyl., 9 fig.

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connectors intended for mechanical connection and disconnection of two conductive lines of an electrical circuit.

[0003] More specifically, the utility model relates to a block part of an electrical connector equipped with a closer that ensures the closing of the cover of the block part, carried out automatically when the conductive lines of an electrical circuit are disconnected.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] One of the most common types of electrical connectors today, an electrical connector consists of two detachable modular parts, each of which is electrically connected to one of two conductive lines to be connected into a common electrical circuit by the interconnection of these modular parts. Typically, one of these modular parts is a plug, and the other is a socket.

[0006] An example of a well-known electrical connector is the electrical connector mentioned in the interstate standard GOST 21962-76 under the name "rectangular electrical connector" (shown in the attached Figs. 8 and 9 from different angles). Connectors of this type are widely used in a wide variety of industries, especially in conditions of complex external influences. Due to their structural reliability, they have proven themselves in the following switching tasks: connecting inter-car electrical circuits in railway transport (conditions of strong vibration and high mechanical loads), providing electrical communication between drilling rig units (strong vibration, low temperatures, and increased corrosion), providing electrical communication between units of long-distance vessels (increased corrosion, large temperature fluctuations, and humidity), etc.

[0007] Let us refer to Fig. 8, in which the electrical connector known from the prior art, which complies with the GOST 21962-76 standard, is designated by the general reference number 15. From the drawing, it can be seen that the connector 15 consists of two block parts 20, 30, configured to be detachably connected to each other. Each of the block parts 20, 30 is connected to a corresponding conductive line of an electric circuit, so that in the case of an interconnection of these block parts 20, 30, the said conductive lines are closed into a single circuit. The image shown in Fig. 8 refers to the case in which the conductive line 40 approaches the first block part 20 from the outside (therefore it is visible in the drawing), while the corresponding supply line approaches the second block part 30 in a hidden manner (therefore it is not shown in the drawing).For example, the second block portion 30 may be located on the wall of a room or on the housing of an electrical device, and therefore the corresponding supply line will approach this block portion 30 from within the wall of the room or the inside of the device housing. However, it should be understood that both supply lines may approach block portions 20, 30 from the outside in the form of separate flexible conductors, i.e., similar to that shown in the upper region of Fig. 8.

[0008] Each of the two block portions 20, 30 contains a corresponding connector 21, 31, equipped with the necessary contact terminals (terminal blocks), ensuring the possibility of geometric mating with the mating terminals of the opposite connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the conductive lines associated with these block portions 20, 30. In the situation shown in Fig. 8, the connector 21 of the first block portion 20 is made in the form of a plug, and the connector 31 of the second block portion 30 is made in the form of a socket. Meanwhile, it should be understood that the opposite situation is also possible.

[0009] Furthermore, as follows from Fig. 8 and 9, at least one of the two block parts 20, 30 (in this case, this is part 30) can be provided with a cover 32. Such a cover 32 performs several functions, the most important of which is to protect the contact terminals of the block part 30 from moisture and dirt.

[0010] According to prior art, closing and / or opening the lid of electrical connectors similar to that presented in GOST 21962-76 requires human intervention. Referring to the example shown in Figs. 8 and 9, this means that when disconnecting block portion 20 from portion 30 (which results in an interruption of the electrical circuit), the operator must manually move lid 32 to the closed position and then ensure that it is securely and tightly locked in this position. Clearly, such manipulations are time-consuming and carry the risk of electric shock.

[0011] Furthermore, a wide variety of household electrical outlets equipped with a spring-loaded, hinged cover are known from the prior art. Such outlets (essentially a type of electrical connector) are produced in large quantities for use in favorable conditions, typically indoors. Examples include corresponding outlets supplied by Schneider Electric, ABB, and Schüco.

[0012] Also known are electrical connectors for industrial use (see, for example, https: / / taurauto.com / catalog / zapchasti / elektrika / razem_elektricheskiy_jc_003_s_zashchitnoy_pruzhinoy_50 / ), equipped with a spring-loaded hinged cover.

[0013] Due to the presence of a torsion spring in such household sockets and industrial electrical connectors, the cover automatically closes when the plug is removed. In other words, if the locking object (plug) is no longer in the path of the hinged cover, the tensioned spring forces the cover closed. Sockets (electrical connectors) of this type do offer some degree of hermetic sealing, but unfortunately, it is completely inadequate for industrial use. Furthermore, the components of such sockets, including the aforementioned spring, lack structural reliability, strength, and durability. They are not designed for use in harsh operating conditions, much less for military applications. Furthermore, the applied force vector in the spring-loaded covers of known sockets is directed along a circle whose radius is equal to the length of the cover.Due to this circumstance, the design of such covers does not allow for the most tight (hermetic) closure of the socket.

[0014] Thus, the technical problem solved by the present utility model consists in overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art by developing a block part of an electrical connector equipped with a reliable, durable closer for the electrical connector cover, which ensures the possibility of automatically moving the said cover into a stable, closed, sealed position, both under favorable operating conditions and in aggressive environmental conditions.

[0015] Disclosure of the essence of the utility model

[0016] The technical result of the utility model is to increase the durability of the block part of the electrical connector.

[0017] The proposed block part of an electrical connector comprises a housing with an opening, configured to accommodate a terminal block and geometrically mate with a mating block part of the electrical connector through said opening, and a cover hingedly attached to the housing with the ability to selectively open and close said opening. The technical problem is solved and the technical result is achieved due to the fact that the block part is equipped with a cover closer, comprising a bracket hingedly connected to said housing, an elastic means operating due to torsion, which is attached with one of its arms to the housing and with the other to one of the ends of the bracket and which provides a torque directed at the hinged bringing of the housing and the bracket together, and a pressing element provided at the end of the bracket opposite the end of the attachment of the elastic means and configured to interact with said cover.

[0018] In one particular embodiment, the pressing element is a roller mounted on a bracket with the ability to rotate.

[0019] In one particular embodiment, the pressing element is a section of the bracket that is given a smoothly curved shape.

[0020] In one particular embodiment, the pressure element is made in the form of a pad made of elastic material attached to the bracket.

[0021] In one particular embodiment, said elastic means is made in the form of a torsion spring.

[0022] In one particular embodiment, the closer comprises a base by means of which the bracket is connected to the body.

[0023] In one particular embodiment, said fastening means provide the ability to removably attach the closer to the electrical connector.

[0024] In one particular embodiment, the said fastening means are represented by latches in the form of spring-loaded hooks that engage with the outer surface of the electrical connector by means of an elastic closure.

[0025] In one particular embodiment, said fastening means provide the ability to permanently attach the closer to the electrical connector.

[0026] In one particular embodiment, the cover at the point of contact with the housing and / or the housing at the point of contact with the cover is equipped with a seal.

[0027] Brief description of drawings

[0028] The utility model is further described in more detail using the example of several possible variants of its practical implementation, disclosed with reference to the attached drawings, of which:

[0029] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of a block part of an electrical connector according to the utility model;

[0030] Fig. 2-4 illustrate step by step the operation of the electrical connector when the electrical circuit is opened;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the electrical connector cover closer from one of its sides;

[0032] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the electrical connector cover closer on the opposite side;

[0033] Fig. 7 shows a cover closer for an electrical connector with spatial separation of the constituent components;

[0034] Fig. 8 shows an electrical connector known from the prior art, wherein the block parts of this connector are in an open state;

[0035] and Fig. 9 in axonometric view depicts one of the block parts of the known electrical connector, and the cover of this block part is in the closed position.

[0036] Implementation of a utility model

[0037] The block portion 30 of the electrical connector (Fig. 1-4) generally comprises a housing 11, a cover 32 and a closer 1. The housing 11 is made hollow with an opening (in particular, as shown in Fig. 2-4, a rectangular opening) to ensure the possibility of installing a terminal block therein to form an electrical connector 31 and to ensure the possibility of access to said connector 31 from outside the housing 11 through said opening. In particular, in the case of a rectangular electrical connector 15 well known from the prior art, the housing 11 is made in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped in which a terminal block can be installed to form a connector 31 accessible through a rectangular opening in the housing 11 with the possibility of geometrically mating with the connector 21 of the mating block portion 20 of the electrical connector through said opening (see Fig. 2-4).

[0038] The cover 32 of the block portion 30 is hingedly secured to the housing 11 with the ability to selectively open and close the said connector 31 (and, accordingly, the terminal block). In particular, the cover 32 is configured to move between a closed position (see Fig. 1), in which the cover hermetically closes the said opening (and, accordingly, the connector 31), and an open position (see Fig. 3), in which the cover is bent relative to the housing 11 and does not interfere with the mating of the connector 31 with the connector 21 of the mating block portion of the electrical connector. Also, between the said open and closed positions, a plurality of intermediate partially open positions of the cover 32 are possible (see Figs. 3, 4).

[0039] The cover 32 of the block portion 30 may be provided with a seal (not shown) at the point of contact with the housing 11 to improve the tightness of the closure of the connector 21. In addition or as an alternative, the housing 11 at the point of contact with the cover 32 may also be provided with a seal (not shown) to improve the tightness of the closure of the connector 21 and, therefore, to improve the durability of the block portion 30.

[0040] The closer 1 of the cover 32 of the block part 30 is generally pivotally mounted on the body 11 of the block part 30 of the electrical connector 15 and is designed with the possibility of applying a constant pressing force to the cover 32 of the block part 30, which tends to pivotally move the cover 32 into the state of closing the block part 30.

[0041] Let us now consider Figs. 5-7, which illustrate the closer 1 of the lid 32 in a preferred embodiment in more detail. As can be seen from these drawings, the closer 1 comprises a base 3, at one end of which a pair of ears facing each other are provided, designed to hold the axis of rotation 7. By means of this axis 7, a bracket 2 is rotatably mounted on the base 3. In the shown embodiment, the bracket 2 is made in the form of a plate bent at an angle, one end of which is provided with a pressing element 5, and the other end, opposite the first, contains a stop platform and a pair of ears for securing the axis 7 to them. As best shown in Fig. 5, the axis of rotation 7 passes through the ears of the base 3 and through the eyes of the bracket 2, providing an articulated joint between the base 3 and the bracket 2.

[0042] However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the base 3 may be a component of the block portion 30 of the electrical connector 15, in particular, it may be inseparably connected to it (for example, by welding or casting as a single piece) or detachably connected to it.

[0043] In addition to the axis 7, the bracket 2 and the base 3 are connected to each other by means of an elastic means 4, which operates due to torsion and is capable of generating a torque. In the embodiment shown, this means 4 is represented by a torsion spring mounted on the axis 7. This elastic means 4 has two arms, one of which rests against the base 3, and the other against the stop pad of the bracket 2. The elastic means 4 is installed in such a way that the torque it generates is directed at the hinged convergence of the base 3 (and, accordingly, the housing 11 connected to it) and the bracket 2 to each other.

[0044] As for the previously mentioned pressure element 5, in a number of embodiments it may be directly part of the plate 2 itself, for example, a part of the plate bent along a curved pattern so as to not have sharp edges in the direction of the intended pressure. In another case, the pressure element 5 may be implemented as a separate pad made of an elastically deformable material and may be attached to the first end of the plate 2 using appropriate fasteners. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the pressure element 5 is represented by a roller mounted on the first end of the bracket 2 with the ability to rotate. For example, this roller may be attached to the first end of the plate 2 using an axis 6 secured in two eyes molded on the said first end of the plate 2.It is obvious that from the point of view of convenience and cost reduction of the door closer assembly, axes 6 and 7 can be represented by identical structural elements, as well as pairs of lugs provided at both ends of plate 2.

[0045] As stated above, the closer 1 is mounted on the block portion of the electrical connector, in particular, on at least one of the block portions (20 or 30, or both) of the electrical connector 15. It should be explained that although in the present description the design of the block portion with the built-in closer is described with reference to the block portion 30, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that the block portion 20 can also be equipped with a cover and a closer.

[0046] According to one possible embodiment, the closer is attached to the block portion 30 by fastening means (not shown). For example, these fastening means may be represented by latches in the form of spring-loaded hooks that engage with the outer surface of the body of the block portion 30 by means of an elastic lock. The closer 1 is mounted on the block portion 30 in such a way that the pressing element 5 (in particular, the roller) interacts with the lid 32, in particular, rests against the outer surface of the lid 32, pressing it in the closing direction.This installation option, based on the use of interlocking latches, is convenient from a practical point of view, but may not be sufficiently reliable, since in the case of a tight connection between the connectors 21 and 31 of the first and second parts 20, 30 of the electrical connector 15, the force applied to the connectors 21 and 31 to disconnect them may be so significant that it exceeds the coupling force of the latches, and therefore causes the disconnection of the closer 1 from the corresponding connector 31.

[0047] For this case, another option for installing the closer on the block part may be provided. For example, for this purpose, the closer is installed on the block part using screws (passed, for example, through the holes shown in Fig. 6 in the base 3). Moreover, in other embodiments, the base may be a component of the housing 11 of the block part 30, in particular, attached to it by welding, soldering, etc., or made integral with the housing 11 of the block part 30 at the stage of its manufacture (in particular, casting, stamping, etc.).

[0048] Furthermore, in the case of modernization of the block part not equipped with a closer, from the said block part 30 the cover 32 is first dismantled, the closer 1 is installed on the block part 30 using screws (passed, for example, through the holes shown in Fig. 6 in the base 3), and then the cover 32 is put back on the block part 30, installing it now on top of the base 3 of the closer 1. In addition, in this case, the base 3 of the closer can be made to match in its geometric, functional and strength characteristics with one of the internal structural elements of the block part 30. In this case, the person installing the closer 1 first disassembles the block part 30 in order to remove the said matching structural element from it, puts the base 3 (to which the remaining components of the closer 2 are attached) in place of the removed element, and after This replacement reassembles the block part 30.As a result of such an operation, the closer 1 is securely fastened to the block part 30, and the base 3 included in its composition, in addition to its direct function, performs the function of the removed structural element of the block part 31.

[0049] Next, with reference to Fig. 1-4, we will consider the operation of the block part of the electrical connector, equipped with a closer 1 when disconnecting the block parts 20, 30 of the electrical connector 15, leading to the opening of the electrical circuit formed by them.

[0050] At the moment preceding the start of opening (see Fig. 2), the block parts 20, 30 are in a state of mutual coupling, and the closer 1, installed on the block part 30, exerts a constant pressing force on the cover 32 of the block part 30 with the pressing element 5, which tends to pivotally move the cover 32 into the state of closing the block part 30. Since the block part 20 is in the path of the cover 32, the cover 32 cannot move, and the state shown in fragment A is stable.

[0051] At the moment shown in Fig. 3, the operator removes the block portion 20 from the mating position with the block portion 30, and the lid 32, experiencing the pressing action of the pressing element 5, begins to move into the closed state (Fig. 3 shows the very beginning of the trajectory of its movement). Let us recall in this regard that the pressing element 5 exerts a pressing force on the lid 32 due to the fact that it experiences a corresponding action from the elastic means 4, which applies a torque to the bracket 2 on which the said pressing element 5 is mounted.

[0052] Next, the cover 32, pressed by the pressing element 5, passes through the intermediate position shown in Fig. 4, moves to the final closed position shown in Fig. 1, and is fixed in this position. As a result, the contact terminals (terminal block) of the block portion 30 are hermetically sealed by the cover 32 and protected from moisture and dirt. It should be noted that this closed position of the cover 32 is reliable and stable, since the cover experiences a constant pressing force against the block portion 30 from the elastic means 4.

[0053] To reconnect the block parts 20 and 30 with each other, and therefore to reconnect the lines 40 approaching them into a common electrical circuit, it is necessary to manually open the cover 32 of the block part 30; then, holding the cover 32 open, insert the connector 21 of the block part 20 into the connector 31 of the block part 30; and release the cover 32, which, under the action of the closer 1, will take the working position shown, for example, in Fig. 2.

[0054] According to the preferred embodiment of the utility model, the pressure element 5 is designed as a roller, rotatably mounted on the first end of the bracket 2. Let us explain this embodiment in more detail.

[0055] When the cover 32 is moved from the open to the closed position by the elastic means 4, it experiences direct physical contact with the pressing element 5. This contact should be as delicate (minimally invasive) as possible so as not to damage the outer surface of the cover 32. The fact is that during the entire service life of the electrical connector 15, the opening and closing of the cover 32 may occur many hundreds and even thousands of times, but under conditions of use of the electrical connector 15 in a corrosive environment, the presence of even a small scratch on the cover can initiate the process of its complete corrosion destruction within a relatively short period of time. In this regard, it is also important to note that simply giving the pressing element 5 a smooth curved shape or making it from a soft elastic material may not be sufficient to eliminate the risk of mechanical damage.Indeed, at low temperatures, any elastomer becomes hard and abrasive, while under significant mechanical and vibration loads, any smooth surface can develop nicks, chips, and other deformations. Consequently, in both cases, the clamping action of such pressure elements becomes dangerous for the outer surface of cover 32.

[0056] Meanwhile, the applicant has found that when the pressure element 5 is designed as a rotating roller, the pressing action of the element 5 becomes much gentler. This is because, during the aforementioned steps B and C of closing the lid 32, the roller 5, exerting a pressing action on the lid 32, gently rolls along its surface, rotating relative to the axis 6. As a result of this design of the closer 1, the pressure element 5 no longer rubs against the lid 32 and, therefore, does not have a destructive effect on it. This embodiment is characterized by increased reliability and durability. Electrical connectors equipped with this closer design are suitable for use, for example, in conditions of strong vibration and extremely low ambient temperatures.

[0057] The present application can be summarized as follows. The proposed utility model, thanks to its ability to automatically move the electrical connector cover into a stable, closed position, improves personnel safety when disconnecting connector components and significantly reduces the time and labor required to handle electrical connectors.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the design of the proposed closer, the applied force vector exerted by the pressure element on the lid is directed essentially perpendicular to the lid. This circumstance is extremely favorable, as it ensures the most tight (hermetic) lid closure.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the design variant in which a rotating roller is used as a pressing element, it becomes possible to further increase the durability of electrical connectors and the reliability of their operation under aggressive external influences.

[0060] Thus, the claimed utility model successfully solves the stated problem in a cost-effective, low-cost, and efficient manner, ensuring increased durability of the electrical connector block portion 30. This result is achieved by equipping the block portion 30 with a damper of the described design, which exerts a constant, high force on the cover 32, directed substantially perpendicular to the surface of the cover 32. This results in reliable sealing of the housing 11 of the block portion 30, closed by the cover 32, which maximally effectively protects the electrical connector 31 from dirt and moisture.

[0061] Furthermore, the claimed utility model ensures reliable and correct operation of the electrical connector under any conditions of its use, additionally allows for a reduction in the time and labor costs of people involved in the processes of manipulating the electrical connector, and also increases the safety of their work.

[0062] Item numbers

[0063] 1 - closer;

[0064] 2 - closer bracket;

[0065] 3 - closer base;

[0066] 4 - elastic means (torsion spring);

[0067] 5 - pressure element (roller);

[0068] 6 - ​​roller axis;

[0069] 7 - elastic means axis;

[0070] 11 - housing of the block part of the electrical connector;

[0071] 15 - electrical connector;

[0072] 20 - the first block part of the electrical connector;

[0073] 21 - connector of the first block part;

[0074] 30 - the second block part of the electrical connector;

[0075] 31 - connector of the second block part;

[0076] 32 - block part cover;

[0077] 40 - conductive line.

Claims

1. A block portion of an electrical connector comprising a housing with an opening, designed with the possibility of installing a terminal block therein and geometrically mating with the mating block part of the electrical connector through the said opening, and a lid hinged to the body with the ability to selectively open and close said opening, characterized in that it is equipped with a lid closer containing: a bracket pivotally connected to the said body, an elastic means operating by torsion, which is attached with one arm to the body and with the other to one of the ends of the bracket, and which provides a torque directed at the hinged convergence of the body and the bracket to each other, and a pressing element provided at the end of the bracket opposite the end of the attachment of the elastic means and configured to interact with said cover.

2. The block part according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the pressure element is a roller mounted on a bracket with the possibility of rotation.

3. The block part according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the pressing element is a section of the bracket that is given a smoothly curved shape.

4. The block part according to item 1, characterized in that the pressure element is made in the form of a pad made of elastic material, attached to the bracket.

5. A block part according to any of paragraphs 1-4, characterized in that said elastic means is made in the form of a torsion spring.

6. A block part according to any of paragraphs 1-5, characterized in that the closer contains a base by means of which the bracket is connected to the body.

7. A block part according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, characterized in that said fastening means provide the possibility of removable attachment of the closer to the electrical connector.

8. A block part according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, characterized in that said fastening means are represented by latches in the form of spring-loaded hooks that engage with the outer surface of the electrical connector by means of an elastic closure.

9. A block part according to any one of paragraphs 1-6, characterized in that said fastening means provide the possibility of permanently attaching the closer to the electrical connector.

10. A block part according to any of paragraphs 1-8, characterized in that the cover at the point of contact with the body and / or the body at the point of contact with the cover is equipped with a seal.

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