EP3176885A1 - Connector and connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a first connector adapted to be connected at a first end to a first electrical component and connected at a second end to a second connector complementary to the first connector. The first connector comprises at least a first part of a bayonet-type connection, and at least a first latching element of a latching device, which is arranged such that it extends in a plugging direction. Further, a second connector complementary to and connectable to the first connector and a connector assembly comprising the first and second connectors are provided.

Description

The invention relates to two mating complementary connectors and a male connector assembly.

Electrical connectors are needed for versatile applications, e.g. as connections for coaxial cables in radio frequency applications or as a connection for other components with each other and with cables, e.g. in the automotive sector. The problem with the connection is that a release of the two connectors must be avoided. Therefore, a variety of fixing means is known to prevent the release of the two connectors from each other. A firm connection can thus take place via a wide variety of fixing means, e.g. via several additional auxiliary elements, which create a connection by means of rotary motion. This type of connection is preferably chosen with at least approximately cylindrical connectors. Alternatively, the connection is achieved, for example, rectangular connectors via sliding elements which engage in one another via spring elements.

Different fixatives for fixing plugs are used in the US 2015/0177467 A1 proposed. Here are various additional parts such as pins, snap-in connections, spring elements, etc. proposed as a backup against unscrewing the plug.

Also the US 2006 / 0172580A1 proposes a fixation of the connector over a plurality of means to be joined together. The connection takes place here mainly via a first untwisting of the elements and the fixation via spring arms, which engage in corresponding counterparts or snap.

The DE 91 05 436 U1 discloses a plug connector assembly with a trained as a rotary actuator for fixing the two connectors. When connecting the two connectors, the rotary ring is rotated by means of a bayonet connection over both connectors, so that it receives a part of the connector. The final fixation of the two connectors via on the outer circumference of a connector arranged latching projections and arranged in the interior of the rotary ring locking recesses which lock together when turning the rotary ring in the end position.

The previously proposed connector assemblies can be used only conditionally for modern high-frequency applications, since they either require a large number of parts or have too much space. For multi-part solutions, the problem is that these parts alone are costly due to their number. In addition, there is a risk that intermodulation may occur if the parts are not perfectly matched or non-intermodulation-free material is used to prevent wear. In addition, the assembly of the parts is complex and therefore expensive. In solutions that require a smaller number of parts, there is the problem that, for example, due to a need for connection rotary ring have a certain amount of space, so that multiple connectors can not be placed next to each other at a small distance, which in turn costs.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide mating connectors and plug connector assemblies that solve the above problems. Above all, a miniaturization of the connectors or in the overall system of the plug connector assembly is to be realized. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a first connector is provided that is configured to be connected to a first end to a first electrical component and connected to a second end with a second connector complementary to the first connector, wherein the first connector at least a first part of a Bayonet-type compound and at least a first latching element of a latching device, which is arranged such that it extends in an insertion direction.

By providing the combination of bayonet-type connection and locking element, which is arranged in the insertion direction, no additional elements such as slides or adapters are required for fixing the connector. Moreover, it is possible by the arrangement of the locking element in the insertion direction to connect a complementary second connector with the first connector so that a minimum dimensioning of both connectors is possible and thereby multiple connector assemblies can be arranged very close to each other.

A bayonet-type connection is understood as meaning a connection in which one of the two connectors has at least one insertion bevel inclined with respect to the plugging direction, with a first guide means, and the other of the two plug connectors has a second guide means which fits into the insertion bevel via the first guide means. By introducing the second guide means in the insertion bevel on the first guide means and rotating the second guide means along the insertion be carried out depending on the direction of movement, a merging or a divergence of the two connectors. Unlike bayonet connections, no overshoot is needed or used in a bayonet connection. Overstroke is a snapping of the guide means is designated in a bulge in the insertion, whereby a simple moving out of the guide means from the end portion of the insertion can not be done without force. A disadvantage of an overstroke is that in order to release the connection, an axial movement of the plug connectors must take place toward one another, so that a non-advantageous multiple overrunning of the electrical contact takes place.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the first part of the bayonet-type connection is formed as an insertion aid arranged at an angle between the first end and the second end and oblique to an insertion direction of the connector, and the first detent element is arranged on the end face of the second end of the first connector is or spaced from the end face of the second end of the first connector.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the first part of the bayonet-type connection is arranged at the second end of the first connector as a second guide means and the first locking element is arranged spaced from the first part of the bayonet-type connection towards the first end of the first connector.

The arrangement of the first locking element on the connector specifies which second connector can be connected to the first connector. By appropriately arranged first locking element miniaturization of both the connector and the connector assembly produced from two complementary interconnected connectors is achieved.

By an appropriate arrangement of the first part and the locking element to each other and to the second end of the connector ensures that when merging or diverging from two connectors no overtravel arises.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the first latching element is a latching recess or a latching lug.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the first connector comprises at least two first parts of a bayonet-type connection. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the first connector comprises at least two first latching elements. In a further embodiment, the at least two first latching elements are arranged symmetrically to one another.

By providing a plurality of first parts of the bayonet-type connection and / or a plurality of latching elements, which are formed as latching recesses, latching noses or a combination thereof, an even better fixation of connectors is made possible.

Provided in the context of the present invention further comprises a second connector which is connected to the first connector according to one of the preceding Claims complementary and can be brought into plug-in connection, and which is adapted to be connected to a first end portion with a second electrical component and to be connected to a second end portion with the first connector. The second connector comprises at least a second complementary to the first connector part of a bayonet-type connection, and at least a second latching element of a latching device which is arranged so that it extends in an insertion direction, wherein the at least one second latching element to the shape of the first Detent element has complementary shape.

The second connector is constructed to be complementary to the first connector and thus has the same advantages, in particular that a miniaturization of the entire system of the first and second connector can be achieved.

It is further provided in the context of the present invention that the first and / or the second connector is or are integrally formed, two-piece or multi-piece.

An integrally formed connector is very inexpensive, while a two-piece connector has the advantage that mounting on the corresponding component, e.g. a cable, can be simplified. It is also possible to form the connector in several pieces, if necessary. Which connector is selected depends on the application.

Further provided within the scope of the present invention is a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector as previously described. In this case, the first part of the bayonet-type connection and the second part of the bayonet-type connection are formed and arranged so complementary to each other that thereby the first connector can be merged or separated with the second connector. The first locking element and the second locking element are formed so complementary to each other and arranged that the first locking element with the second locking element in locked a position in which the two connectors are in an end position of the bayonet-type connection.

By the connector assembly of the first and second connectors miniaturization of the connector assembly is achieved, so that a plurality of connector assemblies can be arranged close together and easy to assemble. The connector assembly combines all the advantages of each connector.

In a further embodiment it is provided that, when the first part of the bayonet-type connection is designed as a guide nose, and the first detent element is designed as a latching nose, an elastic deformation of the guide nose and / or the detent and / or the material of the connector during merging or when diverging the connector in or against the direction of insertion takes place, the deformation is reversible.

Due to the elastic deformation an overstroke can be avoided when merging or separating. Furthermore, the reversibility avoids additional protection against slipping out of the bayonet-type connection.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, the inventive details shows, and from the claims. The individual features can be realized individually for themselves or for several in any combination in a variant of the invention.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine Ansicht eines Steckverbinders gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine Ansicht eines zu einem in Figur 1 gezeigten Steckverbinder komplementären Steckverbinders gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine Ansicht eines in Figur 2 gezeigten, zweiteilig ausgebildeten Steckverbinders gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine Ansicht eines Zusammenführens des ersten und des zweiten Steckverbinders gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine Ansicht eines Zusammenführens und Drehens des ersten und des zweiten Steckverbinders gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 6 zeigt eine Ansicht eines Zusammenführens und Drehens bis kurz vor der Endposition des ersten und des zweiten Steckverbinders gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine Ansicht einer Steckerverbinderanordnung in Endposition gemäß einer Ausführung der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

• Fig. 1 shows a view of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 shows a view of one in one FIG. 1 shown connector complementary connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 3 shows a view of an in FIG. 2 shown, two-part connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 4 shows a view of a merging of the first and the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 5 shows a view of merging and rotating the first and the second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 6 shows a view of merging and turning until just before the end position of the first and second connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 7 shows a view of a connector assembly in the final position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description of the figures, the same elements or functions are provided with the same reference numerals.

Figures 1 and 2 14 show views of two mutually complementary first and second connectors 10 and 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the in FIG. 2 shown connector 20 as a two-part connector.

The in FIG. 3 The connector shown differs from that in FIG. 2 shown connector only in that it is designed in two parts for better Aufsteckbarkeit on eg cables and can be connected via connecting elements 23 to a complete connector. The connecting elements 23 can be designed differently, as a snap connection, as a screw connection, they can be glued, welded or otherwise connected together as long as the connector is firmly seated on the component.

In the following description, the in FIG. 1 shown connector described as the first connector 10, and the in FIG. 2 respectively. FIG. 3 shown connector as the second connector 20, which serves only for ease of description. Likewise, the terms could be reversed. The same applies to all components described below and labeled "first / first / first".

In FIG. 1 Thus, a first connector 10 is shown, which can be connected to a first end portion 101 with an electrical component, such as a cable, a socket or other component. At its second end 102, the first connector 10 with a second end portion 202 of a second, in FIG. 2 shown, connector 20 are connected, which has a shape complementary to the first connector 10.

For this purpose, the body of the first connector 10 insertion aids 12 and 13 for merging the two connectors 10 and 20. In the FIG. 1 Insertion aids shown 12 and 13 comprise on the body of the first connector 10 oppositely arranged insertion bevels 13, which allow the bayonet-type closure, and a first guide means 12 which is disposed on the front side or end face of the first connector 10 as a recess in the circumference around the To receive guide nose 22 of a second connector 20 and to lead into the insertion bevel 13. The insertion aid 12 and 13 serves as the first part of a bayonet-type connection in cooperation with the complementary second part of the bayonet-type connection, which in FIG. 2 is shown as guide tabs 22 accordingly.

The in FIG. 2 respectively. FIG. 3 shown second connector 20 may be connected at a first end portion 201 with an electrical component, such as a cable. At its second end portion 202, it is formed such that it is connectable to the first connector 10. He is a complementary connector to the first connector 10 is formed such that it has a second guide means 22 as a second part of the bayonet-type connection, which is designed as a guide nose 22. In FIG. 2 respectively. FIG. 3 There are two guide lugs 22 which fit into the corresponding first guide means 12 of the first connector 10.

In the in Figures 1 and 2 and 3 shown embodiment, the first and the second connector 10 and 20 are substantially cylindrical. However, any other suitable form may be used as long as the compound of the invention can be made.

In FIG. 1 two insertion bevels 13 and two first guide means 12 are shown. However, depending on the application, only one insertion bevel 13 and one first guide means 12 or more than two insertion bevels 13 or first guide means 12 can be provided. Accordingly, the second connector 20 is selected for connection to the first connector 10.

The in FIG. 1 shown first guide means 12 are formed such that they form a recess in the circumference at the end face or end face of the first connector 10, so that a second complementary thereto guide means 22, for example a guide nose, can be passed, then guided into the insertion bevel 13 to become. The first guide means 12 formed as a recess has the advantage that it does not protrude further or only slightly further out of the plug connector arrangement in its end position than the second guide means 22 of the second plug connector 20 introduced via the bayonet-type connection.

In addition to the space saving bayonet connection, the in FIG. 1 shown first connector 10 for securely fixing the connection on its front side or end face four first locking elements 11, of which two are arranged side by side and the other two locking elements 11 opposite one another. The first locking elements 11 are on the front side or end face or in the vicinity, ie with a small distance from the end face of the second end 102 of the first connector 10 arranged to latch with corresponding complementarily shaped second locking elements 21 of the second connector 20 in the insertion direction. The arrangement of the locking elements 11 depends on the application and is not limited to that the locking elements 11 are arranged directly on the end face of the second end 102 of the first connector 10. Rather, a distance to the end face can be predetermined as long as the complementary locking means 21 is formed accordingly, so that the same locking effect arises.

The in FIG. 2 respectively. FIG. 3 shown second connector 20 has at one of its second end portion 202, on which the guide lugs 22 are arranged, spaced area to those in FIG. 1 shown locking recesses 11 complementary second locking elements 21 which are formed as locking lugs 21. The second locking elements 21 are in such a way on the second connector in FIG. 2 arranged to be in the direction of insertion, ie in the direction in which the first connector with the second connector together or is guided apart (see reference numeral 40 in FIG. 4 ), with the first locking elements of the first connector 10 can lock.

The shape of the locking elements 11 and 21 is chosen so that a solid, as free of play connection arises after snapping into each other. You can choose shapes such as triangles, trapezoids, nubs or other shapes that allow them to snap together. Advantageous is the choice of easily manufactured shapes, e.g. by injection molding.

The material of the connector is chosen such that it prevents intermodulation in high-frequency applications or is intermodulation-proof. Furthermore, the material should have a certain elasticity, since in order to avoid an overstroke in the bayonet-type connection, an elastic deformation and reshaping to the original shape of at least the guide element 22 designed as a guide nose is required. Likewise, a latching element may be formed correspondingly elastic. This is useful when guide nose 22 and locking lug 21 are arranged on the same connector. It is advantageous if the guide nose 22 closer to the second end portion 202 of the connector is arranged as the latching lug 21, which in turn is arranged at a distance from the guide lug 22. When merging the two connectors, as in FIG. 4 shown, the guide lugs 22 of the second connector 20 are inserted into the guide recesses 12 of the first connector 10. Then, the connectors 10 and 20 relative to each other as in FIG. 5 rotated, so that the guide lugs 22 are guided in the insertion bevels 13 until the locking elements 21 of the second connector 20 meet on the end face or end face of the first connector 10. This is in FIG. 6 shown. In FIG. 6 It can be seen that the guide lugs 22 have not yet reached an end position and also the locking elements 11,21 are not yet locked together. In order to reach the end position or to achieve a lock, the two connectors are rotated further. The distance between the guide lugs 22 and the locking lugs 21 is elastically expanded by the material between the insertion bevel 13 and end face or end face of the first connector 10, which corresponds to a wedge in the direction of rotation. Upon reaching the end position, which in FIG. 7 is shown, the material of the second connector 20 can elastically deform back into the original shape, while the locking elements 21 lock together. Depending on the application and manufacturing tolerances, a residual stress of the guide lugs 22 in the axial direction, ie in the insertion direction 40, remain. Due to the elastic deformability of the guide lugs 22 and / or the locking elements 21, an overstroke in the interior of the connectors 10, 20, ie in the electrically connected components, can be avoided, which leads to a higher reliability.

In FIG. 7 a plug connector assembly 30 is shown in which the first connector 10 has been merged with the second connector 20 and the end position has been reached, that is, the locking elements 11 and 21 are locked together. Due to the space-saving bayonet-type connection and the plug-in direction correspondingly arranged locking elements 11, 21, the plug connector assembly 30 requires very little space and is easy to install. Thus, multiple plug connector assemblies can be placed side by side at a small distance, which in turn achieves cost savings.

The release of the plug connector assembly is accomplished by reversing the process of merging. By means of force, which is determined by the appropriate choice of the slopes of the locking elements 11 and 21, the latching can be solved. As a result of the elastic deformability of the guide means 22 or ratchet elements 21 and / or of the material of the connector, no overstroke is exerted on the electrical components even when the plug connector arrangement is released.

In the figures, reference was made concretely to "first" and "second" connectors, guide means and locking elements. This concretization is only a better description. The terms "first" and "second" are thus interchangeable.

Due to the axial merging of the connector a minimum space requirement is realized without jeopardizing the secure fixation of the connector.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

First connector

101

First end

102

Second end

11

First locking element

12

First guide

13

chamfer

20

Second connector

201

First end area

202

Second end area

21

Second locking element

22

Second part of the bayonet-type connection or second guide means

23

fasteners

30

Connector assembly

40

plug-in direction

Claims (12)

A first connector (10, 20) adapted to be connected to a first end (101, 201) with a first electrical component and a second end (102, 202) to a first connector (10, 20) complementary second connector (10, 20), the first connector (10, 20) comprising: at least a first part (12, 13, 22) of a bayonet-type connection, and - At least a first latching element (11, 21) of a latching device, which is arranged such that it extends in a plugging direction (40). The first connector (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (12, 13) of the bayonet-type connection is arranged as one between the first end (101, 201) and the second end (102, 202) to a plug-in direction (40 ) of the connector (10, 20) obliquely extending insertion (12, 13) is formed and the first latching element (11, 21) on the end face of the second end (102, 202) of the first connector (10, 20) is arranged. The first connector (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (12, 13) of the bayonet-type connection is arranged as one between the first end (101, 201) and the second end (102, 202) to a plug-in direction (40 ) of the connector (10, 20) obliquely extending insertion (12, 13) is formed and the first latching element (11, 21) to the end face of the second end (102, 202) of the first connector (10, 20) is arranged spaced. The first connector (10, 20) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (22) of the bayonet-type connection is disposed at the second end (102, 202) of the first connector (10, 20) as the second guide means (22) and the first detent element (11, 21) to the first part (12, 13, 22) of the bayonet-type connection in the direction of the first end (101, 201) of the first connector (10, 20) spaced apart. First connector (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first latching element (11, 21) is a latching recess or a latching lug. First connector (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (10, 20) comprises at least two first parts (12, 13, 22) of a bayonet-type connection. First connector (10, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connector (10, 20) comprises at least two first latching elements (11, 21). First connector (10, 20) according to claim 7, wherein the at least two first locking elements (11, 21) are arranged symmetrically to each other. A second connector (10, 20) complementary to and connectable to the first connector (10, 20) of any one of the preceding claims, and configured to have a first end (101, 201) with a second electrical connection Component to be connected to a second end (102, 202) with the first connector (10, 20), comprising: - At least a second to the first connector (10, 20) complementary part (12, 13, 22) of a bayonet-type compound, and at least one second latching element (11, 21) of a latching device which is arranged in such a way that it extends in an insertion direction (40), wherein the at least one second latching element (11, 21) extends to the shape of the first latching element (11, 21) has complementary shape. First connector (10, 20) according to one of claims 1 to 8 or second connector (10, 20) according to claim 9, wherein the first and / or the second Connector (10, 20) is integrally formed, two-piece or multi-piece or are. A connector assembly (30) comprising a first connector (10, 20) and a second connector (10, 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein - The first part (12, 13; 22) of the bayonet-type connection and the second part (12, 13; 22) of the bayonet-type connection are formed and arranged complementary to each other, thereby the first connector (10, 20) with the second connector (10, 20) can be brought together or separated, and - The first locking element (11, 21) and the second locking element (11, 21) are formed complementary to each other and arranged such that the first locking element (11, 21) with the second locking element (11, 21) locked in a position in the two connectors (10, 20) are in an end position of the bayonet-type connection (12, 13, 22). Connector assembly (30) according to claim 11, wherein, when the first part (12, 13; 22) of the bayonet-type connection is formed as a guide nose, and the first latching element (11, 21) is designed as a latching nose, an elastic deformation of the guide lug and / or the latching lug and / or the material of the connector (10, 20) when merging or when separating the connectors (10, 20) in or against the insertion direction (40), wherein the deformation is reversible.

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