EP4292173B1 - Insert for a connector - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a connector, in particular a crimp connector.

STATE OF THE ART

Existing connectors, such as crimp connectors, accommodate multiple internal connections, including power connections, protective earth (PE) connections, and coding connections. Due to space limitations and the relatively large size of protective earth connections, fewer connections can be accommodated in the connector. Since the type of PE connection used is usually different from that of the power connection, technicians must use an additional screw to secure the PE connection, resulting in a very cumbersome installation.

WO 2020/051842 A1 shows a connector having an earthing terminal area equipped with a U-shaped protective earthing element (3).

The ( CN 108 521 037 A ) shows a BS plug grounding pin structure consisting of a plug front housing, a live wire pin, a neutral wire pin and a grounding pin.

CONTENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide an insert for a connector, wherein the insert can accommodate more connections, thereby providing a high-density connector, wherein power connections and protective earth connections of the same type can be used to achieve quick assembly and disassembly, thus also allowing customers to replace the connections according to actual use.

According to the present invention, an insert for a connector is provided, comprising: an insert housing, wherein a cavity of the insert housing has several connection receiving holes for receiving several connections, and wherein the several connections have at least one The protective earthing terminal includes: a retaining plate attached to the terminal side of the insert housing to hold the multiple terminals in the cavity; and a protective earthing plate for electrical contact with the protective earthing terminal.

In an advantageous embodiment, the multiple connections further comprise power connections and coding connections; wherein the power connections and the protective earth connections are of the same connection type.

A particular advantage is that the installation of the protective earthing terminals in the enclosure is simplified by the additional provision of a protective earthing plate, allowing the power terminals to be used as protective earthing terminals. Since ordinary power terminals are used as protective earthing connections, a relatively larger number of terminals can be accommodated in the enclosure.

According to the invention, the protective grounding plate is elastic and made of metal. Preferably, the metal material is copper or a copper alloy. Advantageously, the protective grounding plate is formed from the metal material in one piece.

According to the invention, the protective earthing plate comprises a first arm and a second arm, as well as an L-shaped connecting section linking the first arm and the second arm; wherein a plane in which the first arm is located and a plane in which the second arm is located are aligned perpendicular to each other. Advantageously, the first arm and the second arm are each designed in the form of a flat, elastic piece.

Advantageously, the first arm has a fixed end and a movable end, the inside of the movable end of the first arm having a projection. The second arm has a fixed end and a movable end, the movable end of the second arm having a screw hole, and a sawtooth is formed on both sides of the second arm. The fixed ends of the first arm and the second arm are each formed integrally with the L-shaped connecting section, and preferably at both ends of the L-shaped connecting section.

According to the invention, the L-shaped connecting section has a reinforcing rib to improve the strength of the protective grounding plate and to prevent excessive deformation. Preferably, the reinforcing rib is formed on the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the L-shaped connecting section.

In an advantageous embodiment, the multiple connection receiving holes include at least one protective earthing connection receiving hole to simultaneously accommodate the protective earthing connections and the protective earthing plate, and wherein the protective earthing plate includes a slot into which the second arm of the protective earthing plate is inserted.

For example, the protective earthing terminal receiving hole comprises: a first receiving section for receiving the protective earthing terminal, wherein the shape of the first receiving section is substantially the same as the shape of the other terminal receiving holes, preferably the first receiving section is further used to receive the first arm of the protective earthing plate; and a second receiving section for receiving the second arm of the protective earthing plate, namely a slot.

For example, the protective earth connection holes are distributed on a side wall facing the insert housing.

In an advantageous embodiment, the slot is provided in a side wall of the insert housing, the side wall having an opening to expose at least the screw hole of the second arm, so that a screw can be inserted. In this way, an electrical connection is established between the protective earthing plate and the screw.

For example, the slot in the side wall extends from the connection side to the plug-in side, allowing the second arm of the protective earthing plate to be inserted from the connection side.

In a preferred embodiment, which is not according to the invention, the opening in the side wall extends from the connection side of the insert housing to the insertion side, the opening being U-shaped so that the entire cross-section of the slot, when viewed from the connection side, is not closed. In other words, on both sides of the opening in the side wall along the insertion direction, two slot sections are formed, each used to receive the two sides of the second arm, the two slot sections together forming the slot. Once the second arm is inserted into the slot, most of the second arm, including the screw hole, is exposed.

In other embodiments not according to the invention, the opening on the side wall does not start from the connection side of the insert housing, and the opening can be rectangular, square, circular, oval, etc., so that only a small part of the second arm, including the screw hole, is exposed, or even just the screw hole is exposed.

For example, the plane containing the opening is recessed relative to the outer surface of the side wall. This provides a space for the screw to be installed.

In an advantageous embodiment, when the second arm of the protective earthing plate is inserted into the slot, the sawtooth penetrates the side wall of the slot to secure the protective earthing plate in the insert housing; the projection of the first arm may come into contact with the collar of the protective earthing terminal.

For example, the insert housing is made of plastic, with the width of the slot being slightly smaller than the width of the second arm in order to achieve an interference fit between the second arm and the slot.

For example, the first arm is received in the first receiving section of the protective earth terminal receiving hole, with the outside of the first arm resting against the inner side wall of the hole and the inside facing the received terminal, causing the projection of the first arm to come into contact with the collar of the terminal to establish an electrical connection between the protective earth terminal and the protective earthing plate.

In an advantageous embodiment, the multiple connections comprise the power connections in a number of 7 and the protective earth connections in a number of 1. Preferably, the multiple connections further comprise at least one coding connection.

For example, the spatial arrangement of the device allows for different numbers of connections to be accommodated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

• Figur 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Einsatzes in einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei in dem Einsatz ein männlicher Anschluss aufgenommen ist;
• Figur 2 zeigt eine um 90° gedrehte perspektivische Ansicht des Einsatzes gemäß Figur 1;
• Figur 3 zeigt eine Explosionsansicht des Einsatzes gemäß Figur 1;
• Figur 4 zeigt eine Unteransicht des Einsatzes gemäß Figur 1, wobei die Halteplatte entfernt ist;
• Figur 5 zeigt eine Schnittansicht des Einsatzes gemäß Figur 1;
• Figuren 6a und 6b zeigen verschiedene perspektivische Ansichten der Schutzerdungsplatte;
• Figur 7 zeigt ein perspektivische Ansicht eines Einsatzes in einer anderen Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei in dem Einsatz eine Buchsenanschlüsse aufgenommen sind; und
• Figur 8 zeigt eine Explosionsansicht des Einsatzes gemäß Figur 7.

The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail below.

• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an insert in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a male connector is incorporated in the insert;
• Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the deployment rotated by 90° according to Figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the insert according to Figure 1 ;
• Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the deployment according to Figure 1 , with the retaining plate removed;
• Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the deployment according to Figure 1 ;
• Figures 6a and 6b show different perspective views of the protective earthing plate;
• Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an insert in another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a socket connection is incorporated in the insert; and
• Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the insert according to Figure 7 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is explained in more detail below in connection with the exemplary embodiments and figures. In the description, identical or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following explanations of the embodiments of the present invention in connection with the figures are used to explain the overall concept of the present invention and should not be understood as a limitation of the present invention.

Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an insert for a connector in an embodiment of the present invention. The connector according to the present invention is implemented, in particular, as a crimp connector comprising a sleeve (also referred to as an outer shell, not shown) and an insert received in the sleeve. As shown in Figure 2, the connector is a crimp connector. Figure 1 As shown, the insert 1 comprises an insert housing 10 made of plastic. The insert housing is cuboid in shape and has a connection side A and a plug-in side B. The direction from connection side A to plug-in side B is referred to as the plug-in direction. The insert housing 10 has four parallel surfaces: a top and a bottom, and a front and a back, which are not marked for clarity. The cavity of the insert housing 10 has several internal connection holes (see Figure 4 ) on, whereby in Figure 4 Nine holes are shown. It goes without saying that the number of holes is not limited to this. Each connection hole has one connection. This means that the insert housing 10 accommodates multiple connections, which are arranged in Figure 4 are provided in a quantity of 9. It is understood that the number of The connections are not limited to this. Here, the connection is a plug-in connection. Therefore, insert 1 is a plug-in insert, while the connector is a plug connector. The connection comprises a power connection 30, a protective earth (PE) connection 31 (hereinafter abbreviated as PE connection), and a coding connection 32. Here, the power connection and the PE connection can be of the same type, such as a standard Han E crimp connection with a cross-section of 4.0 ^mm² . The multiple connections include at least one PE connection, e.g., one or two. Accordingly, the connection mounting holes include a power connection mounting hole 20, a protective earth (PE) connection mounting hole 21, and a coding connection mounting hole 22.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the deployment rotated by 90° according to Figure 1 , wherein the insert 1 comprises a retaining plate 40, which is connected in particular to the connection side A of the insert housing 10. The retaining plate 40 covers the connection side A and has several holes 45 corresponding to the connection receiving holes 20, wherein the connections 30, 31, 32 can be inserted through the holes 45 from the connection side A into the connection receiving holes 20 along the insertion direction.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the insert according to Figure 1 . In connection with Figure 3 The main components of the deployment will be explained in more detail.

The retaining plate 40 comprises a base plate 41, a surface separated by two opposite sides (the front and rear sides according to Figure 3 The locking element 42 extends along the insertion direction and has a window 43. Several locking arms 44 extend from the inner surface of the base plate 41 along the insertion direction, extending in particular from the edge of each hole 45. In other words, each hole 45 is equipped with a locking arm 44. The locking arm 44 has a fixed end and a movable end, the fixed end being formed integrally with the base plate 41, and a movable end whose front end is formed with a bent section 46. Corresponding to the locking element 42 of the retaining plate 40, detent recesses 12 are provided on both sides (the front and rear sides) of the insert housing 10. These recesses are recessed relative to the outer surface of the front and rear side walls, and a locking lug 13 is arranged on the underside of the detent recesses. When the retaining plate 40 is attached to the insert housing 10, as shown in Figure 1 As shown, the locking lug 13 projects into the window 43 of the locking element 42 to fasten the retaining plate 40 to the insert housing 10. Furthermore, a circumferential groove 11 for receiving a sealing element 60 is formed on one outer circumference of the insert housing 10 facing the plug-in side B.

The specific structure of the protective earthing (PE) plate 50 (hereinafter abbreviated as PE plate) is described in the Figures 6a and 6b The PE plate is made of a metal material such as copper or a copper alloy and is preferably formed in one piece, wherein the PE plate is elastic. As shown in the Figures 6a and 6b shown, The PE plate 50 comprises a first arm 51 and a second arm 52, each arm being formed as a flat, elastic sheet, and the plane in which the first arm 51 is located and the plane in which the second arm 52 is located being oriented perpendicular to each other. Each arm comprises a fixed end and a movable end. The respective fixed ends of the arms are connected to the connecting section 53. Preferably, the fixed ends of each arm are formed integrally with the connecting section 53. The connecting section is substantially L-shaped, with the fixed ends of each arm preferably being formed integrally with the two ends of the L-shape. A reinforcing rib 54 is formed on the inner and/or outer surface of the connecting section to improve the strength of the connecting section and prevent excessive deformation. The inside of the movable end of the first arm 51 has a projection 55, while the movable end of the second arm 52 has a screw hole 56, with on both sides of the second arm 52, namely on the longitudinal sides (the front and rear sides according to Figure 6a ), a sawtooth 57 is formed, which is located approximately between the fixed end and the screw hole of the second arm.

In connection with the Figures 4 and 5 The following explains how the retaining plate 40 holds the connections, namely the power connections 30 and the PE connections 31, in the connection receiving holes 20 and the PE connection receiving holes 21, and how an electrical connection is made between the PE plate and the PE connections 31.

As in Figure 5 As shown, the power connector 30 is first inserted into the hole 45 of the retaining plate 40 and then, together with the corresponding locking arm 44 of the retaining plate 40, inserted into the corresponding connector receiving hole 20, whereby the bent section 46 of the locking arm 44 bears against the power connector under pressure on the wall of the receiving hole 20, thus securing the connector in the receiving hole. Similarly, the PE connector 31 is first inserted into the hole 45 of the retaining plate 40 and then, together with the corresponding locking arm 44 of the retaining plate 40, inserted into the corresponding PE connector receiving hole 21, whereby the bent section 46 of the locking arm 44 bears against the PE connector under pressure from the wall of the hole, thus securing the connector in the receiving hole.

As in Figure 4 As shown, the PE connection hole 21 differs from the other power connection holes 20. The PE connection holes 21 are located close to the side wall (the upper side wall according to Figure 4 ) of the insert housing. The PE connection receiving hole 21 comprises a first receiving section for receiving the PE connection 31, which is not shown for clarity. The shape of the first receiving section is essentially the same as the shape of the other connection receiving holes, namely the shape of the power connection receiving holes, wherein the first receiving section 31 is used to receive, in addition to the PE connection 31, the first arm 51 of the PE plate 50. The PE connection receiving hole 21 further comprises a second Receiving section for receiving the second arm 52 of the PE plate 50, namely a slot 14. The slot 14 is arranged on the side wall of the insert housing 10, specifically on the upper side wall, and extends from the connection side A to the plug-in side B. The side wall has an opening 15 that extends from the connection side A to the plug-in side B and is U-shaped. In this way, the cross-section of the slot 14, when viewed from the connection side A, is not closed. In other words, two slot sections are formed on each side of the U-shaped opening 15 on the side wall, which together form the slot, with the two slot sections being separated by the opening 15. Preferably, the opening 15 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the side wall on which the opening is located. Although in the figures ( Figures 1 to 7 Since, according to the present invention, the opening 15 is arranged such that the inserted second arm 52 is largely exposed, those skilled in the art can see that the opening does not begin at the connection side of the insert housing, but is located at the central part of the side wall. For example, the opening is square, rectangular, oval, circular, etc. In this way, only a small part of the second arm is exposed. In any case, however, the screw hole of the second arm should be exposed in order to screw in the screw from the outside.

Before the retaining plate 40 is attached to the insert housing 10, the PE plate 50 is first installed in the insert housing 10, specifically in the PE connector receiving hole 21. During the insertion process, the second arm 52 is inserted into the slot along the insertion direction, with the serrations on both sides engaging the inner walls on both sides of the slot to secure the second arm in the slot. Preferably, the width of the slot is slightly smaller than the width of the second arm to achieve an interference fit between the second arm and the slot. The first arm 51, oriented perpendicular to the second arm 52, rests against the inner wall of the PE receiving hole 21. After the PE connector 31 has been inserted into the PE connector receiving hole 21, the projection 55 on the inside of the movable end of the first arm 51 comes into contact with the PE connector 31, specifically with its collar 311. Figure 3 ), thereby establishing an electrical connection between the PE terminal and the PE plate. A screw 70 is screwed into the screw hole 56 so that the metal sheath (not shown) comes into electrical contact with the PE plate 50, in particular with the second arm 52, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the sheath and the PE plate. Finally, an earth connection is established between the PE terminal 31 and the sheath.

Figures 7 and 8 Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view and an exploded view of an insert 1' in another embodiment of the present invention. The insert 1' is essentially the same as the insert 1 according to Figure 1. Figure 1 , and identical components adopt the same reference numerals. The main difference lies only in the fact that the insert housing 10' accommodates the socket connections 30', 31', 32' inside, and thus the insert is referred to as a socket insert, and a connector that uses the insert becomes a socket connector.

Claims (7)

1. Insert (1, 1') for a connector, comprising:

   an insert housing (10, 10'), wherein a cavity of the insert housing has multiple connection-accommodating holes (20, 21, 22) for accommodating multiple connections (30, 31, 32; 30', 31', 32'), and wherein the multiple connections comprise at least one protective earthing connection (31, 31');

   a holding plate (40), which is attached to the connection side (A) of the insert housing in order to hold the multiple connections in the cavity; and

   a protective earthing plate (50), which serves for electrical contact with the protective earthing connection,

   wherein the protective earthing plate (50) is elastic and is produced from metal material,

   characterized in that

   the protective earthing plate (50) comprises a first arm (51) and a second arm (52) and also an L-shaped connecting portion (53) which connects the first arm and the second arm; and wherein a plane in which the first arm is situated and a plane in which the second arm is situated are oriented vertically with respect to one another, and wherein the L-shaped connecting portion (53) has a reinforcement rib (54).
2. Insert (1, 1') for a connector according to Claim 1, wherein the multiple connections (30, 31, 32; 30', 31', 32') furthermore comprise power connections (30, 30') and coding connections (32, 32'); and wherein the power connections and the protective earthing connections are the same type of connection.
3. Insert (1, 1') for a connector according to Claim 1, wherein the first arm (51) has a fixed end and a movable end, and wherein the inner side of the movable end of the first arm has a projection (55); and wherein the second arm (52) has a fixed end and a movable end, and wherein the movable end of the second arm has a screw hole (56), and wherein a sawtooth formation (57) is formed on the two sides of the second arm.
4. Insert (1, 1') for a connector according to Claim 3, wherein the multiple connection-accommodating holes (20, 21, 22) comprise at least one protective earthing connection-accommodating hole (21) for simultaneously accommodating the protective earthing connections (31, 31') and the protective earthing plate (50), and wherein the protective earthing plate comprises a slot (14) into which the second arm (52) of the protective earthing plate (50) is inserted.
5. Insert (1, 1') for a connector according to Claim 4, wherein the slot (14) is provided in a side wall of the insert housing (10, 10'), and wherein the side wall has an opening (15) in order to expose at least the screw hole (56) of the second arm (52), so that a screw (70) can be screwed in.
6. Insert (1, 1') for a connector according to Claim 5, wherein, when the second arm (52) of the protective earthing plate (50) has been inserted into the slot (14), the sawtooth formation (57) penetrates into the side wall of the slot (14) in order for the protective earthing plate to be fastened in the insert housing (10, 10'); and wherein the projection (55) of the first arm (51) can come into contact with the collar (311) of the protective earthing connection.
7. Insert (1, 1') for a connector according to Claim 2, wherein the number of power connections comprised by the multiple connections is 7 and the number of protective earthing connections comprised by the multiple connections is 1.