EP3075035B1 - Plug connector contact carrier - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connector contact carrier according to claim 1.

The invention therefore relates to a connector contact carrier for optional assembly with electrical crimp contact elements or electrical screw contact elements, uniformly or in a mixed assembly.

In the prior art, there are a variety of different connectors, which usually have a connector housing, in which a connector contact carrier is added, see for example EP2034562 and DE3942519 ,

In particular, in the field of industrial applications, there are a variety of modular connector systems that consist of a set of connector contact carriers, which in different connector housing, d. H. can be installed in connector housings of different sizes.

Since there is a considerable need for connector solutions due to the many different applications, there is an increasing need to reduce the number and thus the variety of parts of connectors and to provide a connector system in which a variety of application solutions can be realized with a connector contact carrier.

Further depending on the respective application is the question of the contact system used. In the prior art, there are, for example solder contact elements, crimp contact elements and also the common screw contact elements. The connector systems known in the prior art each have connector contact carrier, which are designed to accommodate, for example, only screw contact or crimp contact elements.

However, if a user in a similar configuration requires a connector contact carrier for use with crimp contact elements, he must resort to a second component, namely a connector contact carrier explicitly designed for crimp contact elements.

Further, since the number of poles varies depending on the application, it comes to a very considerable variety of parts.

A further need in the prior art is that for certain circuits, advantageously Schraubkontaktelemente be used, while for other power or signal circuits crimp contact elements are preferably used.

However, the connectors known in the prior art also have no possibility of mixed assembly of the contact carrier both with screw contact elements and with crimp contact elements. Rather, it is necessary to provide different sizes of contact carriers, which are then housed in a combination with each other so in a connector housing together that the required constellation for each application is obtained.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connector contact carrier, for optional assembly and in particular for mixed assembly with electrical Crimpkontaktelementen or electrical Schraubkontaktelementen to reduce the number of parts to improve the handling of the connectors and a desired application to the combination of Schraubkontaktelementen and To be able to accommodate crimp contact elements in a single connector.

This invention is achieved with a connector contact carrier having the features of claim 1.

The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a connector contact carrier with a multiplicity of contact chambers, wherein the contact chambers are configured in accordance with the invention such that both a screw contact element and a crimp contact element can be optionally mounted in the same contact chamber.

In this way, it is the user of erfindungemäßen connector contact carrier free to either make an assembly exclusively with screw contact or exclusively with Crimpkontaktelementen or provide a mixed equipment.

In a most general embodiment of the invention, it is therefore provided to provide the contact chamber with a defined intended bearing surface on which either the respective crimp contact or the screw contact, depending on which of the two contacts is used in the contact chamber, supported on a defined mounting plane. In this way, a defined mounting plane is provided, so that the length of the contact parts intended for contacting can also be chosen so that a common insertion plane of all contacts is achieved. This avoids that, for example, the screw contacts come into electrical contact before or after the crimp contacts with a corresponding mating connector.

According to the invention therefore in the most general form of the invention, a connector contact carrier is provided for optionally fitting with electrical crimp contact elements or electrical screw contact elements, which has a plurality of provided in a contact grid contact chambers for the contact elements, wherein the contact carrier has insertion openings for inserting the contact elements in the contact chambers, wherein, furthermore, the contact chambers are designed in such a way that optionally either a crimp contact element or a screw contact element can be inserted and mounted in the contact chamber.

In the invention, the contact chambers have a common contact surface for the application of a corresponding mating surface on the optionally usable crimp contact element or the screw contact element.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector contact carrier has an end face, one of the front side opposite Kontaktinsteckseite on which the openings described above for inserting the contacts are arranged and two the front side and the Kontaktinsteckseite each connecting longitudinal sides, wherein in the connector contact carrier each side connecting channels the contact chambers are provided with openings opening into the longitudinal sides into which a screwing tool can be inserted in order to actuate the screw terminal of a screw contact mounted in the contact carrier.

According to the invention it is provided that the connector contact carrier has at least one releasable retaining cover to secure the mounted in the contact carrier crimp contact elements in their mounting position.

The size of the retaining cover is scalable to cover depending on the placement of the connector contact carrier with Crimpkontaktelementen only the relevant sections. In other words, this means that the contact chambers, which are equipped with screw contacts, are not provided with the retaining cover described above.

In the invention, the retaining cover has a top plate with a plurality of openings which are arranged in the same contact grid as the contact grid of the contact carrier.

Furthermore, the retaining cover is preferably formed with an approximately U-shaped cross-section, so that two leg sides are provided orthogonally away from the head plate. In this way it can be ensured that the connection channels are covered to the contact chambers by means of the leg sides, provided that the length of the leg sides is provided accordingly.

It is further provided in a preferred embodiment of the invention that the retaining cover from the top plate wegstehende arms, which are mounted on the holding cover or adjacent to the openings such that they protrude with mounted retaining cover on the connector contact carrier in each case in the contact chambers to there to support with its front end against a locking surface on the crimp contact and to secure it in its mounting position.

It is further provided with advantage if the arms have a curved or angled course. In this way it can be ensured that the crimp contacts are fixed at a defined breakpoint from the front ends of the arms.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the arms are each arranged between the openings and the respectively adjacent leg sides.

This means z. Example, in a two-row arrangement of the contact chambers, that a series of openings for the crimp contacts adjacent to a second row of openings for the crimp contacts in the retaining cover is provided. Adjacent to each of these rows of apertures, the above described arms are positioned between the positions of these apertures and the respective leg sides so that the arms protrude into the contact chambers as soon as the retaining cap is properly mounted to the connector contact carrier.

It is further provided with advantage that the leg sides of the retaining cover are provided at their, the connector contact carrier facing sides with locking lugs for locking with corresponding recesses which are provided on the corresponding longitudinal sides of the connector contact carrier.

It is further provided with advantage that in the top plate of the retaining cover, adjacent to the previously described openings, which are arranged in the contact grid of the connector contact carrier, further openings are provided, preferably in each case a further opening per opening for the contact elements.

In this way it can be ensured that the end face opposite Kontaktinsteckseite the connector contact carrier is provided with a Kontaktkammerkennzeichnung that are visible through the openings described above even in the assembled state of the retaining cover. In other words, the last-mentioned openings serve as windows for viewing through the connector contact carrier provided with contact-chamber marking.

In a further preferred embodiment, a retaining lid which is also detachable (further) is also provided for the retaining cover described above, which is provided with wire protection means to provide each of the screw contact elements mounted in the contact carrier with a wire guard. Thus, optionally, for example, the entire contact carrier can be equipped by means of crimp contacts and a corresponding over the entire contact carrier covering the holding lid for the crimp contacts are provided. Alternatively, the connector contact carrier can be provided with a retaining cover as last described with wire protection means, as soon as the connector contact carrier is equipped exclusively with screw contact elements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a mixed assembly may be provided so that, for example, one half of the connector contact carrier is fitted with crimp contact elements and a retaining cover is arranged with a corresponding dimension and size in this area, while the second half of the connector contact carrier be provided with screw and in this area, the last-mentioned releasable retaining cover with wire protection means is mounted in a suitable dimension. It is advantageous if the respective cover can be shortened by the user to the desired length z. B. by breaking points.

If, according to the invention, both the retaining cover for the crimp contacts and the retaining cover with the wire protection means for the screw contacts have an identical contact grid, mixed assemblies can thus be realized. It is therefore provided with advantage that the or the two retaining covers each have openings in the contact grid of the contact chambers of the connector contact carrier. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a set of contact carriers and the two types of retention cap (for crimping and wire protection). It is further provided that the retaining cover provided with wire protection means is provided with spring plates, which are mounted in corresponding receiving elements on the retaining cover and projecting from the retaining cover that they protrude when mounted retaining cover respectively in the contact chambers.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the openings of the holding cover are formed with the wire protection means as elliptical openings, wherein the large semi-axes are arranged on a line in the longitudinal extension of the connector contact carrier. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the connector contact carrier on two parallel rows of contact chambers, which are arranged in a fixed, gleichbalgenden contact grid to each other.

A further aspect relates to the design of the retaining cover, which in a particularly advantageous embodiment are mutually reihbar and consequently be equipped on a rail. Due to this special design of the retaining cover, in particular the retaining cover provided with wire protection, scale in any length.

By means of a linear feed can thus be produced on the strip retaining cover cut to length and string together on the basis of the defined grid in a suitable length. By this geometric design, it is possible to produce the wire protection means in an automated process, in particular in a flow production or to provide the retaining cover with wire protection agent in a corresponding process.

There are other possibilities to design and develop the teaching of the present invention and advantageously.

Fig. 1

eine Übersicht unterschiedlicher, in perspektivischer Ansicht gezeigter Steckverbinderkontaktträger mit und ohne Haltedeckel;

Fig. 2

unterschiedliche Ansichten des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Steckverbinderkontaktträgers in einer Aufsicht, Seitenansicht, Ober- und Unteransicht und einer Schnittansicht;

Fig. 3

einen für die Crimpkontaktelemente ausgebildeten Haltedeckel in einer perspektivischen Ober- und Unteransicht, einer Aufsicht und einer Schnittansicht sowie einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 4

einen für die Schraubkontaktelemente ausgebildeten Haltedeckel in einer Seitenansicht, in einer Oberansicht, in einer weiteren Seitenansicht und in einer perspektivischen Ober- und Unteransicht;

Fig. 5

den in Fig. 4 gezeigten Haltedeckel in einer aneinandergereihten Herstellungsposition;

Fig. 6

eine Übersicht unterschiedlicher Ansichten eines erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinderkontaktträgers.

In connection with the explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, generally preferred embodiments and developments are also explained. In the drawings shows:

Fig. 1

an overview of different, shown in perspective view connector contact carrier with and without retaining cover;

Fig. 2

different views of the in Fig. 1 shown connector contact carrier in a plan view, side view, top and bottom view and a sectional view;

Fig. 3

a trained for the Crimpkontaktelemente retaining cover in a perspective top and bottom view, a plan view and a sectional view and a side view;

Fig. 4

a retaining cover formed for the screw contact elements in a side view, in a top view, in a further side view and in a perspective top and bottom view;

Fig. 5

the in Fig. 4 shown retaining cover in a lined-up production position;

Fig. 6

an overview of different views of a connector contact carrier according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the connector contact carrier 1 in several perspective views. The connector contact carrier 1 is equipped either without or with a retaining cover 30 for crimp contacts or a retaining cover 40 for screw. The contact carrier 1 has two rows of contact chambers 2. Adjacent to the contact chambers 2, contact chamber markings 7 are attached.

As further in the various views of the Fig. 2 recognizable, the present embodiment each has a first row with eight contact chambers 2 and a second row arranged parallel thereto with eight contact chambers 2. The contact chambers 2 are accessible via insertion openings 11, in which either either a crimp contact element 10 or a screw contact element 20 can be inserted or inserted. The contact chambers 2 are therefore inventively designed so that regardless of the different contact element shape, either a crimp contact element in a first contact form, so to speak, a first type of contact in the contact chamber 2 of the connector contact carrier 1 can be introduced or just alternatively, ie optionally a Schraubkontaktelement in one of them Deviating contact form, thus another type of contact in the contact chamber 2 can be inserted or mounted in the contact chamber 2 can be accommodated.

As further in the sectional view of Fig. 2 shown schematically, the contact chamber 2 has a common contact surface 3 for abutment either of the crimp contact element 10 or the screw contact element 20.

The connector contact carrier 1 thus has an end face 4, one of the end face 4 opposite Kontaktinsteckseite 5 and two the end face 4 and the Kontaktinsteckseite 5 connecting longitudinal sides 6a, 6b and two transverse sides 6d, 6e.

As, inter alia, in the sectional view of Fig. 2 and also in the perspective views of Fig. 1 can be seen, the connector contact carrier 1 each have a laterally led out connecting channel 21, which opens into an opening 22 on one of the longitudinal sides 6a, 6b.

These connecting channels 21 thus provide access for a screwing tool, which can be inserted from the longitudinal side 6a or 6b in the connecting channel 21 in order to actuate a screw or a screw terminal 8 rotating there and an inserted into the terminal region of a screw 20 with the cable end Screw contact element 20 to connect electrically.

In the Fig. 6 different side views, plan views and sectional views of an embodiment of a connector contact carrier 1 according to the invention are shown.

In particular, from the sectional views can be seen how the formation of the contact chamber 2 are provided and the defined in the contact chambers 2 contact surface 3 is attached.

In the middle section of the Fig. 6 is the connector contact carrier 1 with a, as in Fig. 4 shown, holding cover 40 according to the invention provided. The retaining cover 40 has provided in the contact grid of the connector contact carrier 1 openings 41. Furthermore, 40 wire protection means 43 are provided on the underside of the retaining cover. The wire protection means 43 is inserted in receiving elements 42 provided on the retaining cover 40 or mounted in these. The spring plates 43 protrude from the retaining cover 40 so that they protrude in the mounted state of the retaining cover 40 respectively in the contact chambers 2, as shown in the middle view of Fig. 6 can be seen. The spring plates 43 and thus wire protection means 43 protrude into the contact chamber 2 so that the screw of the screw 8 meets with its front end to the wire protection means 43 and so damage to the wire can be reliably prevented.

Alternatively, the connector contact carrier 1 can be used without the holding cover 40 described above, as exemplified in the upper view and in the upper sectional view of Fig. 6 is shown.

Alternatively, the connector contact carrier 1 according to the invention can also be equipped with crimp contact elements 10. A schematic view of this can be found in the lower sectional view of Fig. 6 or in the lower views of the Fig. 6 , Here is the connector contact carrier 1 with a, as in Fig. 3 shown, retaining cover 30 provided.

The retaining cover 30 for the fixation of Crimpkontaktelementen 10 in the connector contact carrier 1 consists of a top plate 31, on the side of each two leg sides 33a, 33b are provided. Between the leg sides 33a, 33b is, adjacent to the openings 32 which are arranged in the top plate 31, each having an arm 34. The arms 34 are curved and protrude in their mounted position in the contact chamber 2 in order to be there with their plug-side end on a locking projection of the Crimpkontaktelementes 10 support. In this way it is ensured that the inserted into the contact chamber 2 Crimpkontaktelement 10 is securely held in its mounting position. This is accomplished in particular by the fact that the leg sides 33a, 33b are provided on their side facing the connector contact carrier 1 with latching lugs 35 for latching with corresponding latching recesses which are provided on the corresponding longitudinal sides 6a, 6b of the connector contact carrier. In the present embodiment of the invention, the connecting channels 21 simultaneously form the latching recesses for the latching lugs 35.

The for the retaining cover 30 for the Crimpkontaktelemente 10 further comprises adjacent to the two rows of openings 32, adjacent to the outer edge, a number of openings 36, through which the above-described Kontaktkammerkennzeichnungen 7 remain recognizable when the retaining cover 30 is mounted on the connector contact carrier 1 as in the lower view of the Fig. 6 is apparent.

The Fig. 5 shows a further advantageous aspect of the present invention to an embodiment of a retaining cover 40, which can be arranged in a row. Since the installation of the wire protection means 43 in the receiving elements 42 is complicated, can be through the design of a corresponding grid of the openings 41 in the retaining cover 40 ensure that various configurations of retaining lids 40 can string together and by means of juxtaposition between adjacent retaining covers the same pitch X results as is the case within a retaining cap 40. The tolerances can be intercepted in particular in the longitudinal direction when the openings 41 are formed as elliptical openings or oval openings in the retaining cover 40.

However, the invention is not limited in its execution to the above-mentioned preferred embodiment of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS Connector contact carrier

1

Connector contact carrier

2

contact chambers

3

contact surface

4

front

5

Kontakteinsteckseite

6a, 6b

long sides

6d, 6e

transverse sides

7

Contact chamber markings

8th

screw

10

Crimpkontaktelement

11

insertion

20

Schraubkontaktelement

21

connecting channel

22

openings

30

Retaining cover for crimp contacts

31

headstock

32

openings

33a, 33b

leg sides

34

poor

35

locking lugs

36

openings

40

Retaining cover for screw contacts

41

openings

42

receiving elements

43

Wire protectors / spring plates

X

Pitch

Claims (12)

1. Plug connector contact carrier (1) which is intended to be selectively populated with electrical crimp contact elements (10) or electrical screw contact elements (20), having a large number of contact chambers (2) for the contact elements (10, 20), which contact chambers are provided in a contact grid, wherein the contact carrier (1) insertion openings (11) for inserting the contact elements (10, 20) into the contact chambers (2) and in the contact chamber (2) there is provided in each case a common bearing surface (3) for a corresponding mating surface to bear against the crimp contact elements (10) or the screw contact elements (20) which can be selectively inserted, characterized in that the plug connector contact carrier (1) has a detachable holding cover (30) in order to secure crimp contact elements (10) which are mounted in the contact carrier (1) in their mounting position, wherein the holding cover (30) has a head plate (31) with a large number of openings (32) which are arranged in the same contact grid of the contact carrier (1).
2. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the plug connector contact carrier (1) has an end side (4), a contact insertion side (5) which is situated opposite the end side (4), and two longitudinal sides (6a, 6b) which connect the end side (4) and the contact insertion side (5), and in each case lateral connecting channels (21) to the contact chambers (2) with openings (22) which open out into the longitudinal sides (6a, 6b) are provided in the plug connector contact carrier (1), it being possible for a screwdriver to be inserted into said openings in order to be able to operate the screw terminal of the screw contacts (20) which are mounted in the contact carrier (1).
3. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding cover (30) is furthermore U-shaped in cross section and has two limb sides (33a, 33b) which project away from the head plate (31) in an orthogonal manner.
4. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding cover (30) furthermore has arms (34) which project away from the holding cover (30) and which are attached to the holding cover (30) at the openings (32) such that said arms respectively protrude into the contact chambers (2) when the holding cover (30) is mounted.
5. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the arms (34) have a bent or angled profile.
6. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the arms (34) are arranged between the openings (32) and the respectively adjacent limb sides (33a, 33b).
7. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the limb sides (33a, 33b) are provided with latching lugs (35) on their sides which face the plug connector contact carrier (1) for the purpose of latching with corresponding latching recesses which are provided on the corresponding longitudinal sides (6a, 6b) of the plug connector contact carrier (1).
8. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that further openings (36) are provided in the head plate (31) of the holding cover (30) adjacent to the openings (32) which are arranged in the contact grid, preferably in each case one further opening (36) for each opening (32).
9. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the holding cover (30), the plug connector contact carrier (1) has a similarly detachable holding cover (40) with wire protection means (43) in order to provide the screw contact elements (20) which are mounted in the contact carrier (1) with wire protection in each case.
10. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the holding cover (40) has openings (41) in the contact grid of the plug connector contact carrier (1).
11. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the holding cover (40) has spring sheets (43) which are mounted in receiving elements (42) and which project from the holding cover (40) such that said spring sheets respectively protrude into the contact chambers (2) when the holding cover (40) is mounted.
12. Plug connector contact carrier (1) according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the openings in the holding cover (40) constitute elliptical openings of which the large half-axes are arranged on a line in the longitudinal extent of the plug connector contact carrier (1).

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