Patent ID: 12255419

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

FIGS.1and2show a plug connector housing1for a plug connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the context of the invention, a plug connector can be an electrical plug connector or else optionally an optical plug connector.

Shown in the exemplary embodiments are integrally configured plug connector housings1which may optionally also have further components such as, for example, metallic shieldings or additional plastic components.

The plug connector housing1has a main body2, made from a plastics material, which extends along a longitudinal axis L. The main body2in the exemplary embodiments is configured as a predominantly elongate component. In principle however, an angled main body2, or an angled plug connector, respectively, may also be provided.

The main body2has a plug-proximal end3, proceeding from which a front end portion4of the plug connector housing1extends along the longitudinal axis L. This front end portion4is predominantly provided for contacting the mating plug connector housing of the mating plug connector (not illustrated), thus configuring the plug interface. An output-proximal end5of the main body2, or a rear end portion6, respectively, is presently provided for connecting to an optical or electrical cable (not illustrated). Alternatively, a connection to a conductor path, for example, or to other lines of an electric circuit (likewise not illustrated), can also be provided.

By way of example, the main body2has a clearance7for receiving plug connector components, not illustrated, such as contact elements or dielectrics, for example.

The plug connector housing1, in particular the main body2and the components which are integrally connected to the main body2and are yet to be described hereunder, are preferably produced by means of the injection-moulding method described hereunder.

For mechanically latching to a mating plug connector, the plug connector housing1has a latching installation8which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the main body2and which has a first connection portion9by way of which said latching installation8is integrally connected to the main body2. A void10, which extends along a longitudinal axis LF, is configured between the latching installation8and the main body2.

In the exemplary embodiments, the latching installation8is configured as an elastic spring arm11which runs parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the main body2, or parallel to the longitudinal axis LFof the void10, respectively, and on which a latching element configured as a latching hook12is disposed. The possibility of deflecting the latching element, or the latching hook12, respectively, proceeding from a basic state of the spring arm11in the direction of the main body2so as to enable latching and unlatching with/from the mating plug connector is provided by the void10between the latching hook12and the main body2. A fluted activation face13is typically provided for an activation of the latching installation8, or of the spring arm11, respectively, by a technician.

In the exemplary embodiments of the plug connector housing1shown inFIGS.1,2,5and6, the spring arm11, apart from the first connection portion9, moreover has a second connection portion11so as to likewise connect the spring arm11on the second end, facing away from the first end, to the main body2. The void10along the longitudinal axis LFhere extends across the entire length between the two connection portions9,14. A latching installation8which is attached on both sides, or a spring arm11which is attached on both sides, respectively, is provided in this way, this potentially increasing the robustness of the latching connection. However, a spring arm11which is attached only on one side can likewise be provided, as is illustrated inFIGS.3,4and7.

The plug connector housing1for a mechanical protection of the latching installation8has a first protective element16, which is disposed on a first side15of the main body2, and a second protective element18, which is disposed on a second side17of the main body2, wherein the protective elements16,18in each case extend integrally so as to proceed from the main body2. The latching installation8, or the spring arm11, respectively, is disposed between the protective elements16,18in such a manner that each one of the protective elements16,18in at least one covered region V (cf. hatched areas inFIGS.1and2) covers the void10, which is configured between the latching installation8and the main body2, proceeding from the respective side15,17, or in a transverse direction Q, the latter being transverse to the longitudinal axis LFof the void10.

The protective elements16,18presently extend so as to proceed from a base area19of the main body2, which connects the first side15and the second side17and by way of which the connection portions9,14are also connected. The void10is situated between the latching installation8and the base area19. The protective elements16,18rise predominantly orthogonally from the base area19and run on the periphery of the main body2, or of the base area19, respectively, in such a manner that said protective elements16,18represent an extension of the lateral face of the respective side15,17. However, it can also be provided that the protective elements16,18and/or the connection portions9,14are spaced apart from the respective periphery of the main body2, as this is highlighted purely by way of example by means of the protective elements16,18ofFIG.3.

In order for the latching installation8to be ideally comprehensively protected, the covered regions V of the protective elements16,18, in addition to covering the void10, are moreover configured for at least in regions covering the latching installation8in the transverse direction Q.

It can be provided that the protective elements16,18in the front end portion4which proceeds from the plug-proximal end3, do not laterally cover the latching installation8along the longitudinal axis L of the main body2, or the longitudinal axis LFof the void10, as is illustrated in all exemplary embodiments. The accessibility of the plug connector housing1for the mating plug connector housing can be improved as a result.

It is provided in the context of the invention that the protective elements16,18moreover configure in each case at least one access region Z by way of which the void10is accessible along the transverse direction Q. In order to ensure that the void10along the longitudinal axis LFis in each case accessible at least when proceeding from a side15,17, or from one of the protective elements16,18, respectively, the protective elements16,18are disposed and configured on the main body2in such a manner that respectively one of the access regions Z of the respective other protective element18,16lies opposite each covered region V in the transverse direction Q. In this way, the void10, while proceeding from the first side15and/or the second side17, is thus at all times fully accessible along the longitudinal axis LF. Should the accessibility proceeding from one side15,17be blocked, the accessibility from the other side17,15is nevertheless assured. In order for this to be made possible, the protective elements16,18can be configured in various ways. Some possibilities are explained in the context of the present exemplary embodiments—occasionally in combination with one another, but the invention is not to be limited thereto.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS.1,2,5and6, the protective elements16,18have respective protective walls20. The protective wall20of the second protective element18along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10is shortened, or positioned at an offset, respectively, in relation to the protective wall20of the first protective element16in such a manner here that a covered region V of the void10, that is covered by the protective wall20of the first protection element16, is accessible while proceeding from the second side17on which the second protective element18is positioned. The second protective element18, in the front axial portion thereof that faces the plug-proximal end3of the main body2, thus has an elevation-free or protective wall-free region, respectively, which extends along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10so as to configure one of the access regions Z.

Additionally, the protective walls20have respective clearances which are configured as windows21, so as to in each case configure a further access region Z in order to correspondingly render accessible the void10between the latching installation8and the main body2along the transverse direction Q. The window21of the first protective element16along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10here is positioned so as to be offset from the window21of the second protective element18in such a manner that are covered regions V of the void10again remain selectively accessible from at least one of the two sides15,17.

An alternative or else an addition to protective elements16,18that have protective walls20is illustrated inFIG.3. It is provided here that the protective elements16,18have respective protective webs22which are preferably distributed in the manner of castellations on the main body2, wherein the protective webs22of the first protective element16along the longitudinal axis LFof the void are positioned so as to be offset from the protective webs22of the second protective element18in such a manner that the covered regions V of the void10, which are covered by the protective webs22of one of the protective elements16,18, are accessible while proceeding from the opposite side17,15on which the respective other protective element18,16is positioned. The respective access regions Z are thus implemented by the respective elevation-free regions between the protective webs22. A good protection for the latching installation8can also be provided in this way.

An additional or alternative possibility for protecting the latching installation8is the use of a protective bracket23, as is illustrated inFIGS.4to7. Shown by way of example inFIG.4is an exemplary embodiment of a plug connector housing1having two protective brackets23, the latter for highlighting the design of freedom being of dissimilar designs. The use of only a single protective bracket (cf.FIG.7) or of more than two protective brackets23in an identical design embodiment or in dissimilar design embodiments can also be provided.

A protective bracket23preferably has a first leg24and a second leg25, wherein the first leg24is integrally connected to the first protective element16, and the second leg25is integrally connected to the second protective element18. Therefore, the protective elements16,18can also directly configure the legs23,24.

The legs24,25can run so as to proceed from one of the protective walls20shown above (cf.FIGS.5and6), for example, or so as to proceed from protective webs22as is indicated by dashed lines inFIG.4. The protective bracket23ultimately extends from the first protective element16, or from the first leg24, respectively, to the second protective element18, or to the second leg15, respectively and bridges the latching installation8in order for the latter to be mechanically protected. As is derived by means of the front protective bracket23according toFIG.4, it is also not required to this end that the protective bracket23has a closed profile. The protective bracket23can also be configured by two semi-brackets26which, proceeding from the respective leg24,25, extend towards one another. A protective bracket23which is connected to the main body2only on one side can also be provided, as is illustrated inFIG.7.

Should this be required, the legs24,25of the protective bracket23can be positioned so as to be mutually offset along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10, as is illustrated inFIGS.4to6. However, should the protective bracket23be placed only onto one of the protective walls20or on one of the protective webs22, a disposal of the legs24,25which is not offset may optionally also be provided, in particular when the respective protective wall20and/or the respective protective web23have/has a window21or any other clearance in order to guarantee the accessibility to the void10.

Should the two legs24,25of the protective bracket23be mutually offset along the longitudinal axis LF, a curved profile of the protective bracket23between the two legs24,25can preferably be provided, as is illustrated in the preferred exemplary embodiment ofFIGS.5and6. In principle however, alternative profiles such as a linear profile (cf. front protective bracket23inFIG.4) or a stepped profile (cf. rear protective bracket23ofFIG.4) may also be provided.

FIGS.5and6show a plug connector housing1according to a particularly preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention. The plug connector housing1has a spring arm11which is attached on both sides and is laterally protected by the respective protective walls20, wherein the second protective element18for configuring one of the access regions Z again has a front, elevation-free region, thus along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10is shortened in relation to the first protective element16and is offset in the direction towards the output-proximal end5of the main body2. Furthermore, the protective elements16,18have respective clearances in the manner of windows20, so as to provide further access regions Z which correspond to respective opposite covered regions V. Furthermore, the latching installation8shown inFIGS.5and6is also protected from above as a result of the protective bracket23placed onto the protective walls20. A plug connector housing1such as illustrated inFIGS.5and6is able to provide a particularly advantageous protection for the latching installation8and at the same time is able to be produced in a cost-effective manner in the context of volume production by means of an injection-moulding method.

In order to highlight that an alternative plug connector housing1, having only one or a plurality of protective brackets23, can also be provided in the context of the inventive overall concept, such an alternative plug connector housing1is additionally shown by way of example inFIG.7. It is to be emphasized here that the further features and advantages of the respective plug connector housings1shown in the exemplary embodiments and the figures can in principle also be applied to the alternative plug connector housing1, and vice versa.

The plug connector housing1shown inFIG.7also has a main body2, made from a plastics material, and a latching installation8for mechanically connecting to a corresponding mating latching installation of a mating plug connector, said latching installation8being able to be configured as already explained. The alternative plug connector housing1moreover has a protective bracket23which can likewise be configured as already explained. The protective bracket23can in particular have a first leg24and a second leg25, wherein at least one of the legs24,25(but preferably both legs24,25, as described in the exemplary embodiments above) extends integrally, so as to proceed from the main body2, and wherein the latching installation8is disposed between the legs24,25and is bridged by the protective bracket23in order for said latching installation8to be mechanically protected. By way of example, the second leg25inFIG.7is not connected to the main body2.

At least the leg24, which is integrally connected to the main body2, is configured for covering the void10, which is configured between the latching installation8and the main body2, in at least one covered region V in a transverse direction Q transverse to the longitudinal axis LF. Furthermore, at least one of the legs24,25configures at least one access region Z (this being the second leg25in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.7) by way of which the void10is accessible along the transverse direction Q. It can be ensured in this way that one of the access regions Z of the second leg25lies opposite the covered region V of the first leg24along the transverse direction Q. To this end, the second leg25is sufficiently spaced apart from the main body2, for example, so that the void10is accessible in the transverse direction.

It is to be mentioned at this point that the legs24,25inFIG.7are disposed so as to be mutually offset axially along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10. Such an axial offset is however not absolutely necessary, in particular when one of the legs24,25is anyway spaced apart from the main body2, as is the case inFIG.7. The legs24,25of a protective bracket23therefore do not have to be mandatorily axially offset in relation to one another and can thus also be disposed on the same axial position along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10.

In particular, a plurality of protective brackets23which are attached on one side and are offset along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10, and in which the first leg24and the second leg25are alternatingly connected to the main body2along the longitudinal axis LF, can also be provided.

Illustrated by way of example inFIGS.8and9is an injection-moulding device27for producing the plug connector housing1. The plug connector housing1by way of example is the plug connector housing1of the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS.5and6.

The injection-moulding device27has a multiple-part injection-moulding tool28which in the assembled state thereof (cf.FIG.8) configures a female mould for the plug connector housing1, such that, for example, the plug connector housing1, illustrated inFIGS.5and6, or the alternative plug connector housing1, shown inFIG.7, is obtained after the injected, liquid plastics material has solidified. The multiple-part injection-moulding tool28is shown in an opened state inFIG.9, and the plug connector housing1has thus been demoulded.

It is to be noted at this point that the clearance7configured in the main body2for the further plug connector components can in principle be produced in any arbitrary manner, for example by means of a further casting mould, not illustrated inFIGS.8and9, or else by post-machining, for instance by incorporating a bore in the main body2.

In principle, a first casting mould29of the injection-moulding tool28for demoulding the plug connector housing1can be movable along the longitudinal axis L of the main body2, or along the longitudinal axis LFof the void10, respectively, relative to the plug connector housing1, so as to demould axial regions between the latching installation8and the protective elements16,18. This demoulding can preferably be limited to the axial regions between the latching installation8and the protective elements16,18in the rear end portion6along the longitudinal axis L of the main body2, because further undercuts may be configured in the region of the interface, or the front end portion4of the plug connector housing1by the latching hook12and optionally existing mechanical coding means (not illustrated), said undercuts requiring demoulding from the sides15,17.

The injection-moulding tool moreover has a second casting mould30and a third casting mould31which for demoulding the plug connector housing1are in each case movable in the transverse direction Q relative to the plug connector housing1and are disposed so as to be mutually opposite. The second casting mould30and the third casting mould31, proceeding from the respective side15,17, enable the portions of the void10between the latching installation8and the main body2that are in each case not covered by the protective element16,18to be demoulded by going through the respective access regions Z. The second casting mould30and the third casting mould31, and particularly preferably moreover also the first casting mould29, are preferably moved in a temporally synchronous manner.

The second casting mould30and the third casting mould31can have demoulding regions32for the void10below the latching installation8, said demoulding regions32engaging in one another in the connected state of the injection-moulding tool28.

It is to be mentioned at this point that the injection-moulding device27illustrated can of course also have even further customary components, for example means for injecting the liquid plastics material, and means for ejecting the plug connector housing1, tool slides and actuator installations. Since injection-moulding devices27are known in principle, these components are not illustrated inFIGS.8and9for reasons of simplification.