Description

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a plug-type connector part and to a plug-in connector comprising a plug-type connector part and a socket-type connector part. The invention further relates to a socket-type connector part, a local coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device, an amplification device, a patient positioning device, and a magnetic resonance imaging

arrangement .

Background of the Invention

From US patent US 3 399 372 A an arrangement is known that comprises a printed circuit card and a socket receiving the card. The printed circuit card has narrow, closely spaced, alternated ground and signal contact tabs while the socket has signal contacts formed from wire and ground contacts formed from sheet metal.

A similar arrangement is known from US patent US 3 587 029 A, where a socket-type connector comprises a row of interspaced resilient signal and ground contact members disposed in a recess in the connector body and adapted to make contact with the terminals of the plug-in board when the board is inserted in the recess.

US patent application US 2010/0136849 A1 discloses a

connector comprising pairs of signal contacts and pairs of ground contacts disposed in a housing of the connector along a predetermined arranging direction. The contacts have spring sections, which can press contact portions of the contacts against the electrodes of a card-type electronic device.

Similarly, European patent EP 1 531 527 B1 describes a connector having a contact group and an insulator for holding the contact group. The contact group comprises pairs of signal contacts and pairs of ground contacts, wherein each pair of signal contacts is arranged adjacently between the ground contacts of a pair of ground contacts.

Object of the Invention

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a plug-type connector part, a plug-in connector and a socket- type connector part that allow for an improved handling and for a more precise navigation of the plug-type connector part relative to a socket-type connector part, in particular e.g. for connecting a device for magnetic resonance imaging, e.g. a magnetic resonance local coil. A further object is to provide a plug-type connector part, a plug-in connector and a socket-type connector part that can be cleaned in a simple manner .

Solution according to the invention

The reference numerals in the patent claims are not meant to be limiting but merely serve to improve readability of the claims .

According to the invention, the problem is solved by a plug- type connector part comprising a rear part and an insertion part attached to or integrally formed with the rear part. The insertion part extends from the rear part in a mating

direction of the plug-type connector part, the insertion part comprising a plurality of contact elements. The plug-type connector part comprises a handle element attached to or integrally formed with the rear part, wherein the handle element is located opposite of the insertion part and faces the insertion part, with an interspace between the handle element and the insertion part.

The plug-type connector part according to embodiments of the present invention comprises an insertion part with a

plurality of contact elements. The insertion part is

configured for being inserted into an insertion slot of a socket-type connector part. By inserting the insertion part into the insertion slot, a plurality of electrical

connections can be established between contact elements of the plug-type connector part and corresponding contact elements of the socket-type connector part. In order to facilitate the handling of the plug-type connector part for a user, a handle element is attached to or integrally formed with the rear part of the plug-type connector part. Herein, the term "rear part" relates to the mating direction of the plug-type connector part. The handle element is disposed opposite of the insertion part, with an interspace between the handle element and the insertion part. The handle element may for example be located above the insertion part.

Advantageously, the user may place his or her hand on the handle element and move the plug-type connector part in a desired direction. In this regard, the handling of the plug- type connector part according to embodiments of the invention can be similar to the operation of a computer mouse on a mouse pad. As a result, the plug-type connector part can be operated most intuitively by the user. The preferred handle element is implemented as a grip body that can be easily gripped by the user. The user may for example slide the plug- type connector part in the mating direction and insert the insertion part into the corresponding insertion slot. In this regard, the handle element allows for a precise control of the plug-type connector part's movement. Preferably, the orientation of the handle element indicates to the user the mating direction for inserting the insertion part into the insertion slot.

In a preferred scenario, the plug-type connector part and the plug-in connector are used in an orientation in which the handle of the plug-type connector part is located above the insertion part when viewed in the vertical direction. For convenience, this orientation is in the following referred to as the "regular orientation". In this context, the "vertical" direction is defined as the direction of gravity. It can be an advantage of arranging the handle above the insertion path that the user can grip the handle in a particularly

convenient manner. In the following description, terms like "over", "under", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward" will be used with respect to this regular

orientation of the plug-type connector part and the

corresponding orientation of the socket-type connector part.

The problem according to the invention is further solved by a plug-in connector comprising a plug-type connector part as described above and a corresponding socket-type connector part, the plug-type connector part being configured for being plugged into the socket-type connector part. The socket-type connector part comprises an insertion slot, the insertion slot being configured for taking in the insertion part of the plug-type connector part when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part. The socket-type connector part further comprises a connector module with a plurality of contact elements, the connector module being arranged adjacent to the insertion slot, wherein the contact elements of the connector module are configured for

establishing electrical connections with corresponding contact elements of the insertion part when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part and the insertion part is accommodated in the insertion slot. For ease of assembly and repair, the connector module may be self-contained, and preferably detachable from the socket- type connector part.

The problem according to the invention is moreover solved by a socket-type connector part comprising an insertion slot, the insertion slot being configured for taking in an

insertion part of a plug-type connector part when the plug- type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part. The socket-type connector part comprises a connector module with a plurality of contact elements, the connector module being arranged adjacent the insertion slot, wherein the contact elements of the connector module are configured for establishing electrical connections with corresponding contact elements of the insertion part when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part and the insertion part is accommodated in the insertion slot.

The plug-type connector part, the plug-in connector and the socket-type connector part as described above are designed such that the cleaning or disinfection process of these parts is simplified. In particular, this is for example very important in a medical environment, e.g. at a magnetic resonance imaging arrangement. In particular, it is possible to design these parts in a way that there are no or only a few recesses, grooves or protruding elements. Accordingly, the plug-type connector part, the plug-in connector and the socket-type connector part can be produced with smooth surfaces that allow for a more efficient cleaning process.

According to the invention, the problem is further solved by a local coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device

comprising a plug-type connector part as described above. According to the invention, the problem is further solved by an amplification device comprising an amplification unit comprising at least one amplifier, an interface for

connecting a local coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device to the amplification unit, and a plug-in connector part as described above. Advantageously, the local coil and/or the amplification device can be connected to the magnetic resonance imaging device conveniently and safely via the plug-type connector part.

According to the invention, the problem is further solved by a patient positioning device comprising a socket-type

connector part as described above. Advantageously, devices, e.g. a local coil and/or an amplification device can be connected to the patient positioning device conveniently and safely via the socket-type connector part.

According to the invention, the problem is further solved by a magnetic resonance imaging arrangement comprising a local coil connected to a plug-type connector part and a magnetic resonance imaging device connected to a socket-type connector part, the plug-type connector part and the socket-type connector part forming a plug-in connector.

Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Preferred features of the invention which may be applied alone or in combination are discussed below and in the dependent claims.

Preferably, the handle element is a grip body that can be grasped to hold and move the plug-type connector part in any direction. Advantageously, for navigating the plug-type connector part, the user can put his hand around the grip body and moves the plug in the desired direction. In

particular, the user can direct the insertion part into the insertion socket. The preferred handle element is configured for being gripped by the user in order to move the plug-type connector part into a socket-type connector part. With this embodiment of the invention, the user's hand can conveniently rest on the grip body, which can allow for a precise control of the plug's movement so that the user easily can navigate the plug in a desired direction.

Preferably, when viewed from a lateral side of the plug, the handle element has a trapezoidal shape so that the handle element extends over the insertion part. Advantageously, this can entail a handle element of larger size. Such larger handle element can particularly easy to be gripped by the user. A larger handle element can more effectively protect the insertion part and contact elements located on the insertion part.

Preferably, the handle element, the rear part and the

insertion part of the plug-type connector part when assembled are C-shaped. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle element forms a first leg and the insertion part forms a second leg of the C-shaped plug-type connector part. Preferably, the length of the first leg is between 60 % and 140 %, more preferably between 80 % and 120 % of the length of the second leg. Both the handle element and the insertion part preferably extend in the mating direction. The length of the preferred handle element approximately corresponds to the length of the insertion part. This has the advantageous effect that when the front end of the insertion part is moved, the front end of the handle element moves by the same amount. This allows for a particularly precise handling of the insertion part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the plug-type

connector part, the handle element extends from the rear part in a direction that deviates from the mating direction by at most 20° (based on a full circle of 360°), further preferably by at most 15°, further preferably by at most 10°, further preferably by at most 5°. Preferably, the handle element extends from the rear part in the mating direction. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the handle element indicates to the user the intended direction of the plug' s movement for inserting the plug into the socket.

The preferred insertion part is a plate-shaped element that, preferably, it extends essentially in the mating direction. Further preferably, the handle element extends essentially in parallel to the insertion part. In this context, the handle element and the insertion part are considered to extend

"essentially in parallel" if the orientation of the handle element deviates by at most 10° from the orientation of the insertion part. Because of this essentially parallel

orientation, the direction of movement of the handle element can correspond to the direction of movement of the insertion part, i.e., when the handle element is moved, the insertion part is moved in the same way. Thus, a precise control of the insertion part's movement can be accomplished and the

insertion part can be inserted into the insertion slot without difficulties.

The preferred height of the plug-type connector part is more than 60 % of the width of the plug-type connector part, further preferably more than 65 %. The height of the plug- type connector part preferably is less than 100 % of the width of the plug-type connector part, further preferably less than 90 % of the width, further preferably less than 80 % of the width of the plug-type connector part.

Advantageously, this can provide for a particularly compact and easy-to handle connector part.

In the preferred embodiment of the plug-type connector part, the rear part comprises a cable port or a cable feed-through for a cable to be introduced into the plug-type connector part from its rear side. Preferably, the plug-type connector part comprises a cable with a plurality of strands, each of the strands being connected to a corresponding contact element of the plug-type connector part. The preferred plug- type connector part comprises a plurality of contact elements, at least some of which are connected to respective strands of the cable. As a result, multiple electrical connections can be established in parallel. The plurality of contact elements preferably comprise both signal contact elements and shield contact elements. By providing at least one shield contact element in addition to the signal contact elements, signal distortion and cross talk between

neighbouring signal lines can be prevented or at least reduced. Accordingly, the quality of signal transmission is improved. In particular, magnetic resonance signals can for example be received with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

The preferred insertion part of the plug-type connector part comprises a contact face with the plurality of contact elements arranged on the contact face. Preferably, the contact face with the contact elements is disposed on a side of the insertion part that is located opposite of the handle element. More preferably, the contact face with the contact elements is disposed on the insertion part such that it faces the handle element; in other words, the contact elements are oriented towards the interspace between the insertion part and the handle element. It is an achievable advantage of this embodiment of the invention that the contact elements are well protected from contamination and from damages. The preferred insertion part comprises a printed circuit board, which printed circuit board preferably comprising the

plurality of contact elements. This can provide for a

particularly simple manufacture of the insertion part.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the socket-type connector part comprises a feeding element, wherein when viewed in the mating direction of the plug-type connector part, the feeding element is arranged at the front end of the insertion slot and is configured for guiding the insertion part into the insertion slot. In a preferred operation of mating the plug-type connector part with the socket-type connector part, first the plug-type connector part's insertion part is placed on the feeding element and then the plug-type connector part is moved in the mating direction, with the insertion part being guided by the feeding element into the insertion slot. The preferred feeding element is a tongue-like protrusion extending from the bottom of the insertion slot. A particularly preferred feeding element is developed into a semitube- or basin-like shape by providing a lateral guide on one or both sides of the insertion slot, which lateral guide (s) extend (s) essentially perpendicularly to the tongue-like protrusion on the tongue-like protrusion' s upper side. Due to the presence of the feeding element, the process of connecting and disconnecting the plug-type

connector part and the socket-type connector part is

simplified. Preferably, the insertion slot extends in the mating direction of the plug. Accordingly, when the plug is moved towards the socket in the mating direction, the

insertion part is introduced into the insertion slot.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the socket-type connector part comprises a connector block, the connector block comprising the connector module and the insertion slot. Preferably, the connector block is moveably mounted inside the socket-type connector part. Further preferably, the connector block is resiliently mounted inside the socket-type connector part. The connector block may for example be resiliently supported by at least one spring element.

Preferably, the connector block is configured for adapting to the position of the insertion part when the insertion part is inserted into the insertion slot.

Preferably, the connector block comprises a slanted approach surface. Preferably, the slanted approach surface is located on the side of the insertion slot that is opposite to the connector module. Preferably, the slanted approach surface is configured for interacting with the insertion part when the insertion part is inserted into the insertion slot. Due to the slanted orientation of the approach surface, a smooth insertion process is accomplished. Preferably, the slanted approach surface is configured for guiding the insertion part into the insertion slot when the insertion part is inserted into the insertion slot. When the insertion part is

completely inserted into the insertion slot, the insertion part may for example rest on a support surface of the

connector block. By providing a stable mechanical support for the insertion part, the reliability of the electric

connections between the insertion part's contact elements and the connector module's contact elements is improved. In a preferred embodiment, the slanted approach surface is located below the insertion slot.

In a preferred embodiment, the socket-type connector part comprises at least one spring element configured for

resiliently supporting the connector block. The resiliently supported connector block can adapt to the position of the insertion part when the insertion part is inserted into the insertion slot. Preferably, the spring force of the at least one spring element acts in an upward direction. The at least one spring element may for example be configured for

resiliently pressing the insertion slot's slanted approach surface against the insertion part when the insertion part is inserted into the insertion slot. Preferably, when the insertion part is inserted into the insertion slot, the connector block is pushed in a downward direction and the spring element is resiliently compressed. Accordingly, the position of the connector block can be adapted to the

position of the insertion part.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the socket-type connector part and the handle element are

configured such that the handle element is disposed outside of the socket-type connector part when the plug-type

connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part. Further preferably, when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part, the handle element is disposed on top of the socket-type connector part. In the plugged-in state, the handle element is located outside of the socket-type connector part and remains

accessible to the user. Accordingly, for unplugging the plug- type connector part, the user may grip the handle element and pull the plug-type connector part out of the socket-type connector part. Because the handle element remains accessible to the user during the entire process of mating and unmating the connector parts, mating and unmating is particularly intuitive and convenient.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector module is located above the insertion slot. Advantageously, this can contribute to reduce contamination of the connector module. In a

preferred embodiment of the invention, the plurality of contact elements of the connector module are disposed at the bottom of the connector module, while the contact elements of the insertion part are preferably located on the upper side of the insertion part that faces the handle element.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector module is pushed in a downward direction when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part and the insertion part is accommodated in the insertion slot. Preferably, this downward direction includes an angle of more than 45° with the mating direction of the plug-type connector part.

Advantageously, this mechanism can facilitate the arrangement of the connector module above the insertion slot. The

vertical distance between the connector module and the insertion opening can be increased when no plug-type

connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part. Thereby the risk of possible liquids entering the insertion opening causing short circuits at the connector module can be reduced.

Preferably, the connector module comprises both signal contact elements and shield contact elements. By providing at least one shield contact element in addition to the signal contact elements, signal distortion and cross talk between neighbouring signal lines can be prevented or at least reduced. Accordingly, the quality of signal transmission is improved .

Preferably, the contact elements of the connector module are spring contact elements. When the insertion part is pressed against the connector module, the spring contact elements of the connector module are resiliently deformed, wherein the resilient deformation of the spring contact elements improves the electric connection between the contact elements.

Preferably, the connector module comprises a contact surface with a plurality of contact elements that protrude from the contact surface. By pressing the insertion part against the contact surface, a plurality of electrical connections is set up in parallel.

Preferably, the insertion part of the plug-type connector part and the connector module of the socket-type connector part are configured for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals, e.g. magnetic resonance signals. In particular, via the contact elements of the connector module and the contact elements of the insertion part, a plurality of RF signals can be transmitted in a way that signal distortion caused by electromagnetic radiation, crosstalk, capacitive and

inductive coupling, etc. is kept at a minimum. The plug-in connector of the present invention is particularly suited for transmitting RF signals in the field of medical imaging, e.g. in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) . In medical imaging, an imaging apparatus generates a plurality of RF signals that have to be transmitted from the imaging apparatus to an image processing unit. The plug-in connector of the present

invention is capable of transmitting a plurality of these RF signals in parallel, with signal distortion being kept at a minimum. Therefore, image processing in the image processing unit can be based on high quality RF signals. Preferably, when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket-type connector part, part of the socket-type connector part extends into the interspace between the insertion part and the handle element. Thereby, the

mechanical stability of the plug-in connector in the plugged- in state can be increased. Preferably, the handle element comprises a latching element facing towards the interspace of the plug, wherein the socket-type connector part comprises a counter-latching element located at its top surface, and wherein the latching element is configured for engaging with the counter-latching element when the plug-type connector part is pushed into the socket-type connector part. Thus, when the plug-type connector part is plugged into the socket- type connector part and reaches its final position, the latching element engages with the counter-latching element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle element comprises a resiliently supported snap-in hook facing towards the interspace of the plug, wherein the socket-type connector part comprises a protrusion located at its top surface, and wherein the snap-in hook is configured for engaging with the protrusion when the plug-type connector part is pushed into the socket-type connector part.

Preferably, the insertion part, the rear part and the handle element of the plug-type connector part are implemented as one or more injection moulded parts. Further preferably, the connector body and the upper cover of the socket-type

connector part are implemented as injection moulded parts.

The preferred handle element comprises a snap cover that can be snapped onto the body of the plug-type connector part. The snap cover can provide for a particularly simple assembly of the plug-type connector part.

Preferably, the plurality of contact elements of the socket- type connector part are inaccessible, in particular

untouchable, by a human body part, e.g. a finger. In particular, the plurality of contact elements of the socket- type connector part are inaccessible by a human body part when the socket-type connector part is mounted and/or in an operating state and/or functional state. Advantageously, the insertion slot has a width which is small enough to prohibit an insertion of a human body party. Preferably, the width of the insertion slot is less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 15 mm, more preferably less than 8 mm, more preferably is less than 6 mm, even more preferably less than 4 mm.

Hence, a supply voltage may be applied to the one or more contact elements continuously in a safe manner because the contact elements cannot be touched from outside. Thus, a control for switching the supply voltage is not necessary. This facilitates the design of a device in which the socket- type connector part may be integrated, e.g. a magnetic resonance device.

Brief Description of the Drawing

In the following, further preferred embodiments of invention are illustrated by means of examples. Yet, the invention is not limited to these examples.

The drawings schematically show:

Figure la A plug-type connector part with a handle, a rear part and an insertion part;

Figure lb A socket-type connector part with an insertion slot configured for accepting the plug's insertion part;

Figure 2 A longitudinal section of the plug-type connector part and the socket-type connector part in a position in which the plug-type connector part is not plugged in yet; Figure 3 A perspective view of a connector module with a plurality of contact elements disposed at the bottom of the connector module;

Figure 4 A longitudinal section of the plug-type connector part and the socket-type connector part in the plugged-in stated;

Figure 5 A schematic depiction of a magnetic resonance

imaging arrangement comprising a local coil with a plug-type connector part, a patient positioning device with a socket-type connector part, and a magnetic resonance imaging device; and

Figure 6 A schematic depiction of an amplification device connected to a local coil.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, identical reference numerals denote identical or comparable components.

In Figure la, a plug-type connector part of a plug-in

connector is shown, and in Figure lb, the corresponding socket-type connector part is depicted. The plug-type

connector part 1 of Figure la is configured for being mated with the socket-type connector part 2 of Figure lb. The plug- type connector part 1 comprises a rear part 3, an insertion part 4 and a handle 5. A cable 6 is introduced into the rear part 3 via a cable port or a cable feed-through. The

insertion part 4 is attached to or integrally molded with the rear part 3 and extends from the rear part 3 in the mating direction 7. The insertion part 4 may for example be

implemented as a plate-shaped insertion part. The handle 5 is attached to or integrally molded with the rear part 3. In the example of Figure la, the lower portion 8 of the handle 5 is integrally molded with the rear part 3 and a snap-on cover 9 is attached to the lower portion 8. The handle 5 may for example be implemented as a plate-shaped handle. The handle 5 extends from the rear part 3 in the mating direction 7. The handle 5 runs in parallel with the insertion part 4 and is arranged at a certain distance 10 from the insertion part 4, wherein an interspace 11 is formed between the insertion part 4 and the handle 5.

When viewed from the lateral side, the handle 5, the rear part 3 and the insertion part 4 form a C-shape, as shown in Figure la. On the side of the insertion part 4 that faces the handle 5, a contact face 12 is arranged, the contact face 12 comprising a plurality of contact elements 13. The contact elements 13 may for example comprise signal contact elements as well as shield contact elements. The contact elements 13 may be configured for transmitting a plurality of electrical signals in parallel, for example a plurality of RF signals.

At least some of the signal contact elements 13 may for example be connected with corresponding cable strands of the cable 6. By arranging the contact face 12 on the side of the insertion part 4 that faces the handle 5, the contact face 12 with the contact elements 13 is to some extent protected by the handle 5. In particular, when viewed in the vertical direction 14, the handle 5 extends beyond the insertion part 4 and serves as a cover for the insertion part 4.

The socket-type connector part 2 shown in Figure lb comprises a connector body 15 and an upper cover 16 with a flange 17. The socket-type connector part 2 may for example be mounted in a housing of an electrical apparatus, e.g. a patient positioning device as shown in Figure 5. The socket-type connector part 2 comprises an insertion slot 18 configured for accommodating the insertion part 4 when the plug-type connector part 1 is mated with the socket-type connector part 2. For plugging the plug-type connector part 1 into the socket-type connector part 2, a user may for example grip the handle 5 and slide the insertion part 4 into the insertion slot 18. In order to facilitate the mating process, the socket-type connector part 2 may optionally comprise a feeding element 19 disposed in front of the insertion slot 18 when viewed in the mating direction 7. The feeding element 19 may serve as a guide element for guiding the plug-type connector part 1. In particular, the insertion part 4 may be placed on top of the feeding element 19 and may be slid into the insertion slot 18. During the insertion process, the handle 5 remains at the exterior of the socket-type connector part 2. When the plug-type connector part 1 is plugged into the socket-type connector part 2, the front part of the upper cover 16 will enter into the interspace 11 and the handle 5 will remain at the exterior of the socket-type connector part 2. In the plugged-in state, the handle 5 is disposed on top of the upper cover 16. Thus, the user can grip the handle 5 and unplug the plug-type connector part 1 and the socket-type connector part 2 by pulling the insertion part 4 out of the insertion slot 18.

In regular use, the handle 5 of the plug-type connector part 1 will be located above the insertion part 4 such that the user can grip the handle 5 in a convenient manner. In the following, terms like "over", "under", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "upward" and "downward" will be used with regard to this regular orientation of the plug-type connector part 1.

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section of the plug-type connector part 1 and the socket-type connector part 2 in a relative position in which the plug-type connector part 1 is not plugged into the socket-type connector part 2 yet. In Figure 2, it can be seen that the handle 5, the rear part 3 and the insertion part 4 form a C-shape, wherein the handle 5 and the insertion part 4 extend in parallel in the mating direction 7. The cable 6 enters the rear part 3 of the plug- type connector part 1 via a cable feed-through 20.

The socket-type connector part 2 comprises the connector body 15 and the upper cover 16. The insertion part 4 of the plug- type connector part 1 rests on the feeding element 19 and can be moved into the insertion slot 18 in the mating direction 7. Inside the connector body 15, a connector block 21 is resiliently mounted. As shown in figure 2, the connector block 21 is supported by a plurality of coil springs 22. The connector block 21 comprises the insertion slot 18 and a connector module 23 that is arranged above the insertion slot 18. The connector module 23 comprises a plurality of spring contact elements 24 configured for establishing electrical connections with corresponding contact elements 13 on the contact face 12 of the insertion part 4 when the plug-type connector part 1 is plugged into the socket-type connector part 2 and the insertion part 4 is disposed in the insertion slot 18.

In Figure 3, the connector module 23 is shown in more detail. The connector module 23 is implemented as a self-contained connector module that is configured for being fixed at the connector block 21. The connector module 23 comprises a plurality of spring contact elements 24. With regard to the vertical direction 14, the contact portions of the spring contact elements 24 are disposed on the bottom surface of the connector module 23. In particular, the contact portions of the spring contact elements 24 may protrude from the

connector face 25 of the connector module 23. The spring contact elements 24 of the connector module 23 are configured for contacting the contact elements 13 of the insertion part 4 from above when the insertion part 4 is inserted into the insertion slot 18. By disposing the connector module 23 above the insertion slot 18, dirt particles are prevented from entering into the connector module 23 and accordingly, a contamination of the connector module 23 is avoided. When the insertion part 4 is inserted into the insertion slot 18, the contact elements 13 are moved relative to the spring contact elements 24 and due to a slight amount of abrasion, both the spring contact elements 24 and the contact elements 13 are cleaned. In addition, the spring contact elements 24 are resiliently deformed when the insertion part 4 is inserted into the insertion slot 18, which further improves the electric connections. The spring contact elements 24 may comprise signal contact elements as well as shield contact elements. Preferably, the contact elements are arranged along a plurality of rows 26.

The connector block 21 rests on the coil springs 22, said coil springs 22 being configured for exerting a spring force on the connector block 21 in an upward direction, as

indicated by arrow 27. The connector block 21 comprises a slanted approach surface 28 located on the side of the insertion slot 18 that is opposite to the connector module 23. The slanted approach surface 28 is configured for guiding the insertion part 4 into the insertion slot 18 when the plug-type connector part 1 is plugged into the socket-type connector part 2. When the insertion part 4 is inserted into the insertion slot 18, the slanted approach surface 28 is pressed against the insertion part 4 by the coil springs 22. Because of the interaction of the slanted approach surface 28 with the insertion part 4, the connector block 21 with the connector module 23 is pushed in a downward direction and the coil springs 22 are compressed. As shown in Figure 4, the resiliently mounted connector block 21 is repositioned relative to the insertion part 4. Thus, the resiliently mounted connector block 21 can adapt to the position of the insertion part 4. After the insertion part 4 has been

inserted into the insertion slot 18, the insertion part 4 rests on the support surface 29 of the connector block 21.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, a snap-in hook 30 is disposed inside the handle 5, with a projection 31 of the snap-in hook 30 protruding from the face of the handle 5 that is located opposite of the insertion part 4. A coil spring 32 is configured for pushing the snap-in hook 30 in a downward direction such that the projection 31 of the snap-in hook 30 protrudes from a bottom surface of the handle 5 that is located opposite of the insertion part 4.

The socket-type connector part 2 comprises a protrusion 33 mounted on the upper cover 16. When the plug-type connector part 1 is plugged into the socket-type connector part 2, the projection 31 of the snap-in hook 30 slides along the outer contour of the protrusion 33. As soon as the plug-type connector part 1 reaches its final position, which is shown in Figure 4, the projection 31 of the snap-in hook 30 snaps in behind the protrusion 33, thereby locking the plug-type connector part 1 in its final position. In this position, as shown in Figure 4, a plurality of electrical connections is established between the spring contact elements 24 of the connector module 23 and the contact elements 13 of the insertion part 4.

The plug-in connector can e.g. be used in the field of medical imaging, in particular in the field of medical resonance imaging. Figure 5 shows a magnetic resonance imaging arrangement comprising local coil 100 and a magnetic resonance imaging device 300. The magnetic resonance imaging device 300 comprises a main magnet unit 301 for applying a magnetic field, a gradient unit 302 for applying pulses gradient pulses, and a radio frequency unit 303 for applying radio frequency pulses to a patient P. Thus, magnetic resonance signals are generated. The patient P is positioned on a patient table 201 of a patient positioning device 200.

The local coil 100 comprises a plug-type connector part 1 as shown with a cable 6. A socket-type connector part 2 is mounted on the patient table 201. The plug-type connector part 1 and the socket-type connector part 2 form a plug-in connector as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The local coil 100 is configured to receive the generated magnetic resonance signals that may be transmitted via a plug-in connector for further processing.

Preferably, the socket-type connector part 2 is arranged at the patient positioning device 200 so that the connector module 23 is located above the insertion slot 18. Preferably, the socket-type connector part 2 is arranged at the patient positioning device 200 so that the connector module 23 is pushed in a downward direction, i.e. in the direction of gravity G, when the plug-type connector part 1 is plugged into the socket-type connector part 2 and the insertion part 4 is accommodated in the insertion slot 18. Therefore, even if a liquid enters the insertion slot 18 accidentally, this will cause no short circuits at the connector module 23.

Hence, a supply voltage may be applied to the connector module 23 continuously in a safe manner. Thus, a control for switching the supply voltage is not necessary.

A local coil may be connected to the magnetic resonance imaging device 300 not directly but via an amplification device. An exemplary arrangement is depicted in Figure 6. An amplification device 400 comprises a plug-type connector part 1 as described above, a cable 6 connected to the plug-type connector part 1, and an amplification unit 401 connected to the cable 6. The amplification device 400 may be connected to a local coil 500 via an interface. Therefor the amplification device 400 comprises a first interface part 403 which can be connected to a second interface part 503 of the local coil 500. The local coil 500 comprises two antenna elements 501, i.e. the local coil 500 is a two-channel local coil. The number of channels may be more or less than two, e.g. 4, 8, 16, 32, 64. Each of the antenna elements 501 is configured to receive magnetic resonance signals. These two signals may be transmitted via a cable 502, the second interface 503, and the first interface 403 to the amplification unit 401. The amplification unit 401 comprises for each of the two channels an amplifier 402 for amplifying each of the transmitted signals separately. The amplified signals can be transmitted to the magnetic resonance imaging device 300 via the plug- type connector part 1.

List of reference numerals

1 Plug-type connector part

2 Socket-type connector part

3 Rear part

4 Insertion part

5 Handle

6 Cable

7 Mating direction

8 Lower portion of the handle

9 Snap-on cover

10 Distance

11 Interspace

12 Contact face

13 Contact elements

14 Vertical direction

15 Connector body

16 Upper cover

17 Flange

18 Insertion slot

19 Feeding element

20 Cable feed-through

21 Connector block

22 Coil springs

23 Connector module

24 Spring contact elements

25 Connector face

26 Rows

27 Arrow

28 Slanted approach surface

29 Support surface

30 Snap-in hook

31 Projection of the snap-in hook

32 Coil spring

33 Protrusion

100 Local coil with plug-type connector part 200 Patient positioning device 201 Patient table

300 Magnetic resonance imaging device

301 Main magnet unit

302 Gradient unit

303 Radio frequency unit

400 Amplification device

401 Amplification unit

402 Amp1ifier

403 Interface of amplification device

500 Local coil without plug-type connector part

501 Antenna element

502 Cable of local coil without plug-type connector part

503 Interface of local coil without plug-type connector part P Patient

G Direction of gravity