DE102008057467B3 - Pre-assembled connector system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector system for use between a socket and an electrical control device for a restraint system in motor vehicles, comprising: 1.1 a plug connection (1) for connecting the connector system to the socket, 1.2 a connectable to the plug connection (1), in particular pluggable, preferably lockable, even more preferably lockable, fixing element (2) for fixing a electrically connected to the electrical control unit contact unit (4) in an operating position and 1.3 a locking element (3) for locking the plug connector (1) with the fixing element (2) and for locking the contact unit (4) in the operating position, wherein the most universal and flexible usability and at the same time to reduce the dimensions and weight of the connector system and the number of materials used, the plug connector (1), the fixing element (2) and the locking element (3) i n a pre-assembly are formed pre-assembled, in which the contact unit (4) is receivable into the connector system.

Description

The The present invention relates to a connector system according to claim 1.

at Airbag connectors or connector systems for restraint systems In motor vehicles for years there is the urge, the connectors on the one hand, to continue to miniaturize, at the same time but to maintain the security of the connector also over a long time and the connector systems are always easier to assemble and be more flexible.

Further Aspects are the reduction of weight as well as the reduction of weight Use coming different materials to a later disposal / reprocessing simplify and optimize the manufacturing process.

The DE 196 17 819 A1 shows an electrical connector 1 between a plug 10 and a can 7 , as it is used for controlling airbags, wherein a base housing is provided for receiving contact elements, which with a lid 32 be set in the housing. Furthermore, a hanger 2 with blocking legs 2a , b, which is displaceable from a mounting - in an operating position, in which he the locking of connectors 10 and can 7 guaranteed.

The DE 697 19 900 T2 shows a connector with a housing 4 and contact elements 12 , wherein the contacts in the housing by means of elastic spring tongues 30 primarily locked and with one of a Vorrast- in a Entraststellung pivotable locking element 14 with projections 38 be locked secondarily.

Next the variety of the aforementioned basic technical problems exists with airbag connectors the desire that these for different Installation situations as possible to be flexible and universally applicable.

It Therefore, the object of the present invention is a connector system to pretend that as possible universally and flexibly applicable and at the same time to the reduction the dimensions and weight of the connector and the number used materials leads.

These Task is with a connector system with the features of Claim 1 solved. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. In the context of the invention, all combinations of at least two disclosed in the specification, claims and / or figures Features.

The basic idea The present invention is a connector of only three components to be designed so that the three components pre-assembled, in particular Captive, trained and contacts for contacting the Can with the electrical control unit later, so after assembly / pre-assembly of the rest Components, must be installed. This allows used corresponding installation situations adapted contact units become. About that In addition, the monthly days of the contact units with the connector system in advantageously at any point in the manufacturing process respectively.

in the Within the scope of the present invention, the connector system without the contact unit on three components, namely a plug connection to Connection of the connector system to the socket, one to the connector connectable, in particular pluggable, preferably lockable, more preferably lockable, Fixing element and a locking element for locking the connector with the fixing element and for locking the contact unit limited in the operating position become.

In an advantageous embodiment The invention provides that the plug connection and the Fixing a common, especially straight, receiving channel form for receiving the contact unit. The contact unit exists from two lines, one the lines in a protection section enclosing Protective element, preferably EMC protective element and at the end of each Line arranged contacts, wherein the contact unit subsequently in the pre-assembled connector system is integrated / installed can. This is in a particularly simple way by the one described above Recording channel possible.

So far Connection means, in particular as integral connection means, for Connection of the fixing element are provided on the connector terminal, in a longitudinal direction L of the receiving channel are designed acting, the pre-assembly simplified and reduces the number of components. By the orientation the connection means in the longitudinal direction L of the receiving channel is a particularly space-saving accommodation allows.

In Combination with the aforementioned feature, it is particularly advantageous Locking means for locking the locking element on Provide connector and / or on the fixing, in particular in a transverse direction Q to the receiving channel and / or to the connection means acting. The above-described construction contributes to a particularly safe Design at, which is easy to assemble / preassemble.

By doing the plug connection or the fixing element in a longitudinal direction L acting stop to limit the recording and positioning has the contact unit in the connection channel, the risk of Errors during assembly further reduced and functional reliability by accurately positioning the contacts in the mating face of the Improved connector system.

The aforementioned embodiment is further enhanced by the locking element one in the operating position in the longitudinal direction L against the Stop counter-stop for positioning the contact unit has in the connection channel.

Farther is in an advantageous embodiment the invention provided that the connector terminal with sliding contours of the fixing element corresponding sliding contours for sliding guide the fixing opposite the plug connection in the longitudinal direction L has. This measure elevated the functionality and mounting security.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provided that the locking element corresponding to the lines Having recesses for receiving part of the lines. These measure contributes to further increase the mounting security at.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provided that the recesses crush ribs for fixing the Have lines in the recesses. This will cause a tolerance compensation when setting the EMC protection element of the contact unit allows, thereby especially due to the small size of the connector system ensures a less tolerant positioning of the contacts becomes. Furthermore, it is ensured by the corresponding structures that a correct installation of the connector system takes place because an assembly is not possible otherwise or only with disproportionate effort, which is immediately noticed by the fitter as faulty.

For this also carries the measure at, an opening of the plug connection and an opening of the Fuser in the pre-assembly a joint, with the Locking element to form corresponding opening through the locking element is plugged into the receiving channel.

By doing the opening by moving the connector terminal relative to the fixing element at least is partially closed, is achieved with advantage that a Solve the Connector system is prevented during operation.

By doing for handling the locking element on the locking element a tool-free removable handle is provided, the handling the locking element and the insertion of the locking element significantly facilitated in the operating position, so that a tool-free Mounting the connector system with the contact unit is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fixing element Secondary locking means to Locking, in particular by engaging behind, of primary locking means of the plug connection.

Further Advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent the following description of preferred embodiments and by reference the drawings. These show in:

1a and 1b : Perspective view of a connector system according to the invention and of a contact unit,

2a : perspective view of a connector system according to the invention in a pre-assembly position with a handling handle according to the invention,

2 B : a perspective view of a connector system according to the invention in a pre-assembly position,

2c FIG. 2: a perspective view of a connector system according to the invention in a first locking stage, FIG.

2d FIG. 2: a perspective view of a connector system according to the invention in a second locking stage / operating position, FIG.

3a a perspective cut view according to 2 B .

3b a perspective cut view according to 2c and

3c FIG. 4: a perspective sectional view according to FIG 2d ,

In the figures are the same or equivalent components with the same Reference number marked.

In the 1a and 1b is in an exploded view from a plug connection 1 , a fixing element 2 and a locking element 3 formed connector system, in which a contact unit 4 is receivable until a pre-assembly of the connector system. The three basic components of the connector system, namely the connector 1 , the fixing element 2 and the locking element 3 Some of them have several functional elements and functions, which are summarized below in a nutshell:

connector 1 :

• - Forming part of a receiving channel 5 for receiving the contact unit 4 as well as receiving contacts 9 . 9 ' of wires 6 . 6 ' the contact unit 4 in a mating face 21 ,
• - Locking of the connector system with a corresponding box not shown here by Primärrastmittel 22 ,
• - Form-fitting recording of the fixing 2 .
• - Fixation of the fixing 2 through connection means 10 . 11 .
• - Limiting the inclusion of the contact unit 4 in an insertion direction S by a stop 14 in the receiving channel 5 ,

fixing 2 :

• - Forming a common opening with the connector 1 for introducing the locking element 3 in the connection channel 5 .
• - Locking of the locking element 3 in a second locking stage by closing the opening 20 from the first locking stage or pre-assembly position,
• - Formation of part of the connection channel 5 ,

Locking element:

• - Locking of the contact unit 4 in the operating position or Kontaktierstellung, in particular by forming a counter-attack 15 to on a protective element 8th , preferably EMC protection element, the contact unit 4 ,

The protective element 8th For example, a ferrite core, surrounds the two lines 6 . 6 ' the contact unit 4 and in addition to the provision of EMC protection for the connector at the same time as a fixation of the contact unit 4 be used in the connector system. The protective element 8th can be a subregion of the lines 6 . 6 ' in a protection section 7 the contact unit 4 , in particular form-fitting, enclose.

About an opening 23 in the fixing element 2 , on the back of the connector system, so opposite to the mating face 21 is arranged, is the contact unit 4 in the receiving channel 5 received. The opening 23 simultaneously forms an end of the receiving channel 5 ,

The receiving channel 5 extends through the fixing element 2 through and then through the plug connector 1 through to the mating face 21 , The connection channel 5 runs straight through the fixing 2 and the plug connection 1 therethrough.

The fixing element 2 is with the plug connection 1 lockable, in an in 2a . 2 B . 2c . 3a and 3b shown pre-assembly or first locking stage and in an in 2d and 3c shown second locking level or operating position.

A plug connection housing 24 forms with its two side walls 25 . 26 and by the above open configuration of the connector housing 24 Gleitschultern 27 . 28 out, on which the fixing element 2 with a lid section 29 and molded to the connector housing 24 conforming sidewalls 30 . 31 between the pre-assembly and the operating position is displaced.

In order to further increase the plug-in security, there are guide lugs 32 . 33 and 34 at the fixing element 2 provided in the corresponding recesses of the connector 1 grab, with the lateral guide tabs 32 . 34 at the same time as secondary locking means for the primary locking means 22 of the plug connection 1 can serve by engaging them in the operating position.

In the lid section 29 of the fixing element 2 is one to the cross section of the locking element 3 corresponding opening 19 provided with one in the plug connection housing 24 provided opening 18 is brought into coincidence in the pre-assembly or aligned, so that the locking element 3 in the pre-assembly position in the plug connection 1 and the fixing element 2 can be inserted and preferably pre-locked with the two elements. Consequently, a release of the fixing element 2 from the plug connection 1 in the pre-assembly no longer possible.

At the same time in the pre-assembly of the connection channel 5 for receiving the contact unit 4 free, leaving the contact unit 4 at any later time, but before the in 2c . 2d such as 3b and 3c shown locking stages in the receiving channel 5 is receivable.

The mating of the fixing element 2 with the plug connection 1 takes place in a longitudinal direction L, which is a plug-in direction S of the Steckver binder system in the box, while the locking element 3 transversely thereto in a transverse direction Q is movable. Due to the shape congruences or closures between plug connection 1 , Fixing element 2 and locking element 3 The three components in each case have only one degree of freedom in order to carry out the various movements defined by the latching steps in the operating position.

Aids such as on the side cheeks 30 . 31 attached gripping ribs 35 and one on the locking element 3 molded handle 36 serve the simpler, especially tool-free handling of the connector system during assembly / pre-assembly.

In 2a is the pre-assembly of connector 1 , Fixing element 2 and locking element 3 shown in FIG 2a the handle 36 about a movie 37 on the locking element 3 attached, for example, by turning the handle 36 can be destroyed to the handle 36 from the locking element 3 to solve (see 2 B ). The handle 36 But also at a later date, for example in an in 2c shown first locking stage can be separated.

In the first locking stage is the locking element 3 by locking means 12 . 13 with the plug connection 1 locked. As a locking device 12 are two transverse to the longitudinal direction L arranged latching noses 12n . 12n ' on latching arms 12a . 12a ' of the locking element 3 intended. These rest in recesses 13a . 13a '' the side walls 24 . 26 one.

In 3b , which also shows the first locking stage, it can be seen that the locking element now so far in the receiving channel 5 is added that the lid section 29 over the locking element 3 can slide while in the in 3a shown pre-assembly a corresponding sliding movement is hindered by the locking element.

At the same time is in 3b recognizable that the line 6 in a recess 16 of the locking element 3 you are guided through in the recess 16 provided crush ribs 17 is fixed. Analogously, this applies to the in 1b shown line 6 ' and the associated recess 16 ' and crushed rib 17 ' ,

Furthermore, in 3b to realize that the protective element 8th between the stop 14 and by the locking element 3 formed counter-attack 15 is fixed.

In 2d and 3c Finally, the second locking stage is shown, which corresponds to the operating position. This is done by further attachment of the fixing 2 on the plug connection 1 in the direction of insertion S up to the in 3c and 2d reached shown position. In this locks the fixing 2 in the plug connection 1 via connection means 10 . 11 one. The connection means 10 of the fixing element 2 are formed as projections, with recesses 11a of the plug connection 1 correspond and snap into it.

1

connector

2

fixing

3

locking element

4

Contact unit

5

connecting channel

6 6 '

cables

7

protection section

8th

protection element

9 9 '

contacts

10

connection means

11

connection means

11a

recesses

12

locking means

12a, 12a '

lock

12n 12n '

locking tabs

13

locking means

14

attack

15

counterstop

16 16 '

recess

17 17 '

Querschrippen

18

opening

19

opening

20

opening

21

mating face

22

Primary locking means

23

opening

24

Connector housing

25

Side wall

26

Side wall

27

slide cam

28

slide cam

29

cover section

30

side cheek

31

side cheek

32

guide nose

33

guide nose

34

guide nose

35

gripping ridges

36

Handle

37

Movie

Claims (13)

A connector system for use between a socket and an electrical control device for a vehicle restraint system, comprising: 1.1 a plug connection ( 1 ) for connecting the connector system to the socket, 1.2 a to the connector ( 1 ) connectable, in particular pluggable, preferably lockable, even more preferably lockable, fixing element ( 2 ) for fixing a contact unit electrically connected to the electrical control unit ( 4 ) in an operating position and 1.3 a locking element ( 3 ) for locking the plug connection ( 1 ) with the fixing element ( 2 ) and for locking the contact unit ( 4 ) in the operating position, characterized in that the plug connection ( 1 ), Fixing element ( 2 ) and locking element ( 3 ) are pre-assembled in a pre-assembly, in which the contact unit ( 4 ) is receivable in the connector system. Connector system according to claim 1, wherein the plug connection ( 1 ) and fixing element ( 2 ) a common, in particular straight, receiving channel ( 5 ) for receiving the contact unit ( 4 ), consisting in particular of two lines ( 6 . 6 ' ), the lines ( 6 . 6 ' ) in a protection section ( 7 ) enclosing protective element ( 8th ) and at the end of each line ( 6 . 6 ' ) contacts ( 9 . 9 ' ) are formed. Connector system according to claim 2, in which, in particular integral, connection means ( 10 . 11 ) for connecting the fixing element ( 2 ) at the plug connection ( 1 ) are provided, in particular in a longitudinal direction L of the receiving channel ( 5 ) acting. Connector system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locking means ( 12 . 13 ) for locking the locking element ( 3 ) at the plug connection ( 1 ) and / or on the fixing element ( 2 ) are provided, in particular in a transverse direction Q to the receiving channel ( 5 ) and / or to the connection means ( 10 . 11 ) acting. Connector system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the plug connection ( 1 ) or the fixing element ( 2 ) acting in the longitudinal direction L stop ( 14 ) for limiting the recording and positioning of the contact unit ( 4 ) in the connection channel ( 5 ) having. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plug connection ( 1 ) with sliding contours ( 15 ) of the fixing element ( 2 ) corresponding sliding contours ( 16 ) for sliding guidance of the fixing element ( 2 ) opposite the plug connection ( 1 ) in the longitudinal direction L. Connector system according to claim 5, wherein the locking element ( 3 ) one in the operating position in the longitudinal direction L against the stop ( 14 ) counter-attack ( 15 ) for positioning the contact unit ( 4 ) in the connection channel ( 5 ) having. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the locking element ( 3 ) to the lines ( 6 . 6 ' ) corresponding recesses ( 16 . 16 ' ) for partially receiving the lines ( 6 . 6 ' ) having. Connector system according to claim 8, wherein the recesses ( 16 . 16 ' ) Crush ribs ( 17 . 17 ' ) for fixing the lines ( 6 . 6 ' ) in the recesses ( 16 . 16 ' ) exhibit. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an opening ( 18 ) of the plug connection ( 1 ) and an opening ( 19 ) of the fixing element ( 2 ) in the pre-assembly a common, with the locking element ( 3 ) corresponding opening ( 20 ), through which the locking element ( 3 ) in the receiving channel ( 5 ) is pluggable. Connector system according to claim 10, wherein the opening ( 20 ) by moving the connector ( 1 ) relative to the fixing element ( 2 ) is at least partially closed. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, in which for handling the locking element ( 3 ) on the locking element ( 3 ) a tool-free removable handle ( 36 ) is provided. Connector system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing element ( 2 ) Secondary locking means ( 32 . 34 ) for locking, in particular by engaging behind, of primary locking means ( 22 ) of the plug connection ( 1 ) having.