DE102010032313A1 - Housing for receiving plug, and for use in plug-contact connection, has pin-shaped electrode inserted through arbitrary point of opening at insertion angle relative to surface of opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The housing (2) has an opening (7), where a housing-side electrode (8) is electrically contactable by a pin-shaped electrode (4). The pin-shaped electrode is inserted through an arbitrary point of the opening at an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening. An electrically insulating material (12) is arranged between the opening and the housing-side electrode. An independent claim is also included for a method for making electrical contact.

Description

The invention relates to a housing for receiving a plug, a plug contact connection and a method for electrical contacting.

In the field of production of electrical connections is well known to insert a plug with a pin-shaped electrode in a housing, wherein in the inserted state of the plug, a housing-side electrode contacted by the pin-shaped, plug-side electrode and thus an electrical connection is made.

For this purpose, however, the plug must be inserted in a predetermined manner, for example in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined location of the housing in this.

However, there are applications in which a tolerance in terms of insertion position and plug-in direction of the plug in the housing due to production is necessary. It is desirable to produce an electrical contact between the plug-side and the housing-side electrode even in such applications, so regardless of position and orientation.

Such a problem arises for example in the assembly of headlamps in the automotive sector. In simple terms, a headlamp consists of a first part, which has a transparent outer light disc and illuminants arranged behind this disc, eg. B. LED has. This first part generally has at least one pin-shaped electrode. On the body side, a second part of the headlamp is provided, which includes an electronics necessary for the control of the lighting means, in particular the LED. In order to ensure a correct and safe operation of the lighting means, an electrical connection between the first and the second part, in particular between the lighting means and the electronics for controlling the lighting means, is necessary. During the assembly process, the first part is attached to the second part. For this purpose, a housing of the second part openings, through which the pin-shaped electrodes of the first part can be inserted. In this case, however, the pin-shaped electrodes must be inserted in predefined manner in openings of the second part. This requires an accurate and thus possibly repeatedly repeated alignment of the first part relative to the second part. Manufacturing-related tolerances in the arrangement of one or more pin-shaped electrodes can be difficult or not compensated in this case.

The US 3,158,420 discloses an underwater connector for electrically connecting a pair of insulated conductors. The underwater connector comprises a plug, a needle-shaped, conductive part of the plug, wherein one end of the needle-shaped part is formed as a tip and the other end is connected to one of the aforementioned electrical conductors. Further, the document discloses a housing having a rigid, non-conductive portion with a chamber enclosed therein. Further, the housing has a pair of openings to the chamber. The chamber contains a lot of fibrous, conductive substances. One of the openings is in this case almost completely filled with an elastic, rubber-like substance which has self-sealing properties. Sealing means of the other opening comprise an annular seal having a central openings through which the further insulated conductor can be passed.

The US 3,713,072 discloses an electrical connection between a pin and a flat conductor. Here, the electrical connection comprises a device for electrical connection, which is aufgekämpt on the ladder. The device has a web and two side walls at opposite ends of the web. An opening in the web is in this case arranged centrally between the side walls. The side walls are in this case curved inwards, towards each other and in the direction of the web. Further, the side walls are connected to the conductor.

It poses the technical problem of providing a housing, a plug contact connection and a method for electrical contacting, which allow an electrical contact, which is more tolerant to a housing-side insertion position and a plug-in direction.

The solution of the technical problem results from the objects with the features of claims 1, 7 and 8. Further advantageous embodiments result from the dependent claims.

Proposed is a housing for receiving a plug, wherein the plug has a pin-shaped electrode. The housing in this case has at least one opening, wherein a surface of the opening by a predetermined amount is greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode. For electrical contacting, the pin-shaped electrode is inserted through the opening in the housing. The cross-sectional area of a pin-shaped electrode here refers to a cross-section perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the pin-shaped electrode. For example, the pin-shaped electrode may have a circular or rectangular cross-section. Also, the opening may be formed, for example, circular or rectangular. Assigns the pin-shaped electrode z. B. one circular cross-section and the opening is also circular, so a radius of the circular opening is greater by a predetermined amount than a radius of the circular cross-section of the pin-shaped electrode. Preferably, the predetermined amount is to be selected as a function of a maximum allowable mounting tolerance or manufacturing tolerance of the plug and / or the housing. The tolerance relates in particular to an arrangement of the pin-shaped electrode on the plug and the opening on the housing. If a plug-side arrangement of the pin-shaped electrode has, for example, a tolerance of +/- 1 mm, a radius of the opening may be greater by at least 1 mm than a radius of the circular cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode. Here, the tolerance of the arrangement of the plug-side electrode relative to the plug refers to an originally desired arrangement of the pin-shaped electrode on the plug. If the opening is rectangular, distances between opposing side edges of the rectangular opening may be analogously greater by a predetermined amount than a radius of a circular cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode or by a predetermined amount greater than spacings between side edges of a rectangular cross-section of a pin-shaped electrode.

If a Cartesian coordinate system with an x and a y axis is defined in the plane of the opening, the housing according to the invention allows a insertion tolerance in the x and y directions.

Furthermore, a housing-side electrode is arranged in the housing.

According to the invention, the housing-side electrode is electrically contactable by means of the pin-shaped electrode, if the pin-shaped electrode is inserted with a predetermined length of the pin-shaped electrode through any point of the opening with or at an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening in the housing or is. The insertion angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined insertion angle. For example, the predetermined insertion angle may be 45 degrees. Also, the predetermined insertion angle may be 90 degrees, whereby the pin-shaped electrode is inserted perpendicular to the surface of the opening in this. In this case, the insertion angle is equal to the predetermined insertion angle.

In this case, the housing-side electrode is thus arranged in the housing in such a way that a straight line intersecting the surface of the opening under the insertion angle intersects a surface of the housing-side electrode, wherein a distance between an intersection of the straight line with the surface of the opening and an intersection of the straight line with the surface the housing-side electrode of the predetermined length or at least the predetermined length corresponds and the insertion angle is greater than or equal to the predetermined insertion angle.

The housing-side electrode in this case has at least one surface, wherein the housing-side electrode is contacted by a pin-shaped electrode, if at least a portion of the pin-shaped electrode contacts the surface or penetrates through the surface in the housing-side electrode. Preferably, the case-side electrode is contacted by the pin-shaped electrode by penetrating the case-side electrode at a predetermined position of the surface and exiting the case-side electrode at a further position of the surface or another surface. Here, the housing-side electrode may be formed as a solid. Also, the housing-side electrode may be at least partially formed liquid or gaseous. The housing-side electrode may be formed as a solid body or as a hollow body, wherein z. B. cavities of a hollow body with electrically conductive liquid or gas are filled.

Further, the package-side electrode may have a surface-to-volume ratio greater than a predetermined surface-to-volume ratio. By a large surface-volume ratio in this case a flat design of the housing-side electrode is achieved at a small surface-to-volume ratio, a compact design of the housing-side electrode.

Due to the housing according to the invention manufacturing tolerances can be compensated in the arrangement of the pin-shaped electrode on the connector side in an advantageous manner. This is particularly important when the plug side several pin-shaped electrodes are arranged, which can each deviate from their desired arrangement in a predetermined extent. Furthermore, it is advantageously made possible that no precise alignment of the pin-shaped electrode with respect to the housing or the opening is necessary in order to ensure electrical contacting. Thus, z. B. a mounting of a headlamp.

In particular, tolerances in an orientation of the pin-shaped electrode can be compensated in an advantageous manner. For example, B. for manufacturing reasons, a first pin-shaped electrode of a connector on a different orientation than a second pin-shaped electrode of the plug, both pin-shaped electrodes can be brought into electrical contact with two different housing-side electrodes, which are formed according to the invention in a simple manner. It is also possible to plug the plug no longer exclusively perpendicular to the surface of the opening in this, but also a slightly tilted or inclined insertion is possible.

The housing-side electrode is in this case preferably designed such that in the inserted state of the pin-shaped electrode movement of this electrode in the axial direction of the pin-shaped electrode (central longitudinal direction of the pin-shaped electrode) is possible without this an electrical contact between the housing-side electrode and pin-shaped electrode is interrupted , As a result, an insertion tolerance in the axial direction of the pin-shaped electrode is achieved in an advantageous manner, based on the previously defined Cartesian coordinate system, depending on the z-portion of the axial movement, at least partially ensures a insertion tolerance in the z-direction.

In a further embodiment, an electrically insulating material is arranged at least between the opening and the housing-side electrode. The electrically insulating material may, for. B. be a self-sealing rubbery substance. Preferably, the material is ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM). Preferably, the housing-side electrode is embedded in the electrically insulating material, i. H. surrounded by both sides. Further preferably, the insulating material seals the second electrode from dirt or liquid outside the housing. When inserting, therefore, the pin-shaped electrode can only be inserted through the insulating material, before an electrical contact with the housing-side electrode is established. As a result, it is additionally advantageously achieved that mechanical support of the pin-shaped electrode and thus of the plug takes place. Further, it is achieved by the arrangement of an insulating material, that the axial movement of the pin-shaped electrode by sliding and static friction is inhibited more than when the pin-shaped electrode is inserted without insulating material in the housing-side electrode.

In a further embodiment, the housing-side electrode is puncturable by the pin-shaped electrode if the pin-shaped electrode is inserted into the housing with a predetermined feed force. Here, the housing-side electrode is thus pierced by the pin-shaped, plug-side electrode, wherein an electrical contact between the two electrodes is produced. In the pierced state, in this case, an electrical connection between the housing-side electrode and outer surfaces of the pin-shaped electrode is produced. In this case, puncturing means that parts of the pin-shaped electrode are arranged on opposite sides of the housing-side electrode in the axial direction of the pin-shaped electrode (central longitudinal direction of the pin-shaped electrode). In this embodiment, the housing-side electrode is preferably flat, for example, as a sheet executed. For example, the case-side electrode may have a surface-to-volume ratio that is greater than a predetermined surface-to-volume ratio. In this way, it is advantageously achieved that, despite a slight movement of the pin-shaped electrode in the axial direction, an electrical contact is further ensured. The piercing thus offers an advantage over the mere insertion of the pin-shaped electrode in the housing-side electrode.

It is conceivable that for a plugging of the pin-shaped electrode in the electrically insulating material, a higher feed force is necessary than for the piercing of the housing-side electrode. This advantageously ensures that the housing-side electrode is pierced in any case with a feed force required for insertion into the housing. In order to enable the aforementioned puncture, the case-side electrode and / or the electrically-insulating material have a predetermined hardness or predetermined strength lower than a hardness or strength of the pin-shaped electrode.

In a further embodiment, the housing-side electrode is formed as a sheet. As a result, a simple and cost-effective design of the housing-side electrode is possible in an advantageous manner. The sheet may in this case have a predetermined thickness. Preferably, the sheet is pierceable by the pin-shaped electrode when the pin-shaped electrode is pressed against the sheet at a predetermined feed force. When piercing the metal sheet protrudes at the piercing point, which advantageously produces a larger contact area between the sheet metal and outer sides of the pin-shaped electrode. As a result, a higher contact reliability is given in an advantageous manner. Preferably, the sheet is a soft copper alloy.

Of course, the housing-side electrode may also have another embodiment. For example, it may be an electrically conductive liquid.

In a further embodiment, the housing has housing-side latching elements, wherein the housing can be latched by means of the housing-side latching elements with the plug. The latching elements are in this case designed such that latching can be produced independently of a plug-in position of the pin-shaped electrode in the opening. The latching connection can be made detachable or non-detachable. By the latching connection results in an advantageous manner that movement of the pin-shaped electrode in plugged state is prevented. Also, the housing-side locking elements may be formed such that a predetermined movement of the electrode in the axial direction of the pin-shaped electrode is further possible with a successful locking connection. In this way, it can be ensured in an advantageous manner that any axial displacements of the plug relative to the housing, which may be necessary due to later manufacturing or assembly steps, are also possible after the electrical contacting has taken place.

Of course, the plug may have corresponding locking elements. Alternatively or cumulatively, other detachable and insoluble connection types, for. As clamping, bonding, screwing, riveting, are used. For this purpose, the housing and / or the plug may have necessary connection surfaces.

In a further embodiment, the housing has at least one coupling element, wherein the housing can be coupled to another housing by means of the coupling element. For example, the housing may have a so-called dovetail guide, the z. B. is formed as a dovetailed web, have. Also, the housing may have a groove for receiving the aforementioned dovetail guide. As a result, a mechanical connection between a plurality of housings and thus a modular construction of an electrical connector is possible. For example, the housing may be cuboid or cuboid. Here, on at least one, but preferably two or three, outer surfaces, which are preferably adjacent outer surfaces. be arranged dovetailed webs. Further, from these outer sides different outer sides, in particular the three remaining outer sides, dovetailed grooves in which the aforementioned dovetailed webs are inserted.

Further proposed is a plug-in contact connection, wherein the plug-in contact connection comprises a housing and a plug with a pin-shaped electrode, wherein the housing has at least one opening. The area of the opening is greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode by a predetermined amount. In the housing, a housing-side electrode is arranged. According to the invention, the housing-side electrode is electrically contactable by means of the pin-shaped electrode, if the pin-shaped electrode is inserted with a predetermined length of the pin-shaped electrode through any point of the opening with an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening in the housing, wherein the insertion angle is greater than or equal to one predetermined insertion angle is.

Further proposed is a method for electrical contacting, wherein a housing has at least one opening. Furthermore, a housing-side electrode is arranged in the housing. Furthermore, a plug has a pin-shaped electrode. Further, an area of the opening is larger than a cross-sectional area of a pin-shaped electrode by a predetermined amount. According to the invention, the housing-side electrode is electrically contacted by the pin-shaped electrode, if the pin-shaped electrode is inserted with a predetermined length of the pin-shaped electrode through any point of the opening with an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening in the housing, wherein the insertion angle is greater than or equal to one predetermined insertion angle is.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. The figures show:

1 a schematic side view of a plug and a housing,

2a a schematic side view of a plug and a housing before a plug-in,

2 B a schematic side view of a plug and a housing after a plug-in operation,

3a a cross section of a housing,

3b a first plan view of a housing,

3c a second plan view of a housing,

4a a schematic representation of a single-pin arrangement and

4b a schematic representation of a three-pin arrangement.

Hereinafter, like reference numerals designate elements having the same or similar technical characteristics.

In 1 is a schematic side view of a plug 1 and a housing 2 shown. The plug 1 here has a connector housing 3 and a pin-shaped electrode 4 on. Here it is shown that the pin-shaped electrode 4 Sharpened at a free end is formed. The pin-shaped electrode 4 is in the connector housing 3 electrically with a first electrical conductor 5 connected. The housing 2 has a cavity 6 on. Next, the housing 2 an opening 7 on. In the housing is a housing-side electrode 8th arranged as a sheet metal is trained. The sheet has a U-shaped profile in cross-section, wherein a first side wall 9 of the U-shaped profile shorter than a second side wall 10 is formed of the U-shaped profile. The housing-side electrode 8th is with a second electrical conductor 11 electrically connected. In the housing is further an electrically insulating material 12 arranged. Here, in particular, the second side wall 10 the housing-side electrode 8th of the electrically insulating material 12 embedded. The electrically insulating material 12 in this case seals the housing-side electrode with respect to the opening 7 and thus an area outside the housing 2 in terms of moisture and dirt. Further illustrated are grooves 18 whose function is in 3a to 3c is explained in more detail.

In 2a is a schematic side view of a plug 1 and a housing 2 shown. Hereby poses 2a an unplugged state of the plug 1 From this state, the plug is 1 and the pin-shaped electrode 4 in the axial direction, ie in the direction of a central longitudinal axis 14 the pin-shaped electrode 4 through the opening 7 in the case 2 plugged in.

In 2 B is the plug 1 and the case 2 in an inserted state of the plug 1 shown. Here it is shown that the pin-shaped electrode 4 first the insulating material 12 which is between the opening 7 and the housing-side electrode 8th is arranged pierces. Next pierces the pin-shaped electrode 4 when inserting the housing-side electrode formed as a sheet metal 8th namely the in 1 as first side wall 10 shown side wall of the housing-side electrode 8th , In 2 B is shown that when piercing the plate aufkragt, so that advantageously an enlarged contact area between the pin-shaped electrode 4 and housing-side electrode 8th arises.

In 2a and 2 B Here is an electrical connection of the housing-side electrode 8th to the second electrical conductor 11 not shown.

In 3a is a schematic cross section of the housing 2 shown. Here is the case 2 and in the case 2 arranged electrically insulating material 12 shown. Next are on a top 15 of the housing 2 and on a side surface 16 of the housing 2 dovetailed webs 17 of the housing 2 arranged. The dovetailed webs 17 serve in this case a coupling of the housing 2 with further housings 2 , the necessary dovetail grooves for this purpose 18 which are also in 3a are shown.

3b shows a first schematic plan view of a housing 2 , again with the dovetail groove 18 and the dovetailed bridge 17 are shown.

Also in 3c , A second schematic plan view of the housing 2 , is a dovetailed groove 18 represented, which is arranged in a housing wall.

In 4a is a so-called one-pin configuration shown, wherein the one-pin configuration essentially of a housing according to the invention 2 consists. Here are the dovetailed webs 17 and the dovetailed grooves 18 shown schematically.

In 4b is a so-called three-pin configuration shown, which also is shown only schematically that dovetailed webs 17 in engagement with dovetailed grooves 18 from other housings 2 are. In this way, any pin configuration can be established. For example, Example, a first part of a headlamp, which includes a transparent outer lens and lamps, in particular LED, six pins, ie pin-shaped electrodes 4 on, so the housing part can be constructed as a six-pin configuration. Due to the inventive design of the housing 2 can be a simple installation, ie a simple insertion of the pins in the housing in an advantageous manner 2 respectively. In particular, in this case tolerances in the arrangement of the pins can be compensated for each other by the inventive design of the housing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plug

2

casing

3

plug housing

4

pin-shaped electrode

5

first leader

6

cavity

7

opening

8th

housing-side electrode

9

first side wall of the housing-side electrode

10

second side wall of the housing-side electrode

11

second conductor

12

electrically insulating material

14

central longitudinal axis

15

top

16

Side wall

17

dovetailed bridge

18

dovetailed groove

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3,158,420 [0006]
• US 3713072 [0007]

Claims (8)

Casing ( 2 ) for receiving a plug ( 1 ) with a pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ), the housing ( 2 ) at least one opening ( 7 ), wherein one surface of the opening ( 7 ) by a predetermined amount greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ), wherein a housing-side electrode ( 8th ) in the housing ( 2 ), characterized in that the housing-side electrode ( 8th ) by means of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) is electrically contactable, if the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) having a predetermined length through any location of the opening ( 7 ) with an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening ( 7 ), wherein the insertion angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined insertion angle. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that at least between the opening ( 7 ) and the housing-side electrode ( 8th ) an electrically insulating material ( 12 ) is arranged. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing-side electrode ( 8th ) of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) is puncturable, if the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) with a feed force that is greater than a predetermined feed force, in the housing ( 2 ) is inserted. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing-side electrode ( 8th ) is formed as a sheet metal. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 2 ) has housing-side latching elements, wherein the housing ( 2 ) by means of the housing-side locking elements with the plug ( 1 ) is latched. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing has at least one coupling element, wherein the housing by means of the coupling element with a further housing ( 2 ) can be coupled. Plug contact connection, wherein the plug contact connection a housing ( 2 ) and a plug ( 1 ) with a pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ), wherein the housing ( 2 ) at least one opening ( 7 ), wherein one surface of the opening ( 7 ) by a predetermined amount greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ), wherein a housing-side electrode ( 8th ) in the housing ( 2 ), characterized in that the housing-side electrode ( 8th ) by means of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) is electrically contactable, if the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) having a predetermined length through any location of the opening ( 7 ) with an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening ( 7 ) in the housing ( 2 ), wherein the insertion angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined insertion angle. Method for electrical contacting, wherein a housing ( 2 ) at least one opening ( 7 ), wherein a housing-side electrode ( 8th ) in the housing ( 2 ) is arranged, wherein a plug ( 1 ) a pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ), wherein one surface of the opening ( 7 ) by a predetermined amount greater than a cross-sectional area of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ), characterized in that the housing-side electrode ( 8th ) by means of the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) is electrically contacted, if the pin-shaped electrode ( 4 ) having a predetermined length through any location of the opening ( 7 ) with an insertion angle relative to the surface of the opening ( 7 ) in the housing ( 2 ), wherein the insertion angle is greater than or equal to a predetermined insertion angle.

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