DE102020005548A1 - Electrical connector assembly locking assembly, electrical connector assembly and vehicle having an electrical connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit (A) for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit (1) to a trailing vehicle unit (2). The electrical connector unit (A) comprises a cable assembly (C) with a first cable connector (20) at a first end of the cable assembly (C). The first cable connector (20) can be detachably attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50) arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2). The locking arrangement comprises a retaining element (10) attached to a cable connector (20, 30). The mounting element (10) is designed in such a way that the mounting element (10), when the cable connector (20, 30) is attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50), locks with a locking element (46, 56) of the vehicle unit connector The present invention also relates to an electrical connector assembly. The present invention also relates to a vehicle having a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit.

The present invention also relates to an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. The present invention also relates to a vehicle having a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit.

background

Vehicles having a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit which can be connected to the leading vehicle unit are provided with an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. An example of such a vehicle is a semi-trailer truck with a tractor and a trailer which is electrically connected to the tractor by means of an electrical connector unit. Such a vehicle can have more than one semitrailer / trailer, an electrical connection being provided between two vehicles following behind by means of an electrical connector unit.

An electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit comprises a cable assembly having a first cable connector at one end and a second cable connector at the opposite end and a cable therebetween.

The cable includes a set of sheathed electrical leads that terminate at the cable connectors. One of the cable connectors is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a leading vehicle unit and the other of the cable connectors is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a trailing vehicle unit.

When the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector, it is important to avoid accidental disconnection. There may be certain requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection, such as that the connector can withstand a certain tensile force without becoming detached from the vehicle unit connector. Therefore, some type of locking arrangement is needed to prevent the cable connector from becoming detached. Due to the additional requirement for a trailer cable connection in the event of a mistake, locking arrangements associated with certain standard cable connectors are insufficient to meet the requirements.

Certain standard cable connectors have a body made of rubber material that can affect the retention force achieved with certain locking arrangements.

There is thus a need to provide an improved locking arrangement for simply and efficiently securing the connection of an electrical connector unit.

Objects of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit, which makes it easier to secure a connection between the cable connector and the vehicle unit connector.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector assembly having such a locking arrangement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle having a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit comprising such an electrical connector unit.

Outline of the invention

These and other objects which will become apparent from the following description are achieved by a locking arrangement, an electrical connector unit and a vehicle according to the accompanying independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the locking arrangement are defined in the accompanying dependent claims.

In particular, an object of the invention is achieved by a locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. The electrical connector unit includes a cable assembly having a first cable connector at a first end of the cable assembly. The cable connector is detachably attachable to a vehicle unit connector which is arranged on a vehicle unit. The locking arrangement includes one on one Cable connector attached bracket element. The mounting element is designed so that when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector, the mounting element interacts in a locking manner with a locking element of the vehicle unit connector.

Thus, by providing a bracket attached to a cable connector, a connection between the cable connector and the vehicle unit connector can be secured in a simple and efficient manner, thereby preventing the attached cable connector from becoming detached in the direction opposite to the connecting direction of the cable connector to the vehicle unit connector. Such a support element can easily be added to an existing standard cable connector, such as cable connectors with a body made of rubber material, in order to increase the holding force obtained by the locking arrangement. According to one embodiment, such a mounting element can be produced from sheet metal.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the cable arrangement comprises a second cable connector at a second end of the cable arrangement opposite the first end, the second cable connector being releasably attachable to a vehicle unit connector which is arranged on a vehicle unit.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the holding element comprises an interaction section which is arranged such that it runs along a connection direction of the cable connector, the interaction section having a stop region which is configured to face away from a connector opening of the cable connector, the stop region for this purpose is set up to provide a stop for the locking element, whereby a detachment of the cable connector in the direction opposite to the connection direction is prevented. Because an interaction section is arranged in such a way that it runs along a connection direction of the cable connector and has such a stop region which provides a stop for the locking element of the vehicle unit connector attached in this way, an increased retention force can be obtained by means of the retaining element attached in this way . This enables a cable connector that is required to meet conditions according to ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 that are related to accidental trailer cord disconnection requirements can be easily obtained. By providing a locking arrangement with such a retaining element, a cable connector is obtained 20th with a mounting element 10 that has the strength to meet conditions according to ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 in connection with accidental trailer cable disconnection requirements. So by following the conditions according to IS04091: 2003 section 5.6 are met, a vehicle with an ADR certificate can be obtained.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the stop region of the interaction section is arranged such that it runs along a substantial part of the cable connector in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector. A “substantial part” here means a considerable or substantial part. By providing a stop area which runs along a substantial part of the cable connector in a direction essentially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector, ie extends in this way, the holding force provided by the stop area can be increased because the force over a larger area in one direction can be distributed transversely to the longitudinal extension of the cable connector. This can efficiently prevent the cable connector from becoming detached in the direction opposite to the connection direction.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the locking element of the vehicle unit connector is contained in a cover which is movable between a closed position in which a connection opening of the vehicle unit connector is covered and an open position to enable connection to a cable connector, the The locking element comprises a hook portion, the retaining element being configured to interlockingly cooperate with the hook portion when the lid is in the open position and the cable connector is attached to the vehicle unit connector. Thus, by using a locking member included in a lid having such a hook portion, a locking structure with increased retaining force can be efficiently obtained by means of the holding member thus attached to the cable connector.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, in which the retaining element is set up so that the cover in the open position, when the cable connector is attached to the vehicle unit connector, extends outside the interaction section of the retaining element, and in which the hook section extends in the direction of the cable connector in runs in a direction essentially perpendicular to the extension of the interaction section in order to interact with the stop region of the interaction section. In that so the cover section of the vehicle unit connector extends outside the interaction portion of the mounting element and the hook portion thus interacts with the stop area of the mounting element, avoidance of detachment of the cable connector in the direction opposite to the connection direction is efficiently obtained, which enables an increased retaining force.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the cable connector has a cylindrical structure with recess sections, the recess sections running in the connecting direction of the cable connector, the respective recess section providing a fastening section for the mounting element. Thus, by using fastening sections of recess sections of the cable connector for fastening or attaching the mounting element, an effective fastening is achieved by connecting elements such as screw connectors of the mounting element on the cable connector. As a result, a high resistance force for holding the holding member on the cable connector can be efficiently achieved.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the fastening section of the respective recess section faces away from the connection opening of the cable connector. As a result, the resistance force for holding the holding element on the cable connector by means of the fastening is mainly directed in the connecting direction of the cable connector, thereby making it possible to provide an efficient locking arrangement by means of the holding element. Here, the bracket member is efficiently attached in a manner that enables efficient interaction between the stopper portion of the interaction portion and the hook portion of the locking member when the cable connector is attached to an in-vehicle unit connector.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the interaction section of the holding element is configured to run between the recess sections, the holding element further comprising fastening sections which protrude from the interaction section in such a way that they interact with the fastening section of the respective recess section. By arranging and configuring the holding member in such a manner, the resistance force for holding the holding member on the cable connector by means of the fastening is mainly directed in the connecting direction of the cable connector, thereby making it possible to provide an efficient locking arrangement by means of the holding member. In this case, the mounting element is attached efficiently in order to enable efficient interaction between the stop region of the interaction section and the hook section of the locking element when the cable connector is attached to a vehicle unit connector.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the interaction section of the holding element has a ridge structure running in the connection direction of the cable connector. In this way, an even more robust construction of the holding element can be achieved, wherein the interaction section can run over the cable connector, wherein the cable connector can have a cylindrical structure, whereby cover sections are formed which incline in the direction of the cable connector.

According to one embodiment of the locking arrangement, the holding element is detachably attached to the cable connector.

In particular, an object of the invention is achieved by an electrical connector unit which comprises a locking arrangement as set out here.

In particular, an object of the invention is achieved by a vehicle that comprises a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit, the vehicle including an electrical connector unit as set out here.

Figure list

• 1 eine Seitenansicht eines Fahrzeugs schematisch darstellt, das eine führende Fahrzeugeinheit und eine nachlaufende Fahrzeugeinheit gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung umfasst;
• 2 eine Seitenansicht einer elektrischen Verbindereinheit zum elektrischen Verbinden einer führenden Fahrzeugeinheit mit einer nachlaufenden Fahrzeugeinheit gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt;
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Kabelanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt;
• 4a eine Explosionsansicht eines Kabelverbinders und eines Fahrzeugeinheit-Verbinders gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt;
• 4b eine perspektivische Ansicht des Kabelverbinders und des Fahrzeugeinheit-Verbinders aus 4a, angebracht und verriegelt mittels einer Verriegelungsanordnung, gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt;
• 5a eine Draufsicht eines Halterungselements gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt;
• 5b eine Seitenansicht des Halterungselements aus 5a gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt;
• 6a eine Vorderansicht des Halterungselements aus 5a gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt; und
• 6b eine perspektivische Ansicht des Halterungselements aus 5a gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Offenbarung schematisch darstellt.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description while read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, in which: FIG

• 1 a side view of a vehicle schematically showing a leading vehicle unit and a trailing vehicle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 2 schematically illustrates a side view of an electrical connector unit for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 3 Figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4a FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an exploded view of a cable connector and an in-vehicle unit connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 4b FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cable connector and the vehicle unit connector 4a 6, attached and locked by means of a locking arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5a schematically illustrates a top view of a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
• 5b a side view of the support element 5a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure schematically;
• 6a a front view of the support element 5a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure schematically; and
• 6b a perspective view of the support element from 5a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure schematically.

Detailed description

The term “cable arrangement” refers here to any suitable cable arrangement for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit to a trailing vehicle unit. A "cable assembly" may refer to a cable assembly comprising a first cable connector at one end and a second cable connector at the opposite end with a cable therebetween, one of the cable connectors being releasably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of a leading vehicle unit and the other being Cable connector is releasably attachable to a vehicle unit connector of the trailing vehicle unit. A "cable assembly" may refer to a cable assembly with one end fixed to a vehicle unit, e.g. A trailer, and the opposite end of the cable assembly comprises a cable connector which is releasably attached to a vehicle unit connector of a vehicle unit, e.g. B. a leading vehicle unit, such as a tractor, a car or the like, can be attached.

1 FIG. 11 schematically shows a side view of a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The exemplary vehicle V is a heavy vehicle in the form of a truck. The exemplary vehicle can be operated in any suitable manner. The exemplary vehicle can be operated using an internal combustion engine. The exemplary vehicle may be an electrically powered vehicle. The exemplary vehicle can be a hybrid vehicle. The exemplary vehicle can be an autonomous vehicle.

According to this embodiment, the vehicle V comprises a leading vehicle unit 1 and a trailing vehicle unit 2 . The leading vehicle unit 1 is according to this embodiment a tractor and the trailing vehicle unit 2 is according to this embodiment a trailer connected to the tractor.

The vehicle V includes an electrical connector unit A for electrically connecting the leading vehicle unit 1 with the trailing vehicle unit 2 .

The vehicle according to the present disclosure may be any suitable vehicle having a leading vehicle unit and one or more trailing vehicle units, wherein an electrical connector is provided for electrically connecting vehicle units. If the vehicle comprises more than one vehicle following unit, an electrical connector unit is provided for electrically connecting a vehicle following to an additional vehicle following. Here, a trailing vehicle unit, e.g. B. a trailer, as a leading vehicle unit for an additional trailing vehicle unit, e.g. B. an additional trailer, serve. The vehicle according to the present disclosure can be any suitable vehicle in which one or more vehicle units require an electrical connection by means of an electrical connector unit.

2 Fig. 13 is a side view of an electrical connector unit A for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit 1 with a trailing vehicle unit 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure schematically.

The electrical connector unit A includes a cable assembly C. The cable assembly C includes a cable C1 . The cable assembly C includes a first cable connector 20th at one end of the cable C1 and a second cable connector 30th at the opposite end of the cable C1 .

The electrical connector unit A includes an in-vehicle unit connector 40 a leading vehicle unit 1 . The vehicle unit connector 40 the leading vehicle unit 1 is configured in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure to be fixed to the leading vehicle unit 1 to be arranged.

The electrical connector unit A includes an in-vehicle unit connector 50 a trailing vehicle unit 2 . The vehicle unit connector 50 the trailing vehicle unit 2 is configured, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, to be fixed to the trailing vehicle unit 2 to be arranged.

One of the cable connectors 20th , 30th is detachable from the vehicle unit connector 40 the leading vehicle unit 1 attachable and the other of the cable connectors 30th , 20th is detachable from the vehicle unit connector 50 the trailing vehicle unit 2 attachable.

Here is the first cable connector 20th on the vehicle unit connector 40 the leading vehicle unit 1 attached, and the second cable connector 30th is on the vehicle unit connector 50 the trailing vehicle unit 2 appropriate.

The electrical connection of the electrical connector unit A is by means of a locking arrangement 10 , 46 , 46a , 10 , 56 , 56a secured.

Here, the locking arrangement according to this exemplary embodiment comprises a retaining element 10 that is attached to the first cable connector 20th is appropriate. The one on the first cable connector 20th attached mounting element 10 is designed so that the support element 10 locking with a locking element 46 , 46a of the vehicle unit connector 40 interacts when the first cable connector 20th on the vehicle unit connector 40 the leading vehicle unit 1 is appropriate. Here, in this exemplary embodiment, the locking arrangement includes a second cable connector 30th attached bracket element 10 . The one on the second cable connector 30th attached mounting element 10 is designed so that the support element 10 locking with a locking element 56 , 56a of the vehicle unit connector 50 interacts when the second cable connector 30th on the vehicle unit connector 50 the trailing vehicle unit 2 is appropriate.

The locking arrangement and the retaining element 10 are discussed below with reference to FIG 3 , 4a-b , 5a-b and 6a-b described in more detail.

3 FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cable assembly C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The cable assembly C includes a cable C1 . The cable assembly C includes a first cable connector 20th at one end of the cable C1 and a second cable connector 30th at the opposite end of the cable C1 .

A support element 10 is on the first cable connector 20th appropriate. A support element 10 is on the second cable connector 30th appropriate. The cable arrangement C according to the in 3 The illustrated embodiment comprises a first cable connector 20th at a first end of the cable assembly C. The cable assembly C according to the in 3 The illustrated embodiment further comprises a second cable connector 30th at a second end of the cable assembly C opposite the first end of the cable assembly C. The first cable connector 20th is releasably attachable to a vehicle unit connector which is arranged on a vehicle unit. The second cable connector 30th is releasably attachable to a vehicle unit connector which is arranged on a vehicle unit.

4a Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a cable connector 20th and an in-vehicle unit connector 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure schematically. A mounting element 10 is also in 4a shown. 4b Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cable connector 20th and the vehicle unit connector 40 out 4a , attached and locked by means of a locking arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like in 3 and 4a shown has the cable connector 20th a cylindrical structure. The cable connector 20th has a connecting section 22nd with a connection opening 22a for providing an electrical connection with a vehicle unit connector 40 . The cable connector 20th thus has a connection direction that is the same as the opening of the connection section 22nd corresponds. The cable connector 20th with the cylindrical structure has an imaginary axis X1 with an axial extension coinciding with the connection direction of the cable connector 20th corresponds. The connection direction is thereby from the cable connector 20th along an axis parallel to the imaginary axis X1 extending axis in the direction of the vehicle unit connector 40 directed.

The cable connector 20th can have an intermediate body 23 exhibit. The intermediate body 23 is with the connecting section 22nd connected.

The cable connector 20th includes a pair of recess portions 24 , 25th . The recess sections 24 , 25th are designed to be in the connecting direction of the cable connector 20th run away. The recess sections 24 , 25th have an extension which is essentially parallel to the axial extension of the imaginary axis X1 of the cable connector 20th runs. The recess sections 24 , 25th have a first recess section 24 which is adapted to run along one side of the cable connector 20th runs, and a second recess portion 25th which is designed to be on the opposite side of the cable connector 20th runs. The pair of recess sections 24 , 25th is according to this example in the intermediate body 23 of the cable connector 20th arranged.

The respective recess section 24 , 25th is designed to have a fastening section 24a , 25a for the support element 10 provide. Thus constitutes the first recess section 24 a first attachment portion 24a ready and the second recess section 25th represents a second fastening section 25a ready. The fastening section 24a , 25a of the respective recess section 24 , 25th is from the connection opening 22a facing away from the cable connector. The fastening section 24a , 25a of the respective recess section comprises an opening for receiving a screw connector for attaching the mounting element 10 . In 4a is the opening O25 for the fastening section 25a of the second recess portion 25th shown.

The cable connector 20th has a lid 26th on, between a closed position in which the connection opening 22a of the cable connector 20th is covered, and an open position to enable connection to a vehicle unit connector 40 is movable. The lid 26th is located in the representation from z. B. 3 and 4a-b in the open position.

The cable connector 20th has an end portion 27 on who the cable C1 connects, see 3 .

The second cable connector 30th has the same configuration as the first cable connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure 20th . Thus, the second cable connector has a cylindrical structure. The second cable connector 30th has a connecting portion 32 with a connection opening 32a for providing an electrical connection with a vehicle unit connector 50 on. The cable connector 30th includes a pair of recess portions 34 , 35 , the fastening sections 34a , 35a provide. The cable connector 30th has a lid 36 between a closed position in which a connection opening of the cable connector 30th is covered, and an open position to enable connection to a vehicle unit connector 50 is movable.

Such as B. in 4a shown has the vehicle unit connector 40 a cylindrical structure. The vehicle unit connector 40 has a basic body with a cylindrical structure. The vehicle unit connector 40 has a connecting section 42 with a connection opening 42a for providing an electrical connection with a cable connector 20th . The vehicle unit connector 40 thus has a connection direction that of the opening of the connection section 42 corresponds to. The vehicle unit connector 40 with the cylindrical structure has an imaginary axis X2 with an axial extension coinciding with the connection direction of the vehicle unit connector 40 corresponds.

The vehicle unit connector 40 has an end portion 44 for transferring the electrical connection to the vehicle unit.

The connecting section 42 and the end section 44 constitute the main body of the vehicle unit connector 40 .

The vehicle unit connector 40 has a locking element 46 in the shape of a lid 46 on, which is movable between a closed position in which the connection opening 42a of the vehicle unit connector 40 is covered, and an open position to enable connection to a cable connector 20th . In the representation from z. B. in 4a-b is the lid 46 in the open position. The lid 46 can be a connecting arrangement 46b to move the lid between the open and closed positions about an axis Y. The lid 46 includes a support portion 46c for supporting the connection arrangement 46b . The support section 46c of the lid 46 is around the main body of the vehicle unit connector 40 arranged around.

The locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector is thus in the lid 46 contain. The locking element 46 includes a hook portion 46a . The support element 10 set up to interlock with the hook portion 46a cooperate when the lid is down 46 is in the open position and the cable connector 20th on the vehicle unit connector 40 attached, see e.g. B. 4b .

The hook section 46a runs essentially perpendicular to the extent of the cover 46 so that it is in the closed position to the vehicle unit connector 40 runs towards. The hook section 46a has a transverse extension. The hook section 46a has an outside 46a-1 which provides an outer surface adapted to, in the open position of the lid 46 from the connection opening 42a to be turned away. Of the Hook section 46a has an inside 46a-2 that the outside 46a-1 is opposite, with the inside 46a-2 provides an outer surface adapted to, in the open position of the lid 46 the connection opening 42a to be facing.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the support member is 10 , as in 4b shown set up so that the lid 46 in the open position when the cable connector 20th on the vehicle unit connector 40 attached outside of the interaction section 12th of the support element 10 runs. When the lid 46 outside the interaction section 12th of the support element 10 runs, is the hook portion 46a set up to interact with the stop area 12d of the interaction section 12th towards the cable connector 20th in one to extend the interaction section 12th substantially perpendicular direction. The stop area 12d will be described below with reference to e.g. B. 6b described in more detail.

The second vehicle unit connector 50 has the same configuration as the first vehicle unit connector according to an aspect of the present disclosure 40 . Thus, the second vehicle unit connector 50 a cylindrical structure. The second vehicle unit connector 50 has a connection portion with a connection opening for providing an electrical connection with an in-vehicle unit connector 50 on. The second vehicle unit connector 50 has a locking element 56 in the shape of a lid 56 between a closed position in which the connection opening of the vehicle unit connector 50 and an open position to enable connection to a cable connector 30th is movable. The locking element 56 includes a hook portion 56a . The retaining element is designed to be interlocking with the hook portion 56a cooperate when the lid is down 56 is in the open position and the cable connector 30th on the vehicle unit connector 50 appropriate, see 2 . According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG 2 shown, the support element 10 set up the lid 56 in the open position when the cable connector 30th on the vehicle unit connector 50 is attached, outside of the support member 10 runs.

5a Figure 3 shows a top view of a support member 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure schematically; 5b Figure 3 shows a side view of the support member 10 out 5a schematically shows 6a Figure 3 shows a front view of the support member 10 out 5a schematically and 6b Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the support member 10 out 5a schematically.

The support element 10 may have a sheet metal structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

The support element 10 has an outside 10a on, see e.g. B. 5b . The outside 10a of the support element 10 provides an exterior surface. The outside 10a of the support element 10 is set up to face away from a cable connector. The outside 10a of the support element 10 is arranged to face away from a cable connector when attached to a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

The support element 10 has one of the outside 10a opposite inside 10b , see e.g. B. 5b . The inside 10b of the support element 10 provides an interior surface. The inside 10b of the support element 10 is configured to face a cable connector. The inside 10b of the support element 10 is configured to face a cable connector when attached to a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

The support element 10 has a front 10c , see e.g. B. 5a-b . The front 10c of the support element 10 is arranged to face in the direction of a connector opening of a cable connector when it is attached to a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

The support element 10 has a back 10d that is the front 10c is opposite, see e.g. B. 5a-b . The backside 10d of the support element 10 is arranged to face away from the connector opening of a cable connector when attached to a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

The support element 10 has a first long side 10e that is set up from the back 10d towards the front 10c to run, see 5a . The support element 10 has one of the first long sides 10e opposite second long side 10f that is set up from the back 10d towards the front 10c to run, see 5a .

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting element comprises 10 an interaction section 12th . The interaction section 12th can have a longitudinal extension. The interaction section 12th can have a flat configuration. The interaction section 12th may have a sheet structure or a plate structure which is adapted to, along the connecting direction of a Cable connector to run when attached to the cable connector. The interaction section 12th can the back 10d of the support element 10 include. The interaction section 12th can have opposite long sides 10e and 10f of the support element 10 include. The interaction section 12th may be arranged to run along a connecting direction of the cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 . The interaction section 12th can be arranged so that it runs along the longitudinal extension of the cable connector. The interaction section 12th may be arranged to be in a direction parallel to an axial extension of an imaginary axis X1 of the cable connector 20th runs with a cylindrical configuration, see 4a .

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the interaction portion 12th of the support element 10 a ridge structure R, see e.g. B. 6a-b . The first structure R of the interaction section 12th can in the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12f run away. The first structure R of the interaction section 12th can form a middle section between the long side 10e , 10f runs. The ridge structure R can be the interaction section 12th into a first cover section 12a and a second cover portion 12b subdivide. The first cover section 12a and the second cover portion 12b can the outside 10a and the inside 10b exhibit. The first cover section 12a has an outside 12a-1 on that of the outside 10a corresponds, and an opposite inside 12a-2 that the inside 10b corresponds to. The second cover section 12b has an outside 12b-1 on that of the outside 10a corresponds, and an opposite inside 12b-2 that the inside 10b corresponds to, see 6a .

The cover sections 12a , 12b the ridge structure R can have a certain inclination relative to one another. The cover sections 12a , 12b the ridge structure R can have a certain inclination relative to one another, so that the inside 12a-2 of the first cover section 12a to the inside 12b-2 of the second cover section 12b-2 is inclined. The first cover section 12a may have an inclination at an angle α1 relative to a straight plane and the second cover portion 12b may have a slope at an angle α2 relative to the straight plane. The angle α1 can be equal to the angle a2, see 6a .

The first long side 10e of the support element 10 represents the long side of the first cover section 12a ready. The second long side 10f of the support element 10 represents the long side of the second cover section 12b ready.

The ridge structure R with the inclined cover portion 12a , 12b of the interaction section 12th provides a shape adapted to run along the connection direction of a cable connector having a substantially cylindrical configuration, see e.g. B. 3 . The ridge structure R with the inclined cover portion 12a , 12b of the interaction section 12th can form a roof which is adapted to run along a cable connector.

The interaction section 12th has a stop area 12d which is adapted to face away from a connector opening of a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 . The stop area 12d essentially corresponds to the back 10d of the support element 10 or at least a portion of the back 10d . The stop area 12d has an extension essentially transversely to the longitudinal extension of the interaction section 12th on.

If the interaction section has a ridge structure R, the stop area 12d the back of the interaction section 12th correspond.

The stop area 12d has a first stop 12d-1 on that of the back 12d-1 of the first cover section 12a corresponds to. The stop area 12d has a second stop 12d-2 on that of the back 12d-2 of the second cover section 12b corresponds to.

The stop area 12d is set up to provide a stop for a locking element of a vehicle unit connector in order to prevent the cable connector from becoming detached in the direction opposite to the connection direction, see e.g. B. 4b .

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, as set out in FIG 4b shown is the stop area 12d of the support element 10 set up to do so with the hook section 46a of the locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector 40 interlocking cooperate when the lid 46 is in the open position and the cable connector 20th on the vehicle unit connector 40 is appropriate.

The stop area 12d is set up to have a stop for the hook section 46a of the locking element 46 of the vehicle unit connector 40 to prevent detachment of the cable connector in the opposite direction to the connection direction, see e.g. B. 4b . The stop area 12d is set up to do this with the inside 46a-2 of the hook portion 46a of the locking element 46 of Vehicle unit connector cooperate to prevent accidental cable connector disconnection.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the stop area is 12d of the interaction section 12th arranged to run along a substantial part of a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction of the cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the stop area is 12d of the interaction section 12th arranged to run along a substantial part of a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction of the cable connector.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting element comprises 10 also a wing element 14th that is in the front portion of the support member 10 is arranged. The wing element 14th includes attachment sections 14a , 14b by the interaction section 12th protrude. The support element 10 thus has fastening sections 14a , 14b on that from the interaction section 12th protrude. The wing element 14th can also be used as a fastener 14th are designated.

The wing element 14th includes a first attachment portion 14a , which is configured to do so, from the first cover section 12a of the interaction section 12f to preside. The first attachment section 14a is set up to do this from the long side 10e in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12th to preside. The first attachment section 14a has an extension portion 14a-1 on, in an extension direction that is the extension direction of the first cover portion 12a of the interaction section corresponds, runs, ie extends. The first attachment section 14a has a connecting portion 14a-2 on, which in one direction z. B. from the bottom, substantially perpendicular to the extension of the extension section 14a-1 runs. The connecting section 14a-2 is formed such that it extends in a direction to a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector when the holding element 10 attached to the cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 . The connecting section 14a-2 has an opening O1 , ie a through hole, for receiving a bolt connector for fastening the mounting element 10 on a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 . The opening O1 is designed so that it is in one of the longitudinal extension of the interaction section 12th corresponding direction. The opening O1 is configured to run along a connecting direction of the cable connector when the bracket member 10 attached to the cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

The wing element 14th includes a second attachment portion 14b which is formed to be separated from the second cover portion 12b of the interaction section 12f protrudes. The second attachment section 14b is formed so that he is from the long side 10e in the direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12th protrudes. The second attachment section 14b has an extension portion 14b-1 which runs in an extension direction which is the extension direction of the second cover portion 12b of the interaction section. The second attachment section 14b has a connecting portion 14b-2 on, which in one direction z. B. from the bottom, substantially perpendicular to the extension of the extension section 14b-1 runs. The connecting section 14b-2 is formed so that it extends in a direction to a cable connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connecting direction of the cable connector when the support member 10 attached to the cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 . The connecting section 14b-2 has an opening O2 on, ie a through hole, for receiving a bolt connector for attaching the mounting element 10 on a cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 . The opening O2 is designed to be in one of the longitudinal extent of the interaction section 12th to run in the appropriate direction. The opening O2 is formed to run along a connecting direction of the cable connector when the bracket member 10 attached to the cable connector, see e.g. B. 3 .

The fastening sections 14a , 14b are designed in such a way that they come from the interaction section 12th stick out to with the mounting section 24a , 25a of the respective recess section 24 , 25th as in 3 shown to work together. The first attachment section 14a of the support element 10 is set up on the fastening section 24a of the first recess section 24 of the cable connector 20th to be attached, see 3 . The second attachment section 14b of the support element 10 is set up on the fastening section 25a of the second recess portion 25th of the cable connector 20th to be attached, see 3 .

The connecting section 14a-2 of the first fastening section 14a is set up by means of a connecting element, for. B. a screw connector on the fastening portion 24a of the first recess section 24 via the opening of the fastening section 24a to be attached. The connecting section 14b-2 the second Fastening section 14b is set up for this by means of a connecting element J2 , e.g. B. a screw connector on the fastening portion 25a of the second recess portion 25th over the opening O25 of the fastening section 25a to be attached, see 3 and 4a-b .

So by the support element 10 by means of the fastening sections 14a , 14b on the fastening section 24a , 25a of the respective recess section 24 , 25th is attached via connecting elements, is the resistance force to hold the mounting element 10 on the cable connector 20th by means of the fastening mainly in the connection direction of the cable connector 20th directed, see e.g. B. 3 . Thus, the support element 10 effectively attached to effective interaction between the stop area 12d of the interaction section 12th and the hook portion 46a of the locking element 46 to allow when the cable connector 20th on a vehicle unit connector 40 appropriate, see 4b .

As in 3 and 4a shown is the interaction section 12th of the support element 10 set up for this purpose, between the recess sections 24 , 25th to run, with the fastening sections 14a , 14b from the interaction section 12th protrude to with the mounting portion 24a , 25a of the respective recess section 24 , 25th to work together.

The support element 10 is in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure made of metal, e.g. B. sheet metal produced. The Z. B. in 5a-b , 6a-b support element set forth 10 has an embodiment which is set up to connect to cable connectors of certain VG standards, e.g. B. 12P trailer connector for military vehicles such. B. VG 96923 to be attached.

By providing a locking arrangement with a retainer attached to a cable connector 10 such as B. in 5a-b , 6a-b is a cable connector 20th provided, which is set up to meet conditions according to ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 in connection with requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection. By providing a locking arrangement with a support element 10 such as B. in 5a-b , 6a-b describes a cable connector 20th with a mounting element 10 provided that has the strength to meet conditions specified in ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 in connection with requirements for accidental trailer cable disconnection. So by applying conditions according to ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 are met, a vehicle with an ADR certificate can be obtained. The ADR 2017 supplements the requirement ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 "Locking device and the cable holding force" on the trailer connection. So by providing a locking arrangement, the ISO4091: 2003 section 5.6 an ADR-certified truck can be obtained.

In addition, with reference to e.g. B. 3 , 4a-b , 5a-b and 6a-b a support element 10 described, which has a certain shape and is adapted to a cable connector 20th , 30th to be attached according to a particular embodiment.

The retention member according to the present disclosure may have any suitable shape for providing the desired retention force to meet an additional requirement related to accidental towing cable separation. The retention member of the present disclosure may have any suitable fastening arrangement for attachment to a cable connector to provide the desired retention force to meet the added requirement for accidental tow cable disconnection. The attachment of the mounting element to a cable connector can alternatively be through one or more connecting elements, such as. B. screw connectors, which in a different direction from the connection direction of the cable connector, z. B. perpendicular to the connection direction, are attached can be achieved.

The above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to practice the invention in various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suitable for the particular use contemplated understand.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Non-patent literature cited

• ISO4091: 2003 [0090]

Claims (13)

Locking arrangement of an electrical connector unit (A) for electrically connecting a leading vehicle unit (1) to a trailing vehicle unit (2), the electrical connector unit (A) comprising a cable assembly (C) with a first cable connector (20) at a first end of the cable assembly (C), wherein the first cable connector (20) can be detachably attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50) arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2), characterized in that the locking arrangement has a retaining element (20) attached to the cable connector (20). 10), wherein the mounting element (10) is designed such that the mounting element (10), when the cable connector (20) is attached to a vehicle unit connector (40, 50), locks with a locking element (46, 56) of the Vehicle unit connector cooperates. Locking arrangement according to Claim 1 , wherein the cable assembly (C) comprises a second cable connector (30) at a second end of the cable assembly (C) opposite the first end, and wherein the second cable connector (30) is detachably attached to a vehicle unit arranged on a vehicle unit (1, 2). Connector (40, 50) is attachable. Locking arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the mounting element (10) comprises an interaction section (12) which is arranged such that it runs along a connection direction of the cable connector (20, 30), wherein the interaction section (12) has a stop region (12d) which is set up for this purpose facing away from a connector opening (22a, 32a) of the cable connector (20, 30), the stop region (12d) being designed to provide a stop for the locking element (46, 56) and thus detachment of the cable connector (20, 30) in the direction opposite to the connection direction. Locking arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 wherein the stop region (12d) of the interaction section (12) is arranged to run along a substantial part of the cable connector (20, 30) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection direction of the cable connector (20, 30). Locking arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein the locking element (46, 56) of the vehicle unit connector (40, 50) is contained in a lid which is between a closed position in which a connection opening of the vehicle unit connector (40, 50) is covered, and an open position movable to enable connection to a cable connector (20, 30), the locking element (46, 56) having a hook portion (46a, 56a), the retaining element (10) being adapted to cooperate with the when the lid is moved is in the open position and the cable connector (20, 30) is attached to the vehicle unit connector (40, 50). Locking arrangement according to Claim 5 , wherein the holding element (10) is designed such that the lid in the open position when the cable connector (20, 30) is attached to the vehicle unit connector (40, 50), outside of the interaction section (12) of the holding element (10 ), and wherein the hook section (46a, 56a) for interacting with the stop region (12d) of the interaction section (12) extends in a direction essentially perpendicular to the extension of the interaction section (12) towards the cable connector (20, 30). Locking arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th wherein the cable connector (20, 30) has a cylindrical structure with recess sections (24, 25; 34, 35), the recess sections extending in the connecting direction of the cable connector (20, 30), the respective recess section having a fastening section (24a, 25a ; 34a, 35a) for the holding element (10). Locking arrangement according to Claim 7 wherein the fastening section (24a, 25a; 34a, 35a) of the respective recess section (24, 25; 34, 35) faces away from the connection opening (22a, 32a) of the cable connector (20, 30). Locking arrangement according to Claim 7 or 8th , wherein the interaction section (12) of the holding element is designed to run between the recess sections (24, 25; 34, 35), wherein the holding element (10) further comprises fastening sections (14a, 14b) which are supported by the interaction section (12) protrude so that they interact with the fastening section (24a, 25a; 34a, 35a) of the respective recess section (24, 25; 34, 35). Locking arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , wherein the interaction section (12) of the holding element (10) has a ridge structure (R) running in the connection direction of the cable connector (20, 30). Locking arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 10 wherein the retaining element (10) is detachably attached to the cable connector (20, 30). Electrical connector unit (A) with a locking arrangement according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 . Vehicle (V) with a leading vehicle unit (1) and a trailing vehicle unit (2), the vehicle having an electrical connector unit (A) after Claim 12 includes.

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