DE4024082C1 - Contact holder for plug and socket connection - has pressure plunger and spring ensuring contact for testing electrical circuits of motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A test plug (5) for a multiway fuseboard (1) as used in motor vehicles enables individual circuit checks and fuse continuity to be provded without prior disconnection of fuses and/or circuits. The standar plug-in type fuses (4) connect electrically with pairs of spring leaf contacts (3,8) in receptacles (2). The test plug contacts are of single or double leaf construction (7S,7L) with insulating layer (7I) depending on the test circuitry (6') required and security against accidental disconnection of the fuses on withdrawing the testplug (5) is achieved via captive compression spring (11) and piston (10) in test plug housing (5). USE/ADVANTAGE - Quick and convenient continuity check throughout supply circuitry without need to disconnect or defuse e.g. at end of assembly line in factory. Prevents disturbance of fuse contacts on withdrawal of test-plug. Is easily pin coded to ensure correct alignment.

Description

The invention relates to a device for manufacturing a pluggable electrical connection, in particular the Connection of a test plug with at least one plug con clocks on one of at least one socket and one in the latter existing electrically contacted plug-in part Plug connection with the features of the preamble of the patent claims 1. A device with these features is based on the DE 28 14 654 B2.

The known device enables a multi-pole test plug of a test system for automotive electronics in one way of plugging in one anyway in every vehicle connect existing fuse box without the fuse to be removed beforehand, because the plug receptacle at the same time the insertion part and the plug contact is dimensioned appropriately and each have a resilient con clock, which has the plug-in part of the fuse only on one side electrically contacted.

On a pull-off and plug-on device for the plug-in parts can be dispensed with. The associated with their handling additional operations are eliminated. possible sources of error are reduced, an improvement in quality is achieved. A final check of the plug-in receptacles or their electri no more contacts are necessary.  

However, no precautions are described with which the Pulling out the inserted test plug an unintentional Preventing individual or all fuses from being pulled out can be.

A related device is known from DE 26 54 487 C2 forth. However, to plug in their test plug beforehand remove all fuses from their brackets be removed. To facilitate this operation is as Means for removing the electrical contacting of the plug Connection for the purpose of connecting the Plug contacts of the test plug a collective removal aid see with which the crowd of fuses in Art a multiple connector is summarized so that these ge can be pulled out and put back together. Before in the known device flat plug fuses are added used.

In this device, its use additional work takes the course, the problem indicated above occurs of course, when pulling out the test plug.

Devices of this type can be used in motor vehicle assembly at the factory final acceptance of the fully assembled elec trical connections and consumers, but also in workshops for quick and thorough testing of circuits and ver be used by users.

Test adapters are also known (DE 31 04 548 A1, DE 36 06 814 C1), into an existing electrical cable or device connector can be used to ensure the function of the Check devices operated via the plug connection. Open It is evident here for every installation and removal of such a test adapters the separation and reassembly of the plug-in binding necessary.  

Another known test device for electrical primary devices (DE 32 44 959 A1) contains a plug connection for elec trical secondary devices that only with a respective primary ge advises to be operated together; when connecting the secondary device is connected at the same time as it is plugged in the test device itself for monitoring the plug connection put into operation.

After all, it is common knowledge the location of an accommodation an existing line connection by inserting To determine test probes of a continuity tester, whereby at the Line connection itself no change is necessary.

The invention has for its object a generic device to train so that a plug falls out when Pulling out the test plug avoided in a simple manner can be.

This task is carried out with the characteristic features of Pa Claim 1 solved according to the invention.

As a rule, the cross section of the at least one plug contact of the (test) plug at least approximately with the cross section of the plug-in part of the plug connection. However, other shapes are also conceivable, e.g. B. that the plug contact of the connector has a half-shell cross-section and zwi rule a cylindrical male part of the connector and the corresponding electrical contact of the connector is stuck.

In any case, a reliable mechanical mounting of the Insert part, especially when pulling out the (test) Plug and the plug contact must be ensured. This can e.g. B. can be achieved in that the one-sided compliant  Contact with very high force on the plug-in part or on the Plug contact is pressed. The mechanical bracket at least least of the plug-in part in the respective receptacle can but also completely independent of the electrical contact be.

According to the invention, however, to secure the position of the plug partly in the plug receptacle when pulling out the plug contact from the plug receptacle a movable relative to the test plug Counterhold provided.

The characteristic features of the sub-claims reveal partial developments of the device according to the invention.

In a particularly advantageous manner, simultaneously with the one insert the plug contact of the plug into the plug receptacle of the Plug connection the plug-in part remaining therein electrically be separated from the contact of the connector by the Plug contact made electrically insulated on one side and between the plug-in part and the resilient contact is plugged in.

Either the plug-in part or the contact of the Plug receptacle electrically connected to the plug contact, each after which of the two components of the connector the electrically conductive side of the plug contact at its Plug facing.

Such - also single-pole - arrangement can be especially in Motor vehicle z. B. for temporarily connecting a test lamp or a substitute procured to a consumer electrical connector can be used without this must be separated beforehand.

It is essential that the repeal of the electrical con tacting of the plug-in part by means of the at least one Plug contact simultaneously with its insertion in the  simultaneous inclusion of the plug-in part and the plug contact sufficiently dimensioned plug receptacle is executed. With pulling the plug contact out of the plug receptacle the electrical connection is easily restored.

Correspond to the generic state of the art the application of the device according to the invention can with a at least two-pin test plugs each fuse when inserting  the plug contacts of the plug into the respective plug Taking the fuse box electrically from the respective current circles are separated.

In the special case, the usual flat fuses are used exploited in a simple manner the fact that the Steckver bond between the plug-in parts or flags of the enamel fuse and the receptacles in the direction of insertion relative is freely accessible.

Of course, there must also be a one-sided electrical contact the plug-in parts of the fuses next to the me mechanically reliable bracket also security in the line the currents that occur; therefore those are preferred resilient contacts or contact body used, the allow at least one line contact with the plug-in parts chen, e.g. B. spring plates or spring-loaded rollers. For safe Conducting high currents up to automotive fuses 25 amps, it may be necessary to have more than one To provide contact body.

It can be useful for further ease of use and security mechanical coding on the Test plugs are provided which are only a right side on plug allowed and thus the simultaneous electrical separation of the fuses from their respective circuits poses.

It is an advantage when handling the test plug if Flat plug fuses with from the level of the plug-in use angled or slightly cranked insert parts be used because the test plug then simply from above can be introduced in a straight line. Can be used as replacement fuses commercially available specimens are of course used here will.  

Conversely, the plug contacts of the test plug can also be used be angled or cranked from the direction of insertion to guide them comfortably past the fuses to be able to. With a suitable choice of materials for the plug contacts and their one-sided electrical insulation could also be one flexible design of the plug contacts can be used.

Also the simultaneous testing of the circuits and the safety rungen itself is possible after a further development of the invention Lich by the one-sided electrical insulation of the plug contacts of the test plug between a first Lei ter - which is to be used for circuit testing - and a second Conductor is arranged, which is thereby electrically from the first Conductor is disconnected, but when inserting the plug contact electrically with the respective plug-in part of the fuse is clocked. These also exist in pairs a small test current can lead to the second conductor gears are checked.

Obviously, the design according to the invention relates on the one hand the plug receptacles of the connector, on the other hand, can also the plug-in parts of the existing connector (in be train on their shape) and the plug contacts of the to be inserted Plug (with regard to their one-sided insulation) concerned be, as can be seen in detail from the figure description exercise will result.

Further details and advantages go from the drawing of Embodiments and their subsequent here following description.

It shows

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of approximations of an automotive fuse box with inserted melting Siche and a held above test plug,

FIG. 2a is an enlarged detail view of a cut plug receptacle shown with located therein backup pin and not yet inserted test plugs plug-in contact,

FIG. 2b shows the detail view of Fig. 2a with inserted test plugs plug-in contact,

Fig. 3 shows a variant of the design of the plug contacts of the test plug with two electrically separate conductors ge, analogous to Fig. 2b, and

Fig. 4 shows a form variant for the fuse plug-in parts and test plug plug contacts.

A fuse box 1 , which is shown in perspective in FIG. 1, has two parallel rows of plug-in receptacles 2 , into which plug-in parts 3 in the form of plug-in tabs of fuses 4 designed as flat fuses are inserted. The width of the plug receptacles 2 corresponds to the width of the plug-in parts 3 , while their inside width is greater than their thickness.

Above the fuse box 1 , a test plug 5 is shown in the same perspective, which is connected via a cable 6 to a test system or device, not shown. The test plug 5 is provided with two parallel rows of vertically downwardly projecting plug contacts 7 , the cross-sections of which correspond at least approximately to the cross-sections of the fuse plug-in parts 3 and whose spacing between the distribution of the plug receptacles 2 over the top of the fuse box 1 are adapted.

The fuse box 1 and the test plug 5 are not shown in full length. It goes without saying that significantly more pairs of plug receptacles 2 or plug contacts 7 can be provided, but also fewer, in extreme cases only one or one.

A partially cut, further shortened side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 can be found in FIGS. 2a and 2b in two different states. A counterholder, as shown in FIG. 3 and described later, will of course also have to be installed in the test plug 5 shown here. The state of the device shown in FIG. 2a corresponds to that in FIG. 1; the test plug 5 is held over the fuse box 1 , but is not yet inserted.

It should be noted in advance that the following detailed description using one of the multiple existing construction elements such as plug-in receptacles 2 , plug-in parts 3 , plug contacts 7 etc. is carried out, but of course the other components of the same name are carried out in an identical manner and be contacted. On the other hand, FIGS. 2a and 2b are also schematic diagrams for a conceivable single-pole arrangement, for. B. for a test lamp connection to a single-pole connector.

Obviously, each of the plug-in parts 3 of the fuse 4 is within the associated receptacle 2 of the fuse box 1 electrically by means of an elastically flexible contact 8 - which is designed here as a flexible tongue with lines touching the plug-in part - one-sided contact. On the other hand, it lies against the non-conductive wall material of the plug-in receptacle 2 . The contact 8 is pressed against the plug-in part with such high spring force that it is held securely in the plug-in receptacle by wall friction. Of course, form-fitting position securing, locking connections or the like can also be provided.

Each plug contact 7 of the test plug 5 consists of an electrical conductor 7 L, preferably of flat sheet metal, which is provided on one side over the entire surface with an electrically non-conductive insulating layer 7 I. This need not be very thick, since the test plug 5 is only to be used for low-voltage circuits. However, it must be resistant to abrasion so that it is not permanently destroyed mechanically when the plug-in contact 7 is inserted next to the plug-in part 3 in the plug-in receptacle 2 . The insulating layer 7 I can advantageously consist of the same non-conductive (plastic or ceramic) material as the body of the test plug 5 and can be integrally molded in one piece when it is molded. But it can also - to facilitate any necessary repairs - an exchangeable platelet-shaped insulating layer can be provided, which is to be connected in a suitable manner to the plug contact 7 or the conductor 7 L. Overall, the cross section of the conductor 7 L with the insulating layer 7 I approximately corresponds in each case to the cross section of the plug-in part 3 of the fuse 4 .

Both the plug-in part 3 and the plug contact 7 are chamfered at the end to facilitate insertion into the plug-in receptacle 2 , while the contact 8 is bent at the end so that it partially closes the entire opening of the plug-in receptacle in the unloaded state, i.e. when the plug-in is pulled out, and therein forms a funnel contour, which leads the plug-in part 3 when inserted into the correct position.

The head 7 L of the plug contact 7 is within the Prüfstec kers 5 electrically with a bus 6 ', z. B. a Lei terplatte or the like. Connected, which in turn is connected to the cable 6 no longer shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The test plug 5 also has recesses 9 in which the body of the fuses 4 can be immersed when the test plug is inserted. These recesses also form a mechanical position coding in a simple manner, by means of which the correct insertion of the plug contacts 7 of the test plug 5 into the plug receptacles 2 is ensured. Obviously, the test plug 5 would not be able to be plugged in after a rotation through 180 ° about a vertical axis lying in the drawing plane from the position shown, because it would previously rest on the fuses 4 .

For example, in the case of the single-pole arrangement already mentioned, it is of course possible to dispense with such position coding in the interest of optional electrical contacting of the conductor 7 L with either the contact 8 or the plug-in part 3 .

The state of the device after inserting the test plug 5 is shown in FIG. 2b, which otherwise completely corresponds to FIG. 2a. The plug contact 7 of the test plug has been inserted between the plug-in part 3 and the elastically flexible contact 8 , the insulating layer 7 I coming into contact with the plug-in part 3 and the conductor 7 L coming into contact with the contact 8 . The plug-in receptacle 2 can be seen dimensio ned that on the one hand it can accommodate the plug-in part 3 and the plug-in clock 7 at the same time and on the other hand offers enough space for the nimble evasive movement of the contact 8 . So now the plug-in part 3 is electrically separated from the contact 8 , however, the conductor 7 L of the plug contact 7 is electrically connected to this. This "switching" was accomplished simply by inserting the test plug 5 . It is obviously no longer necessary to pull the fuse 4 out of the receptacles 2 beforehand.

An advantageous variant for executing the plug contacts of the test plug 5 is shown in FIG. 3; Here, although the single-sided insulation layer 7 I is placed still on one side of the conductor 7 L, but also between the latter and a second Lei ter 7 S. This sandwich-type execution of all Steckkon contacts 7 of the test plug 5 remains thereof hitherto been beschrie Bener purpose, and the handling the test connector 5 received. In addition, however, the fuses 4 themselves can be checked for proper function, ie continuity, by means of the second conductors 7 S which are electrically separated from the conductors 7 L. Because as can be seen from Fig. 3, the second conductor 7 S is on the other hand electrically contacted with the respective plug-in part 3 of the fuse, so that small test currents can be conducted via the fusible links of the fuses via the pairs of second conductors 7 S. If the fusible links or the plug-in parts are also accessible from the top of the fuses, which is the case with some fuse models, the second conductors could also be inserted into the fuses 4 from above. However, preference is given to the form shown. It should also be noted that the second conductor 7 S can also be connected to the circuit board 6 ', but that of course they are also electrically separated from the terminals 7 L of the conductor there.

In addition to the modified version of the plug contacts 7 of the test plug in Fig. 3, a possible execution for counterhold is sketched, which hold the fuses 4 in the plug receptacles when the test plug or its plug contacts are removed from the plug receptacles 2 . If no positive locking of the fuses 4 is to be provided in the plug-in receptacles 2 , such counterholders are advantageous. It can be implemented in the simplest way by installing spring-loaded push-off punches 10 in the recesses 9 from the test plug 5 .

In the unplugged state of the test plug 5 , these can, for. B. cover the recesses 9 flush. When Einstec of the plug contacts ken 7 of the test plug 5 in the Steckaufnah men 2, the knock-off are ge by the fuses 4 pushed back 10 against the force of their return springs 11 in the recesses 9 so that the fuses 4 to immerse before in the recesses as shown. When the plug contacts 7 are removed, the push-off punches 10 or the return springs 11 then hold the fuses 4 in their inserted position. The impression stamp 10 and its return springs 11 are of course secured against falling out of the test plug 5 , as indicated by ring collars 12 at the openings of the recesses 9 .

In a modification, not shown, according to subclaim 12 is also a version of the counter holder as a pulling aid conceivable for the test plug, which to support the Disconnect the test plug manually against a part (plug receptacle me and / or plug-in part) of the plug connection can be tensioned. This could e.g. B. look so that in the housing of the test plug a comb-like structure is provided and movably guided therein the web along the top of the test plug Housing runs, and its "tines" from above into the Aus protrusions for the fuses protrude. Therefor a spring preload does not necessarily have to be provided because the "tines" when inserting the test plug displaced by the fuses from the recesses with the web over the top of the case is lifted out. It then takes to remove the test plug only the bridge against the housing to be clamped manually, whereupon the "prongs" in turn the fuses in their Load direction of the fuse box and the Test plug by the reaction force on the housing from the Siche is pulled off.

In Fig. 4 is a different shape variant of fuse plug-in parts 3 '- which are in contrast to the cranked shape shown in the figures already be be executed according to the standard made of straight flat material - and Prüfstec ker plug contacts 7 ' outlined. Analogous to the illustration in Fig. 1 and 2a, a test plug 5 'with obliquely protruding plug contacts th 7 ' is shown above a fuse box 1 with plug-in 2 , which, in the same way as already described, from one side provided with an insulating layer electrical conductors consist. Only at the end, these plug contacts 7 'are slightly angled towards the vertical. They are preferably made of an elastically flexible material, the insulating layer 7 I being able to follow the deformations that occur without being separated from the conductor.

Here, as in the first embodiment, all insulating layers 7 I are of course each arranged on the same side of the plug contacts 7 '(or 7 ').

To insert the test plug 5 'or of its plug contacts 7 ', these are turned with the insulating layer to the fuse plug-in parts 3 'towards the plug receptacles 2 and push elastically resilient contacts 8 ' - here as a spring-loaded roller body with line contact to the plug-in parts 3 'and the plug contacts 7 ' are executed - back. For safe conduction of high currents such. B. two mutually arranged such roller body are provided, which are simultaneously in electrical contact with the respective fully inserted plug-in part.

With the means shown in Fig. 4 can also be brought about the state according to Fig. 2b analog contacting the plug contacts 7 '. In this variant of the Prüfstec kers again recesses 9 'are provided in the plastic body, in which the fuses 4 can be immersed. Of course, the variant of the test plug shown here can be equipped analogously to the version shown in Fig. 3 with plug contacts in sandwich construction from two external conductors and an intermediate insulating layer, as well as in the test plug 5 'corresponding to the representation in Fig. 3 or as above described counterholders are installed.

In all versions shown, the plug-in can of course clock the test plug into the empty plug receptacles  plugged in and electrically contacted because they formally correspond to the plug-in parts of the fuses.

Claims (18)

1.Device for producing a pluggable electrical connection, in particular the connection of a test plug, with at least one plug contact to a plug-in part consisting of at least one plug-in receptacle and one plug-in part electrically contacted in the latter by at least one resilient contact, in particular to a flat plug connection, whose plug receptacle is accessible from the plug-in side even when the plug-in part is inserted and is sufficiently dimensioned for the simultaneous reception of the plug-in part and the plug contact provided for plugging into the plug-in receptacle and for electrical contacting, characterized by at least one relative to the test plug ( 5 ; 5 ') Movable counter-holder (punch 10 , spring 11 ) to secure the position of the plug-in part ( 3 ) in the plug receptacle ( 2 ) when pulling out the plug contact ( 7 ) from the plug receptacle ( 2 ). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plug contact ( 7 ; 7 ') is electrically insulated on one side (insulating layer 7 I), whereby by inserting it between the plug-in part ( 3 ; 3 ') and the resilient contact ( 8 ; 8 ') in the plug receptacle ( 2 ), the electrical contacting of the plug-in part ( 3 ; 3 ') with the contact ( 8 ; 8 ') can be canceled and at the same time the electrical contacting of the plug contact ( 7 ; 7 ', conductor 7 L) with the con clock ( 8 ; 8 ') or the plug-in part ( 3 ; 3 ') can be produced. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 for establishing the connection of the test plug of a test system for electric motor test equipment, characterized by

• at least one pair of plug-in receptacles for plug-in parts of an electrical flat-plug fuse, which are electrically contacted therein, connected to the on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle in the usual way,
• a test plug provided with at least one pair of plug contacts corresponding in cross section to the plug-in parts of a fuse, which are all insulated on one side on the same side,

whereby when the plug contacts ( 7 ; 7 ') of the test plug ( 5 ; 5 ') are inserted correctly in the side into the plug receptacle ( 2 ) carrying the fuse ( 4 )

• - The electrical contacting of each plug-in part ( 3 ; 3 ') of the at least one fuse ( 2 ) with the respectively assigned elastically flexible contact ( 8 ; 8 ') by inserting the plug contacts ( 7 ; 7 ') of the test plug ( 5 ; 5 ' ) between the plug-in parts ( 3 ; 3 ') and the resilient contacts ( 8 ; 8 ') can be separated and at the same time
• - The plug contacts ( 7 ; 7 ') of the test plug ( 5 ; 5, ) with the elastically flexible contacts ( 8 ; 8 ') are electrically connectable (conductor 7 L).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized by a mechanical coding ( 9 ) of the test plug ( 5 ; 5 '), the only correct insertion of its plug contacts ( 7 ; 7 ') in relation to the plug-in parts ( 3 ; 3 ') of the Schmelzsi backups ( 4 ) allowed. 5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the use of fuses (4) level from which the plug-in receptacles (2) angled insert parts (3). 6. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by angled with respect to the insertion direction of the plug contacts ( 7 ') of the test plug ( 5 '). 7. The device according to claim 3 or 4 or 6, characterized by an elastically flexible design of the plug contacts ( 7 ') of the test plug ( 5 '). 8. The device according to claim 3, in which the test plug has a body made of a non-conductive material, characterized by producing the one-sided insulation (insulating layer 7 I) of the plug contacts ( 7 ; 7 ') by integral molding with the body of the test plug ( 5 ; 5 ′). 9. The device according to claim 3 or 7 or 8, characterized by

• Arrangement of the one-sided insulation (insulating layer 7I) between a first conductor ( 7 L) of each plug contact ( 7 ) and a second conductor ( 7 S) which is electrically separated from the first conductor ( 7 L) by the insulation,

whereby the first conductor ( 7 L) for electrical contacting of the test plug ( 5 ) with the elastically flexible contacts ( 8 ) and the second conductor ( 7 S) for electrical contacting of the test plug ( 5 ) with the plug-in parts ( 3 ) at least one fuse ( 4 ) are seen before. 10. The device according to claim 3, characterized by installing the at least one counter-holder (push-off punch 10 , spring 11 ) in the test plug ( 5 ), it being at least approximately parallel to the insertion and removal direction of the plug contacts ( 7 ) of the test plug ( 5 ) relative to the latter is mobile. 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized by
resilient bias (spring 11 ) of the counter-holder (Abprimstem pel 10 ) against the direction of insertion of the plug contacts ( 7 ) of the test plug ( 5 ),
by means of which bias the at least one fuse ( 4 ) is held in the plug receptacle ( 2 ) when the test plug ( 5 ) is removed. 12. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized by
Execution of the counter holder as a removal aid for the test plug, which is raised relative to the test plug when it is inserted and
to support the removal of the test plug relative to its housing can be manually clamped against part of the plug connection (plug-in receptacle and / or plug-in part), the test plug being pulled away from the fuse box by the reaction force on the housing. 13. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by execution of the body of the test plug ( 5 ; 5 ') from an abrasion-resistant plastic. 14. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by designing the body of the test plug ( 5 ; 5 ') made of a ceramic material. 15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by design of the at least one resilient contact ( 8 ) as a spring plate tongue. 16. The device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by design of the at least one resilient contact ( 8 ') as a spring-loaded cylindrical body.