EP0984524B1 - Two-part electrical connector with a couple member and a movable indicator member - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connector with two pluggable Connector parts, which are interconnected by means of a coupling part are coupled, which can be moved into a coupling position for this purpose. Such a Connector is particularly useful in motor vehicles, where it is for example can be used as a seat coupling.

To avoid malfunctions, the two connector parts must be correct be coupled together. For this it is particularly necessary that the coupling part actually reaches its final coupling position Has. In most cases, however, it is no longer possible determine the condition of the connector.

The aim of the invention is to provide an electrical connector at the beginning to create the type mentioned, with simple construction both a The best possible control of its respective condition is permitted as is also easier to handle overall.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the coupling part a control element that can be moved relative to this over a defined area is assigned that by spring force in a with respect to Coupled part disengaged position and against the spring force in an indented position with respect to the coupling part is displaceable, and that the control element by in particular releasable locking means at his Coupling position and in this latched coupling part in its indented position is fixable. The locking means are preferred between the control element and one in one of the two Connector parts stored release button provided, by the in its in the engaged position, the control element simultaneously fixed the coupling part in its coupling position is fixed.

As a result, the control element only remains in its indented position Position when the coupling part actually reaches its coupling position has and was also locked in this coupling position. Otherwise the control element is released by the spring force moved back to its disengaged position. With his disengaged Position-taking control element is thus simple and reliable way signals that the two connector parts are still are not coupled with each other in the required manner. Against it with the control element assuming its engaged position, that the two connector parts are actually correctly coupled together were. An optimal, reliable mechanical and visual inspection possible. By the locking means preferably between the control element and one of the two connector parts are provided and by the in its indented position fixed control element at the same time the coupling part in its coupling position is fixed, fulfills that applied during the coupling process Control element in its fully engaged position at the same time two functions. So it serves besides the mechanical and visual inspection of the respective connector state at the same time ensuring the end locking of the two connector parts. In the locked state it is Control element preferably completely in the connector part in question sunk and therefore no longer visible. However, was the locked Condition not reached for some reason, so the spring-loaded jumps Control part out of the connector part again. Accordingly, the current condition of the connector except by visual inspection in particular also determined by scanning the area concerned become. Thanks to the simple operation and easier control the overall result is a correspondingly higher level of security.

In a preferred practical embodiment of the invention electrical connector is the control element in the direction of movement of the coupling part slidably mounted in the coupling part. The coupling part is thus in a particularly simple manner via the control element actuated.

The spring force loading the control element into its disengaged position is expediently by at least one between the control element and the coupling part arranged spring generated.

As already mentioned, the control element can in particular be designed in this way and be stored so that it is in its disengaged position from the coupling part protrudes and sunk in its engaged position in the coupling part is. The control element should be in its disengaged position protrude far from the coupling part that this condition reliably from the indented position of the coupling part can be distinguished.

The control element can in particular at one end, preferably the outwardly projecting free end of the coupling part may be provided.

If the coupling part can be moved into its coupling position via the control element, the arrangement is preferably such that the control element then at the latest in the course of a corresponding actuation is movable to the coupling part in its engaged position when the coupling part has reached its coupling position.

In a preferred practical embodiment of the invention electrical connector is the control element for signaling its disengaged state at least partially signal colors.

It is also advantageous if the control element can be preassembled in the coupling part and after successful pre-assembly against falling out of the Coupling part is secured. Here it is preferably by the spring force held in its disengaged position. This allows the control element together with the coupling part and possibly also together with delivered to the rest of the connector and pre-assembled in the factory become.

In an expedient practical embodiment, the coupling part as a slide in one of the two connector parts, in particular transversely to their Guided plug direction and movable into its coupling position in which it with at least one coupling element provided on the other connector part interacts preferably, the coupling part is in its coupling position sunk in the connector part in question.

The coupling part can have two mutually parallel legs or side walls comprise, which each cooperate with at least one coupling element. A respective coupling element can, for example, by a pin or the like.

In a preferred practical embodiment, the two are Leg of the coupling part each with at least one groove or the like provided, in the coupling part taking up at least in its coupling position engages a respective coupling element. The grooves are preferred executed so that after an engagement of the coupling elements two connector parts during the transfer of the coupling part into his The coupling position must first be pulled together completely. A corresponding Execution is basically also for a non-U-shaped one Coupling part possible. Instead of a groove, for example, a Incision, a slot or the like may be provided. Through that the coupling part takes place complete contraction of the two connector parts correct, reliable coupling is always guaranteed, which further increases the security sought.

In a preferred practical embodiment of the invention electrical connector comprises one of the two connector parts one connector housing and the other connector part a socket housing. The connector housing can accommodate several connector modules and the receptacle housing for receiving a corresponding number be formed by receptacles.

In certain applications, it is advantageous if the slide valve Coupling part guided in the socket housing and the coupling element or elements are provided on the connector housing. In this case, the release button preferably provided in the socket housing.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische, auseinandergezogene Darstellung eines elektrischen Steckverbinders,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische, auseinandergezogene Teildarstellung der zur Kontrolle des Verbinderzustandes und der Verriegelung des Koppelteils zusammenwirkenden Komponenten,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Komponenten im zusammengesetzten Zustand vor einer Kopplung der beiden Verbinderteile,

Fig. 4

eine geschnittene Seitenansicht der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

eine geschnittene Draufsicht der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Komponenten im zusammengesetzten Zustand nach erfolgter Kopplung der beiden Verbinderteile,

Fig. 7

eine teilweise geschnittene Seitenansicht der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 6 und

Fig. 8

einen geschnittene Draufsicht der Anordnung gemäß Fig. 6.

The invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings; in this show:

Fig. 1

2 shows a perspective, exploded view of an electrical connector,

Fig. 2

3 shows a perspective, exploded partial representation of the components which interact to check the state of the connector and the locking of the coupling part,

Fig. 3

2 shows a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 2 in the assembled state before a coupling of the two connector parts,

Fig. 4

3 shows a sectional side view of the arrangement according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 5

3 shows a sectional top view of the arrangement according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 6

2 shows a perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 2 in the assembled state after the two connector parts have been coupled,

Fig. 7

a partially sectioned side view of the arrangement of FIG. 6 and

Fig. 8

6 shows a sectional top view of the arrangement according to FIG. 6.

1 to 8 is an embodiment of an electrical connector 10 shown, for example as a seat coupling in a motor vehicle is usable.

As can best be seen from FIG. 1, the electrical comprises Connector 10 two pluggable connector parts 12, 14 is the connector part 14 as a connector housing for receiving several plug. kermodule 20 and the connector part 12 as receptacle housing a corresponding number of receptacles 18 is formed. in the In the present case, there are five plug modules 20 and five plug sleeves 18 intended. The receptacles 18 are on a common frame 22 arranged and can be used together with this in the connector part 12. To fix the frame 22 in the connector part 12 are on this Connector part 12 several locking elements 24 are provided. The connector part 12 is also assigned a cover 26 through which the relevant Side of the connector part 12 completed after inserting the receptacles 18 becomes. This cover 26 is also on the connector part 12 provided locking element 28 fixed. This locking element 28 snap correctly placed cover 26 in slots 30 in the on the side edges the cover 26 arranged tabs 32 are formed. The Plug-in elements 18 can be connected to lines, which then for example laterally between the frame 22 and the cover 26 be led outside.

A cover 34 is also assigned to the connector part 14. After the plug modules 20 are inserted into the connector part 14, the relevant side of the formed by this connector part 14 Plug housing completed by this cover 34. Also the Plug modules 20 are finally connected to lines, which then between the plug modules 20 and the cover 34 in particular be led laterally outwards. The cover has at the relevant end 34 an extension 36 to protect lines to be drained. At the opposite end, the cover 34 is hook-like Provided projection 38 over which they at the relevant end of the connector part 14 can be hooked, whereupon the other end of the cover About provided on the connector part 14 locking element 40 with the Connector part 14 can be latched. As can be seen from FIG. 1, act the locking elements 40 in the region of the extension on the side walls the cover 34 provided recesses 42 together.

The two connector parts 12, 14 are by means of a in the longitudinal direction of the Connector part 14 in this slidably mounted coupling part 16 with each other can be coupled, which can be moved into a coupling position for this purpose is sunk in the connector part 14 (see also FIGS. 6 to 8).

The coupling part 16 is therefore transverse to the direction in which the two Connector parts 12, 14 are plugged together in the connector part 14 slidably guided and movable into its coupling position.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8, has the slide-like coupling part 16 two mutually parallel side walls or legs 16 ', 16 "(see in particular Fig. 1), each with two pin-like Coupling elements 44 together, which are opposed to each other in pairs Sides of the connector housing 12 associated with the connector part are provided.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the two legs 16 ', 16 " of the coupling part is provided on its inside with two grooves 46, in each engages a pin-like coupling element 44. Here are the Grooves 46 designed so that after engagement of the coupling elements 44th the two connector parts 12, 14 during the transfer of the coupling part 16 are first completely contracted into its coupling position.

On the two legs 16 ', 16 "of the coupling part 16 are locking elements again 48 is provided, which has locking recesses 50 on the connector part 14 interact.

A control element 52 is in the end region of the coupling part 16 on the web side Longitudinal direction of the coupling part 16 slidably mounted. Here is this displaceable relative to the coupling part 16 over a defined area Control element 52 by one between it and one axially inwards offset transverse wall 54 of the connector part 16 (cf. in particular FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8) arranged compression spring 56 in a with respect to the web end of the coupling part 16 disengaged position (cf. in particular FIGS. 3 to 5) loaded and against the spring force in one with respect to the web side End of the coupling part 16 moved position, in which it is in the web-side end of the coupling part 16 is sunk (cf. in particular 6 to 8). The control element 52 is by releasable locking means 58, 60 at its coupling position and locked in this Coupling part 16 can be fixed in its engaged position. In the present case the detachable latching means 58, 60 include one provided on the control element 52 resilient latch 58 and one cooperating with this Locking projection 60, on a release button mounted in the connector part 14 74 provided (cf. in particular FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7).

As a result, the latching means 58, 60 are between the control element 52 and a release button 74 mounted in the connector part 14, wherein by the control element 52 fixed in its engaged position at the same time the coupling part 16 is fixed in its coupling position.

The control element 52 is provided with a, which extends into the coupling part 16, provided in cross section, for example, U-shaped projection 62, that within the coupling part 16 in a coupling part 16 assigned to this, for example, C-shaped guide 64 is guided. In the present In this case, the control element 52 has a pot-like housing 66, with the bottom or end wall of the approach 62 is connected. As a result, The extension 62 extends through the pot-like housing 66 outwards and into the guide 64 assigned to the coupling part 16.

A resilient arm 70 extends on the one side, parallel to the extension 62 End again connected to the end wall 68 of the control element 52 and is provided at the other, outer end with the latch 58. The springy Arm 70 is in the area of the slot 72 (cf. in particular FIG. 2) of the U-shaped projection 62 in the present case. The compression spring 56 is pushed onto the shoulder 62 and the resilient arm 70 and on the side of the control element 52 on the inside of the end wall 68 supported. The compression spring 56 thus extends into the pot-like Housing 66 to the bottom, i.e. to the end wall 68.

After the control element 52 in the direction of movement of the coupling part 16 is slidably mounted in the coupling part 16, the coupling part 16 can this control element 52 are moved into its coupling position. It is the control element 52 at the latest in the course of a corresponding actuation then movable relative to the coupling part 16 into its engaged position, when the coupling part 16 has reached its coupling position. If this Control element 52 has also previously been moved relative to coupling part 16 depends in particular on the strength of the compression spring 56.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3 to 5, its protrudes disengaged position occupying control element 52 with its housing 66 emerges from the relevant end of the coupling part 16, whereby the appropriate mechanical and visual inspection of the connector condition is made possible. The protruding from the coupling part 16 Part of the control element 52 has a sufficient length (cf. in particular Fig. 3) which in the present embodiment in a range of is about 11 mm. In addition, the control element 52 can be used for signaling of its disengaged state are at least partially signal colors.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 4 and 7, the locking lug 58 and the locking projection 60 with complementary bevels provided so that the latch 58 with deflection of the resilient arm 70 can be pushed over the locking projection 60 before these two Locking elements 58, 60 in the manner shown in FIG. 7 with each other lock.

The latching connection obtained via the latching means 58, 60 is via the Connector part 14 mounted release button 74 releasable. This release button 74 is in in this case inserted into an opening 76 provided in the connector part 14 (cf. in particular FIGS. 1 and 2). It is provided with two tongues 78, which serve as spring elements. When the release button 74 is actuated transverse to the direction of displacement of the coupling part 16 and the control element 52 the locking projection 60 is moved so that it releases the locking lug 58.

As can best be seen from FIG. 4, the latch 58 acts when the control element 52 assumes its disengaged position with the transverse wall 54 of the coupling part 16 together. With the through the Force of the compression spring 56 causes the locking lug 58 to bear against the transverse wall 54 of the coupling part 16, the control element 52 is thus also against falling out of the coupling part 16 secured. Beyond that this arrangement also enables the control element 52 to be preassembled the coupling part 16 possible. The control element 52 is only opposed to this of the spring force in the coupling part 16 until the resilient Latch 58 comes to rest behind the transverse wall 54. Through the opening 80, the control element 52 can, if necessary, again by the Coupling part 60 can be solved.

The connector part 14 is at the end adjacent to the control element 52 provided with side cutouts 82 so that, if necessary, the coupling part 16 can be pulled out of the connector part 14 again. For this purpose, the coupling part 16 on the two opposite sides be provided with a respective corrugation 84 (cf. in particular FIG. 1).

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the control element 52 carries out a coupling of the two connector parts 12, 14 due to the force the compression spring 56 (cf. in particular also FIGS. 4 and 5) its disengaged Position on. The control element 52 thus projects at least with its partially signal-colored housing 66 from the relevant end of the Coupling part 16 out. The coupling part 16 is also not yet in the connector part 14 sunk. Rather, it protrudes with its relevant end this one.

As soon as the coupling elements 44 provided on the connector part 12 with the Grooves 46 of the coupling part 16 are engaged, the coupling part 16 can be moved into its coupling position via the control element 52.

As a result of the oblique groove guidance shown in FIG. 1 the two connector parts 12, 14 during the transfer of the coupling part 16 completely contracted into its coupling position. First when the coupling part 16 has reached its coupling position, the control element 52 engage with the connector part 14 via the latching means 58, 60, whereby at the same time the coupling part 16 is held in its coupling position and thus the locking of the two connector parts 12, 14 secured becomes. The pot-like housing lies in this locked state 66 with its open end on the transverse wall 54 of the coupling part 16, whereby this over this transverse wall 54 against the locking projection 60th having, release button 74 stored in the connector part 14 is held (cf. in particular FIGS. 7 and 8).

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 6 to 8, this is locked state the control element 52 in the relevant end of the Coupling part 16 sunk. In the present case, the coupling part 16 is also in the connector part 14 sunk.

By taking the control element 52 in its indented position signals that the two connector parts 12, 14 are correctly coupled to one another are. In the event that the locking process described above has not been fully completed, the control element 52 back into its disengaged position by the force of the compression spring 56 deferred, in the signal-colored housing 66 from the coupling part 16 protrudes. This makes it immediately and reliably recognizable that the two connector parts 12, 14 are not yet correctly coupled to one another are.

The control element 52 thus fulfills two functions simultaneously. So serves on the one hand, the correct locking of the two connector parts 12, 14 to secure. On the other hand, it enables optimal mechanical and Visual inspection of the respective state of the electrical connector 10th

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Electrical connector

12

connector part

14

connector part

16

coupling part

16 '

leg

16 "

leg

18

receptacles

20

connector modules

22

frame

24

locking elements

26

cover

28

locking elements

30

slot

32

tabs

34

cover

36

renewal

38

head Start

40

locking elements

42

recess

44

coupling elements

46

groove

48

locking elements

50

recesses

52

control element

54

partition

56

compression spring

58

locking lug

60

catch projection

62

approach

64

guide

66

casing

68

bulkhead

70

springy arm

72

slot

74

release button

76

opening

78

tongue

82

neckline

84

knurl

1

length

Claims (14)

1. Electrical plug connector (10) comprising two connector parts (12, 14) which can be plugged together and which can be coupled to one another by means of a displaceable coupling part (16) which is movable into a coupling position for this,
   characterised in that
   a monitor element (52) is associated with the coupling part (16), is movable relative to the latter over a defined region, is loaded by a spring force (56) into a moved out position relative to the coupling part (16) and can be displaced against the spring force (56) into a position which is moved in relative to the coupling part (16); and in that the monitor element (52) can be feed, in particular, by releasable latching means (58, 60) in its moved in position when the coupling part (16) assumes its coupling position and is latched in the latter.
2. Electrical plug connector in accordance with claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the latching means (58, 60) are provided between the monitor element (52) and a release key (74) which is mounted in one (14) of the two connector parts (12, 14) and the coupling part (16) is at the same time fixed in its coupling position through the monitor element (52), which is fixed in its moved in position.
3. Electrical plug connector in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2,
   characterised in that
   the monitor element (52) is journalled in the coupling part (16) so as to be displaceable in the direction of movement of the coupling part (16).
4. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the spring force (56) which loads the monitor element (52) into its moved out position is produced by at least one spring (56) which is arranged between the monitor element (52) and the coupling part (16).
5. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the monitor element (52) projects out of the coupling part (16) in its moved out position and is sunk into the coupling part (16) in its moved in position.
6. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the monitor element (52) is provided at one outwardly projecting free end of the coupling part (16).
7. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the coupling part (16) can be moved via the monitor element (52) into its coupling position, with the monitor element (52) being movable in the course of a corresponding actuation into its moved in position relative to the coupling part (16) at the latest when the coupling part (16) has reached its coupling position.
8. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the monitor element (52) is at least partly signal coloured.
9. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the monitor element (52) is pre-mountable in the coupling part (16) and is secured against a falling out from the coupling part (16) after a completed pre-mounting and is held by the spring force (56) preferably in its moved out position.
10. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the coupling part (16) is guided as a slider in one (14) of the two connector parts (12, 14) in particular transverse to their plugging direction and can be moved into its coupling position in which it cooperates with at least one coupling element (44) which is provided at the other connector part (12), with the coupling part (16) being sunk in its coupling position in the relevant connector part (14), and/or with the coupling part (16) having two side walls or limbs (16', 16") which are preferably parallel to one another and which in each case cooperate with at least one coupling element (44).
11. Electrical plug connector in accordance with claim 10,
    characterised in that
    at least one coupling element (44) is formed by a pin.
12. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the two limbs (16', 16") of the coupling part (16) are in each case provided with at least one groove (46) or the like into which a respective coupling element (44) engages at least when the coupling part (16) assumes its coupling position, with the grooves (46) preferably being executed in such a manner that, after an engagement of the coupling elements (44), the two connector parts (12, 14) are first completely drawn together during the transfer of the coupling part (16) into its coupling position.
13. Electrical plug connector in accordance with any one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    one of the two connector parts (12, 14) comprises a plug housing (14) and the other connector part comprises a plug socket housing (12), with the plug housing (14) preferably being designed for the reception of a plurality of plug modules (20) and the plug socket housing (12) being designed for the reception of a corresponding number of plug sockets (18).
14. Electrical plug connector in accordance with claim 13,
    characterised in that
    the slider-like coupling part (16) is guided in the plug socket housing (12) and the coupling element or elements (44) are provided at the plug housing (14), with a release key (74) preferably being provided in the plug socket housing (12).

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