EP1026781B1 - Connection device for connecting a conductive, flat structure with an electric wire - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connecting device for connecting adjacent conductive, flat, rigid or non-rigid structures with an electrical conductor, for example with a cable.

Especially in the automotive industry, it happens that a sheet-shaped conductor to be connected to electrical equipment. This applies, for example, to a heater integrated in the seat, in which electrical power is supplied to a sheet-shaped conductor structure via an electrical supply line. Furthermore, in the case of a load sensor integrated in the car seat, which detects whether a person has sat down on the corresponding seat, there is a need to connect the sensor constructed essentially of two planar conductors arranged one above the other to the sensor electronics.

According to the state of the art, for example, soldering or clamping techniques are used for contacting the said flat structures with electrical cables. Such connections to planar conductor structures are disclosed for example by the patent applications DE 2346542 and EP-A-89301069. However, it should be noted that the contact must meet certain requirements. Due to the usual construction of a current car seat, it is not possible without great effort to renew the contact if it dissolves during operation. Furthermore, it should be noted that the contact point through the use of Seat is exposed to a permanent mechanical stress. In this regard, the mentioned contacts do not provide sufficient safety and reliability.

Also known from the prior art connecting means for establishing a connection to a conductive, planar structure. These are evident from the utility model documents DE-U-8518503 and FR-A-686957, in which a tubular rivet produces an electrically conductive connection into which, for example, a plug can be inserted. The connecting devices described in the two utility model documents also do not ensure sufficient stability of the connection.

Accordingly, it is the object of the invention to provide a connection device which meets the aforementioned increased requirements for a connection device for connecting two adjacent conductive planar structures to an electrical conductor.

This is achieved with the connecting device defined in claim 1 and the further developments defined in the dependent subclaims, by means of which a receiving device designed essentially as an electrically conductive socket is provided for connection to two adjacent conductive planar structures, wherein two bushings pass through the planar structures extend and aligned with each other.

Such a receiving device can be used or adapted for all imaginable surface structured conductor structures. This applies both to rigid structures, such as metal or plastic plates, but also for flexible surface structures, such as a metallized Textile structure, a metallized felt mat or a metal mesh too. A planar conductor structure may therefore comprise, for example, a structure which is conductive at least on one of the two surfaces or - as in the case of the metal plate - is also conductive in volume. In all cases, the receiving device formed essentially as an electrically conductive socket can be adapted to the thickness of the planar structure. Furthermore, results from the mutual position of the bush to the flat structure, a large contact area between the conductor structure to be contacted and the socket. It can thus be achieved that the height of the overall structure by the connecting device only slightly increased, which is important in the above-mentioned cases of the connection in a car seat, so as not to endanger the seating comfort. The continuity conductor may be attached to or in the receptacle of the receptacle in a variety of ways. For example, soldering or bonding inside the socket is readily possible because in each case the contact point is protected against an external force due to the shielding nature of the socket.

If a plug-in device is provided as a device for connection to the secondary conductor, which extends at least partially into the socket, in particular the assembly of the components, for example in the production of the seat described above, is facilitated.

In order to ensure the mechanical strength and the electrical contact of the bushing with the planar conductor structure, the receiving device has a head portion which extends substantially perpendicular to the lateral surface of the bushing and bears against the lower surface of the conductive, planar structure. This design feature continues to increase the mechanical Strength of the connection between the flat structure at the bottom and the socket.

To increase the mechanical stability of the connection between the bushing and the planar structure may also be provided that on the cylindrical portion of the receiving device a perforated disc around the bushing is arranged around such that the perforated disc rests against the upper surface of the conductive, planar structure. The upper surface (i.e., the second surface) may be conductive or non-conductive.

The perforated disc on the cylindrical portion of the receiving device is secured, for example, by welding, crimping, riveting, gluing or by a thread such that the perforated disc, the bushing and the planar structure are securely connected to each other.

The electrical contact between the planar structure and the socket is ensured in particular by the pressure of the head section on the conductive structure.

This is achieved in a preferred embodiment in that the perforated disc is formed as a corrugated plate, or an additional corrugated plate is inserted between the perforated disc and the conductive structure. The spring force generated by the corrugated disk, for example, compensate for age-related changes in thickness of plastic elements or tissues, for example those of the conductive, planar structure so far that a sufficient mechanical and electrical connection between the various parts is maintained.

A simple and with regard to a machine easy to be carried out fastening of the receiving device to the conductive, flat structure in at least partially widening the cylindrical portion of the receiving device, whereby said perforated disc is pressed against the planar structure.

Preferably, the receiving device may be formed as a tubular rivet, wherein the cylindrical portion is widened by 10 to 35 °. This facilitates in particular the assembly of the components, since the riveting in industrial production is a widespread and above all reliable method for connecting different components.

In order to protect the plug-in device in the receiving device in particular against vibrations that may result in a solution of the connection, the plug device may be resiliently held in the receiving device.

In order to connect the plug device to an electrically conductive cable, the plug device can have a crimp connection, an insulation displacement terminal or, for example, a soldering or welding connection, as required.

In order to realize the resilient attitude and the contacting of the plug means with the socket, the plug means may comprise two opposing spring arms as contacts extending in the inserted state into the female means and engaging the inner wall of the socket.

The principle of the invention can also be applied in cases in which a plurality of, for example two adjacent, conductive, planar structures must be connected to additional conductors at the same time. Such a connection can be achieved if in one Hole of the respective conductive sheet-like structure is arranged a receiving device designed substantially as an electrically conductive socket, wherein both sockets are aligned with each other, so that a correspondingly adapted plug means in the inserted state extends at least partially through the sockets of both receiving devices. Thus, the contacting of several planar structures can be realized with additional conductors via a single connector device.

This is achieved in that a contact of the plug device on the inner wall of the first socket and another contact of the plug means abuts against the inner wall of the second socket, when the plug is inserted into the receiving devices.

In order to ensure insulation of the various contacts associated with the different planar structures, the plug-in device can have two spring pairs insulated from one another as contacts, which are offset by 90 ° in the plane of the bushing openings. In order to make the contact in the respective sockets, the spring pairs may be formed in their length such that in the inserted state, the first spring pair is in electrical connection with the first socket and the second pair of springs in electrical connection with the second socket.

To prevent shorting of the two sockets and achieve coaxial alignment, a spacer may be mounted between the first and second receiving means, the spacer having a passageway disposed in alignment with the sockets of the two receiving means. Both receiving facilities may be in the spacer in corresponding recesses be pressed into it, so that this results in an exact and stable relative position of the two jacks to each other and the jacks to the spacer.

If the diameter of the passage of the spacer is less than the inner diameter of the first and the second socket, then a detent function can result for the spring pair for the second socket with a corresponding design on the insulating spacer, which prevents unintentional release of the connector.

In order to achieve a low overall depth of the connecting device, the plug device can be angled at about 90 ° to the insertion direction. A simple construction of the plug device can be realized in that the insertable into the sockets part consists of a correspondingly sized to the bushes cylindrical plastic element whose shell has four recesses for receiving the spring contact arms.

Fig. 1a bis 1e

in einer Serie den Einbau der aufnehmenden Einrichtung einer bestimmten Ausführungsform der Verbindungseinrichtung in die leitfähige, flächige Struktur im Schnitt zeigt;

Fig. 2

eine beispielhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung für den Fall der Kontaktierung eines Sensors in einem Autositz im Schnitt kurz vor der Fertigstellung darstellt;

Fig. 3

im Schnitt einen Abstandshalter zeigt;

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Verbindungseinrichtung der Fig. 2 nach den letzten Herstellungsprozessen im Schnitt darstellt;

Fig. 5

eine Ausführungsform einer Steckereinrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungseinrichtung in verschiedenen Schnitt-Perspektiven zeigt;

Fig. 6

die Verbindungseinrichtung mit eingeführter Steckereinrichtung darstellt;

Fig. 7

eine Ausführungsform wie Fig. 2 zeigt, jedoch mit einer zusätzlichen Wellscheibe und;

Fig. 8 a) und b)

eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform ähnlich der in Fig. 4 zeigt, wobei die zweite leitfähige flächige Struktur aus einem Metallgeflecht besteht, welches auf einer weiteren flächigen Struktur aufgebracht ist.

The invention will be explained below by describing some embodiments according to the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1a to 1e

in a series, the installation of the receiving device of a particular embodiment of the connecting device in the conductive, planar structure in section;

Fig. 2

an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the case of contacting a sensor in a car seat in section shortly before completion represents;

Fig. 3

shows a spacer on average;

Fig. 4

the connecting device according to the invention of FIG. Figure 2 shows in section after the last manufacturing processes;

Fig. 5

shows an embodiment of a connector device of the connecting device according to the invention in different sectional perspectives;

Fig. 6

represents the connecting device with inserted plug means;

Fig. 7

an embodiment as shown in FIG 2, but with an additional corrugated and;

Fig. 8 a) and b)

an embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Fig. 4, wherein the second conductive planar structure consists of a metal mesh, which is applied to a further planar structure.

The connecting device for connecting at least one conductive, planar structure with an electrical conductor, for example a cable, which leads further away from this structure comprises at least one receiving device designed essentially as an electrically conductive socket for connection to the conductive planar structure. Depending on the embodiment, the conductive bush may, for example, have a hollow cylindrical shape or, in general, a polyhedron hollow shape. As shown in Fig. 1, the receiving means 5 is disposed in an opening in the sheet-like conductive structure 2 so that the sleeve 4 extends through the sheet-like structure. In this case, depending on the embodiment, the planar, conductive structure may be rigid or not rigid. As an example, here metallized textile structures or felts, metal braids, metal or conductive plastic surfaces may be mentioned. The socket is electrically connected to the conductive planar structure, further wherein the further conductor is connected to the socket.

In a special embodiment of the invention, such a connection device comprises on the secondary conductor a plug device 6 (see Fig. 5), which extends in the inserted state into the receiving device at least partially into the socket. Partial sections of the plug device touch the inner surface of the socket, so that an electrical connection is made.

The receiving device 5 comprises a conductive head portion 8 which extends substantially perpendicular to the lateral surface of the bushing 4, see Fig. 1. The illustrated non-conductive sheet felt structure 2 has on its underside 2b, i. on its first surface on a conductive metal layer. The head portion 8 of the receiving device 5 is disposed in the opening of the sheet structure so as to be in contact with the conductive layer 2b.

A perforated disk 9 is arranged around the bushing 4 on the opening of the bushing opposite the head section 8 in such a way that this perforated disk is attached to the upper surface 2a, i. the second surface of the conductive, planar structure 2 is applied.

Depending on the embodiment, the perforated disc is fastened to the bush in various ways, for example by riveting, flanging, welding, soldering or gluing. The perforated disc 9 is fixed to the socket in such a way that the perforated disc presses the planar, conductive structure 2 against the head section 8.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the perforated disc 9 consists of a spring force exerting wave washer.

For attachment of the perforated disc to the socket, in another embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical portion, that is, the region which is opposite the head portion, at least partially expanded so that the perforated disc presses against the planar structure again, see Fig. Le. In this regard, the female device 5 can be used as a tubular rivet with an oversized head portion, i. Nietkopf be described. Depending on the setting, the rivet angle A is between 10 ° and 35 °.

Fig. 2 shows the connecting device according to the invention in an intermediate stage of production in the event that two adjacent conductive planar structures 2, 2 'are connected to each of the structures continuing conductors. In the present case, the planar structures 2, 2 'represent a textile fabric, which is metallized on the surfaces 2b and 2b'. Between the two layers is an insulating fabric 15, which has holes 16. Such an arrangement is used in the automotive industry as a sensor in a car seat to detect whether a person is in the seat, so that, for example, the airbag can be triggered in a dangerous situation when needed. When the seat is used, the two metallised textile surfaces 2b and 2b 'are pressed against each other through the holes 16, thus creating a detectable short circuit between the conductive structures.

According to the manner shown in FIG. 1, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2, a receiving device 5, 5 'designed essentially as an electrically conductive socket 4, 4' is arranged in each of the conductive, planar structures in a hole.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bushings are arranged relative to each other, that the respective head portions 8, 8 'of the two receiving devices 5, 5' are opposite. Furthermore, a spacer 12 and an insulating fabric 15 are arranged between the conductive structures 2 and 2 '.

Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of Fig. 2 in the finished state. Between the two receiving devices 5, 5 ', the spacer 12 is arranged with a passage 13 such that this passage 13 is aligned with the openings of the bushes 4, 4'.

The spacer 12 (see Fig. 3) has in the direction of both bushings recesses 17, 17 ', which are adapted to receive the head portions 8, 8'. Due to the symmetry of the structure shown in Fig. 2, in particular facilitates the assembly of the connecting device. In Fig. 2, the connection device according to the invention for clarity is not shown in the final form, but before the manufacturing process of pressing the two engaging devices against each other, so that they penetrate into the corresponding recesses 17, 17 'of the spacer 12 and thus fixed. Furthermore, in a further manufacturing process, the two conductive, planar structures 2, 2 'are laminated with the enclosed insulation structure. The final form of the connecting device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 4.

For connection to the sockets 4, 4 'to a secondary, two-core cable, a plug device 6 is provided in the exemplary embodiment, which as contacts two spring pairs 11a, 11b; 11a ', 11b', s. Fig. 5. The spring pairs are formed in their length such that in the inserted state, the first spring pair 11a, 11b in electrical communication with the first sleeve 4 and the second spring pair 11a ', 11b' is in electrical connection with the second sleeve 4 '. In the form of the spring pair arrangement shown in Figure 5, these are offset in the plane of the socket opening by 90 ° to each other. s. Fig. 5b.

The plug-in device 6 comprises a device for connection to the secondary, two-core cable 3a, 3b in the form of a crimp terminal 10a, 10b, which are each electrically connected to the corresponding spring arms. According to Fig. 5a and 5b, the plug-in device 6 is angled at 90 ° to the insertion direction. The insertable into the sockets 4, 4 'part of the connector device 6 consists of a cylindrical plastic element 14 which is dimensioned in diameter such that it can be inserted into both sockets. In the described embodiment, the second spring pair 11a, 11b is formed as part of a latching device, so that the plug 6 is held in position in the inserted state.
The cylindrical plastic element 14 has on the jacket four recesses for receiving the spring contact arms.

In Fig. 6, a further embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the plug means 6 in both sockets 4, 4 'is inserted. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, in this case the spring arms of a pair of springs are arranged side by side, so that each face a short and a long contact arm in the plane of the socket opening in the sectional view shown.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 7 is between the perforated disc 9, 9 'and conductive structure of the corrugated sheet 18, 18' inserted to independently deformations of the conductive structure to produce a contact normal force between the head portion and the conductive structure.

Fig. 8 a) and b) is another embodiment of the invention similar to that shown in Fig. 4 shown. However, the second conductive planar structure consists of a metal mesh, which rests against a further planar structure 19. In the section of the receiving devices 5, the metal mesh is lifted from the further planar structure 19 and arranged such that the bushing 5 extends through only the metal mesh through, but not by the further planar structure 19. Only the metal mesh is by means of the washer 9 against pressed the head portion 8, whereby the contact with the socket 4 is ensured, s. Fig. 8a. It has the advantage that the side opposite the plug side of the connecting device is flat and therefore the seating comfort is impaired in any way.

Claims (17)

1. Connecting device (1) for connecting two adjacent flat conductive structures (2, 2') to an electrical conductor (3a, 3b) continuing from the structures, particularly to a cable, comprising:

   - at least one receiving device (5, 5') formed essentially as an electrically conductive socket (4, 4') for connection to the flat conductive structures (2, 2') and

   - a device for connection to the continuing conductor (3a, 3b),

   whereby the receiving device (5, 5') for arrangement in a hole (7) in the flat conductive structure (2, 2') is formed in such a way that the socket (4, 4') extends through the flat structure and comprises a head section (8) which extends substantially perpendicular to the jacket area of the socket (4, 4') and lies against the first (conductive) surface (2b) of the flat conductive structure (2) and
   a perforated disc (9, 9') which is arranged on the cylindrical section of the receiving device (5, 5') around the socket (4, 4') in such a way that the perforated disc lies against the second surface (2a) of the flat conductive structure (2),

   - a first receiving device (5) formed essentially as an electrically conductive socket (4) is arranged in a hole in the first flat conductive structure (2), and

   - a second receiving device (5') formed essentially as an electrically conductive socket (4') is arranged in a hole in the second conductive structure (2'), whereby

   - the two sockets (4, 4') are arranged in alignment with each other, in that a male connector device (6) in the inserted state extends at least partially through the sockets of both receiving devices (5, 5').
2. Connecting device according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the device for connection to the continuing conductor (3a, 3b) comprises a male connector device (6) which extends in the inserted state into the receiving device (5, 5') at least partially into the socket (4, 4') and the socket and male connector device are in electrical connection.
3. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the cylindrical section of the receiving device (5, 5') is in working connection with the perforated disc (9, 9') in such a way that the perforated disc is in pressed connection with the head section (8, 8') via the flat conductive structure (2, 2').
4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the perforated disc (3) is a corrugated disc .
5. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   a corrugated disc (18, 18') is inserted between the perforated disc (9, 9') and the conductive structure (2, 2').
6. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that
   the cylindrical section of the receiving device (5, 5') is at least partially widened.
7. Connecting device according to claim 6,
   characterised in that
   the receiving device (5, 5') is formed as a tubular rivet, whereby the cylindrical section is widened by 20 - 35°.
8. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the male connector device (6) is resiliently held in the receiving device (5, 5').
9. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the male connector device (6) comprises a device for connection to an electrically continuing cable such as an insulation displacement connection, a crimped connection or welded or soldered connection (10a, 10b) which is electrically connected to at least one contact of the male connector device (6).
10. Connecting device according to claim 8,
    characterised in that
    the male connector device (6) comprises two opposing spring arms (11a, 11b; 11a', 11b') as contacts which in the inserted state extend into the receiving device (5, 5') and lie against the inner wall of the socket (4, 4').
11. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    a space-maintaining element (12) is arranged between the first and the second receiving device (5, 5') whereby the space-maintaining element has two receiving openings (17, 17') which are aligned with each other for socket heads and thus connects the sockets aligned with each other and comprises a feedthrough element (13) which is arranged aligned with the sockets (4, 4') of the two receiving devices (5, 5').
12. Connecting device according to claim 1,
    characterised in that
    the feedthrough element (13) of the space-maintaining element (12) has a smaller diameter than the sockets (4, 4') of the two receiving devices (5, 5').
13. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    at least one contact (11a, 11b) of the male connector device lies against the inner wall of the first socket (4) and at least one further contact (11a', 11b') of the male connector device lies against the inner wall of the second socket (4').
14. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterised in that
    the male connector device (6) comprises as contacts two pairs of springs (11a, 11b; 11a', 11b) insulated with respect to each other which are formed in their length in such a way that in the inserted state the first pair of springs (11a, 11b) is in electrical connection with the first socket (4) and the second pair of springs (11a', 11b') is in electrical connection with the second socket (4').
15. Connecting device according to claim 14,
    characterised in that
    the pairs of springs (11a, 11b; 11a', 11b') are offset by 90° with respect to each other in the plane of the socket openings.
16. Connecting device according to one of the claims 11 to 15,
    characterised in that
    the space-maintaining element and at least one pair of springs are formed in such a way that the pair of springs latches on the space-maintaining element.
17. Connecting device according to one of the claims 11 to 16,
    characterised in that
    the male connector device (6) is at an angle of 90° with respect to the insert direction and the part which is adapted to be inserted into the sockets (4, 4') consists of a cylindrical plastic element (14) with dimensions corresponding to the sockets, the jacket of which comprises four recesses for receiving the spring contact arms.

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