EP1035617A1 - Connecting element - Google Patents

Abstract

The connecting element has an upper part (16) and a lower part (18), each with a clamping surface (20), that can be combined together with facing clamping surfaces, so that when the upper and lower parts are connected, overlapping leads (10) with their contact areas (11) facing each other are clamped between the clamping surfaces. An Independent claim is also included for a method of replacing electrical components, esp. for motor vehicles.

Description

The invention relates to a connecting element for connecting in particular electrical lines provided for motor vehicles, each several connected with a common strip-shaped carrier include parallel single conductors.

For connecting such lines, for example in the form of flexible printed circuits (FPC) are present in which the individual conductors between two arranged as insulation material layers are, it is known to interconnect the individual conductors of the lines to be connected to solder or rivet the cables together. Such Connections are difficult or damage the lines to solve again. In addition, the manufacture of such connections cumbersome and in confined spaces, such as those when installing and replacing electrical components in motor vehicles are present, not or only with considerable effort possible. Furthermore, with the known compounds due to the bad solvability of the exchange of defective components, for example problematic.

It is the problem (task) on which the invention is based, one possibility for connecting lines of the type mentioned at the beginning create a good and with the simple and economical way permanent electrical contact is achieved between the individual conductors and in particular the connection with as little as possible Effort can be solved again.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the connecting element an upper part and comprises a lower part, each having at least one clamping surface and can be assembled in this way with mutually facing clamping surfaces are that in the connected state two mutually facing contact areas overlapping cables clamped between the clamping surfaces are.

According to the electrical contacts between the respective Single conductors by clamping them in an overlap area superimposed lines between the upper part and the lower part of the connecting element. The invention enables to connect the bare ends of the wires together, in the case of the FPCs mentioned at the beginning to provide the exposed end sections of the single-conductor contact areas at the cable ends the insulation or a layer of material is removed in some areas becomes. The cable ends do not need special connection elements To be provided, so that the possibility of the invention created for a connection element-free electrical connection becomes. In addition, there are no soldering processes or other complex measures required because, according to the invention, the electrical connection alone achieved mechanically by exerting a clamping force becomes. This will make it an easy and inexpensive way for connecting strip-shaped strips provided with parallel individual conductors electrical lines, in particular of FPCs, created.

An advantage of the connecting element according to the invention is that that it can be formed according to a preferred embodiment can that the upper part and the lower part releasably connectable to each other, in particular can be locked.

The electrical connection between the lines can be simple are made by clipping the top and bottom together, the upper part and the lower part depending on the thickness of the lines to be interconnected are formed such that a sufficient clamping force on the cables when locked is exercised in the overlap area. By releasing the snap connection the original state can be restored, i.e. both the establishment and removal of the electrical connection between the two lines is done without damaging the Cables. Therefore, the lines stand for further electrical connections by means of a connecting element according to the invention. Since damage to the lines avoided according to the invention be damaged and not required for the manufacture of electrical connections to cut away unusable sections of the lines.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the upper part and the lower part are identical and at least essentially identical in construction.

This will greatly simplify and save costs Mass production and storage of the connecting elements according to the invention achieved. It will also manufacture the electrical Connections made easier because a user does not have to pay attention for each connection two different and matching ones To use components.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the clamping surface of the upper part and / or lower part of several individual clamping surfaces, formed on preferably elastically deformable webs are in the connected state in the longitudinal direction of the individual conductors extend and preferably evenly spaced in the transverse direction are, in particular depending on the arrangement of the individual conductors cables to be connected.

As a result, the clamping force can be targeted to those provided with the individual conductors Areas of the carrier of the lines are applied. By The provision of elastically deformable webs is for an optimal Transfer of the clamping force to the lines is ensured. Preferably each individual clamping surface a small number of individual conductors and preferred assigned to exactly one single conductor. Any irregularities in the lines can be compensated in this way, whereby it is ensured that in the area of each individual conductor a good and durable there is an electrical connection between the two lines is.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the webs preferably have each approximately in the middle of their longitudinal extent a preferably approximately U-shaped protuberance on the Vertex area at least one single clamping surface is formed.

The clamping force transmitted by means of the webs is thus in each case one approximately punctiform point concentrated, creating a special secure connection between the lines can be established.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the lines on the upper part and / or lower part in a predetermined relative position fixable.

In this way, the lines before assembling the connecting element are pre-fixed on the top and bottom, which ensures is that when assembling the connecting element Lines are correctly aligned relative to each other and with each other individual conductors to be contacted exactly in the desired manner face each other.

According to a further preferred embodiment there are connecting sections of the upper part and the lower part as combined locking / plug-in sections and in particular for the production of at least one Plug connection through the lines and at least one Snap connection formed outside the lines.

Here, the connecting sections serve both for connecting Upper part and lower part as well as for fixing the cables. This multiple function the connecting sections allow the production of good and permanent electrical connections between the lines with a simply constructed connecting element.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention the clamping surface of the upper part and / or lower part on a separate Component provided insert preferably made of metal, which in a preferably made of plastic receiving part can be fixed.

This two-part nature of the connecting element according to the invention enables it, identical receptacles with different inserts combine, so that for different lines, in particular with regard to the number, the distance and / or the width of their individual conductors differ from each other, only a suitable insert is required will and not the entire connecting element to be replaced needs.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention connected state between the upper part and the lower part at least an annular, surrounding the contact areas of the lines Seal arranged. The seal can be in a groove-shaped recess the upper part or the lower part and - in two-part design the parts - supported on a receiving part or an insert his.

Through the seal, the contact areas of the lines are outside Influences, especially protected from moisture, so that the invention Connecting element also in such areas, e.g. on the doors of a motor vehicle can be used on those with moisture must be expected.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by the features of the process claim that a process for exchanging especially for motor vehicles concerns electrical components connected to electrical lines are each connected to a common carrier parallel single conductors, in which an existing line to which the component to be replaced is cut at one point and a line connected to the component to be connected with the existing line at the point of separation by means of a connecting element is connected according to the invention.

This makes an advantageous repair method especially for in Electrical systems provided for motor vehicles with several electrical systems Components created, all over a common strip-shaped Line with a distributor - for components provided on a vehicle door e.g. with a door coupling - via which the individual Components to a power supply and to a central control unit can be connected. According to the invention, a defective one Component can be replaced simply by that to the affected Component leading, the corresponding number of individual conductors Line section at any easily accessible location - e.g. at predetermined, so-called repair windows - cut through becomes. Then the new component that is already connected to a corresponding one Line section connected with the required length is, with the aid of a connecting element designed according to the invention with the free end of the existing one created at the separation point Line connected. In principle, this can be done any number of times an exchange of electrical in a simple manner and in the shortest possible time Components take place.

Further embodiments of the invention are in the subclaims, the description and the drawing.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Verbindungselementes gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

ein einen Einsatz und ein Aufnahmeteil umfassendes Teil eines Verbindungselementes gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 3

das Teil von Fig. 2 im zusammengesetzten Zustand,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Verbindungselementes gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 5

ein erfindungsgemaßes Verbindungselement mit vorfixierten Leitungen, und

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung zur Erläuterung eines erfindungsgemäßen Austausch- oder Reparaturverfahrens.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a perspective view of a connecting element according to an embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2

a part of a connecting element comprising an insert and a receiving part according to a further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 3

the part of Fig. 2 in the assembled state,

Fig. 4

2 shows a schematic sectional view of a connecting element according to a further embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 5

a connecting element according to the invention with pre-fixed lines, and

Fig. 6

a schematic representation to explain an exchange or repair method according to the invention.

1 comprises an upper part 16 and a Lower part 18, which are each made in one piece from plastic. The Upper part 16 and the lower part 18 are identical and include each have a clamping section 29 with a rectangular cross section, which between two connecting sections 26 is arranged. Each connection section 26 comprises a latch 25, a bow-like locking section 27, which delimits a rectangular recess 27a, one pin-like plug section 28 and a cylindrical recess 35, the Inner diameter the outer diameter of the plug section 28 corresponds. The pins 28 of one part 16, 18 thus fit exactly into the Wells 35 of the other part 18, 16. The latches 25 and wells 35 on the one hand and the locking sections 37 and pin 28 on the other hand are on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the respective Part 16, 18 arranged. Regarding the connecting sections 26, the parts 16, 18 are thus each asymmetrical with respect to their longitudinal axis built up.

The locking lugs 25 and locking portions 27 are from the side Base plates 33 from a smaller thickness than the clamping portion 29th exhibit. The pins 28 and recesses 35 are opposite one another the base plates 33 raised stop surface 17 is formed. One on each Base plate 33 formed bar 23, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective part 16, 18 extends the rigidity of the respective Parts 16, 18 in the connecting sections 26.

In the area of the detents 25, the base plates 33 are each with a rectangular cutout 31 provided, the locking lugs 25 each protrude beyond a recessed area 31a. The width the cutouts 31 correspond to the width of the bow-like locking sections 27, while the width of the detents 25 each the width of the Recesses 27a of the locking portions 27 corresponds.

It can be seen in particular on the upper part 16 that the clamping section 29 is trough-shaped and is provided with slots 38 in the base area, which run perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective part 16, 18. By the cross slots 38 become a plurality of elastically deformable webs 22 defines, each in the middle of their longitudinal extent with a protuberance 24 are provided, as can be seen on the lower part 18. At the Vertex area of the protuberances 24, on which the webs 22 are each flattened are, which, however, can also be convexly curved, is in each case a single clamping surface 20 is formed, the entirety of Single clamping surfaces 20 a strip-shaped, interrupted by the slots 38 Clamping surface of the respective part 16, 18 forms. The one on the jetties 22 trained individual clamping surfaces 20 are each higher than that Stop surfaces 17.

The webs 22 are straight, but can also be convex in this way be curved or angled so that the individual clamping surfaces 20 or Protrusions 24 ridge-like on an interrupted by the slots 38 Line. At their ends the webs 22 go into rounded ones Edges 39 of the side walls of the clamping section 29 over.

1, the upper part 16 and the lower part 18th so clipped together with mutually facing clamping surfaces 20 be that the locking lugs 25, the locking portions 27 or in Longitudinal cross bars of the locking sections 27 engage behind locking, the locking portions 27 in the Cutouts 31 arranged and the pins 28 inserted into the recesses 35 are.

The upper part 16 and the lower part 18 are particularly in terms of Difference in height between the stop surfaces 17 and the individual clamping surfaces 20 and the elastic deformability of the webs 22 in this way executed that arranged between the clamping surfaces 20, in Fig. 1st Electrical lines, not shown, have a clamping force of the desired level Strength is exercised.

In the assembled state, the upper part 16 and the lower part 18 lockable with a holding element 40, which as a U-shaped locking receptacle formed with the U-leg forming, elastically deformable locking arms 48 is at the free ends of the locking lugs 49 are provided. The length of the locking arms 48 is dimensioned such that the composite connecting element 16, 18 and the holding element 40 can be clipped together, the detents 49 the rear sides the base plates 33 of the respective part 16, 17 - in Fig. 1 of the upper part 16 - reach behind to lock.

From a web section 46 connecting the locking arms 48 to one another stands a cone-shaped, pointed at its free end and with one from the corrugated surface provided fastening section 42, with which the holding element 40 together with the latched connecting element 16, 18 in a line laying opening which is only indicated schematically 44 can be anchored, e.g. in a body or cladding element 45 of a motor vehicle, not shown is trained.

Fig. 2 shows a part of the invention, referred to below as the lower part 18 Connecting element that a receiving part 36 and one Insert 34 includes. The receiving part 36 is made of plastic, while the insert 34 is made of metal.

The receiving part 36 corresponds in terms of the connecting sections 26 the parts 16, 18 described with reference to FIG. 1 Insert 34 is the receiving part 36 rectangular with a recess 37 Cross-section. The insert 34 can fall out into the Recess 37 inserted, e.g. get trapped. 2 Positioning and / or holding elements, not shown, on the receiving part 36 be formed, which for the correct position or for holding the Insert 34 in the receiving part 36 and prevent the insert 34 on the other side of the lower part 18 again from the recess 37 is pushed out.

The insert 34 is designed as a U-shaped profile with a slotted bottom, the webs 22 defined by the transverse slots 38 each have a protuberance 24 with a flattened forming a single clamping surface 20 Have apex area. That of the total of the individual clamping surfaces The area formed is thus an area interrupted by the slots narrow strip that runs in a plane that goes from one through the Underside of the U-shaped insert 34 is spaced defined plane.

3 shows the lower part comprising the insert 34 and the receiving part 36 18 of the connecting element according to the invention in the composite Status. It can be seen in particular that the individual clamping surfaces 20 are higher than the stop surfaces 17 and the edges 39 of the the recess 37 delimiting side walls are rounded.

In Fig. 4 each receiving parts 36 made of plastic are one Upper part 16 and lower part 18 and metal inserts 34 represented schematically. There is one on each of the webs 22 of the inserts 34 U-shaped protuberance 24 is provided, the apex area of which Single clamping surface 20 of the respective part 16, 18 forms. The stakes 34 are each supported on the bottom of the receiving part 36 and are on the side a perfect fit between a circumferential projection 64 of the receiving part 36 arranged.

Fig. 4 further shows the free ends of two lines 10, each comprise a strip-shaped flexible carrier 12, which has several parallel individual conductors 14 is provided, the end portions of which are exposed are and each form a contact area 11 of the line 10. The free Ends of the lines 10 are with mutually facing contact areas 11 arranged overlapping between the upper part 16 and the lower part 18, so that by - in Fig. 4 indicated by the arrows - assembly of the connecting element, the lines 10 in the overlap area clamped between the clamping surfaces 20 of the inserts 34 and be pressed against each other with their individual conductors 14, so as one good electrical contact between the individual conductors 14 of the lines 10 to create.

In a groove-shaped each delimited by the insert 34 and the receiving part 36 Well, the bottom of which is formed by the projection 64 is one encircling, approximately rectangular and made of rubber Ring seal 56 arranged. In the assembled state it is the one Contact areas 11 of the lines 10 contain space through the two seals 56 pressed against each other to the outside, so that the contact areas 11 from external influences, in particular from moisture, are protected. Especially depending on the one to be applied Clamping force can be used to support the seals 56 Projections 64 also each in one piece with the existing metal Insert 34 be formed.

5 shows a preassembly state with the upper part 16 and lower part 18 pre-fixed lines 10.Each e.g. two-layer flexible carrier 12 is with individual conductors 14 running parallel to one another are provided between the layers, printed on a layer, for example in the form of conductor tracks are. The lines 10 thus represent strip-shaped flexible printed Circuits (FPC).

5, some of the conductor tracks or individual conductors 14 are parallel dashed lines indicated. Basically, any number be provided by individual conductors 14. On the associated with the lower part 18 Line 10 shows that the end sections of the individual conductors 14 are exposed, as a result of which the contact region 11 of the respective line 10 is formed. This is indicated in Fig. 5 by means of solid lines. The lines 10 face each other with their contact areas 11 oriented.

The lines 10 are provided with edge regions 30 free of single conductors, which are used to fix the lines 10 to the upper part 16 or lower part 18. For this purpose, positioning holes 13 are formed in the edge regions 30, through which when assembling the connecting element the peg-shaped plug-in sections 28 of the parts 16, 18 are inserted can. In this way, the line 10 with the respective part 16, 18th aligned. At the same time, this provides train protection for the line 10 created.

To the full width of the carrier 12 for conductor tracks or individual conductors 14 to use, can alternatively molded on the side edges of the carrier 12 Straps can be provided in which positioning holes for the pins 28 are formed. The lines can be used at regular intervals trained pairs of positioning holes 13 in the edge regions 30 or the above-mentioned tabs to be formed even after cutting a line 10 at a later position fixation To enable parts 16, 18 of a connecting element according to the invention. The distance between the positioning holes 13 of each pair corresponds to the distance between the pin 28 and the recess 35 a connecting section 26.

5 also shows that the lines 10 with their edge regions 30 rest on the stop surfaces 17, from which the pins 28 protrude and in which the recesses 35 are formed. The edge areas 30 the lines 10 are thus in the assembled state between the stop surfaces 17 clamped, while the with the individual conductors 14 provided areas of the carrier 12 between the clamping surfaces 10 of the both parts 16, 18 are clamped.

The parts 16, 18 are locked via the lines 10 on the side lying base plates 33, on which the locking lugs 25, locking sections 27 and strips 23 are formed.

6 shows a vehicle door 60, in which numerous electrical components 50 are accommodated. These include, for example, a door lock, a Central locking, lighting units, window regulators, airbags, exterior mirrors, Loudspeakers and control units for the individual components or their electric motors. The individual components 50 are over a single, designed as an FPC electrical line 10 with an in Distributor 62 provided in the form of a door coupling. On the Distributors 62 can connect the components 50 to a power supply or to a central control unit can be connected if the door 60 at a Motor vehicle, not shown, is mounted. The components 50 are each to branching line sections or strands 52 of line 10 connected, via each of at least one of those not shown in Fig. 6 Individual conductors of line 10 are fed to the respective component 50 becomes.

Via so-called repair windows in the door or a door interior trim 6 are indicated by circles indicated by circles 58 in FIG.

With the connecting element according to the invention explained above can replace a defective component 50 in a particularly simple Way. For this purpose, the respective strand 52 of line 10 is connected to one Repair point 58 cut. The defective component 50 can then be removed. An exchange component 50 is then mounted, to the line with the corresponding number of individual conductors connected. The free ends of the remaining strand 52 and the direction of the exchange component 50 - if necessary after Remove the insulation or a layer of material to create the Contact areas - then with an upper part 16 or lower part 18 in Engaged, as shown for example in Fig. 5. By clipping together of parts 16, 18 is the electrical connection between the strand 58 fixed on one part and the other on the other Part of fixed line of the new component manufactured.

The connection can be released by hand or using a tool be by the locking lugs 25 and locking portions 27 except Intervention. In this way, the connection between the respective component 50 and the respective strand 52 which in the Door 60 routed line 10, for example, for further exchanges can be solved and restored as often as required.

Reference list

10th

management

11

Contact area

12th

carrier

14

Single conductor

16

Top

17th

Abutment surface

18th

Lower part

20th

Clamping surface, single clamping surface

22

web

23

strip

24th

Protuberance

25th

Latch

26

Connecting section

27

Locking section

27a

Recess

28

Mating section, pin

29

Clamping section

30th

Edge area

31

Neckline

31a

recessed area

33

Base plate

34

commitment

35

deepening

36

Recording part

37

Recess

38

slot

39

edge

40

Holding element

42

Fastening section

44

Cable routing opening

45

Body or trim element

46

Web section

48

Locking arm

49

Latch

50

Component

52

Line section, strand

56

poetry

58

Repair station

60

door

62

Distributor

64

head Start

Claims (18)

Connecting element for connecting in particular for motor vehicles provided electrical lines (10), each several connected to a common strip-shaped carrier (12) comprise parallel individual conductors (14) with an upper part (16) and a lower part (18), each having at least one clamping surface (20) and with mutually facing clamping surfaces (20) can be assembled such that two when connected with mutually facing contact areas (11) overlapping Lines (10) are clamped between the clamping surfaces (20). Connecting element according to claim 1,
characterized in that the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) are releasably connectable, in particular latchable. Connecting element according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) are at least essentially identical and preferably identical. Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the clamping surface of the upper part (16) and / or lower part (18) comprises a plurality of individual clamping surfaces (20) which are formed on preferably elastically deformable webs (22) which, in the connected state, extend in the longitudinal direction of the individual conductors (14) and are preferably evenly spaced in the transverse direction, in particular depending on the arrangement of the individual conductors (14) of the lines (10) to be connected. Connecting element according to claim 4,
characterized in that each individual clamping surface (20) is associated with a small number of individual conductors (14) and preferably exactly one individual conductor (14). Connecting element according to claim 4 or 5,
characterized in that the webs (22) preferably each have a preferably approximately U-shaped protuberance (24) approximately in the middle of their longitudinal extension, at the apex region of which at least one individual clamping surface (20) is formed. Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the clamping surface, in particular webs (22) having at least one individual clamping surface (20), is convexly curved or angled. Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the lines (10) on the upper part (16) and / or lower part (18) can be fixed in a predetermined relative position. Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that connecting sections (26) of the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) are each designed both for connecting the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) and for fixing the lines (10). Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that connecting sections (26) of the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) each as a combined latching / plug-in sections and in particular for producing at least one plug connection through the lines (10) and at least one latching connection outside the lines (10) are trained. Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that preferably pin-like plug-in sections (28) of the upper part (16) and / or lower part (18) can be plugged through the overlap region of the lines (10), preferably through single-conductor-free edge regions (30) of the carrier (12), in particular through prefabricated ones Openings (32) in the lines (10). Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the upper part (16) and / or the lower part (18) are formed in one piece and are preferably made of plastic. Connecting element according to at least one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that the clamping surface (20) of the upper part (16) and / or lower part (18) on an insert (34) provided as a separate component is preferably made of metal, which can be fixed in a receiving part (36) preferably made of plastic . Connecting element according to claim 13,
characterized in that the insert (34) is designed as an approximately U-shaped profile and is provided in the bottom area with slots (38) through which webs (22) having at least one individual clamping surface (20) are separated from one another. Connecting element according to claim 13 or 14,
characterized in that connecting sections (26) of the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) are each formed on the receiving part (36). Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) can be locked in the assembled state with a holding element (40) which comprises a preferably peg-shaped fastening section (42) which is used in particular for anchoring the holding element (40) in line routing openings (44 ) is trained. Connecting element according to at least one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that in the connected state between the upper part (16) and the lower part (18) at least one ring-shaped seal (56) surrounding the contact areas (11) of the lines (10) is arranged, which is preferably in a groove-shaped recess of the upper part ( 16) or the lower part (18) and in particular is supported on a receiving part (36) or an insert (34). Method for exchanging electrical components (50), in particular for motor vehicles, which are connected to electrical lines (10), each of which comprises a plurality of parallel individual conductors (14) connected to a common carrier (12), in which an existing line (10), to which the component (50) to be exchanged is connected, is severed at one point and a line connected to the component to be connected is connected to the existing line (10) at the separation point by means of a connecting element (16, 18) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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