EP1401063B1 - Connector piece - Google Patents

Connector piece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1401063B1
EP1401063B1 EP03003712A EP03003712A EP1401063B1 EP 1401063 B1 EP1401063 B1 EP 1401063B1 EP 03003712 A EP03003712 A EP 03003712A EP 03003712 A EP03003712 A EP 03003712A EP 1401063 B1 EP1401063 B1 EP 1401063B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
plug part
part according
spring element
spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03003712A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1401063B9 (en
EP1401063A1 (en
EP1401063B2 (en
Inventor
Michael Hirschmann
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Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH
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Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH
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Application filed by Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH filed Critical Amphenol Tuchel Electronics GmbH
Publication of EP1401063A1 publication Critical patent/EP1401063A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/703—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. dual-continuity coupling part
    • H01R13/7031—Shorting, shunting or bussing of different terminals interrupted or effected on engagement of coupling part, e.g. for ESD protection, line continuity
    • H01R13/7032—Shorting, shunting or bussing of different terminals interrupted or effected on engagement of coupling part, e.g. for ESD protection, line continuity making use of a separate bridging element directly cooperating with the terminals

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a connector part for use with a connector and an electrical control device in an inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle.
  • the contact springs which are usually formed in the connector, are plugged onto corresponding contact pins of the plug part (also referred to as can or igniter part) during the locking of the parts.
  • Means for so-called secondary locking are responsible for a secure locking of the components.
  • a plug part according to claim 2 is provided.
  • Said shorting bridge can be formed as part of the spring element, in particular by one-piece design with the spring element.
  • the short-circuiting bridge can also be arranged as a separate component so that it is in (electrical) contact with the spring element, in particular by mechanical contact (mechanical connection).
  • the housing is pot-shaped, for example with a more or less cylindrical receiving part for the associated connector.
  • the spring member may accordingly abut against an inner wall of the housing. However, it can alternatively or cumulatively be placed on the bottom of the housing. If a separate shorting bridge (short-circuit spring) is formed, it can rest on the housing bottom and the spring element on the short-circuit spring - or vice versa.
  • the housing is usually made of an outer metal sheath (for example made of aluminum) and an insulating part arranged therein, in which in turn the spring element and the shorting bridge are assembled.
  • the spring element can have tabs which are passed through the insulating body.
  • the ground contact can be parallel to the other contacts.
  • the spring element may, for example, have a rectangular bottom, of which four edges protrude four sections upwards, so that a kind of "tub shape” is created, but with "open corners". Two sections are for connection to the housing. In one-piece design of spring element and shorting bridge, the two other sections of the formation of contact tongues of the short-circuit spring or the formation of the ground contact serve. This is explained in more detail in the following description of the figures.
  • the contact tongues contact all contacts (usually two contacts) and connect the contacts.
  • a contact tongue can permanently rest on the associated contact.
  • the contact tongues can be arranged next to each other, so that the shorting bridge is formed on one side of the contacts. It is also possible to place the contact tongues offset by 180 degrees to each other so that they "lie in line” with the associated contacts.
  • the contacts can be designed as pins. They can be insulated from the floor from the bottom of the plug part in the direction of the housing opening.
  • the spring element may have corresponding recesses through which the contacts protrude.
  • the spring element 10 has a rectangular bottom 10b. In the bottom 10b, two openings 20 are provided, protrude through the contact pins 40, 42 in the assembled state of the plug part. Of the four sides, four sections 12, 14, 16, 18 protrude upwards.
  • the opposing sections 12, 14 initially extend a further distance (12v, 14v) in extension of the bottom 10b, then at an angle of approximately 130 ° to the bottom 10b, ie in each case slightly obliquely outwards (12s, 14s).
  • the extensions 12v, 14v pass through one Insulating body (Fig 3-5) therethrough.
  • the inclined surfaces 12s, 14s project outwardly beyond the insulating body (FIGS. 3-5) and lie against a metallic enclosure 50 for the insulating body 30. Due to the inclination of these parts, the spring element 10 can be snapped into the metal housing 50 and create a secure connection.
  • the likewise opposite sections 16,18 are perpendicular to the bottom 10b. Diagonally opposite each other at the edge contact tongues 16k, 18k are cut out.
  • the Kontakzept 16k, 18k protrude with their free ends in the vicinity of the bottom 10b in the direction of the opposite portion 18, 16 so far that they after installation of the spring element 10 in the housing (Fig. 5) against corresponding contact pins 40, 42 (Fig. in Fig. 1 schematically indicated by dashed lines) contact and create a shorting bridge.
  • the part of the section 18 extending next to the contact tongue 18k is designed as a ground connection 18m. He is contacted during assembly of the connector part with a connector of a corresponding mass spring of the connector. Via the connection of the ground terminal 18m to the housing (via the parts 10b, 12v, 14v, 12s, 14s) a continuous ground connection is thus created.
  • Figure 2 differs from that of Figure 1 essentially in that two ground terminals 18m are provided. Both are designed as a spring and directed with their upper free ends against each other. In this case, it is sufficient to form in the connector corresponding static mating contacts on which the spring (s) 18m can accumulate when connecting to the plug part (can).
  • contact tongues 16k, 18k of the short-circuit spring of the sections 16, 18 offset by 90 ° relative to FIG. 1 are arranged.
  • connection parts 12s, 14s are provided here, each extending between the contact tongues 16k, 18k and the adjacent sections 16, 18m (quasi in the corners the rectangular bottom 10b).
  • FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the spring element 10 in an insulating body 30.
  • the laterally projecting connecting parts 12s, 14s can be clearly seen.
  • the illustrated unit is then inserted into a metallic cup-like enclosure, which also includes the contacts and their connecting parts.
  • connection parts 12s, 14s By conditioning the connection parts 12s, 14s on the inner wall of the enclosure, a continuous ground connection to the ground connection 18m is created.
  • Figure 4 shows the installation of the spring element 10 from below, including the recesses in the insulating body 30 for receiving the individual portions of the spring element 10th
  • FIG. 5 shows the prefabricated plug part. Evident are the pot-like housing and the contacts 40,42, which extend from a bottom part upwards in the direction of the housing opening.
  • FIG. 8 shows a spring element 10 in a largely constructive agreement with the spring element 10 according to FIG. 2, but the sections 16, 18 are missing.
  • connection parts 12s, 14s extend obliquely upward.
  • ground connections 18m extend from opposite sides of the bottom 10b, similar to the embodiment according to FIG.
  • the short-circuit spring is shown as an individual part in FIG. According to FIG. 6, it has contact with the spring element 10 by resting on the spring element 10. It can rest there loosely. But both parts can also be connected to each other, for example by material connection, mutual locking, bonding or by welding.
  • the unit shown in FIG. 6 is then inserted into an insulating body 30, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
  • the function also corresponds to that explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Steckerteil zur Verwendung mit einem Steckverbinder und einem elektrischen Steuergerät in einem aufblasbaren Rückhaltesystem für ein Kraftfahrzeug.The invention relates to a connector part for use with a connector and an electrical control device in an inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle.

Elektrische Steckverbinder, insbesondere zur Verwendung zwischen einem Stecker (Generator, Dose) und einem elektrischen Steuergerät für aufblasbare Rückhaltesysteme in Kraftfahrzeugen sind vielfach beschrieben worden (z. B.: DE 295 21 491 U1, EP 1 130 692 A2).Electrical connectors, in particular for use between a plug (generator, socket) and an electrical control unit for inflatable restraint systems in motor vehicles, have been described many times (eg DE 295 21 491 U1, EP 1 130 692 A2).

Die üblicherweise im Steckverbinder ausgebildeten Kontaktfedern werden auf korrespondierende Kontaktstifte des Steckerteils (auch als Dose oder Zünderteil bezeichnet) bei der Verriegelung der Teile aufgesteckt. Mittel zur sogenannten Sekundärverriegelung sind für eine sichere Verrastung der Bauteile verantwortlich.The contact springs, which are usually formed in the connector, are plugged onto corresponding contact pins of the plug part (also referred to as can or igniter part) during the locking of the parts. Means for so-called secondary locking are responsible for a secure locking of the components.

Aus dem genannten Stand der Technik ist es auch bekannt, im Bereich der Kontaktstifte der Dose eine Kurzschlußbrücke vorzusehen. Diese verbindet die Kontaktstifte untereinander bis zu dem Moment, zu dem der Steckverbinder seine mehr oder weniger endgültige Steckposition gegenüber der Dose erreicht hat. Bei dieser (endgültigen) Steckposition kommt es dann zur gewünschten Kontaktierung der Kontaktstifte mit den Kontaktfedern. Die Kontaktstifte sind im Weiteren mit einem Zünddraht an eine Treibladung angeschlossen, die unmittelbar oder mittelbar im Notfall für ein Aufblasen des Rückhaltesystems sorgt.From the cited prior art, it is also known to provide a shorting bridge in the region of the contact pins of the socket. This connects the pins with each other to the moment when the connector has reached its more or less final position of insertion relative to the box. In this (final) insertion position, it then comes to the desired contacting of the contact pins with the contact springs. The contact pins are subsequently connected with a detonating wire to a propellant charge, which provides directly or indirectly in an emergency for an inflation of the restraint system.

Weitere Steckverbinder sind in der US-A-5490033, der EP-A-1073160 und der US-A-4152041 gezeigt.Other connectors are shown in US-A-5490033, EP-A-1073160 and US-A-4152041.

Einrichtungen der vorgenannten Art haben sich bewährt. Gleichwohl besteht ein ständiges Bedürfnis von technischen Verbesserungen. Dies insbesondere unter dem Gesichtspunkt, die eng limitierte Baugröße eines Steckerteils oder Steckverbinders bestmöglich zu nutzen.Facilities of the aforementioned type have proven themselves. Nevertheless, there is a constant need for technical improvements. This in particular from the point of view, the best use of the narrow limited size of a plug part or connector.

Ausgehend von einem bekannten Steckerteil zur Verwendung mit einem Steckverbinder und einem elektrischen Steuergerät in einem aufblasbaren Rückhaltesystem für ein Kraftfahrzeug, welches die folgenden Merkmale aufweist:

  • a) ein Gehäuse mit mindestens einer endseitigen Gehäuseöffnung,
  • b) im Gehäuse sind Kontakte angeordnet, die sich in Richtung auf die Gehäuseöffnung erstrecken,
  • c) die Kontakte sind über eine Kurzschlußfeder untereinander verbindbar
    zeichnet sich ein erfindungsgemäßes Steckerteil durch die folgenden, zusätzlichen Merkmale aus, nämblich dass
  • d) die Kurzschlußfeder Bestandteil eines Federlements ist, das permanent mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist und einen Massekontakt zur Schaffung einer durchgehenden Masseverbindung zum Steckverbinder aufweist.
  • e) das Federelement einer rechtaligen Boden aufweist, von dessen vier Seiten Abschnitte nach oben, wobei zwei Abschnitte der Verbindung zum Gehäuse und zwei Abschnitte der Ausbildung der Kurzschlußrücke dienen.
Starting from a known connector part for use with a connector and an electrical control device in an inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle, comprising the following features:
  • a) a housing with at least one end housing opening,
  • b) contacts are arranged in the housing, which extend in the direction of the housing opening,
  • c) the contacts can be connected to one another via a short-circuit spring
    a connector part according to the invention is characterized by the following additional features, namely that
  • d) the shorting spring is part of a Federlements which is permanently connected to the housing and having a ground contact to provide a continuous ground connection to the connector.
  • e) the spring element has a legal bottom, of which four sides portions upwards, wherein two portions of the connection to the housing and two portions of the formation of the short-circuiting back serve.

In einer weiteren Gestaltung ist ein Steckerteil gemäß Anspruch 2 vorgesehen.In a further embodiment, a plug part according to claim 2 is provided.

Mit anderen Worten: Der grundlegende Erfindungsgedanke besteht darin, das in einem Steckerteil der genannten Art in der Regel vorhandene Federelement so zu gestalten, dass nach dem Aufsetzen eines Steckverbinders eine durchgehende Masseverbindung vom Steckverbinder auf den Steckerteil (oder umgekehrt) geschaffen wird. Dies wird durch folgende Maßnahmen erreicht:

  • es wird ein Massekontakt im Bereich des Federelements ausgebildet
  • das Federelement wird an das Steckerteil-Gehäuse (dessen elektrischen leitenden Teil) angeschlossen.
In other words, the basic idea of the invention is to make the existing in a plug part of the type mentioned in the rule spring element so that after placing a connector, a continuous ground connection from the connector to the plug part (or vice versa) is created. This is achieved by the following measures:
  • It is formed a ground contact in the region of the spring element
  • the spring element is connected to the plug part housing (the electrical conductive part).

Im Stand der Technik war es notwendig, das Gehäuse des Steckerteils (das sogenannte Zündergehäuse) mit einem eigenen (externen, zusätzlichen) Masseanschluss zu versehen. Diese Maßnahme kann erfindungsgemäß entfallen. Es wird also Platz gespart und die Einrichtung insgesamt sicherer gemacht.In the prior art, it was necessary to provide the housing of the plug part (the so-called igniter housing) with its own (external, additional) ground connection. This measure can be omitted according to the invention. It saves space and makes the facility safer overall.

Die genannte Kurzschlussbrücke kann als Bestandteil des Federelements ausgebildet werden, insbesondere durch einstückige Ausbildung mit dem Federelement. Die Kurzschlussbrücke kann auch als getrenntes Bauteil so angeordnet werden, dass es mit dem Federelement in (elektrischem) Kontakt steht, insbesondere durch mechanischen Kontakt (mechanische Verbindung).Said shorting bridge can be formed as part of the spring element, in particular by one-piece design with the spring element. The short-circuiting bridge can also be arranged as a separate component so that it is in (electrical) contact with the spring element, in particular by mechanical contact (mechanical connection).

Beim Verbinden von Steckerteil und Steckverbinder kommt es zu folgenden Aktionen:

  • a) die Kurzschlussbrücke wird aufgehoben.
  • b) die Kontakte werden mit Gegenkontakten des Steckverbinders kontaktiert
  • c) zwischen Steckverbinder und Steckerteil wird eine durchlaufende Masseverbindung hergestellt, unabhängig davon, ob der externe Masseanschluss am Steckverbinder oder Steckerteil liegt. Die gesamte Einrichtung ist jetzt auf das Potential des zugehörigen Fahrzeugs geschaltet.
When connecting plug and connector, the following actions occur:
  • a) the shorting bridge is removed.
  • b) the contacts are contacted with mating contacts of the connector
  • c) between connector and connector part a continuous ground connection is made, regardless of whether the external ground terminal is located on the connector or plug part. The entire device is now switched to the potential of the associated vehicle.

Es wird eine einfache Massekontaktierung für den Airbagmodul ohne zusätzliche Schraubverbindung beziehungsweise ohne weitere Anschlüsse und Leitungen geschaffen.It is created a simple ground contact for the airbag module without additional screw or without further connections and lines.

Üblicherweise ist das Gehäuse topfartig gestaltet, beispielsweise mit einem mehr oder weniger zylindrischen Aufnahmeteil für den zugehörigen Steckverbinder.Usually, the housing is pot-shaped, for example with a more or less cylindrical receiving part for the associated connector.

Das Federteil kann entsprechend gegen eine Innenwand des Gehäuses anliegen. Es kann aber alternativ oder kumulativ auch auf dem Boden des Gehäuses plaziert werden. Bei Ausbildung einer eigenen Kurzschlussbrücke (Kurzschlussfeder) kann diese auf dem Gehäuseboden aufliegen und das Federelement auf der Kurzschlussfeder - oder umgekehrt.The spring member may accordingly abut against an inner wall of the housing. However, it can alternatively or cumulatively be placed on the bottom of the housing. If a separate shorting bridge (short-circuit spring) is formed, it can rest on the housing bottom and the spring element on the short-circuit spring - or vice versa.

Das Gehäuse besteht üblicher Weise aus einer äußeren metallischen Umhüllung (zum Beispiel aus Aluminium) und einem darin angeordneten Isolierteil, in dem wiederum das Federelement und die Kurzschlussbrücke konfektioniert sind.The housing is usually made of an outer metal sheath (for example made of aluminum) and an insulating part arranged therein, in which in turn the spring element and the shorting bridge are assembled.

Zur Verbindung des Federelements mit dem metallischen Teil des Gehäuses kann das Federelement Laschen aufweisen, die durch den Isolierkörper hindurchgeführt sind.To connect the spring element to the metallic part of the housing, the spring element can have tabs which are passed through the insulating body.

Der Massekontakt kann parallel zu den weiteren Kontakten verlaufen.The ground contact can be parallel to the other contacts.

Das Federelement kann beispielsweise einen rechteckigen Boden aufweisen, von dessen vier Kanten vier Abschnitte nach oben abstehen, so dass eine Art "Wannenform" entsteht, allerdings mit "offenen Ecken". Zwei Abschnitte dienen der Verbindung mit dem Gehäuse. Bei einteiliger Gestaltung von Federelement und Kurzschlussbrücke dienen die beiden anderen Abschnitte der Ausbildung von Kontaktzungen der Kurzschlussfeder beziehungsweise der Ausbildung des Massekontakts. In der nachfolgenden Figurenbeschreibung wird dies näher erläutert.The spring element may, for example, have a rectangular bottom, of which four edges protrude four sections upwards, so that a kind of "tub shape" is created, but with "open corners". Two sections are for connection to the housing. In one-piece design of spring element and shorting bridge, the two other sections of the formation of contact tongues of the short-circuit spring or the formation of the ground contact serve. This is explained in more detail in the following description of the figures.

Es ist möglich, den Massekontakt parallel zu den Kontakten anzuordnen.It is possible to arrange the ground contact parallel to the contacts.

Im Kurzschlussfall liegen die Kontaktzungen gegen sämtliche Kontakte (in der Regel: zwei Kontakte) an und verbinden die Kontakte. Beim Aufsetzen eines zugehörigen Steckverbinders wird über ein entsprechendes Löseteil mindestens einer der Federarme vom zugehörigen Kontakt abgehoben (und damit die Kurzschlußbrücke gelöst). Eine Kontaktzunge kann permanent am zugehörigen Kontakt anliegen.In the event of a short circuit, the contact tongues contact all contacts (usually two contacts) and connect the contacts. When placing an associated connector is lifted via a corresponding release part of at least one of the spring arms from the associated contact (and thus solved the shorting bridge). A contact tongue can permanently rest on the associated contact.

Die Kontaktzungen können nebeneinander angeordnet werden, so dass die Kurzschlußbrücke auf einer Seite der Kontakte ausgebildet wird. Ebenso ist es möglich, die Kontaktzungen um 180 Grad versetzt zueinander zu platzieren, so dass sie mit den zugehörigen Kontakten "in einer Linie liegen".The contact tongues can be arranged next to each other, so that the shorting bridge is formed on one side of the contacts. It is also possible to place the contact tongues offset by 180 degrees to each other so that they "lie in line" with the associated contacts.

Die Kontakte können als Stifte gestaltet sein. Sie können isoliert gegenüber dem Boden vom Boden des Steckerteils in Richtung auf die Gehäuseöffnung verlaufen. Das Federelement kann entsprechende Aussparungen aufweisen, durch die die Kontakte hindurchragen.The contacts can be designed as pins. They can be insulated from the floor from the bottom of the plug part in the direction of the housing opening. The spring element may have corresponding recesses through which the contacts protrude.

Weitere Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Merkmalen der Unteransprüche sowie den sonstigen Anmeldungsunterlagen.Other features of the invention will become apparent from the features of the claims and the other application documents.

Darüber hinaus wird die Erfindung anhand verschiedener Ausführungsbeispiele erläutert. Diese Beispiele enthalten Merkmale, die auch in anderen Kombinationen für die Erfindung wichtig sein können. In schematisierter Darstellungen zeigen:

Fig. 1:
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Federelements
Fig. 2:
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines modifizierten Federelements
Fig. 3:
eine Ansicht von oben auf einen Isolierkörper mit eingelegtem Federelement
Fig. 4:
Eine Ansicht von unten des Ausführungsbeispiels von Fig. 3
Fig. 5:
eine aufgeschnittene Ansicht eines Steckerteils
Fig. 6:
einer perspektivische Ansicht eines Federelements im Kontakt mit einer Kurzschlussbrücke
Fig. 7,8:
das Federelement und die Kurzschlussbrücke nach Fig. 6 in Einzeldarstellungen.
In addition, the invention will be explained with reference to various embodiments. These examples include features that may also be important to the invention in other combinations. In schematic representations show:
Fig. 1:
a perspective view of a spring element
Fig. 2:
a perspective view of a modified spring element
3:
a view from above of an insulating body with inserted spring element
4:
A bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 3
Fig. 5:
a cutaway view of a plug part
Fig. 6:
a perspective view of a spring element in contact with a shorting bridge
Fig. 7,8:
the spring element and the short-circuiting of Fig. 6 in individual representations.

In den Figuren sind gleiche oder gleichwirkende Bauteile mit gleichen Bezugsziffern dargestellt.In the figures, the same or equivalent components are shown with the same reference numerals.

Mit 10 ist ein komplettes Federelement bezeichnet, welches eine wichtige Funktion in einem erfindungsgemäßen Steckerteil übernimmt.With 10 a complete spring element is referred to, which assumes an important function in a connector part according to the invention.

Das Federelement 10 weist einen rechteckigen Boden 10b auf. Im Boden 10b sind zwei Öffnungen 20 vorgesehen, durch die Kontaktstifte 40, 42 im Montagezustand des Steckerteils hindurchragen. Von den vier Seiten ragen vier Abschnitte 12, 14, 16, 18 nach oben. Die gegenüberliegenden Abschnitte 12, 14 verlaufen zunächst noch ein Stück (12v, 14v) in Verlängerung des Bodens 1 0b, dann unter einem Winkel von ca. 130° zum Boden 10b, also jeweils leicht schräg nach außen (12s, 14s). Die Verlängerungen 12v, 14v verlaufen durch einen Isolierkörper (Fig. 3-5) hindurch. Die Schrägflächen 12s, 14s stehen nach außen über den Isolierkörper vor (Fig. 3-5) und liegen gegen eine metallische Umhüllung 50 für den Isolierkörper 30 an. Durch die Schrägstellung dieser Teile kann das Federelement 10 in das Metallgehäuse 50 eingerastet werden und eine sichere Verbindung schaffen.The spring element 10 has a rectangular bottom 10b. In the bottom 10b, two openings 20 are provided, protrude through the contact pins 40, 42 in the assembled state of the plug part. Of the four sides, four sections 12, 14, 16, 18 protrude upwards. The opposing sections 12, 14 initially extend a further distance (12v, 14v) in extension of the bottom 10b, then at an angle of approximately 130 ° to the bottom 10b, ie in each case slightly obliquely outwards (12s, 14s). The extensions 12v, 14v pass through one Insulating body (Fig 3-5) therethrough. The inclined surfaces 12s, 14s project outwardly beyond the insulating body (FIGS. 3-5) and lie against a metallic enclosure 50 for the insulating body 30. Due to the inclination of these parts, the spring element 10 can be snapped into the metal housing 50 and create a secure connection.

Die ebenfalls gegenüberliegenden Abschnitte 16,18 verlaufen senkrecht zum Boden 10b. Diagonal gegenüberliegend sind jeweils randseitig Kontaktzungen 16k, 18k ausgeschnitten. Die Kontakzungen 16k, 18k ragen mit ihren freien Enden in der Nähe des Boden 10b in Richtung auf den gegenüberliegenden Abschnitt 18, 16 soweit vor, dass sie nach Einbau des Federelements 10 in das Gehäuse (Fig. 5) gegen korrespondierende Kontaktstifte 40, 42 (in Fig. 1 schematisch durch gestrichelte Linien angedeutet) kontaktieren und eine Kurzschlussbrücke schaffen.The likewise opposite sections 16,18 are perpendicular to the bottom 10b. Diagonally opposite each other at the edge contact tongues 16k, 18k are cut out. The Kontakzungen 16k, 18k protrude with their free ends in the vicinity of the bottom 10b in the direction of the opposite portion 18, 16 so far that they after installation of the spring element 10 in the housing (Fig. 5) against corresponding contact pins 40, 42 (Fig. in Fig. 1 schematically indicated by dashed lines) contact and create a shorting bridge.

Der neben der Kontaktzunge 18k verlaufende Teil des Abschnitts 18 ist als Masseanschluss 18m ausgebildet. Er wird beim Zusammenbau des Steckerteils mit einem Steckverbinder von einer entsprechenden Massefeder des Steckverbinders kontaktiert. Über die Verbindung des Masseanschlusses 18m zum Gehäuse (über die Teile 10b, 12v, 14v, 12s, 14s) wird so eine durchgehende Masseverbindung geschaffen.The part of the section 18 extending next to the contact tongue 18k is designed as a ground connection 18m. He is contacted during assembly of the connector part with a connector of a corresponding mass spring of the connector. Via the connection of the ground terminal 18m to the housing (via the parts 10b, 12v, 14v, 12s, 14s) a continuous ground connection is thus created.

Das Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 2 unterscheidet sich von dem nach Figur 1 im Wesentlichen dadurch, dass zwei Masseanschlüsse 18m vorgesehen sind. Beide sind als Feder ausgebildet und mit ihren oberen freien Enden gegeneinander gerichtet. In diesem Fall genügt es, im Steckverbinder entsprechende statische Gegenkontakte auszubilden, auf die die Feder(n) 18m beim Verbinden mit dem Steckerteil auflaufen kann (können).The embodiment of Figure 2 differs from that of Figure 1 essentially in that two ground terminals 18m are provided. Both are designed as a spring and directed with their upper free ends against each other. In this case, it is sufficient to form in the connector corresponding static mating contacts on which the spring (s) 18m can accumulate when connecting to the plug part (can).

Außerdem sind die Kontaktzungen 16k, 18k der Kurzschlussfeder von den Abschnitten 16, 18 um jeweils 90° versetzt gegenüber Fig. 1 angeordnet.In addition, the contact tongues 16k, 18k of the short-circuit spring of the sections 16, 18 offset by 90 ° relative to FIG. 1 are arranged.

Anstelle von zwei sind hier vier Anschlussteile 12s, 14s vorgesehen, die jeweils zwischen den Kontaktzungen 16k, 18k und den benachbarten Abschnitten 16, 18m (quasi in den Ecken den rechteckigen Boden 10b) verlaufen.Instead of two, four connection parts 12s, 14s are provided here, each extending between the contact tongues 16k, 18k and the adjacent sections 16, 18m (quasi in the corners the rectangular bottom 10b).

Figur 3 zeigt die Anordnung des Federelements 10 in einem Isolierkörper 30. Die seitlich vorstehenden Anschlussteile 12s, 14s sind gut zu erkennen. Die dargestellte Einheit wird anschließend in eine metallische topfartige Umhüllung eingesetzt, die auch die Kontakte und deren Anschlussteile umfasst. Durch Anlage der Anschlussteile 12s, 14s an der Innenwand der Umhüllung wird eine durchgehende Masseverbindung zum Masseanschluss 18m geschaffen.FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the spring element 10 in an insulating body 30. The laterally projecting connecting parts 12s, 14s can be clearly seen. The illustrated unit is then inserted into a metallic cup-like enclosure, which also includes the contacts and their connecting parts. By conditioning the connection parts 12s, 14s on the inner wall of the enclosure, a continuous ground connection to the ground connection 18m is created.

Figur 4 zeigt den Einbau des Federelements 10 von unten, einschließlich der Aussparungen im Isolierkörper 30 zur Aufnahme der einzelnen Abschnitte des Federelements 10.Figure 4 shows the installation of the spring element 10 from below, including the recesses in the insulating body 30 for receiving the individual portions of the spring element 10th

Figur 5 ist der fertig konfektionierte Steckerteil zu entnehmen. Zu erkennen sind das topfartige Gehäuse und die Kontakte 40,42, die sich vom einem Bodenteil nach oben in Richtung der Gehäuseöffnung erstrecken.FIG. 5 shows the prefabricated plug part. Evident are the pot-like housing and the contacts 40,42, which extend from a bottom part upwards in the direction of the housing opening.

Figur 8 zeigt ein Federelement 10 in weitgehender konstruktiver Übereinstimmung mit dem Federelement 10 gemäß Figur 2, wobei jedoch die Abschnitte 16, 18 fehlen. Von den Eckbereichen des im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bodens 10b mit zwei Öffnungen 20 (durch die die Kontaktstifte 40, 42 hindurchtreten können) verlaufen vier Anschlussteile 12s, 14s schräg nach oben. Zwischen den Anschlussteilen 12s, 14s erstrecken sich von gegenüberliegenden Seiten des Bodens 10b Masseanschlüsse 18m ähnlich wie beim Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 2.FIG. 8 shows a spring element 10 in a largely constructive agreement with the spring element 10 according to FIG. 2, but the sections 16, 18 are missing. Of the corner regions of the substantially rectangular bottom 10b with two openings 20 (through which the contact pins 40, 42 can pass), four connection parts 12s, 14s extend obliquely upward. Between the connection parts 12s, 14s, ground connections 18m extend from opposite sides of the bottom 10b, similar to the embodiment according to FIG.

Wie Figur 6 zeigt, liegt auf dem Boden 10b die Kurzschlussfeder mit ihren Kontaktzungen 16k, 18k, die aus Schenkeln 16, 18 ausgeformt sind, die im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig und parallel zueinander von einem Boden 19 der Kurzschlussfeder abstehen, die zwei Öffnungen 21 aufweist, die im zusammengebauten Zustand (Figur 6) oberhalb der Öffnungen 20 im Boden 19b des Federelementes 10 verlaufen.As FIG. 6 shows, the short-circuit spring with its contact tongues 16k, 18k, which are formed from limbs 16, 18, which are substantially perpendicular and parallel to one another, lies on the bottom 10b protrude a bottom 19 of the short-circuit spring having two openings 21 which extend in the assembled state (Figure 6) above the openings 20 in the bottom 19b of the spring element 10.

Die Kurzschlussfeder ist als Einzelteil in Figur 7 dargestellt. Gemäß Figur 6 hat sie durch Auflage auf dem Federelement 10 Kontakt mit dem Federelement 10. Sie kann dort lose aufliegen. Beide Teile können aber auch miteinander verbunden werden, beispielsweise durch Materialschluss, gegenseitige Verrastung, Verklebung oder durch Verschweißen.The short-circuit spring is shown as an individual part in FIG. According to FIG. 6, it has contact with the spring element 10 by resting on the spring element 10. It can rest there loosely. But both parts can also be connected to each other, for example by material connection, mutual locking, bonding or by welding.

Die in Figur 6 dargestellte Einheit wird anschließend in einen Isolierkörper 30 eingesetzt, wie anhand der Figuren 1 bis 5 beschrieben. Die Funktion entspricht ebenfalls der, wie zu den Figuren 1 bis 5 erläutert.The unit shown in FIG. 6 is then inserted into an insulating body 30, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The function also corresponds to that explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

Claims (18)

  1. Plug part for use with a plug-in connector and an electric control unit in an inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle, having the following features:
    a) a housing with at least one end-side housing opening,
    b) disposed in the housing are contacts (40, 42), which extend in the direction of the housing opening,
    c) the contacts (40, 42) are interconnectable by means of a short-circuit spring (16k, 18k),
    d) the short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) is a component part of a spring element (10) that is permanently connected to the housing, characterized in that the spring element (10) comprises an earthing contact (18m) for establishing earth continuity to the plug-in connector and a right-angled base (10b), from the four sides of which portions (12, 14, 16, 18) project upwards, wherein two portions (12, 14) are used for the connection to the housing and two portions (16, 18) are used to form the short-circuiting link (16k, 18k).
  2. Plug part for use with a plug-in connector and an electric control unit in an inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle, having the following features:
    a) a housing having at least one end-side housing opening,
    b) disposed in the housing are contacts (40, 42), which extend in the direction of the housing opening,
    c) the contacts (40, 42) are interconnectable by means of a short-circuit spring (16k, 18k),
    d) a spring element (10) that is permanently connected to the housing, characterized in that the spring element (10) comprises an earthing contact (18m) for establishing earth continuity to the plug-in connector and a right-angled base (10b), from the four sides of which portions (12, 14, 16, 18) project upwards, wherein two portions (12, 14) are used for the connection to the housing and two portions (16, 18) are used to form the earthing contact (18m) and wherein short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) and spring element (10) are in mutual contact.
  3. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2 having contacts (40, 42) in the form of contact pins.
  4. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2 having a housing with a pot-shaped receiver.
  5. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2 having a spring element (10) resting against an inner wall of the housing.
  6. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2, in which the housing comprises an insulating body (30) disposed in a metal enclosure (50).
  7. Plug part according to claim 6, in which the spring element (10) has lugs (12, 14), which extend through the insulating body (30) up to the enclosure (50).
  8. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2 having a spring element (10) resting against a base of the housing.
  9. Plug part according to claim 2 having a short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) resting against a base of the housing.
  10. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2 having an earthing contact (18m) extending parallel to the contacts (40, 42).
  11. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2, in which the earthing contact (18m) is fashioned as a spring, which projects with its free end in the direction of the contacts (40, 42).
  12. Plug part according to claim 1 or 2, in which the spring element (10) has cutouts (20), through which the contacts (40, 42) protrude.
  13. Plug part according to claim 1, in which the short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) comprises two contact tongues, which are formed out of wall portions (16, 18) of the spring element (10) that extend parallel to the contacts (40, 42).
  14. Plug part according to claim 2, in which the short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) comprises two contact tongues.
  15. Plug part according to claim 13 or 14, in which a contact tongue (16k, 18k) is designed for permanent application against the associated contact (40, 42).
  16. Plug part according to claim 13 or 14, in which the contact tongues (16k, 18k) extend offset by 180° relative to one another.
  17. Plug part according to claim 2, in which the short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) is non-positively connected to the spring element (10).
  18. Plug part according to claim 2, in which the short-circuit spring (16k, 18k) is welded or glued to the spring element (10).
EP03003712.1A 2002-09-21 2003-02-19 Connector piece Expired - Lifetime EP1401063B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10243876A DE10243876A1 (en) 2002-09-21 2002-09-21 plug part
DE10243876 2002-09-21

Publications (4)

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EP1401063A1 EP1401063A1 (en) 2004-03-24
EP1401063B1 true EP1401063B1 (en) 2006-06-21
EP1401063B9 EP1401063B9 (en) 2006-10-11
EP1401063B2 EP1401063B2 (en) 2017-03-08

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03003712.1A Expired - Lifetime EP1401063B2 (en) 2002-09-21 2003-02-19 Connector piece

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DE (2) DE10243876A1 (en)

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DE102005002841A1 (en) * 2005-01-20 2006-08-10 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics Gmbh Ground contact spring for electrical connectors
US7306474B1 (en) * 2006-10-16 2007-12-11 Fci Americas Technology, Inc. Electrical connector with scoop proof dome
US8545262B2 (en) * 2008-12-16 2013-10-01 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg, S.A.R.L. Shorting clip for an airbag ignition system
DE102014102596A1 (en) * 2013-12-24 2015-06-25 Dbk David + Baader Gmbh Blow-by facility
EP3035451B1 (en) 2014-12-18 2019-09-04 Aptiv Technologies Limited Grounding clip for an airbag ignition system
FR3036861B1 (en) * 2015-05-27 2018-08-03 Tyco Electronics France Sas SHORT CIRCUIT PIN AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR SUPPORT SYSTEM

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US2312002A (en) * 1940-12-05 1943-02-23 Arthur J Schmitt Electrical connector
US4152041A (en) * 1978-02-17 1979-05-01 Amp Incorporated Hybrid filter header
US5275575A (en) * 1992-10-09 1994-01-04 Trw Inc. Electrical connection system with safety interlock
US5314345A (en) * 1992-10-09 1994-05-24 Trw Inc. Electrical connection system with interlock
US5490033A (en) * 1994-04-28 1996-02-06 Polaroid Corporation Electrostatic discharge protection device
DE19514864A1 (en) * 1995-04-27 1996-11-07 Duerrwaechter E Dr Doduco Short-circuit protection for electrical igniters of airbags
US5882224A (en) * 1996-08-28 1999-03-16 Thomas & Betts International, Inc. Squib connector socker assembly having shorting clip for automotive air bags
DE19840648C1 (en) * 1998-09-05 2000-03-16 Amphenol Tuchel Elect Electrical plug-in connector for connecting motor vehicle lighter socket to electrical controller for motor vehicle restraints, e.g. airbags; has plug-in part with locking arms and snap-in lugs to connect to contact springs
US6257910B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-07-10 Trw Inc. Shorting clip for air bag inflator
DE19935969C2 (en) * 1999-07-30 2001-12-13 Framatome Connectors Int Short-circuit contact carrier for fuse base
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US6553914B2 (en) * 2001-04-10 2003-04-29 Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. Gas generator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1401063B9 (en) 2006-10-11
DE10243876A1 (en) 2004-04-01
EP1401063A1 (en) 2004-03-24
DE50303918D1 (en) 2006-08-03
EP1401063B2 (en) 2017-03-08

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