EP1580850A1 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector part (10) for a two-part electric pluggable connector is designed so that it latches into an opening of a wall (not shown here) and thus can be fixed in a defined end-position relative to the wall. An independent claim is included for an electrical pluggable connector with two mutually lockable connector parts.

Description

The invention relates to a connector part of a two-part electrical Connector and an electrical connector with two mating, latched together connector parts.

Motor vehicles include a body harness and a door harness. The body and door harnesses are over a two-part electrical connector coupled there electrically, where the door is pivotally attached to a pillar of the bodywork becomes. In the usual assembly, the two connector parts of the Connector electrically connected to each other and then one of the two connector parts mounted in an opening of a door pillar. However, such a procedure brings with it a number of disadvantages yourself. So it can come in particular to difficulties in the assembly which are mainly due to the limited space. In addition, there is a risk of miscommunication or a wrong Assembly.

The invention is based on the object, an improved connector part and an improved connector of the type mentioned above that solve the problems mentioned above.

This object is achieved with respect to the connector part in that this connector part is designed so that it is in an opening of a Lockable wall and thereby in a defined end position with respect to Wall is fixable.

The connector part in question may be, for example, a Plug part or act on a receiving part. The invention is used for example in motor vehicles. Basically, however Other applications conceivable.

The connector part is preferably in the region of one of its two ends in FIG the wall opening latched. The relevant end can be used for recording be open the other connector part.

In a convenient practical embodiment of the invention Connector parts is the housing on a first page with at least a stop provided when passing through the connector part through the wall opening engages the wall and thereby the Durchsteckbewegung of the connector part relative to the wall limited.

Advantageously, at least one side adjacent to the first side of the housing provided with at least one end stop, at its End position engaging connector part rests against the wall. It is preferably on two opposite sides of the housing each provided at least one end stop.

Advantageously, the housing is opposite one of the first side second side provided with at least one other stop.

At least one side of the housing can in particular with at least be provided a locking arm. In this case, at least one latching arm is preferred provided on the first side of the housing.

In a preferred practical embodiment of the inventive Shen Connector parts, the housing is provided with a collar at its end position engaging connector part on the stop or end stop facing away from the wall. It can the collar is provided in particular at the relevant end of the connector part be. Preferably, the collar encloses the open end of the housing.

The latching arm advantageously extends from an axial inside area to the area of the open end of the housing or to the area of the collar.

The stopper preferably has a larger radial extent than that Collar.

Conveniently, the stop is axially spaced from the collar.

The further stop preferably has a smaller radial extent as the collar.

Conveniently, the further stop is axially spaced from the collar.

In a preferred practical embodiment of the inventive Shen Connector parts is the end part engaging connector part with respect to the normal of the wall having the opening inclined. In this case, the inclination angle, for example, in a range of about 25 ° lie.

Preferably, the collar lies in a plane whose normal to the axial or Longitudinal direction of the connector part is inclined. The angle of inclination can be corresponding, for example, again in a range of about 25 ° lie.

An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that at with the wall verrasteneter, its end position engaging connector part a wall section delimiting the opening into the area between the collar and the other stop is included.

Preference is given after passing through the relevant End of the connector part through the wall opening the connector part subsequent pivoting and subsequent wall-parallel displacement locked with the wall, wherein during pivoting the Locking arm is pushed back against the spring force and the connector part subsequently supported by the spring force of the latching arm parallel to the wall is displaceable to the respective wall section in the area between the collar and the further stop.

The further stop can in particular be provided with a ramp be about which the connector part during pivoting on Supporting edge supports.

The connector part is expediently provided with internal locking means, which interact with counter-latching means of the other connector part.

As already mentioned, it can be in the relevant connector part for example, act around a plug part or a receiving part.

The electrical connector according to the invention comprises two plug-in, latchable connector parts, of which at least one is formed by an inventive connector part.

Advantageously, the two connector parts of the connector are only then completely pluggable and latched together, though the first connector part locked in the opening of the wall and thus in is fixed at its end position. It can not be locked with the wall first connector part a complete mating and locking the two connector parts in particular by the inwardly crowded Locking arm prevented.

Of particular advantage is when the locking arm at full put together and locked together connector parts the second connector part is secured in its locked position.

For sealing the connection on the wall to the outside can in particular a clip may be provided with associated spout. Is preferred this clamp with assigned grommet only mountable if the two Connector parts completely plugged together and locked together are.

The electrical connector according to the invention thus comprises a first Connector part according to the invention, in which e.g. around a plug part and a second connector part, e.g. a recording part. In principle, it may be in the inventively designed Connector part but also act on a receiving part. In addition, can a clamp can be used to close the connection and with to cover a spout.

During assembly, for example, it is possible to proceed as first installed the connector part connected to the body harness becomes. This can initially be done in a conventional manner by that the plug part of the vehicle inside directly into the Pillar and through the outer opening for the connector up to one Position is spent, in which the connector part by stops on Housing of the connector part is stopped. In this blocked position the plug part can be pushed slightly sideways until it is in the end position locked, in which it is fixed with respect to the wall. The plug part is located inside the column, e.g. at an angle of about 25 ° to the normal to the wall, which takes up little space becomes. This brings in comparison with the usual connectors Benefits with it. The entire connection between the plug part and the receiving part is spent in the interior of the column, so that There is no space left between the door and the pillar. It results an improved connection, since the receiving part at an angle also easy to assemble, if between the column and the Door little space is available. The assembled plug part is in fixed its end position and requires no further handling during of the assembly process.

The next step is before or after docking the door to the Chassis of the vehicle. The fitter seizes the one coming from the door Wiring harness with the receiving part and arranged at the cable end Grommet and leads the receiving part in the inside of the column fixed plug part.

The receiving part can only be inserted if the plug part its correct fixed position within the column occupies. moreover the locked receiving part blocks the connector assembly in the Column so that it can not be removed. this happens for example, by two locking arms on the plug part.

Finally, the last step is the assembly of the clamp, which with a grommet is mounted to cover the connection to the column and to seal to the outside. Also the fixing of the bracket as well as the Grommet requires a complete completion of the previous assembly process with respect to the locked receiving part. This can for example a finger to be provided on the bracket, with the Receiving part contacts.

Another advantage over existing solutions is the improved handling. So can the receiving part and the spout also be mounted with one hand after the plug part of Beginning of the door assembly process assumes a fixed position.

It is understood that, for example, the plug part in the door mounted and the receiving part at the end of the body harness can be appropriate.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen ersten Verbinderteils, von einer ersten Seite her betrachtet, eines erfindungsgemäßen zweiteiligen Steckverbinders,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des ersten Verbinderteils,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des ersten Verbinderteils, von einer anderen Seite her betrachtet,

Fig. 4 bis 9

verschiedene Schritte bei der Montage des ersten Verbinderteils in einer Öffnung einer Wand und

Fig. 10

eine Querschnittsdarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders mit dem ersten Verbinderteil gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 9 und einem mit diesem zusammengesteckten und verrasteten weiteren Verbinderteil.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawing; in this show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first connector part according to the invention, viewed from a first side, a two-part connector according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a side view of the first connector part,

Fig. 3

a perspective view of the first connector part, viewed from another side,

Fig. 4 to 9

various steps in the assembly of the first connector part in an opening of a wall and

Fig. 10

a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the invention with the first connector part according to FIGS. 1 to 9 and a mated with this and latched further connector part.

Figs. 1 to 3 show a first connector part 10 of a two-part electrical Connector 12 (see Fig. 10) with a housing 1, the at an end 14 having an opening for receiving the second connector part 8 of the electrical connector 12 is provided.

The housing 1 of this first connector part 10 has on a first Page 16 one or more stops 2, on at least one of them first side 16 adjacent side 18 one or more end stops 3, wherein on two opposite sides 18 of the housing. 1 in each case at least one such end stop 3 can be provided on a page, here for example again on the first page 16, one or a plurality of latching arms 4, a collar 5, preferably the open end 14th encloses the housing 1, and on one of the first side 16 opposite second side 20 one or more further stops. 6

In the present case, for example, two locking arms 4 are provided. The Latching arms 4 extend from an axially inside Area into the region of the open end 14 of the housing 1 and in the region of the collar 5 (see in particular Fig. 3).

The stops 2 have a greater radial extent than the collar 5. These stops 2 are axially spaced from the collar 5.

In contrast, the other stops 6 have a lower radial Extension as the collar 5. These further stops 6 are again axially spaced from the collar 5.

As is apparent from Figs. 2 to 9, the housing 1 of the first connector part 10 in an opening 22 of an existing example of metal Wall or panel 7 in the manner shown mountable. That's it in the opening 22 of the wall 7 in particular latched and thereby in one defined end position with respect to the wall 7 fixed. As based on the Fig. 4 to 9 can be seen, the latching takes place in the present case in Area of the open end 14 of the housing. 1

The housing 1 is in the axial direction A (see, for example, Fig. 4) and in a small angle to the axial direction A (see, e.g., Fig. 5) until the whole Collar 5 and the other stops 6 through the opening 22 therethrough (see Figures 4 and 6).

In this case, the measures provided for on the first side 16 of the housing 1 Stops 2 with the wall 7 in engagement (see Fig. 6), to further pass through of the housing 1 through the opening 22 to prevent.

The housing 1 is then in the area facing away from the open end 14 End 24 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A pressed to a pivoting movement of the housing 1 by a certain angle with respect to the axial direction A bring about (see FIG. 7). In this case, the housing 1 is pivoted so far until the collar 5 with the wall 7 engages (see Fig. 8).

The locking arms 4 come into engagement with the edge of the opening 22, whereby they are pushed back against their spring force. So it will be generates a kind of biasing force to the housing 1 in a to the axial direction A substantially vertical direction to shift (see Fig. 8). Finally, the housing 1 snaps into the opening 22 of the wall 7, wherein a wall portion between the on the second side 20 of the housing first provided stops 6 and the collar 5 is included (see. Fig. 9).

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, the other stops 6 each provided with a ramp 26, over which the first Supported connector part 10 during pivoting at the opening edge.

The housing 1 is thus fixed and secured in the opening 22 of the wall 7, before the second connector part 8 (see Fig. 10) of the electric Connector 12 mated with the first connector part 10 becomes. Thus, the assembly of the first connector part 10 in the wall 7th facilitated. In addition, the mating of the two connector parts 10, 8 simplified, in particular those previously related with the small space available problems are eliminated.

The housing 1 is also provided with internal locking means 9, which with Counter-locking means of the other connector part 8 cooperate. in the In this case, the inner locking means 9 by internal locking projections educated. When inserting the second connector part 8 (see FIG. 10) of the electrical connector 12 engage this inner locking means 9 so with the second connector part 8, for the corresponding Locking the two connector parts 10, 8 to ensure and the fit Assemble and confirm assembly of the two parts.

In addition, the second connector part 8 enters with the latching arms 4 in Engagement to a movement of these locking arms 4 and thus a removal of the housing 1 from the wall 7 to prevent. Is the housing 1 not correctly positioned in the opening 22 of the wall 7, the locking arms are the fourth biased inward, whereby an insertion of the second connector part. 8 and a correspondingly correct mating of the two connector parts 10, 8 is prevented.

Are the two connector parts 10, 8 not correctly mated fit, so is the subsequent attachment of the associated spout and bracket not possible.

As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10, this can be its end position engaging connector part 10 with respect to the normal of the opening 22nd having inclined wall 7. In this case, the inclination angle, for example lie in a range of about 25 °. Accordingly, the Collar 5 in a plane whose normal to the axial or longitudinal direction of the Connector part 10 is inclined. The angle of inclination can be adjusted accordingly for example, lie in a Beriech of about 25 °.

The invention can be used for example in motor vehicles. in principle However, an application in other areas is conceivable. For example, an application is generally possible where it is needed goes, a connector part of an electrical connector in one Opening a wall to mount.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

attack

3

end stop

4

detent arm

5

collar

6

another stop

7

wall

8th

second connector part

9

internal connection means

10

first connector part

12

electrical connector

14

open end

16

first page

18

page

20

second page

22

opening

24

The End

26

approach ramp

A

axially

Claims (31)

Connector part (10) of a two-part electrical connector (12),
characterized in that it is designed so that it can be locked in an opening (22) of a wall (7) and thereby in a defined end position with respect to the wall (7) can be fixed. Connector part according to claim 1,
characterized in that it in the region of one (14) of its two ends in the wall opening (22) can be latched. Connector part according to claim 2,
characterized in that the respective end (14) for receiving the other connector part (8) is open. Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that its housing (1) is provided on a first side (16) with at least one stop (2) which engages the wall (7) when the connector part (10) passes through the wall opening (22) and thereby limiting the passage of the connector part (10) relative to the wall (7). Connector part according to claim 4,
characterized in that at least one side (18) of the housing (1) adjoining the first side (16) is provided with at least one end stop (3) which bears against the wall (7) at its end position engaging connector part. Connector part according to claim 5,
characterized in that on two opposite sides (18) of the housing (1) in each case at least one end stop (3) is provided. Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the housing (1) on one of the first side opposite second side (20) with at least one further stop (6) is provided. Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at least one side (16) of the housing (1) is provided with at least one latching arm (4). Connector part according to claim 8,
characterized in that at least one latching arm (4) on the first side (16) of the housing (1) is provided. Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the housing (1) with a collar (5) is provided, which abuts at its end position engaging the connector part (10) on the stop (2) or end stop (3) facing away from the wall (7). Connector part according to claim 10,
characterized in that the collar (5) at the respective end (14) of the connector part (10) is provided. Connector part according to claim 10 or 11,
characterized in that the collar (5) surrounds the open end (14) of the housing (1). Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the latching arm (4), starting from an axially inner region extends into the region of the open end (14) of the housing (1) or into the region of the collar (5). Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the stop (2) has a greater radial extent than the collar (5). Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the stop (2) is axially spaced from the collar (5). Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the further stop (6) has a smaller radial extent than the collar (5). Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the further stop (6) is axially spaced from the collar (5). Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the connector part (10) occupying its end position is inclined relative to the normal of the wall (7) having the opening (22). Connector part according to claim 18,
characterized in that the inclination angle is in a range of about 25 °. Connector part according to claim 18 or 19,
characterized in that the collar (5) lies in a plane whose normal to the axial or longitudinal direction of the connector part (10) is inclined. Connector part according to claim 20,
characterized in that the inclination angle is in a range of about 25 °. Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that at the wall (7) ver rastenetern, its end position engaging the connector part (10) an opening (22) delimiting wall portion in the area between the collar (5) and the further stop (6) is enclosed. Connector part according to claim 22,
characterized in that after passing through the relevant end (14) of the connector part (10) through the wall opening (22), the connector part (10) by subsequent pivoting and subsequent wall-parallel displacement with the wall (7) can be latched, wherein during the pivoting the latching arm (4) is pushed back against its spring force and the connector part (10) is subsequently displaceable by the spring force of the latching arm (4) parallel to the wall (7) in order to move the respective wall section in the area between the collar (5). and to include the further stop (6). Connector part according to claim 23,
characterized in that the further stop (6) with a ramp (26) is provided, via which the connector part (10) is supported during the pivoting at the opening edge. Connector part according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it is provided with inner locking means (9) which cooperate with counter-locking means of the other connector part (8). Electrical connector (12) with two pluggable, lockable connector parts (10, 8), wherein a first Connector part (10) according to one of the preceding claims is. Electrical connector according to claim 26,
characterized in that the two connector parts (10, 8) are completely pluggable and latched together only when the first connector part (10) in the opening (22) of the wall (7) is locked and thus fixed in its end position. Electrical connector according to claim 27,
characterized in that when not with the wall (7) latched first connector part (10) complete mating and locking of the two connector parts (10, 8) by the inwardly urged latching arm (4) is prevented. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the latching arm (4) in fully mated and locked together connector parts (10, 8) is secured by the second connector part (8) in its locking position. Electrical connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a clamp with associated spout for sealing the connection to the wall (7) is provided to the outside. Electrical connector according to claim 30,
characterized in that the clamp with associated spout is only mountable when the two connector parts (10, 8) are completely plugged together and locked together.

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