EP1585201A1 - Connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Screen (22) comprises snapp or lock safety element (46) which is movable to safety position with complementary safety element, on interconnection of plug connector with complementary plug connector, into safety position.By action of both safety element, both plug connectors are releasable. Preferably housing for screen and contact element holder consists of several parts inserted into each other, but may be in single piece with sleeve-shaped section.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for mating with a complementary connector, in particular for Use in a motor vehicle.

Connectors are used to easily lines with another line or a circuit carrier with an electrical Circuit electrically and mechanically connect. Connectors therefore find particular application in motor vehicle construction. In This area of use must such connectors on the one hand be very inexpensive to produce and on the other under unfavorable Operating conditions, in particular with vibrations and / or shocks, allow a stable connection.

In motor vehicles are used for the transmission of control signals or Data in addition to analog increasingly digital data connections used. To disturbances in data transmission by other electrical or electronic devices, in particular by these emitted electromagnetic radiation, it is desirable to shielded electrical connections for data transmission also in the automotive field use.

A connector having the features of the preamble of the claim 1 is known from US-A-4 900 262.

The present invention is therefore based on the object, a simple To provide connectors by means of which simply low-interference Connections to a circuit carrier or shielded cables can be produced.

The object is achieved by a connector with the features of claim 1.

The connector according to the invention for mating with a complementary connector in a plugging direction, in particular for Use in a motor vehicle, has a contact element receptacle for receiving a contact element, preferably at least two Contact elements, a contact element receiving at least partially surrounding shield and a contact element receptacle and the Shielding at least partially accommodating housing.

A contact element receptacle for receiving contact elements is intended. The contact element receiving, preferably as a plastic injection molded part is formed, can corresponding recording channels exhibit. The contact elements can be in the contact element receptacle pushed in, pressed or injected.

Preferably, the contact element receptacle for receiving at least two, more preferably formed more than two contact elements. Such a connector is then particularly suitable for connection of lines of a bus system in a motor vehicle, often have multiple wires.

In principle, any contact elements, such as pins, tongues or blades or contact sockets. The Contact elements are connectable to conductors, among which under the Invention not only wires of cables are understood, but also Tracks on circuit boards.

The of an electrically conductive material, preferably a metal manufactured shield serves to shield contact elements in the contact element recording against electrical and electromagnetic Fields. In particular, it can have a contacting device, to which a conductor with a reference potential, for example ground, is connectable. The shield preferably takes the contact element receptacle on.

Furthermore, the shields of the connector and the complementary Connector be suitably designed so that when Plug the connectors into electrical contact between the shields is made.

The contact element receiving and at least partially surrounding this Shield are at least partially surrounded by the housing, this protects against external influences and in particular for mechanical connection with a complementary connector or whose housing may be formed. In particular, the housing can the connector and / or the complementary connector Have guides by means of which the connector when mating on or in one another are feasible.

For example, the risk of having a manufactured connector due to vibrations and / or shocks accidentally triggers, reduce, rejects Shielding at least one securing element, preferably one Snap or locking element, on, when plugging the connector with a corresponding complementary connector relative to a complementary securing element of the complementary Connector, preferably a complementary snap or Locking element, in a securing position relative to the complementary Fuse element is movable and by means of which in the backup position by cooperation with the complementary securing element a relative movement of the connector from the mated Location is limited. The complementary connector can in particular as a suitably designed connector according to the invention, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 8, with a corresponding be formed complementary security element. One of the Securing elements is at least partially, preferably in one of the Plug direction deviating direction, movable. The connector and the complementary connector are therefore at least in a predetermined Range of layers in a mated state, in the contact elements and the complementary contact elements still are in contact with each other, securable, that is, only by overcoming apart from certain forces determined by the securing elements. The securing elements can in particular be designed in this way be that a relative movement of the connector from the mated Location is blocked. The fuse elements can continue in the backup position a contact between the shields of the assembled Provide connector if the complementary Securing element also on a shield of the complementary Connector is formed. The use of snap or Locking elements has the advantage that these when reaching the backup position automatically to form a snap or locking connection with each other Snap or snap, allowing the backup automatically can be done.

Another object of the invention is a connector system with a first connector according to the invention and an inventive, connectable to the first connector, to this complementary second connector. The complementary second Connector can this purpose, in particular in a trained accordingly Contact element receiving arranged, corresponding to the Contact elements of the first connector complementary second Contact elements as well as a housing that mates with the Housing of the first connector allowed to have.

The connectors according to the invention allow a simple connection a shielded cable with another, in particular also shielded, line or a circuit carrier, wherein the contacting region at least partially shielded and thus trouble-free is.

Further developments and preferred embodiments of the invention are in the description, claims and drawings.

The housing can be constructed basically arbitrary, but is a Embodiment preferred, wherein the housing of at least two Assembled housing parts, in particular put together and / or pushed. The, preferably as plastic injection molded parts trained housing parts can have fastening elements for this purpose, by which they are optionally connected movably. In particular, in a training for mating and / or pushing is a particularly simple mechanical connection of the housing parts possible. The connector is then assembled by joining the Contact element reception, shielding and housing easy produced. In particular, a molding of the housing to a Line be avoided if this by plugging the Housing parts can be enclosed. The housing parts can do this preferably have corresponding indentations in edge regions, the only after joining the housing parts an opening for receiving form the line. The indentations may preferably Have portions of a cuff after joining of the housing surrounds a conduit. The line can then join the housing parts are installed in the housing. This can be particularly advantageous if the contact elements with the line are connected before assembling the connector to allow easy handling during assembly. The production of such a connector as well as Connection with a line is then particularly cost-effective.

Alternatively, it is preferred that the housing is formed in one piece, and a sleeve-shaped portion, in which the shield with the contact element receptacle is inserted. The shield with the Contact element reception is characterized by a relative movement between the housing and the shield with the contact element receiving in pushed the sleeve-shaped portion, so that the housing can be pushed over the shield. Such a housing is very simple and stable. Furthermore it is easy through Plastic injection molding produced. Particularly preferably, the housing then a flap for at least partially closing an opening on, through which the shield with the contact element receiving in the Housing is inserted. The flap can optionally be in one Edge region have a recess through which a conduit feasible is.

For particularly simple production of the shield, it is preferred that this is formed from one or more stamped and bent parts. The Shielding is so very easy and also full or large area produced.

In order to obtain the best possible shielding, it is preferred that the shield as completely as possible, in particular substantially to the end faces of the contact element receptacle, on or in which parts of contact elements are arranged, encloses same. In essence, this means in particular that at seams or corners small manufacturing gaps or holes may occur, but preferably not in areas. Especially preferred surrounds the shield also on the mating side of the contact element receptacle from this protruding ends of in the contact element receptacle arranged contact elements.

In one embodiment, it is preferred that the shield be at least two sliding transversely to the direction of insertion shielding parts has, which are preferably formed as stamped and bent parts. Especially Preferably, the shield has only two shielding parts on. Preferably, the shielding parts are via the contact element receptacle pushed. The shielding parts can still Have complementary fasteners by means of which they together are connectable. In this way, a shield can be very simply be provided for contact element receptacles that a simply pushing a shield in the direction of insertion not or only allow with additional steps.

It is particularly preferred that the contact element receiving and the shield extending transversely to the direction of insertion, cooperating Have blocking elements which have a relative movement between the Contact element receptacle and the shield in and / or against the Block plug-in direction. In particular, these locking elements can around a groove and a corresponding bar or against each other acting protrusions. In this way, with ease of manufacture the shield sure a relative movement between the Shielding and the contact element recording even when occurring larger insertion forces on the contact elements and thus the contact element recording be prevented.

Alternatively, it is preferred that the shield in one piece as a stamped and bent part is trained. Such shields are not only stand out by a particularly simple and inexpensive production, but also allow easy production of the connector, as only a part is to handle.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the shield has a relation to the Plug-in direction angled, bent wing having, at least partially closes an insertion opening in the shield, by the contact element recording in the shield inserted is. As a result, on the one hand a good shielding of such a Insertion opening reached. On the other hand, a relative movement between Contact element receptacle and shielding against the plugging direction prevented, as this blocked by the bent wing becomes. The contact element receptacle can not be so by plug forces Mating with another connector back out of the Shielding be pushed. Such shields are preferably used with contact element receptacles for receiving Contact elements are formed, the conductor-side ends opposite the plug-in direction are angled. For example, these, like also formed the contact element receiving substantially L-shaped be. The bent wing can then in particular at an angle be angled from about 90 ° relative to the direction of insertion. Such Shielding may occur before a turn of the wing from a preferably aligned parallel to the direction of insertion simply on the contact element receiving deferred or the contact element receiving in the shield are pushed in, whereupon the wing is on the Contact element holder is bent over. This results in very easy to produce a good shielding even with angled Contact elements. A wing is accordingly also for contact element recordings usable, which receive linear contact elements and may in particular an opening or preferably a recess in the edge, through the cable to contact elements in the Contact element holder are feasible. Basically, too several wings are used to close the insertion opening.

It is particularly preferred that on the wing holding elements, the preferably in the bent state in the insertion direction, and formed in the housing corresponding complementary holding elements are, by means of which the bent wing in one to the direction of insertion inclined direction relative to the housing is fastened. expedient the retaining elements and the complementary retaining elements are designed that the shield with the bent wing in the housing one or the housing on the shield with the bent Wings are pushed on. As holding elements can in particular parallel to slot direction extending grooves or slots in conjunction with corresponding projections, strips or springs are used. On this way, the wing can simply be inserted into the housing, while blocking a later bending of the wing. Of the bent wing can then in particular via the contact element receptacle Take on the wing forces applied to the wing and on the Housing transferred.

Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the connector as a device receptacle is formed, preferably on opposite Sides of the shield contacts for connection to a circuit carrier are formed. The contacts of the shield are used preferably for mechanical connection to the circuit carrier and at the same time for electrical connection to tracks on the Circuit carriers. Furthermore, the housing may expediently additional Attachment elements, for example, have pins by means of of which it is connectable to the circuit carrier, so that it for example when mating with a complementary connector occurring forces can be transferred well to the circuit carrier. The Contact element recording as well as the contact elements can thereby preferably be L-shaped, so that the plugging direction parallel can run to a circuit board on which the device receptacle then held.

To a particularly stable securing the connector between the Connector and a suitable complementary connector it is preferred that the shielding be two, preferably formed on opposite sides of the shield, Has safety elements. These can each be the same or different be educated. In particular, when arranged on opposite Sides of the shield can better distribute occurring forces become. In addition, there is additional security through the achieved redundancy.

In one embodiment of the connector according to the invention it is preferred that the securing element is a resilient snap or Has latching hook, preferably in a through the shield formed collar is formed. The resilient snap or catch hook can in particular by a spring arm with a free at the Be formed end arranged snap or locking projection. The shield is then preferably made of a corresponding elastic Sheet metal made. Is the snap or catch hook in one by the Shield formed formed collar, the collar preferably surrounds From the contact element receiving outstanding contact elements, so that these are mechanically protected before and during mating and are well electromagnetically shielded after mating.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the securing element has a securing projection has behind the in the backup position a snap or Latch hook of a mated with the connector complementary Connector engages. The complementary connector can according to the invention and in particular according to the preceding one Paragraph-described embodiment and / or claim 10 is formed be. Such a securing element or snap or locking element is therefore a fuse element designed as a snap-in or snap-in hook complementary. The securing projection can in particular through a shoulder of a recess or depression in the Shielding of the connector to be formed.

Especially when using snap or locking elements as Fuse elements, it is not completely excluded that at correspondingly strong shocks or vibrations, the security elements move out of the backup position relative to each other and so in the Result a release of the connector is not blocked. It is therefore preferred that a relative to the contact element receiving between an unlocking position and a locking position movable locking element is provided, wherein in the unlocking position of the locking element the fuse elements of the connector and the complementary connector in the backup position and / or off this are movable out and the locking element in the locking position the fuse elements one of their backup position against a Motion locked from the backup position. The complementary connector can according to the invention and in particular accordingly one or more of the previously described embodiments and / or be formed of one of claims 1 to 11.

To enable a particularly compact connector, it is preferred that the locking element parallel to the direction of insertion is displaceable relative to the shield and preferably the shield surrounds at least partially sleeve-like. An education as Sleeve is particularly advantageous when two at opposite Side of the shield trained fuse elements provided are, then with only one locking element both security elements at the same time can be locked or unlocked.

Basically, it is sufficient that the locking element manually in the Locking position is movable. However, it is preferred that a resilient Element is provided by movement of the locking element is clamped relative to the connector in the unlocking position and by means of its restoring force, the locking element in the Locking position is movable. This way can be an automatic Lock achieved and in particular largely prevented can, that due to a mounting error locking does not take place. In addition, the production of the connector is simplified.

It is particularly preferred that the resilient element by a formed in the insertion direction spring is formed. This can in particular between a projection or stop of the locking element and a support element on the housing, the contact element receptacle or preferably the shield can be arranged. When arranged on the shield is the connector according to the invention particularly Easy to produce when the housing is mounted last.

Is used as a complementary connector, in particular according to the invention, Connector with a snap or latching hook as a security element used, the shield of the connector can be a Have recess or recess into which the snap or latch hook of the complementary connector by mating the Plug-in connector can be snapped or latched so that the locking element at least partially over the snap or latch hook is movable. It is then preferred that when mating with a complementary connector through the locking element the housing, the shield or preferably the snap or Latch hook of the complementary connector in the unlocking position is movable. In this way, not just an automatic results Locking, but it is also when mating one automatic unlocking possible, so that the security elements without additional mounting handles can reach their backup position. The Connector system according to the invention can in particular a corresponding formed first connector and an inventive Complementary second connector, whose housing, Shielding or preferably snap or latching hooks accordingly is trained.

Often plug connections must be solvable again. That's it preferred that by an opening movement of an actuating part of the Housing from a connecting position in which the connector with a complementary connector is plugged together, in an open position relative to the contact element receiving the locking element from the locking position in the unlocking position is movable. In the opening position of the actuating element therefore takes the locking element, that during the opening movement at least partially coupled to the actuator, the unlocking a. The Housing may have guides, by means of which the actuating part relative to the housing between the connecting and the open position is feasible, the movement, for example, by appropriate Stops on the housing can be limited. Preferably that is Actuating part as a shield at least partially surrounding Sleeve formed, resulting in, especially in training of the locking element as the shielding surrounding, of the Operating part at least partially surrounding sleeve, a special compact connector results.

In principle, the actuating part can be rigid with the locking element be coupled. However, it is preferred that the locking element has a driving stop, at least during a Part of the opening movement of the actuating part to a complementary Stop of the operating part is applied. Preferably, this limits Stop also the movement of the locking element in the insertion direction and thus determines the locking position of the locking element. On this way, the locking element during mating simply without an opening movement of the actuating element, for example with the help of the snap or latch hook of a complementary Connector to be moved from its locking position. Especially the actuator can be used for mating become. On the other hand, simply the connector can be solved. In particular, when the locking element by a spring in Its locking position is maintained by appropriate design the spring the necessary force to move the locking element from the locking position to the unlocking position easy, but be determined effectively.

It is further preferred that the movable securing element is designed as a snap hook, the movement by relative to the complementary snap element, that is a safety projection, against the plug-in direction, from the backup position is movable, if corresponding forces act. In particular, this can be an oblique to the Have plugging direction extending hook surface, the move apart the plugged connector parallel to the insertion direction on the safety projection derived by appropriate Forcing forces are moved transversely to the direction of insertion.

In a connector system according to the invention it is preferred that the first connector formed by the shield Collar, in which at least partially a plurality of male contact elements are arranged, and that in the contact element receiving the second connector arranged a plurality of female contact elements are, wherein the contact element receiving the second connector with the shield is insertable into the collar of the first connector. In this way, a large-area contact between the two Shielding achieved.

In the connector system according to the invention are preferably the first connector as inventive device recording or as inventive plug coupling formed and the complementary second connector as a plug with locking element.

To ensure the most secure connection between cables and contact elements in the connector, it is preferable that in the contact element recording on cable can be hit or struck Contact elements are arranged. The striking of contact elements Cable is also commonly used to make a so-called crimp connection designated.

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Steckverbindersystems nach einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit einem ersten, als Geräteaufnahme ausgebildeten Steckverbinder auf einem Schaltungsträger und einem zweiten, zu dem ersten komplementären Steckverbinder nach entsprechenden bevorzugten Ausführungsformen der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

einen perspektivische Explosionsdarstellung des ersten Steckverbinders in Fig. 1, wobei eine erste Abschirmung des ersten Steckverbinders in einem Montagezustand gezeigt ist,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht der ersten Abschirmung in Fig. 2 in Steckrichtung mit einer in diese eingeschobenen ersten Kontaktelementaufnahme mit ersten Kontaktelementen,

Fig. 4

die erste Abschirmung mit der eingeschobenen ersten Kontaktelementaufnahme in Fig. 2 nach Umbiegen eines Flügels der ersten Abschirmung,

Fig. 5

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines ersten Gehäuses des ersten Steckverbinders in Fig. 1 und der ersten Abschirmung mit der darin gehaltenen ersten Kontaktelementaufnahme in Fig. 4 vor dem Zusammenstecken,

Fig. 6

den ersten Steckverbinder in Fig. 5 im zusammengesteckten Zustand über einem Abschnitt des Schaltungsträgers in Fig. 1,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung des zweiten Steckverbinders,

Fig. 8

eine schematische, teilweise Explosionsdarstellung des zweiten Steckverbinders in Fig. 7, bei der zwei Abschirmungsteile einer zweiten Abschirmung des zweiten Steckverbinders um eine zweite Kontaktelementaufnahme herum zusammengesteckt sind,

Fig. 9

den zweiten Steckverbinder in Fig. 7 in einem bis auf ein Aufstecken eines Betätigungsteils fertig montierten Zustand,

Fig. 10

eine teilweise geschnittene schematische Ansicht des ersten und des zweiten Steckverbinders beim Zusammenstecken in einem ersten Stadium,

Fig. 11

die Ansicht in Fig. 10 in einem späteren zweiten Stadium des Zusammensteckens,

Fig. 12

die Ansicht in Fig. 11 in einem dritten Stadium des Zusammensteckens,

Fig. 13

die Ansicht in Fig. 10 mit vollständig zusammengesteckten ersten und zweiten Steckverbindern,

Fig. 14

die Ansicht in Fig. 13 beim Lösen der Steckverbindung in einem ersten Stadium, und

Fig. 15

die Ansicht in Fig. 14 in einem späteren zweiten Stadium.

The invention will now be further explained by way of example with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a connector system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a first, designed as a device receptacle connector on a circuit carrier and a second, to the first complementary connector according to the preferred embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 2

an exploded perspective view of the first connector in Fig. 1, wherein a first shield of the first connector is shown in an assembled state,

Fig. 3

2 a perspective view of the first shield in FIG. 2 in the insertion direction with a first contact element receptacle inserted into the first contact element,

Fig. 4

the first shield with the inserted first contact element receptacle in FIG. 2 after bending over a wing of the first shield, FIG.

Fig. 5

1 shows a perspective view of a first housing of the first connector in FIG. 1 and the first shield with the first contact element receptacle held therein in FIG. 4 before being plugged together, FIG.

Fig. 6

5 in the assembled state over a portion of the circuit carrier in Fig. 1,

Fig. 7

a schematic exploded view of the second connector,

Fig. 8

a schematic, partially exploded view of the second connector in Fig. 7, in which two shielding parts of a second shield of the second connector are mated around a second contact element receiving around,

Fig. 9

the second connector in Fig. 7 in a ready mounted on a plugging an operating part state,

Fig. 10

a partially sectioned schematic view of the first and the second connector when mating in a first stage,

Fig. 11

the view in Fig. 10 in a later second stage of the mating,

Fig. 12

the view in Fig. 11 in a third stage of the mating,

Fig. 13

the view in Fig. 10 with fully mated first and second connectors,

Fig. 14

the view in Figure 13 when releasing the connector in a first stage, and

Fig. 15

the view in Fig. 14 in a later second stage.

In Fig. 1, a first trained as a device holder connector 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention on a only partially shown, designed in the example as a circuit board carrier 12 and a plug-formed connector 14, the also a connector corresponding to the preferred embodiment embodying the invention. These form a connector system for a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment the invention. The second connector 14 is connected to a line 16 connected. It is as complementary to the first connector 10 Connector designed and so with this plugged together to the cable 16 to the circuit substrate 12 and in particular on it to connect arranged conductor tracks.

The first connector or the device holder 10 are shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 shown in more detail. The first connector 10 consists of three prefabricated, nested components, namely a first Contact element receptacle 18 with formed as a contact pins 20 Contact elements, one as a one-piece stamped and bent part of a metal sheet fabricated first shield 22 and a first housing 24th

The trained as a plastic injection molded part first contact element receptacle 18 has an L-shape with a running in a direction of insertion S ₁ first leg 26 with an asymmetrical cross section and a relative to this at an angle of 90 ° angled second leg 26 '. A first end face 28 of the first leg 26 is oriented orthogonal to the plug-in direction S ₁ and a second end face 28 'of the second leg 26' orthogonal to the first end face 28.

The contact element receptacle 18 includes in corresponding channels and grooves pressed several, in the example six, also L-shaped parallel contact pins 20, the conductor-side contacting ends 30 with respect to the insertion direction S ₁ angled at an angle of about 90 ° from the second end face 28 'of second leg 26 'and the plug ends 32 extending parallel to the insertion direction S ₁ extending from the first end face 28 of the first leg 26 protrude.

The one-piece, first punched out of a resilient metal sheet first shield 22 is shown in Fig. 2 in an already partially bent state, and has a sleeve portion 34 which corresponds in shape to the corresponding portion of the first contact element receptacle 18. This is followed by a substantially U-shaped foot member 36 with arranged on opposite sides forked feet 38, which together with the sleeve portion 34 an orthogonal to the insertion direction S ₁ oriented insertion opening 40 encloses U-shaped. Through the insertion opening 40, the contact element receptacle 18 in the first shield 22 can be inserted (see Fig .. 3).

Furthermore, on the sleeve portion 34 at the edge of the insertion opening 40 a wing 42 with already shown in Fig. 2 bent side parts 44 formed, which, except for the side parts 44, in Fig. 2 in an assembled state oriented parallel to the plugging direction.

The sleeve portion 34 and in particular its interior have transversely to the direction of insertion on a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the contact element receiving transversely to the insertion direction S ₁ , so that the contact element receptacle 18 closely fitting to the inner wall of the sleeve portion 34 is inserted into this.

In the sleeve portion 34 further two resilient snap hooks 46 are formed as securing elements, which are formed by a spring arm with a hook-shaped portion formed thereon by bending. The hook-shaped portions are bent in a V-shape with obliquely inclined to the plug-in direction S ₁ legs. These securing elements are arranged symmetrically to each other on opposite sides of the sleeve portion 34, wherein the hook-shaped protruding portions each point into the interior of the sleeve portion 34. The securing elements 46 simultaneously serve for contacting a second shield of the second connector 14.

The foot part 36 also corresponds in shape to the shape of the corresponding one Section of the first contact element receptacle 18, i. of second leg 26 ', wherein the forked feet 38 for mounting on the circuit carrier 12 are formed in corresponding holes 48.

The wing 42 is dimensioned such that by bending the wing 42 along a bending line orthogonal to the plug-in direction S _1, the insertion opening 40 is essentially coverable or closable by the wing 42 (see Fig .. 4). The wing 42 and the side parts 44 thereto are formed so that in the bent state, the lower edge is approximately aligned with the lower edge of the foot part 36 and the leg 26 '. On the side parts 44 further bent guide rails 50 are formed, which extend in the bent state in Fig. 4 parallel to the insertion direction S ₁ .

The first housing 24 is integrally formed as an injection molded part of a dimensionally stable plastic sleeve-like with an asymmetric, the cross section of the first shield 18 corresponding cross-section transverse to the insertion direction S ₁ . It has for attachment to the circuit substrate 12 has two retaining pin 52 and a substantially U-shaped wall portion 54 which is formed so that it receives the foot portion 36 of the shield substantially form-fitting manner, and when mounted on the circuit substrate 12 on this with his lower edge is seated.

In the first housing 24 is a circumferential receiving groove 56 to Recording a housing collar of the second connector 14 is formed. Furthermore, parallel to the plug-in direction Si, which are parallel to the Walls of the sleeve-like portion of the housing 24 extends, retaining grooves 58 for receiving the guide rails 50 on the side parts 44 of the Wing 42 of the first shield 22 is formed.

When mounting the first connector 10, after punching and bending the first shield 22 in the form shown in FIG. 2 and after producing the first contact element receptacle 18 with the injected contact pins 20, as shown in Fig. 3, the first contact element receptacle 18 in the first shield 22 is inserted. In this case, the wing 42 is oriented parallel to the plug-in direction S ₁ in the assembled state. The part of the sleeve portion 34, which projects beyond the end face 28, now forms a collar 59 surrounding the plug-in ends 32, the edge of which protrudes beyond the plug-in ends 32 in the insertion direction S ₁ .

Thereafter, the wing 42 is bent over to the first contact element receptacle 18 until it is angled at an angle of about 90 ° relative to the plug-in direction S ₁ at the edge of the foot portion 36 abuts (see Fig .. 4). The first contact element receptacle 18 is now secured against movements parallel to the plug-in direction S 1 by the bent wing 42 on the one hand and the wing section 42 opposite the wall portion of the foot part 36 on the other. Furthermore, the first contact element receptacle 18 including the plug-in ends 32 to the end faces of the legs 26 and 26 'is substantially completely enclosed by the first shield 22.

In a next step (see Fig. 5), the unit thus formed is inserted into the first housing 24, wherein the guide rails 50 are inserted at the side parts 44 in the retaining grooves 58 in the first housing 24. These are designed such that, at least for assembly purposes, the unit of first contact element receptacle 18 and first shield 22 is connected to the housing 24 by means of a clamping fit. A bending of the wing 42 in a position parallel to the insertion direction S ₁ is now blocked by the guide rails 50 held in the retaining grooves 58, so that the first contact element receptacle 18 is securely held in the first shield 22. Furthermore, the first housing 24 surrounds the sleeve portion 34 of the first shield 18 so that it is mechanically well protected.

The unit thus formed can now be mounted on the circuit carrier 12 be, with the feet 38 in the holes 48, the retaining pin 52 in corresponding Fixing holes 60 and the contacting ends 30 in Contact holes 62 are introduced. The retaining pins 52 sit while in the press fit in the mounting holes 60. The feet 38 are used both as a mechanical support for the first shield 22 as well for contacting printed conductors on the circuit carrier 12. The so very easy to manufacture first connector 10 in the form of a device holder is then very firm even with very large insertion forces on the Circuit carrier 12 is held.

The second connector 14 is shown in more detail in FIG. He has one second contact element receptacle 64, a second shield 66 with two Shielding parts 68 and 70, a locking element 72 with two resilient elements 74 and a housing 76 with a housing cap 78 and an actuating part 80.

The second contact element receptacle 64 is likewise designed as a plastic injection-molded part and has a flat cuboidal basic shape. In the second contact element receptacle 64, a plurality of, in the example, six channels arranged in a row parallel to one another, for receiving contact elements 82, are formed parallel to a plug-in direction S _{2 of} the second plug connector. The contact elements 82 have on the plug side contact sockets and on a conductor side means for abutting cables 84 of the line 16 and for establishing a crimp connection with the cables 84. On the front side in the insertion direction S ₂ locking projections 86 are formed as blocking elements.

The second shield 66 consists of the two designed as stamped and bent parts shielding parts 68 and 70, which can be put together in a direction transverse to the insertion direction S ₂ . The two shield parts 68 and 70 are substantially U-shaped so that they enclose the second contact element receptacle 64 after mating and abut against this.

The first shielding member 68 is for connection to the second Shielding part 70 has two pairs of first tongues 88 and second tongues 90, which are each lowered relative to the outer surfaces.

The second shielding member 70 has, in an L-shaped outer portion 92, opposed flat recessed portions 94 protruding parallel to its surface beyond the L-shaped portion 92. Breakthroughs 96 are furthermore punched out in the recessed regions 94, which roughly correspond in shape to the shape of the first tongues 88. At the opposite side of the insertion direction S ₂ side of the openings 96 each support elements 98 are bent approximately orthogonal to the level of the recessed areas 94. Furthermore, a zusammenbiegbare clamp 100 is formed for contacting a not shown in the figures shielding of the line 16 at the opposite end of the insertion direction S ₂ end face.

To the recessed areas 94 adjacent shoulders of the L-shaped portion 92 orthogonal to the insertion direction S ₂ form securing projections than to the snap hooks 46 complementary securing elements.

Like the first shielding member 68, the second shielding member is also 70 except for the clamp 100 symmetrical to a parallel to the recessed Formed area 94 extending plane.

The recessed portions 94 are opposite to the L-shaped portion 92 so far lowered that the locking projections 86 of the second contact element receptacle 64 in the frontal portion of the L-shaped portion 92nd are durable.

The housing cap 78 is in two parts and consists of a top 102 and a Lower part 104 plugged together and has a corresponding from Cuff sections of the upper and lower part formed cuff 106 for receiving the line 16.

The housing cap 78 is essentially pot-shaped, wherein the pot walls are shaped so that they are put together Shield 66 can receive partially and positively (see FIG. 9).

On opposite flat sides are each two fasteners 108 formed by means of which the actuating member 80 slidably on the Housing cap 78 is durable. The breadth of the shift is here through the length of slots 110 in the fasteners 108 certainly.

Furthermore, on the upper part 102 and the lower part 104 housing support elements 112 formed in the form of the support elements 98th correspond to the second shielding part 70 and these in the assembled Support the condition of the second connector.

The locking element 72 is also sleeve-shaped as a plastic injection molded part executed and corresponds in shape substantially the shape of the sleeve-shaped portion of the housing cap 78. On opposite Flat sides of the locking element 72 are stop elements 114 formed, which serve on the one hand, the resilient, in Shape of coil springs formed to hold elements 74 and the other than driving stroke to act.

On opposite inner sides of the locking element 72, two optional sliding plates 116 are fastened in metal in the edge portion in the insertion direction S ₂ .

The actuating member 80 is also formed as an injection molded part made of plastic. It has the form of a sleeve which receives the locking element 72 and the housing cap 78 at least partially tight fitting. A front housing collar 118 in the direction of insertion S ₂ has smooth walls and a cross-section such that it can be inserted in a form-fitting manner into the first housing 24 and in particular its receiving groove 56. In a rear handle portion 120 seen in the direction of insertion S ₂ symmetrical parallel to the insertion direction S ₂ extending, opposite ends of the insertion direction S ₂ open guide channels 122 are formed on opposite flat sides, in which the support members 98, the housing support members 112 and the stop members 114 are feasible.

Furthermore, the actuating part 80, not shown in the figures, to on the fasteners 108 complementary fasteners on so that the actuating member 80 slidably on the housing cap 78th held and managed.

To assemble the second connector, first Cable 84 struck against the contact elements 82 by crimping. The Contact elements 82 are then injection molded second contact element receptacle 64 is inserted and there in a known Way latched.

In a following step, the two shielding parts 68 and 70 transversely to the plug-in direction S2 via the second contact element receptacle 64, with the second tongues 90 under the L-shaped section 92 and edge portions of recessed areas 94 in the first Shielding 68 engage. The first tongues snap 88 in the apertures 96 and close them. The contact element holder 64 is now completely up to its front sides of the shield 66 enclosed because the apertures 96 through the first tongues 88 are covered. Furthermore, the contact element receptacle 64 is opposite the shield 66 is no longer displaceable, since the locking projections 86 engage in the acting as a blocking element L-shaped portion 92.

Furthermore, the clamp 100 becomes the exposed shield of the conduit 16 bent and contacted with this (see Fig. 8).

The exposed recessed areas 94 now form recesses 124 on opposite sides. At their end faces in the insertion direction S ₂ , the recesses 124 define shoulders each having a securing projection 126 as securing elements complementary to the securing elements or snap hooks 46.

In a next step, the upper part 102 and the lower part 104 the housing cap 78 mated, wherein the line 16 of the Cuff sections is covered, which form the sleeve 106. Injection of the line 16 is not necessary.

The unit of second contact element receptacle 64 and second shield 66 is now pushed into the housing cap 78. Farther If the locking element 72 is pushed onto the shield 66, then that held at one end to the stop members 114 resilient Elements 74 with their other ends on the support elements 98 come to rest (see Fig. 9).

In a following step, the operating part 80 is on the resulting Unit pushed and locked with the housing cap 78, so that the second connector 14 shown in Fig. 1 is formed.

The processes during the manufacture and release of a plug connection between The first and second connectors 10 and 14 will now be described Fig. 10 to 15 explained. First, the second connector with the actuating member 80 is inserted into the first housing 24, wherein the non-symmetrical shape of the inner cross section of the housing 24 and the corresponding outer cross section of the actuating part 80th or the housing collar 118 excluded accidental rotation is.

The housing collar 118 is designed so that it is in the receiving groove 56 in the housing 24 substantially form-fitting manner is.

As shown in Fig. 10, the mating ends 32 of the contact pins 20 are inserted into the contact elements 82 in the second contact element receptacle 64, wherein at the same time, favored by mutually bent edges on the front side of the second shield 66, in Figs. 10 to 15 only incomplete and schematically shown snap hook 46 of the second shield 66 are resiliently bent apart and thus stretched. They abut against the end face of the locking element 72 and push the locking element 72, which surrounds the shield 66 and is guided in the guide channel 118 with the stop element 114, from a locking position in which it covers the recesses 124 and the securing projections 126 against the plug-in direction S ₁ to the housing cap 78 to. The resilient elements 84 are supported on the support elements 98 of the second shield 66.

Upon further insertion, the locking element 72 is the Securing projections 126 and the recess 124 at least partially free, so that the snap hooks 46 behind the securing projections 126 can snap into the recesses 124 in a backup position (see Fig. 11). The locking element 72 then has the unlocking position reached.

As shown in Fig. 12, the snap hooks 46, after snapping into the recesses 124, no longer block the locking member 72 so that it is urged by the resilient members 74 that are urged by the movement of the locking member 72 relative to the second shield 66 Snap hook 46 is moved away in its locking position, in which now the wells 124 with the securing projections 126 and the snap hooks 46 are covered. Thus, a movement of the snap hook 46 in a direction orthogonal to the plug-in direction S ₁ or S ₂ , that is, beyond the securing projections 126 away, no longer possible. The first and second connectors 10 and 14 are now secured in the mated position, since the snap hooks 46 engage behind the securing projections 126 and thus prevent a disengagement of the two connectors parallel to the direction of insertion.

In the completely assembled state (see Fig. 13), the housing collar 118 as far as possible in the receiving groove 56 in the first Housing 24 is introduced, wherein the handle portion 120 in its connecting position on the front side of the first housing 24 abuts and thus prevents further movement in Zusammensteckrichtung. Farther is the area in which the contact elements are put together, completely surrounded by the mated housings and thus protected.

In the mated state in Fig. 13 is further by the Contact between the first and second shields 22 and 66 and in particular the concerns of the snap-in or latching hook 46 on the second Shield 66 in the wells 124 a very good contact reached between the shields. Furthermore, the whole area the contact elements completely shielded up to the line 16.

To release the connector, the actuating member 80 is moved by an opening movement opposite to the insertion direction S ₂ on the housing cap 78 to an open position, wherein the run in the guide channels 122 stop elements 114 acting as driving stops 128 acting in the direction of insertion S ₂ end walls 130 of the guide channels 122nd be taken as complementary attacks. As a result, the locking element 72 is moved from the locking position into the unlocking position. For this purpose, a predetermined by the resilient elements 74 and their spring constant force is necessary so that accidental movement of the actuating member 80 by specifying appropriate forces or spring constants of the resilient elements 74 can be largely excluded.

By this movement of the locking element 72 from the locking position in the unlocking partially the recess 124th and in particular the securing projections 126 and the snap hooks 46 released, so that these in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion are movable. The length or locking position of the locking element 72 is selected so that the actuating member 80 only over a predetermined Distance, in the example about 6 mm, must be moved until the Unlocking is achieved. This excludes, on the one hand, that in a short, random movement of the operating part 80 already a release can take place. On the other hand, in conjunction with the spring constant of the preferably equal formed resilient Elements 74 the minimum unlocking force can be easily adjusted, which is necessary to effect unlocking.

Upon further train on the actuating member 80 is on the resilient Elements 74 or a corresponding stop, for example, at Shield 66 or the housing cap 78, the housing cap 78 with the second shield 66 and the second contact element receiving received therein 64 from the first connector 10 and the device holder moved out. The snap hooks 46 of the first Shield 22 by applying a corresponding force over the Retaining projections 126 pulled and spread apart, including the corresponding hook-shaped portions substantially V-shaped are bent so that the securing projections 126 on the corresponding Legs of the hook-shaped sections are guided. The Snap hooks 46 do not hinder the further pulling apart more, so that the connectors can be completely separated.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

first connector

12

circuit support

14

second connector

16

management

18

first contact element receptacle

20

contact pins

22

first shielding

24

first housing

26, 26 '

leg

28, 28 '

faces

30

conductor-side contacting ends

32

plug ends

34

sleeve section

36

footboard

38

feet

40

insertion opening

42

wing

44

side panels

46

Snap-in or latching hook

48

holes

50

guide rails

52

retaining pins

54

wall section

56

receiving groove

58

retaining

59

collar

60

mounting holes

62

vias

64

second contact element receptacle

66

second shield

68

first shielding part

70

second shielding part

72

locking element

74

resilient elements

76

casing

78

housing cap

80

actuating member

82

contact elements

84

cables

86

locking projections

88

first tongues

90

second tongues

92

L-shaped section

94

recessed areas

96

breakthroughs

98

support elements

100

clamp

102

top

104

lower part

106

cuff

108

fasteners

110

slots

112

Gehäuseabstützelemente

114

stop elements

116

sliding plates

118

housing collar

120

handle portion

122

guide channels

124

wells

126

securing projections

128

Take attacks

130

bulkhead

S ₁

first plug-in direction

S ₂

second plug-in direction

Claims (18)

Connector for mating with a complementary connector (10, 14) in a plugging direction, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, with
a contact element receptacle (18; 64) for receiving a contact element (20; 82), preferably at least two contact elements (20; 82),
a shield (22; 66) at least partially surrounding the contact element receptacle (18; 64) and
a housing (24; 76) at least partially receiving the contact element receptacle (18; 64) and the shield (22; 66),
characterized in that the shield (66) comprises at least one securing element (46; 126), preferably a snap-action or locking element, which upon mating of the connector (10) with a corresponding complementary connector (14) relative to a complementary securing element of the complementary Connector (14), preferably a complementary snap or latching element, in a securing position relative to the complementary securing element is movable and by means of which in the securing position by cooperation with the complementary securing element, a relative movement of the connector (10, 14) from the mated position out limited is. Connector according to claim 1,
characterized in that the housing (24; 76) composed of at least two housing parts (78 80, 104, 106), in particular assembled and / or pushed, is. Connector according to claim 1,
characterized in that the housing (24) is integrally formed and comprises a sleeve-shaped portion into which the shield (22; 66) with the contact element receptacle (18; 64) is inserted. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the shield (22; 66) has at least two shielding parts (68, 70) which can be pushed together transversely to the plugging direction and which are preferably designed as stamped and bent parts. Connector according to claim 4,
characterized in that the contact element receptacle (64) and the shield (66) have cooperating locking elements (86, 92) extending transversely to the direction of insertion, which provide relative movement between the contact element receptacle (64) and the shield (66) in and / or opposite to Block plug-in direction. Connector according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that the shield (22) is integrally formed as a stamped and bent part. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the shield (22) has a relative to the plugging direction angled, bent wing (42) at least partially closes an insertion opening (40) in the shield (22) through which the contact element receptacle (18) in the shield (22 ) can be inserted. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the connector (10) is designed as a device receptacle, wherein preferably on opposite sides of the shield (22) contacts (38) for connection to a circuit carrier (12) are formed. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the shield (22; 66) comprises two, preferably on opposite sides of the shield (22; 66) formed, securing elements (46, 126). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
in that the securing element has a resilient snap-in or latching hook (46), which is preferably formed in a collar (34) formed by the shield (22, 66). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the securing element has a securing projection (126), behind which in the securing position a snap-in or latching hook (46) of one, with the connector (14) mated complementary connector (10) engages. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized by
in the unlocking position of the locking element (72) the securing elements of the connector (10, 14) and of the complementary connector (10, 14) in the securing position and / or are movable out of this and the locking element (72) in the locking position, the locking elements (46, 126) locked in its backup position against movement from the backup position. Connector according to claim 12,
characterized in that the locking element (72) is displaceable parallel to the insertion direction relative to the shield (22; 66) and preferably surrounds the shield (22; 66) at least partially like a sleeve. Connector according to claim 12 or 13,
characterized in that a resilient element (74) is provided, which is tensioned by movement of the locking element (72) relative to the connector (14) in the unlocking position and by means of its restoring force, the locking element (72) is movable into the locking position. Connector according to one of claims 12 to 14,
characterized in that by an opening movement of an actuating part (80) of the housing (76) from a connecting position in which the connector (14) is mated with a complementary connector (10) in an open position relative to the contact element receiving (64), the locking element (72) is movable from the locking position into the unlocking position. Connector according to claim 15,
characterized in that the locking element (72) has a driving stop (128) abutting against a complementary stop (130) of the actuating part (80) at least during part of the opening movement of the actuating part (80). Connector according to one of claims 12 to 16 and claim 11,
characterized in that the connector (14) is adapted for mating with a complementary connector (10) according to claim 10,
and that the locking member (72) is spaced from the shield (66) such that the circumferential collar (34) of the complementary connector (10) is at least partially receivable between the locking member (72) and the shield (66). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that arranged in the contact element receptacle (64) on cable stoppered or battered contact elements (82).

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