EP1887656A1 - Electrical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector (10) has a body (12) suitable for covering sections (56, 58) of lines (26, 30) e.g. cables, and has a hollow space (42) for receiving the sections, where the body is formed from partial elements (14, 16), which are fittingly joined to each other. The elements are provided with electrically conducting reservoirs (38, 44) containing fluid mass in such a manner that the elements withdraw the mass into the space during joining, so as to electrically connect the lines.

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connector for electrically connecting a first line to a second line.

In currently on the market, especially the automotive electrical market, located and known systems of so-called taps or quick connectors two cables to be connected to each other are placed side by side or on top of each other. They are connected by severing or stripping them off and by connecting the joint by means of a solder joint or by means of connectors or clamps. This can be done at any point of the line, so that the subsequent connection of consumers or controls to existing systems is possible.

• durchgeschnitten, abisoliert und neu verlötet werden;
• abisoliert und verlötet werden;
• durchgeschnitten, abisoliert und mit Schraub- oder Klemmverbinden angeschlossen werden;
• mit Klemverbindern durch die Isolierung angeklemmt werden oder
• mit Schneidverbindern durch die Isolierung angeklemmt werden.

In known systems on the market, the two cables which form a first and a second line to be connected to it must either

• cut through, stripped and re-soldered;
• stripped and soldered;
• cut through, stripped and connected with screw or clamp connections;
• be clamped with clamp connectors through the insulation or
• be clamped through the insulation with cutting connectors.

In all the above cases, the insulation is interrupted. As a result, the penetration of moisture is possible. The adverse effect affects the electrical connection and thus the entire connected system.

Another disadvantage is that the cross sections of the cables and the individual strands are changed during cutting and changed in their structure. In solder joints, especially in vibationsgefährdeten areas, the risk of subsequent cable break by hardening of the solder joint. This is also the case with connections through terminals. By closing the clamps, a hard material of the clamp will usually press on the relatively soft material of the cable, whereby at the exit edge of the connection there is also the risk of cable breakage.

Another disadvantage may be that incorporation of known connectors in cables in tight spaces or in harnesses in the composite is often associated with difficulties when the cables can not be pulled in length, and the terminals are not retracted into the connectors or fastened can be kept under train.

For solder joints or connectors that require thermal treatment, when used in bottlenecks or in areas of heat-sensitive substrates, clean processing, which is required for a good electrical connection, is at least very difficult. Surrounding parts are also claimed thermally, damage can often be avoided only by increased effort of insulation or shielding when heated.

For self-piercing clamp connectors, uncontrolled cutting of the insulation and the lead contained therein may occur. Due to an inaccurate definition of the cable cross sections relative to the connector, often only a tangential intersection is present which is insufficient to establish proper current flow. A cable that is too thick can be severely damaged with the consequence that power flows are impeded or cable breaks occur.

Another disadvantage is considered the weight and size of the fasteners used. Due to vibrations can therefore Cable breaks are provoked. The size causes problems at bottlenecks, especially in the case of multiple connections at a connection point, especially when working in channels or behind tailor-made panels.

The object of the invention is to provide a device which makes it possible to connect two electrical conductors or cables with each other and in particular make subsequent to existing lines connections without damaging the lines or cut.

In particular, a connector is to be provided by the invention, with the connection of two lines together without special tools or thermal treatment can be made without the individual fibers or strands of the cables or cables to be connected are damaged or severed.

According to the invention, a connector with the features of claim 1 or the independent claim 3 is proposed for this purpose.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

An electrical connection made with the connector is the subject of the further independent claim.

The invention is based on the basic idea that a cable to be connected can be electrically and permanently connected to an existing connection line by means of the connector by simply applying and exerting manual pressure.

To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical connector for electrically connecting a first line to a second line, the connector being provided with one for enclosing Pieces of both lines suitable body having a cavity for receiving the two sections and is formed at least of a first sub-element and a second sub-element, which are mating together to form the body, at least one of the sub-elements with at least one electrically conductive, flowable mass containing Rerservoir is provided such that when joining the two sub-elements, the flowable material exits into the cavity to electrically connect the two lines.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an electrical connector for electrically connecting a first line to a second line, the connector being provided with a body suitable for encompassing portions of both lines and having at least one cavity for receiving the two sections a first sub-element and a second sub-element are formed, which are fittingly joined together to form the body, wherein the body is formed such that the two sections are urged by the joining of the two sub-elements in mutual contact. The contact can be made directly by urging the sections against each other or indirectly, for example, by urging both sections against a bridge contact element made of metal or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of this second aspect of the invention, a reservoir of a flowable mass is additionally provided, which emerges from the reservoir during assembly of the sub-elements and surrounds the sections, in order then to harden. As a result, the lines and / or the sub-elements are additionally mechanically connected. In particular, if a flowable mass is used, which has no or only insufficient electrical conductivity, in a further preferred embodiment, the sub-elements and the at least one reservoir designed so that a complete wetting of the sections in the course of joining the sub-elements takes place only when already the direct or indirect contact is made. This can, for example, by a resilient Design of a bridge contact done that makes contact very quickly, even before the reservoir is broken.

In particular, the combination of the production of the electrical connection in the cavity by applying pressure on the one hand and the electrically conductive flowable mass on the other hand is preferred.

By making the connection in a cavity, which is formed by joining two sub-elements, the power tap can be produced in one operation and permanently secure.

Also, a current-proof insulation of the compound is thereby particularly simple to design, for example by the walls of the cavity electrically insulating or the whole body of electrically insulating material, in particular plastic is produced.

• ohne Werkzeuge manuell verriegelt werden kann,
• langfristig eine sichere elektrische Verbindung bietet,
• sicher isoliert,
• korrosionssicher ist,
• möglichst platzsparend ist,
• aus einem Bauteil besteht,
• gewichtsarm ist und/oder
• kostengünstig in Massen herstellbar ist.

Advantages of the invention and / or its advantageous embodiments are that an electrical connector can be provided which

• Can be locked manually without tools
• provides a secure electrical connection in the long term,
• safely isolated,
• is corrosion resistant,
• as space-saving as possible,
• consists of a component,
• is low in weight and / or
• is inexpensive to produce in bulk.

The connector is formed in a particularly preferred embodiment substantially by a body made of plastic or other electrically non-conductive material. The body is divided into two sub-elements, preferably in an upper part and a lower part of the then designed as a housing body.

Further preferably, the two sub-elements are connected by means of a hinge or a belt or the like, so that they form a single component even in a non-assembled state and that not one of the sub-elements can be laid. In addition, you need to first attach only one of the sub-elements when attaching and then has the other right at hand. Advantageously, both sub-elements can be produced together, for example injection-molded from plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the two sub-elements are loose, but clearly identifiable successive fuegbar.

In a further preferred embodiment, channels are incorporated into the sub-elements, which record the lines, in particular cables, defined after removal of a possible insulation on the two sections. As a result, the lines within the subsequent cavity have a defined course. In one embodiment, the channels are such that they force the leads or cables into a position to contact each other in parallel or crosswise. In another embodiment, the channels are only in fluid communication, wherein the electrical contact is made exclusively via the then introduced into both channels and the fluid connection flowable electrically conductive medium, which is formed in a further preferred embodiment for subsequent curing. For this purpose, preference is given to using an electrically conductive adhesive which, after curing, connects the sub-elements and envelops the sections of the cables so that a secure, electrically conductive and encapsulated connection occurs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the channels are designed such that both a contact of the sections with each other and an additional electrical connection is made by the flowable medium.

The fixation of the lines in the previously explained position is achieved by the joining of the two sub-elements, wherein the two sub-elements by appropriate technical fastening devices, such as by latching and / or a connector fixed, possibly also releasably, can be locked together.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one storage container with an adhesive is inserted in one or both of the two sub-elements as a reservoir.

The clean electrical connection is made by the mechanical connection of the wires or strands of the two lines to be connected with the addition of a preferably electrically conductive (adhesive) mass. This is added by the adhesive is released after inserting the sections of the two lines by connecting, in particular latching of the two sub-elements of the connector. This is expediently carried out by the breaking up of the storage container or containers by mechanical pressure. Here could be used as an aid a corresponding shape (mandrel or the like) in the interior of the connector used.

The mass should be kept storable in a flowable state. This can be achieved, for example, by keeping it airtight under a membrane under sealing or introduced as a two-component system. It could expediently a component in the first sub-element, for example, upper part, and the second in the second part element, for example, lower part are housed. Thus, a good shelf life is obtained while maintaining a fast secure connection after pressing the lock of the connector.

An uncontrolled leakage of adhesive from the connector and the entry of moisture, mechanical influences or contamination is counteracted by appropriate shaping of the connector at outlet openings through which the lines leave the connector body, with sealing means. The sealing devices may, for example, contain flexible lips at the outlet openings, which create a seal against the lines led through the outlet openings. Moreover, the leakage of the flowable mass may be due to a balanced amount of the same, so they only fills the cavity formed for example by the channels, counteracted.

The connector may be formed as a connector of two continuous lines with four outlet openings. In a further embodiment, the connector can be equipped as tapping connector for connecting one end of a second line to a continuous first line without severing the first line with at least three outlet openings, wherein the stripped end of the second line by mechanical pressure and / or electrically conductive mass the stripped, housed in the body intermediate portion of the first line is connected. At least the body has two outlet openings in order to connect in accordance with the invention two ends of two lines by pressure and / or electrically flowable mass.

An advantageous use of the connector is the vehicle electrical system. In particular, the connector could be used to pick up the power and signal supply for a trailer on retrofitted trailer systems. For this purpose, the corresponding line is selected and connected with the connector to the corresponding trailer circuit only in the guided to the backs of the towing vehicle harnesses.

Other vehicle accessories can be easily and safely connected to existing circuits in the motor vehicle with the connector described here.

These examples of use are only given as examples and are by no means exhaustive. Even with original equipment and outside of the vehicle electrical system, the connector is easy to use.

It would also be conceivable to make the connector larger, so that not only two but more lines are connected to each other. Also, in a connector several connections could be made by pairs of cables.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines elektrischen Verbinders, wobei innere Teile mit gestrichelten oder dünneren Linien dargestellt sind;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines elektrischen Verbinders, wobei innere Teile mit gestrichelten oder dünneren Linien dargestellt sind; und

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform eines elektrischen Verbinders, wobei innere Teile mit gestrichelten oder dünneren Linien dargestellt sind.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical connector, wherein inner parts are shown with dashed or thinner lines;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrical connector, wherein inner parts are shown with dashed or thinner lines; and

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrical connector, wherein inner parts are shown with dashed or thinner lines.

In Fig. 1 to 3 three embodiments of a total of 10 designated electrical connector are shown.

In all embodiments, the connector 10 has a body in the form of a housing 12, which is formed by joining a first sub-element in the form of a lower part 14 and a second sub-element in the form of an upper part 16.

The upper part 16 and the lower part 14 are made of plastic in such a way that they are connected by a flexible web 18 hinged to each other. The web 18 thus forms a hinge 20. At the respective web 18 opposite side, the two sub-elements 14, 16 mating parts of a latching connection 22 on. The figures show the assembled state in which the two sub-elements 14 and 16 are folded under the bend of the web 18 to each other, so that the latching connection 22 is engaged. As can be seen, the two sub-elements 14, 16 on their sides facing each other to matching structures, so that they join to the housing 12.

Both sub-elements 14, 16 each have half-structures on their inner sides to be straightened to form a first channel 24 for receiving a first line 26 and for forming a second channel 28 for receiving a second line 30.

At the end faces of the housing 12, the mouths of the channels 28, 30 as outlet openings 32 - 35 configured for the lines 26, 30.

Next, at least one of the two sub-elements 14, 16, here at least the lower part 14, at least one reservoir in the form of a reservoir 38 on.

In a not yet assembled state of the two sub-elements 14, 16 of the reservoir 38 is filled with an electrically conductive adhesive in a flowable form and sealed with a membrane 40.

At least the two channels 24, 28 form a cavity 42 in the housing 12. When joining the two sub-elements 14, 16, the membrane 40 of the reservoir 38 is broken, so that the electrically conductive adhesive pours into the cavity 42 and at least partially fills it , The adhesive is preferably pasty so that it can flow but not drip.

In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first channel 24 and the second channel 28 is guided in a cross. Next to the first reservoir 38 on the lower part 14 and on the upper part 16, a second reservoir for forming a second reservoir for the electrically conductive adhesive is provided and sealed with a second diaphragm 46. Each reservoir 38, 44 is assigned to the respective other sub-element, a mandrel 48, 49 which pierces the associated membrane 40, 46 when folding of the lower part 14 and upper part 16.

As a conductive adhesive, for example, a liquid metal adhesive can be used. An example of this is the adhesive available under the trade name "Locktide Type 3450".

However, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with two storage containers 38, 44 also opens up the possibility of using a two-component adhesive, wherein the first component is accommodated in the first storage container 38 and the second component in the second storage container 44. After the storage containers 38, 44 are broken, mixing of the two components takes place in the cavity 42, after which the adhesive can then harden. At least one component can also be present as a free-flowing (and thus likewise free-flowing in the sense understood here) powder.

In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the first channel 24 and the second channel 26 are guided parallel to each other and only in fluid communication. In an area where the two channels 24, 28 are open to each other, the reservoir 38 is provided, which is filled with the electrically conductive adhesive and breaks when joining the two sub-elements 14, 16 and so the fluid connection between the channels 24, 28 completely fills.

In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a similar configuration is made as in the second embodiment, but on the upper part 16 additionally a bridge contact element 50 made of metal, such as spring steel, is arranged. The bridge contact element 50 has in the region of the two channels 24, 26 in each case a recess 52, 53, in which the two in the channels 24, 28 guided lines 26, 30 can be received in contact.

The outlet openings 32-35 are equipped with sealing means in the form of flexible lips 54.

The illustrated embodiments of electrical connectors 10 serve to electrically connect to a continuous first conduit 26 without severing same, a second continuous conduit 30 in a secure manner.

For this purpose, the procedure is basically such that a first section 56 of the first line 26 - for example a cable with an inner strand - is stripped to a length which is shorter than the first channel 24. Also, a second portion 58 of the second lead 30 (eg, a comparable cable) is stripped to a length shorter than the second channel 28. The first portion 56 is then placed in one of the two halves of the first channel 24 on one of the two sub-elements 14, 16 such that the left and right of the first portion 56 subsequent still isolated portions of the first conduit 26 in the first outlet opening 32nd and the third outlet opening 34 sealingly connects to the existing there flexible lips 54. Then, the two sub-elements 14, 16 are folded using the web 18 as a hinge 20 and pressed together manually until the locking connection 22 engages.

In the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 while the two sections 56, 58 are urged directly to each other, so that a direct electrical contact is formed. As the compression progresses, the two storage containers 38, 44, z. Example, by means of the respective mandrel 48, 49, so that the contacting portions 56, 58 are enveloped on the outside by the adhesive, which then subsequently by contact with air or - when used as a two-component adhesive - harden by mixing the two components. In the event that a secure electrical contact is first made by the compression of the two sections 56, 58, before the adhesive wets the two sections 56, 58, the adhesive does not necessarily have to be electrically conductive. After curing of the adhesive then the two sections 56, 58 are mechanically connected by means of the adhesive and the housing 12 via the locking connection 22 firmly together. The housing 12 also acts as insulation of the stripped sections 56, 58 and as protection for the same against environmental influences. The flexible lips 54 serve, on the one hand, to prevent the leakage of the adhesive from the housing 12 and, on the other hand, to prevent the penetration of undesirable substances, such as moisture, into the interior of the housing 12.

In the second embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the channels 24, 26 are guided such that the two sections 56, 58 do not touch. Here, the electrical connection is made exclusively by the electrically conductive adhesive from the reservoir 38, which bursts when folding the lower part and upper part and thereby and the two sections 1 and 2 applied pressure, so that the contained electrically conductive adhesive is pressed out and the cavity 42 filled. Due to the air inlet, the electrically conductive adhesive then hardens, so that a secure electrical and mechanical connection is made here as well.

In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3, an additional indirect electrical contact between the two received in the recesses 52 and 53 sections 56 and 58 is made.

In a modification of this third embodiment, the edges of the recesses 52 and 53 are formed as knife edges, wherein the recesses 52 and 53 are provided with a smaller inner diameter than the inner wires or strands of the two lines 26, 30. In this case, the two sections 56 must , 58 are not necessarily stripped before insertion into channels 24, 28. Upon compression of the two sub-elements 14, 16 cut the walls of the recesses 52, 53 in the insulation and in the wires of the lines 26, 30 and thus provide via the bridge contact element 50 an indirect electrical contact. The cut from the walls of the recesses 52, 53 part is occupied by these walls, so that this incision has no negative impact on the wire cross-section. In this relative position, the sections 56, 58 with the bridge contact element 50 and the two Part elements 14, 16 fixed on the metallically conductive adhesive from the reservoir 38.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

electrical connector

12

Housing (body)

14

Lower part (first part element)

16

Upper part (second part element)

18

web

20

hinge

22

locking connection

24

first channel

26

first line

28

second channel

30

second line

32

first exit opening

33

second exit opening

34

third outlet

35

fourth outlet opening

38

(first) storage tank (reservoir)

40

(first) membrane

42

cavity

44

(second) storage tank

46

(second) membrane

48

mandrel

49

mandrel

50

Bridge contact element

52

recess

53

recess

54

flexible lips (sealing device)

56

First part

58

second part

Claims (27)

An electrical connector (10) for electrically connecting a first conduit (26) to a second conduit (30), comprising a body (12) adapted to encompass portions (56, 58) of both conduits (26, 30) and defining a cavity (10). 42) for receiving the two sections (56, 58) and at least of a first sub-element (14) and a second sub-element (16) is formed, which are fitting together to form the body (12) are joined together, wherein at least one of the sub-elements (14, 16) is provided with at least one an electrically conductive, flowable mass-containing Rerservoir (38, 44) such that upon assembly of the two sub-elements (14, 16) the flowable mass exits into the cavity (42) to the two To connect lines (26, 30) electrically. Connector according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that the electrically conductive mass is formed in such a way that it cures after entering the cavity (42) in order to mechanically connect the leads (26, 30) and / or the subelements (14, 16). An electrical connector (10) for electrically connecting a first conduit (26) to a second conduit (30), having a body (12) adapted to encompass portions (56, 58) of both conduits, having a cavity (42) for receiving the body two sections (56, 58) and at least of a first sub-element (14) and a second sub-element (16) is formed, which match each other to form the body (12) can be joined together, wherein the body is formed such that the two sections (56, 58) are urged by the joining of the two sub-elements (14, 16) in direct or indirect electrical contact with each other. Connector according to claim 3,
characterized,
in that at least one of the partial elements (14, 16) is provided with at least one Rerservoir (38, 44) containing a flowable hardenable mass such that when the two partial elements (14, 16) are joined together the flowable mass exits into the cavity (42), to mechanically connect the two lines (26, 30) and / or the two sub-elements (14, 16). Connector according to one of claims 3 or 4,
characterized,
in that the two sub-elements (14, 16) and the at least one reservoir (38, 44) are designed in such a way that wetting of the parts of the lines with the mass during the course of assembly takes place only after the direct or indirect electrical contacting of the sections (56, 56; 58). Connector according to one of claims 3 to 5,
characterized,
that the flowable mass is electrically conductive to electrically connect the lines (26,30). A connector according to claim 2 or claim 6,
characterized,
that the mass is an electrically conductive adhesive. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that at least two reservoirs (38, 44) with different components of the flowable mass are provided which, when entering the Cavity (42) for initiating at least partial mixing of the mass and / or rendering the mass conductive. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the at least one reservoir (38, 44) which is present on one (14; 16) of the two subelements before the two subelements are joined together is closed by a membrane (40, 46). Connector according to claim 9,
characterized,
that the other (16; 14) of the two partial elements having a mandrel (48, 49) is provided for piercing the membrane. Connector according to one of claims 8 or 9,
characterized,
in that the other of the two sub-elements is provided with a pressing device (50) which presses on the reservoir (38, 44) during the assembly of the two sub-elements (14, 16) in order to at least partially squeeze out the flowable mass. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the amount of flowable mass in the reservoir (38, 44) and the position of the reservoir (38, 44) are selected such that the mass does not escape from the cavity (42) during assembly. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the two partial elements (14, 16) and / or the body (12) are formed from electrically insulating material. Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the first subelement is a lower part (14) and the second subelement is an upper part (16) of the body constructed in the form of a housing (12). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the two subelements (14, 16) are connected to one another by means of a hinge (20) or a band or the like in such a way that they can be joined together so as to enclose the cavity (42). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the body (12) has a first channel (24) for receiving the portion (56) of the first conduit (26). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the body (12) has a second channel (28) for receiving the second line (30) of the section (58). A connector according to claim 16 and claim 17 and any one of claims 1 or 4,
characterized,
that the first and the second channel (24, 28) are in fluid communication with each other, so that the first and the second channel with the fluid connection form the cavity (42) and by the flowable mass when joining the two sub-elements (14, 16) completely or partially fillable. A connector according to claim 16 and claim 17 or according to claims 16 to 18,
characterized,
that the first (24) and the second (28) channel are guided in such a way over cross or are led side by side so that the two sections (56, 58) in the joined state of the two sub-elements (14, 16) directly or indirectly, in particular via an electrically conductive bridge contact element (50), contact. A connector according to any one of claims 16 to 19,
characterized,
that the first channel (24) at least partially to the first part element (14) is formed, and is formed of the second channel (28) at least partially to the second part element (16). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the body (12) has at least one first outlet opening (32) for leading out of the cavity (42) a first portion of the first conduit (26) adjoining the portion (56) of the first conduit (26) encompassed by the body (12) ) and at least one second outlet opening (33) for leading out of the cavity (42) a first portion of the second conduit adjoining the portion (58) of the second conduit (30) encompassed by the body. Connector according to claim 21,
characterized,
in that the body (12) has a third exit opening (34) for leading a second portion of the first conduit (26) adjacent the portion (56) of the first conduit (26) encompassed by the body (12) at the opposite end as the first section of the first line connects. A connector according to one of claims 21 or 22,
characterized,
in that the body (10) has a fourth outlet opening (35) for leading out a second portion of the second conduit (30) which adjoins the portion (58) of the second conduit (30) encompassed by the body (12) opposite end as the first portion of the second line (30) connects. A connector according to any one of claims 21 to 23,
characterized,
in that at least one, several or all of the outlet openings (32-35) are or are provided with a preferably electrically insulating sealing device (54) which, upon insertion of the associated line (26, 30), bears against them, in order to prevent escape of the flowable Avoid mass from the body (12). Connector according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that at least one of the two sub-elements (14, 16) is provided with a fastening device (22) for fastening the two sub-elements together. Connector according to claim 25,
characterized,
that the fastening means comprises a snap-in connection (22) and / or a plug connection. An electrical connection comprising a first line (26) and a second line (30) electrically connected together by a connector (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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