EP2530790B1 - Electric plug connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrical connector for use between a corresponding socket and an electrical control device for a restraint system in motor vehicles according to claim 1.

For such electrical connectors are extremely high safety requirements in terms of plug security and Kontaktierungssicherheit, both of which must be ensured over a long period of time and under some extreme conditions such as vibration and strong temperature fluctuations.

At the same time there is the demand for ever cheaper, lighter and easy-to-install connectors with the least possible space.

Likewise, an intuitive operation of the release during the release process, preferably without tools, be given.

Other requirements are low insertion forces with clear acoustic and / or tactile feedback during insertion, display of the plug state and as safe as possible against external influences geometry.

The US 7 131 854 B1 discloses an electrical connector and an airbag device with an electrical connector. The DE 202 21 894 U1 discloses an electrical connector with a housing body, resilient latching arms and a locking member that can be plugged onto the housing.

The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the abovementioned technical problems as optimally as possible, in particular tailored to standard interfaces.

This object is achieved with the features of claims 1 or 9. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. All combinations of at least two of the features specified in the description, the claims and / or the drawings also fall within the scope of the invention.

The invention is based on the idea, in particular waiving a secondary lock on the housing of the connector arranged locking arms so that accidental release of the connector from the box (ie without actuation of the locking arm or the locking arms, ie in the locked position) due to Geometry of the locking arm, the locking of the locking arm or the housing is reinforced with the box (lock). In other words, the engagement of the locking arm in the can, in particular on a locking arm corresponding to the locking portion of the box, so amplified that pulling out of the plug without operation of the locking arm is impossible (except by destruction). Thus, the electrical connector according to the invention is self-locking, as far as an actuation of the locking arm or the locking arms is omitted. When loading the connector against the insertion direction S (ie when applying a tensile force K) acts of the locking arm (or Locking arms) such that the latching force of the latching or the holding force increases automatically with increasing tensile force until the destruction of the locking arm or the housing or the electrical connector. The self-locking effect can be canceled by actuation of the locking arm (or the locking arms) at least to the extent that a withdrawal of the connector from the can (lighter) is possible.

Decisive here is in particular the interaction of the system of inventive electrical connector and the, in particular standardized, can (lighter).

It is particularly advantageous according to an embodiment of the invention, when the electrical connector is formed so that upon actuation of the locking arm (or the locking arms), the locking connection between the locking arm and the can not completely disengaged (and correspondingly reduces the holding force or latching force to zero would), but by actuation of the locking arm only the self-locking effect (locking) of the locking arm is released. For releasing the electrical connector when the locking arm is actuated while a (not self-locking) locking force to overcome, in particular against the spring force of the locking arm, preferably by deformation of the locking arm. It is particularly advantageous if a deformation of the locking arm for suspension in a plug-in direction S lower portion of the spring arm (spring portion below the locking portion) is provided, in particular by curvature of the spring portion of the corresponding locking portion of the can.

In this way, a space-saving geometry can be realized, which can be used simultaneously in standard cans and the self-locking Effect of the locking arm is realized in a particularly simple and space-saving manner.

Particularly effective is the self-locking effect of the locking arm when the latching of the locking arm according to a further embodiment of the invention with the can takes place transversely to a direction of insertion S.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the locking arm between two, in particular transversely to the insertion direction arranged opposite, preferably integrally formed on the cover, stops, between the locking position and the unlocked position is actuated. Such a geometry is surprisingly effective, safe and space-saving feasible without fatigue even with long-term use, for example by creeping of the plastic material occur.

It is particularly advantageous if the locking arm is arched in the inserted state in cross-section radially outward, since in this way the self-locking effect or reinforcement of the latching of the connector with the can under optimal force distribution along the locking arm can be realized. This ensures that the locking arm, depending on the geometry and nature of a very high maximum counterforce until the destruction of the locking arm and / or the connector applies.

By the latching portion is formed as, in particular rounded, latching lug, there is a clear acoustic and tactile feedback during the insertion process. At the same time, such a design is space-saving feasible and usable with standard cans.

According to a further embodiment of the invention is advantageously provided that the housing has a, in particular latched to the housing by latching means, lid. In this way, the electrical connector of two components, namely a lid and the locking arm (or the locking arms) having plug body produced, so that the production costs are reduced to a minimum, since only two plastic parts are to be produced. This brings a component reduction and cost savings.

By the length F of the spring portion is less than a third, in particular less than a quarter, the height of the locking arm, the spring portion is stable and the lock ensured.

According to the invention it is also conceivable to dispense with a secondary lock. Thus, the release of a shorting bridge can be much easier to integrate, since the kinematics of the connector according to the invention is much easier than with connectors with a secondary locking is formed.

According to the invention, a system of the above-described connector with the above-described box is disclosed, wherein device-specific features of the electrical connector and / or the box are to be considered as disclosed system.

Figur 1a

eine Querschnittsansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders mit einem betätigten und einem nicht betätigten Verriegelungsarm mit einer Dose in einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Figur 1b

eine Querschnittsansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Steckverbinders mit einem betätigten und einem nicht betätigten Verriegelungsarm mit einer Dose in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht des Steckverbinders,

Figur 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckverbinders,

Figur 4

eine Ansicht des Steckverbinders von oben und

Figur 5

eine Ansicht des Steckverbinders von unten.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. These show:

FIG. 1a

a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the invention with an actuated and a non-actuated locking arm with a socket in a first embodiment,

FIG. 1b

a cross-sectional view of the connector according to the invention with an actuated and a non-actuated locking arm with a socket in a second embodiment,

FIG. 2

a side view of the connector,

FIG. 3

a perspective view of the connector,

FIG. 4

a view of the connector from above and

FIG. 5

a view of the connector from below.

In the figures, identical or identical components are identified by the same reference numerals.

The in FIGS. 2 to 5 shown electrical connector 1 consists of a plug body 10s and a with the plug body 10s via latching means 15, 16 latched lid 10d, which together form a housing 10. In the housing 10 two lines 2, 3 are guided, which are each connected to sockets 4, 5 in the interior of the L-shaped housing 10, wherein the sockets 4, 5 are parallel to each other and extend in the insertion direction S. The bushes 4, 5 are used for electrical contacting of the electrical connector 1 with two corresponding plug contacts 52, 53 of the box 50th

For locking the electrical connector 1 to the socket 50 are each provided on the electrical connector 1 laterally opposite locking arms 11, 11 'as part of the plug body 10s. These have latching sections 12, 12 'with latching lugs 12n, 12n', which in the in FIG. 1 shown plugged state with corresponding Locking sections 51, 51 ', here in the form of a circumferential, inner locking groove 54 of the box 50, lock.

The housing 10 is thus formed in two parts and, moreover, only the lines 2, 3 and the sockets 4, 5 are provided as components of the electrical connector.

The plug-in body 10s has a corresponding to the opening of the box 50, in particular substantially cylindrical plug-in contour 19, on which the locking arms 11, 11 'laterally resiliently formed are formed, on a lying in the insertion direction S lower end 20, 20' of Locking arms 11, 11 '. At the opposite, upper (free) end 21, 21 'of the locking arms 11, 11' are each laterally from the housing 10 in the non-actuated (relaxed) state of the locking arms 11, 11 'outstanding handles 22, 22' for actuating the locking arms 11, 11 'provided, in particular integrally formed on these.

With a lower, circumferentially closed annular portion 19r of the plug-in contour 19, the plug-in contour 19 immersed in the inserted state in an at least partially provided on the circumference of an insulating ring 40 of the box 50 bag 41 a. In this way, according to the invention, at least one of the lower ends 20, 20 ', in particular indirectly via the insulating ring 40, fixed in the box 50, wherein the depth of the pocket 41 or the depth of immersion of the lower ends 20, 20' in the pocket 41, the kinematics of from the pocket 41 to the latching portion 12, 12 'with a length F extending spring portion 18, 18' is determined.

The spring portion 18, 18 'is angled in the direction of the latching portion 51, 51' of the box 50, in particular by an angle greater than 5 °, preferably greater than 10 °, more preferably greater than 20 °.

In the FIG. 1 is shown by the non-actuated left locking arm 11 'of the inserted and locked state of the electrical connector 1 in the box 50. The locking arm 11 'is in the locking position, so that the connector 1 can not be pulled out. To define the locking position, a stop 13 'is provided on the cover 10d, at which the upper end 21' of the locking arm 11 'strikes by the spring action of the locking arm 11'.

In order to develop the self-locking effect, at least one of the locking arms 11, 11 '(in the embodiment shown both) has a special geometry that is comparable to the bending beam principle. It is essential that the locking arms, which are connected on one side - and below - act as a bending beam, wherein the bending beam has a lower fixed bearing and an upper movable sliding bearing. As soon as one of the locking arms 11, 11 'by actuation of one of the stops 14, 14' abuts, the corresponding locking arms 11, 11 'receives a second support (namely a plain bearing) and works on the principle of a bent bending beam. In Fig. 1 this is evident in the right locking arms 11. The locking arm 11 is bent outward and unterhakt with the locking lug 12n at the recess of the socket 50. If the connector 1 against the direction of insertion S further actuated, the locking arms 11, 11'in the Sprung position this by pulling the plug after the Bending beam principle on the latching recess of the box actuated and thus so on the locking lugs 12n, 12n 'are deflected, wherein the upper end 21, 21' of the locking arms 11, 11 'on the respective stop 14, 14' slides along. This ensures that the connector 1 upon actuation of the locking arms 11, 11 'can be pulled out of the socket 50 only by train on the plug, since the state before it is designed as a self-locking state in which the locking lugs 12n, 12n' anyway with a small portion engage in the recess on the can 50. The lower end 20 is in the pocket 41 of the insulating ring 40 (conceivable would be a pocket of the box 50) clamped / fixed, at least transversely to the direction of insertion S.

Insofar as on the housing 10 or the electrical connector 1 acts against the direction of insertion S tensile force K (can also be angled abuts) attacks, the locking portion 12, 12 'with its locking lug 12n, 12n' at a corner 12e, 12e 'of the locking lug 12n, 12n 'at a corresponding inner upper edge 51o, 51o' of the corresponding latching portion 51, 51 'from. The higher the tensile force K, the stronger the corresponding holding force. At the same time, the spring portion 17, 17 'bulges toward the interior of the connector 1 and thereby further strengthens the holding force.

Only by pressing the locking arm 11, 11 'in the right locking arm 11 in FIG. 1 shown unlocking position of the connector 1 from the socket 50 is releasable. The unlocking position is defined by a stop 14, 14 'which is arranged opposite the respective stop 13, 13' on the cover 10d. The actuation takes place by laterally protruding from the housing 10 handles 22, 22 '. The locking position can be displayed and controlled by viewing windows 23, 23 '.

In the unlocked position, the locking arm 11, 11 'is curved radially outward, so that the disengagement of the locking against the spring force on the one hand of the spring portion 18, 18' and on the other hand of the on the other side of the locking portion 12, 12 'lying upper spring portion 17, 17th ' he follows. The upper spring portion 17, 17 'according to the invention is longer than the responsible for the locking spring portion 18, 18'.

The embodiments of the cans 50 in the FIGS. 1a and 1b differ in the shape of the locking groove 54, which in the embodiment according to FIG. 1a is bevelled at the inner upper edge 51 o, 51 o ', so that the latching force for releasing the locking arm 11, 11' is lower in the unlocked position.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1b is the inner top edge 51o, 51o 'transverse to the insertion direction S, so that the lock is safer, but the disengagement heavier.

A defined detent point results in particular from the semicircular cross-sectional configuration of the detents 12n, 12n '.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

electrical connector

2

cables

3

cables

4

Rifle

5

Rifle

10

casing

10d

cover

10s

plug body

11, 11 '

lock

12, 12 '

latching sections

12n, 12n '

locking lug

12e, 12e '

corners

13, 13 '

attacks

14, 14 '

attacks

15

latching means

16

latching means

17, 17 '

upper spring sections

18, 18 '

spring sections

19

male profile

19r

ring section

20, 20 '

lower ends

21, 21 '

upper ends

22, 22 '

handles

23, 23 '

window

40

insulating ring

41

bag

50

can

51, 51 '

detent portion

51o, 51o '

inner upper edges

52

plug contact

53

plug contact

54

locking groove

K

traction

S

plug-in direction

F

length

H

height

Claims (8)

1. An electrical plug connector for use between a corresponding socket (50) and an electrical control device for a restraint system in motor vehicles, having a housing (10) with at least one locking arm (11, 11') for latching the housing (10) with the socket (50), which locking arm has an at least partially spring-loaded design and can be actuated for unlocking purposes between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the locking arm (11, 11')

   - the plug connector has a locking configuration in the locking position when a tensile force (K) is applied to release the plug connector from the socket (50),

   - has a lower solid bearing and also an upper sliding bearing and

   - is configured in a detachably latching manner in the unlocking position.
2. The plug connector according to claim 1, wherein the locking arm (11, 11') has a latching section (12, 12') for latching into a corresponding latching section (51, 51') of the socket (50), which is articulated on a lower spring section (18, 18') of the locking arm (11, 11') at an angle to the plug-in direction (S) in the direction of the corresponding latching section (51, 51').
3. The plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the latching of the locking arm (11, 11') with the socket (50) takes placed perpendicularly to the plug-in direction (S).
4. The plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking arm (11, 11') can be actuated between two stops (13, 13', 14, 14') particularly arranged opposite perpendicularly to the plug-in direction (S), preferably formed on the cover (10d), between the locking position and the unlocking position.
5. The plug connector according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking arm (11, 11') is arched outwardly radially in cross section in the unlocking position.
6. The plug connector according to claim 2, wherein the latching section (12, 12') is configured as a particularly rounded latching lug (12n, 12n').
7. The plug connector according to claim 2, wherein the locking arm (11, 11') is fixed at its lower end, particularly by immersion in a pocket (41) of an insulating ring (40) inserted into the socket (5).
8. A system comprising a plug connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a socket (50) with a corresponding latching section (51, 51').

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