EP3332162A1

EP3332162A1 - Coupling connection device comprising line coupling connector and wind guard

Info

Publication number: EP3332162A1
Application number: EP16725832.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Benjamin Weber; Viktor Stoll; Thomas Petschl; Stephan Mann
Original assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
Current assignee: Norma Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2015-08-07
Filing date: 2016-05-24
Publication date: 2018-06-13
Also published as: WO2017025211A1; JP2018530722A; KR102085306B1; US10295097B2; JP6623297B2; DE102015113086B4; KR20180038023A; DE102015113086A1; US20180216768A1; CN107850252A

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling connection device (1) comprising a line coupling connector (10) and a wind guard (50), wherein the line coupling connector (10) has a first and a second coupling element (11, 12), which are fitted together in an axial direction (A). Arresting means (13) of the first coupling element (11) thereby engage with the second coupling element (12). The wind guard (50) has a plastic shell (51) comprising a first part-shell (52) and a second part-shell (53), which lie opposite one another in a parting plane (T) and enclose a receiving space (54), and also form a first and a second line opening (55, 56), which connect the receiving space (54) to the surrounding region (U) outside the receiving space (54). The first coupling element (11) is coupled in an axially fixed manner in the axial direction (A) to the first part-shell (52) and/or the second part-shell (53) in the receiving space (54) by interlocking engagement. Actuating means (57, 58) are coupled to the arresting means (13) in such a way that, by a movement of the wind guard (50) in the axial direction (A) and away from the second coupling element (12), the arresting means (13) can be actuated and the first coupling element (11) can be separated from the second coupling element (12).

Description

Connector device with cable connector and windshield

The invention relates to a plug connection device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Plug-in devices serve for the plug-in connection of two conductor sections with a plug connector, wherein a first plug element forms the end of the first conductor section and a second plug element forms the end of the second conductor section. The conductor sections may be electrical and hydraulic conductors. Often, for example, in the automotive industry and electrical conductors and hydraulic conductors in one

Ladder tree summarized. Among other things, this affects the wiper water pipes, which are integrated in cable harnesses. Especially in cold environments and when exposed to wind, for example in the vehicle or aircraft, the connector is vulnerable to damage, eg by freezing the fluid in a hydraulic ladder. To prevent this, connectors with

Windshields packed. In addition, line connectors usually have hard materials and can produce clattering and knocking noises when vibrated by colliding with other line connectors or peripheral components. Again, this can be prevented with windshields.

As windshields come in the art, especially in vehicle construction,

Windbreak hoses used. These flexible windshields are pushed over the cable connectors, which they usually before when open

Line connectors must be pushed onto one of the conductor sections to be connected. The disadvantage of this is that they can only badly position electrical cables including the cable connectors and also hydraulic cable connectors. There is a risk that this will cause noise, e.g. Rattling noises. In addition, windshields are partially on the line connector, creating thermal bridges are formed. Fluids in hydraulic connectors can thereby freeze or at least become very viscous.

Another disadvantage is the uncontrolled mounting. First, the windshield is roughly brought into position and then usually a cable tie tightened around the ends. The tightening torque is hardly predictable, so either air passages remain free or conductors are squeezed. Depending on how ladder bundles just fall, the connection can loosen up later and slip the windshield. During assembly and disassembly, the hose ends are to be everted, which requires hand skills and time. In the case of maintenance is disadvantageous that the windshield hose must be pushed back to get to the individual line connector. An alternative protection of at least one electrical connector is disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,307,219 B1, according to which two half-shells are used, which together form a shell with an internal cavity. The openings of the half-shells are each with a

Elastomer membrane spans. When the electrical connector is now placed between and closes the shells, the two diaphragms deform around the electrical connector. The disadvantage is that a relatively large box around the electrical connector is necessary to realize this. If you put several cable connectors between the membranes, these in turn can collide with each other and are not properly positioned to each other. Furthermore, the membranes represent thermal bridges, which lead from the housing shell directly to the electrical connector. For many

Line connector or hydraulic connector is the case according to US 7,307,219 B1 therefore rather unsuitable.

Furthermore, GB 1 413 650 A discloses a shell consisting of two half-shells. The two half shells exactly follow the geometry of the male electrical conductors and connectors. The half-shells are placed around this and then connected to a flange by screws. The disadvantage is that a large thermal bridge is present, so that this training at low temperatures not for hydraulic

Line connector is suitable.

All known solutions have in common that in the maintenance case, first the windshield is to remove, then to decouple the line connector. Due to the tight space in vehicles, this is often difficult. Fiddling with standard tools such as screwdrivers and pliers is limited and can also cause damage.

The object is therefore to provide a maintenance-friendly device which is suitable for preventing noise developments in the area of line connectors and

protect hydraulic line connectors from low temperatures. For putting in, it should be compact, easy and correct to install and inexpensive.

Main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 1. 1

The invention relates to a connector device with a cable connector and a windshield. The lead connector has first and second plug members which are mated in an axial direction. In this case, locking means of the first plug-in element engage with the second plug-in element. The windshield cover has a plastic shell with a first subshell and a second subshell, which lie opposite one another in a parting plane and enclose a receiving space and form a first and second conduit opening which surrounds the receiving space with the surrounding area connect outside the recording room. The first plug-in element is axially fixed in the receiving space by positive engagement in the axial direction with the first sub-shell and / or the second sub-shell coupled. In this case, actuating means are coupled to the locking means that by a movement of the windshield in the axial direction and away from the second plug element, the locking means, in particular with the actuating means, are actuated and the first plug element is separable from the second plug element.

The advantage of this is that the plastic shell of the windshield forms a disassembly tool for disconnecting the line connector. The windshield already has a larger diameter than the inner connector and can therefore be better grasped. The adaptation of the plastic shell to the respective installation location is much easier to implement than to arrange individual cable connectors at each site. At the same time the windshield also fulfills its core tasks, namely a permanent and accurate positioning of the line connector in the windshield, a formation of an insulating air cushion around the line connector contour and a prevention of rattling noise, because the line connector is in a defined position in the windshield and can do not collide with other components.

During assembly, the line connector then forms a plug connection between a first and a second conductor section, wherein the first conductor section is fixed to the first plug element and fixed by the first line opening and the second conductor section on the second plug element and by the second line opening from the

Recording room out in the surrounding area are performed. The first and second conductor sections may be electrical conductor sections and / or hydraulic

Conductor sections act. Whenever a ladder tree is provided of at least two ladders, it is recommended that the line connector connects two hydraulic conductor sections together, and a second line connector spaced from the first line connector in the receiving space is arranged. If only one of the

Line connector to be opened using the windshield, the second line connector is slidably mounted on the windshield. If both

Cable connectors are to be decoupled simultaneously with the windshield, the storage of the second line connector corresponds to that of the first.

According to a further embodiment of the connector device is provided that the locking means are designed as retaining springs and the actuating means in the retaining springs intervention. As a result, a coupling is provided with which the retaining springs can be solved. This can thus be opened with the windshield also a line connector, which locking means, namely the retaining springs comprises. For example, the actuating means may be formed by ribs, in particular ribs, which is aligned transversely to the axial direction. The rib stiffens the same time

Part shells and prevents their deformation.

In a particular embodiment, the locking means comprise two opposing retaining springs on the first plug-in element, wherein a first actuating means on the first

Partial shell is arranged and engages in the first retaining spring, and wherein a second

Actuating means is arranged on the second partial shell and engages in the second retaining spring. According to a special variant of the plug connection device, the wind protection cover is for the distance of an actuating path extending in the axial direction on the first

Sliding mounted sliding element, wherein in a first end position of the actuating travel, the locking means of the first plug element with the second plug element are engaged, and wherein in a second end position of the actuating path, the locking means of the first

Plug element does not interfere with the second plug element. This ensures that the locking means can close completely and are only released when at the

Windshield is pulled in the axial direction. The operation is particularly easy. The positive connection between the windshield and the first plug-in element should have so much game that the windshield is slidably mounted on the first plug-in element for the distance of the extending in the axial direction actuating path. In a first end position of the actuating travel, the locking means of the first plug-in element are then engaged with the second plug-in element. In a second end position of the actuating travel, the locking means of the first plug-in element are no longer in engagement with the second plug-in element.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating means along the actuating travel on the retaining springs are slidably mounted, which are aligned substantially in the axial direction A, but in the direction away from the second plug element on the outside form a rising ramp. By sliding over the ramp with the actuating means, the retaining springs to a rocker axis pivoted and the locking means stand out from the second plug-in element. The rocker axis is preferably designed as an elastic rib.

According to a special embodiment, the ramp has recesses in which the actuating means jump. In particular, at least one indentation in the first should

End position be provided. As a result, the windshield is fixed in the first end position on the first plug-in element in a defined position. Rattling noises are avoided and sealing elements are correctly positioned relative to each other. Preferably, a recess is also provided in the second end position. Thus, the second end position is haptically recognizable and the locking means do not jump when disassembling back into the

Locking position. In addition, the first end position and the second end position are haptically recognizable by the operator, and it requires an actuating force to overcome the wells. In a preferred embodiment, the second plug-in element fits through the second conduit opening. Then the separation of the plug-in elements can be carried out completely, without the windshield must be removed.

Furthermore, it is provided in a detail design that the plastic shell with existing plug connection between the first and second plug element by a linear or rotating relative movement of the first and second partial shell in the

Normal plane of the axial direction is obvious and closable. Thus, on the one hand, the already plugged cable connector can be inserted into the plastic shell and the latter can be closed. On the other hand, an opening of the plastic shell is possible, in which the cable connector is not mitgeöffnet.

To provide a high thermal insulation there is the option that the

Line connector in the receiving space is held by an air gap spaced from the first sub-shell and the second sub-shell. Preferably, the air gap is around the

Line connector substantially uniformly large. Thus, the thermal insulation is homogeneous in all directions.

A comfortable handling of the connector device succeeds when the first and second sub-shell are coupled together via an aligned in the axial direction of pivot, so that the first and second sub-shell hinged relative to each other and collapsible are. The joint may be, for example, a foil hinge. Such is inexpensive.

Furthermore, the windshield can optionally have operable locking means with which the first and second sub-shell are closed together to form the receiving space. It is thereby possible a tool-free installation. Depending on the design is one

Tool-based or tool-free disassembly feasible. Preferably, the locking means comprise first locking means on the first sub-shell and second locking means on the second sub-shell. Inexpensive in the production, it is especially if the first locking means are integrally formed, in particular monolithic, with the first sub-shell, and the second locking means are integrally formed, in particular monolithic, with the second sub-shell.

Optionally, the plastic shell can be a peripheral side relative to the axial direction

Have handle thickening. Accordingly easy and ergonomic you can

Grasp windshield without tools and loosen the plug connection by pulling.

The plug connection device is particularly suitable for embodiments in which the second plug element is a stationary connection piece. The second conduit opening may in this case be connected to a carrier element, e.g. a wall, the connecting piece to be closed or covered. This improves the thermal insulation.

In a preferred low-cost embodiment, the first actuating means is integrally formed, in particular monolithic, with the first partial shell. A simple and quick installation succeeds in particular, according to an optional embodiment, in which the first and second conduit opening are arranged in the parting plane between the first and second sub-shell.

Incidentally, should the first and second sub-shell of the outer contour of or

Follow the cable connectors. Ideally, results in an elongated windshield, which has at its ends the conductor openings. Preferably, the maximum thickening of the windshield is in the parting plane between the two subshells. This facilitates assembly by inserting the cable connector or connectors. In a variant of the windshield, a seal between the first sub-shell and the second sub-shell is formed and / or arranged. This is achieved by mechanically abutting sealing surfaces or by an elastic seal. Thus, no wind penetrates into the windshield. Also in the region of the conduit openings seals may be provided, in particular elastic sealing sleeves.

To avoid rattling noises and to achieve a defined mounting position, an addition to the connector device offers such that the

Plastic shell has a fastening means for fixing to another component. This fastening means may be, for example, a clip contour, a latching means or a tab with an opening.

In a particularly cold environment, there is the option to use a plug connection device in which an electrically operated heating element is arranged in the receiving space. This is preferably operated as antifreeze heater in relation to the present in the line connector fluid.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a connector device with a

Cable connector in an open windshield; and

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a half-section of the one shown in Fig. 1

Plug connection device with closed windshield.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a connector device 1 with a line connector 10 in an open windshield 50. The windshield 50 has a plastic shell 51 with a first sub-shell 52 and a second sub-shell 53. When the partial shells 52, 53 are closed, they face each other in a parting plane T and surround a receiving space 54. The closed position is shown in FIG. The comments on FIG. 1 therefore also apply to FIG. 2. On the plastic shell 51, a first and second conduit opening 55, 56 are formed at the ends, which are each arranged in the parting plane T. They connect the

Receiving space 54 with the surrounding area U. The line connector 10 consists of a first and a second plug-in element 1 1, 12, which are plugged together in an axial direction A. It forms a plug connection between a first and a second conductor section 14, 15, wherein the first

Conductor portion 14 fixed to the first plug-in element 1 1 and defined by the first line opening 55 and the second conductor section 15 on the second plug-in element 12 and out through the second conduit opening 56 from the receiving space 54 out into the surrounding area U. The first and second conductor sections 14, 15 are hydraulic conductor sections. It can be seen that the conduit connector 10 is held in the receiving space 54 by an air gap L from the first sub-shell 52 and the second sub-shell 53 spaced.

The first plug-in element 1 1 is arranged in the receiving space 54 and coupled by positive engagement axially fixed in the axial direction A with the first sub-shell 52 and the second sub-shell 53. This is apparent in particular from the contour of FIG. 1. It can be seen that locking means 13 of the first plug-in element 1 1 with the second

Plug element 12 are engaged, this in particular with a circumferential collar on the second plug-in element 12 (see Fig. 2).

For ergonomic release of the locking means 13 actuating means 57, 58 are coupled to the locking means 13, that by a movement of the windshield 50 in the axial direction A and away from the second plug element 12, the locking means 13 are actuated and the first plug-in element 1 1 from the second plug element 12th is separable. The locking means 13 are retaining springs and the actuating means 57, 58 engage in the retaining springs. In particular, the locking means 13 comprise two opposing retaining springs on the first plug-in element 1 1, wherein a first actuating means 57 is arranged on the first sub-shell 52 and engages in the first retaining spring, and wherein a second actuating means 58 is arranged on the second sub-shell 53 and in the second Retaining spring engages. In particular, the actuating means 57, 58 slide over the retaining springs, which are aligned substantially in the axial direction A, but in the direction away from the second plug element 12th

on the outside form a rising ramp 59. By sliding over the ramp 59 with the Actuating means 57, 58, the retaining springs are pivoted about a rocker axis 60 and the locking means 13 are lifted from the second plug element 12. The rocker axis 60 is designed as an elastic rib. The first actuating means 57 is arranged on the first sub-shell 52, in particular monolithically produced in one piece with this. It is a rib, which is aligned transversely to the axial direction A. Similarly, the second actuating means 58 is arranged on the second sub-shell 53, in particular monolithically produced in one piece with this. It is also a rib, which is aligned transversely to the axial direction A.

The positive connection between the windshield 50 and the first plug-in element 1 1 game, so that the windshield 50 for the distance of a running in the axial direction A.

Actuating path on the first plug-in element 1 1 slidably mounted. In the illustrated first end position of the actuating travel, the locking means 13 of the first plug-in element 11 are in engagement with the second plug-in element 12. In a second end position of the

Actuating path, which is not shown in detail, are the locking means 13 of the first plug-in element 1 1 no longer with the second plug-in element 12 in engagement. In order to reach this second end position, the actuating means 57, 58 slide up the ramps 59. The ramp 59 has recesses into which the actuating means 57, 58 jump. As a result, the first end position and the second end position are haptically recognizable by the operator, and it requires an actuating force to overcome the wells. As a result, the windshield 50 is in particular in the first end position on the first

Plug element 1 1 fixed in a defined position. To be able to completely separate the first plug-in element 11 from the second plug-in element 12, the second line opening 56 is dimensioned such that the second plug-in element 12 fits through it. The second plug-in element 12 is in particular a stationary connection piece.

Furthermore, the plastic shell 51 is in existing plug connection between the first and second plug-in element 1 1, 12 by a rotating relative movement of the first and second sub-shell 52, 53 in the normal plane of the axial direction A obvious and closable. For this purpose, the first and second sub-shells 52, 53 are coupled to one another via a pivot joint 66 oriented in the axial direction A, so that the first and second sub-shells 52, 53 can be opened and closed relative to each other. For ergonomic operation points the plastic shell 51 a relative to the axial direction A circumferential handle thickening 61 (see in particular Fig. 1).

The invention is not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways.

All arising from the claims, the description and the drawing

Features and advantages, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps, can be essential to the invention, both individually and in the most diverse combinations.

Reference numeral

Plug connection device 56 second conduit opening

57 first actuating means line connector 58 second actuating means first plug element 59 ramp

second plug element 60 rocker axis

Locking means 61 Handle thickening of the first conductor section

second conductor section 66 Swivel windshield A axial direction

Plastic shell L Air gap

first part shell T parting plane

second partial shell U surrounding area receiving space

first conduit opening

Claims

claims

Plug connection device (1) with a line connector (10) and a windshield (50),

- wherein the line connector (10) has a first and second plug-in element (1 1, 12) which are mated in an axial direction (A),

- wherein locking means (13) of the first plug-in element (1 1) with the second

Plug element (12) are engaged,

- wherein the windshield (50) has a plastic shell (51) with a first

Partial shell (52) and a second sub-shell (53) which lie in a parting plane (T) and surround a receiving space (54) and form a first and second conduit opening (55, 56), which

Recording space (54) with the surrounding area (U) au ßerhalb the

Connect the recording room (54), and

- wherein the first plug-in element (1 1) in the receiving space (54) by positive engagement axially fixed in the axial direction (A) is coupled to the first sub-shell (52) and / or the second sub-shell (53)

characterized in that

- Actuating means (57, 58) are coupled to the locking means (13) such that by a movement of the windshield (50) in the axial direction (A) and away from the second plug element (12), the locking means (13) are actuated and the first Plug-in element (1 1) from the second plug-in element (12) is separable.

Plug connection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking means (13) are designed as retaining springs and the actuating means (57, 58) engage in the retaining springs.

Plug connection device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking means (13) comprise two opposing retaining springs on the first plug-in element (1 1), wherein a first actuating means (57) on the first sub-shell (52) is arranged and in the first retaining spring engages, and where a second

Actuating means (58) on the second sub-shell (53) is arranged and engages in the second retaining spring.

4. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the windshield (50) for the distance of an axial direction (A) extending actuating path on the first plug-in element (1 1) is slidably mounted, wherein in a first end position of Actuating the locking means (13) of the first plug element (1 1) with the second plug element (12) are engaged, and wherein in a second end position of the actuating path, the locking means (13) of the first plug element (1 1) not with the second plug element ( 12) are engaged.

5. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second plug-in element (12) through the second conduit opening (56) passes through.

6. Plug connection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic shell (51) in existing plug connection between the first and second plug-in element (1 1, 12) by a linear or rotating relative movement of the first and second partial shell (52, 53) in the

Normal plane of the axial direction (A) is obvious and closable.

7. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the line connector (10) in the receiving space (54) by an air gap (L) of the first sub-shell (52) and the second sub-shell (53) is kept spaced.

8. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second sub-shell (52, 53) via a in the axial direction (A) aligned pivot joint (66) are coupled together, so that the first and second sub-shell ( 52, 53) are hinged relative to each other and can be folded.

9. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises actuatable latching means, with which the first and second partial shell (52, 53) are closable with each other.

10. Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic shell (51) has a relative to the axial direction (A) circumferential handle thickening (61). Plug connection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second plug-in element (12) is a stationary connection piece.