EP3332451A1

EP3332451A1 - Plug connection device comprising at least one plug connector

Info

Publication number: EP3332451A1
Application number: EP17721686.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Till BREDBECK
Original assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2016-05-06
Filing date: 2017-05-05
Publication date: 2018-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-05
Also published as: CN108780955A; US20190058296A1; EP3332451B1; EP3719933A1; KR20190002429A; KR102210531B1; US10784615B2; DE102016109266A1; US11942749B2; CN108780955B; JP2019515457A; WO2017191309A1; EP3719933B1; US20200403347A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug connection device comprising at least one plug connector (1). The plug connector (1) has a housing (3), at least one plug body (4) for connecting to an outer conductor (5) of a cable (6), and at least one inner conductor part (8) for connecting to an inner conductor (9) of the cable (6). The housing (3) has at least one receiving area (10) for inserting the at least one plug body (4). A contact element (13) is provided which can be plugged into the housing (3) such that a front region (13a) of the contact element (13) electrically contacts the outer periphery of the plug body (4) plugged into the housing (3). The contact element (13) is connected to a securing means (2) in an electrically conductive manner in order to establish a ground connection to another component (24) independently of the cable (6).

Description

Connector device with at least one connector

The invention relates to a plug connection device having at least one plug connector, wherein the plug connector has a housing, at least one plug body for connection to an outer conductor of a cable and at least one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable, according to the preamble of claim 1.

When assembling cables, their conductors are typically connected to a connector. The connector may be a plug, a socket or an adapter. The term connector used in the context of the invention is representative of all variants.

The connector serves to establish an electrical connection with a correspondingly complementary further connector.

To connect the cable to the connector, a plug body is usually provided, which is connected to an outer conductor of the cable. Furthermore, the connector has at least one inner conductor part, which is provided for connection to an inner conductor of the cable. The number of inner conductors or inner conductor parts is not limited in the present case, with common connectors, in particular RF connectors or connectors for coaxial cables, usually having only one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable.

The known connectors have a housing, preferably a plastic housing, with a receptacle for insertion of the at least one plug body.

The connection of the plug body with the outer conductor of the cable or the at least one inner conductor part with an inner conductor of the cable can be done with known measures, usually by means of soldering, gluing, clamping or crimping.

A connection of the cable to the connector can be prepared by stripping a portion of the cable sheath of the cable in a first step. This will expose an outer conductor. The outer conductor can be, for example, a cable shielding braid. Subsequently, a support sleeve is crimped onto the cable shielding braid, namely such that the cable shielding braid projects beyond the support sleeve. The protruding cable shield braid can be knocked back in a next step and placed over the support sleeve. Subsequently, the front end of the cable can be further stripped so that an inner conductor of the cable is exposed. The exposed inner conductor of the cable can then be subsequently connected to the inner conductor part of the connector, preferably in such a way that the inner conductor part is crimped. Subsequently, the stripped front end of the cable is inserted into the plug body. The connector is preferably crimped onto the outer conductor of the cable or the cable shielding braid, which is preferably folded back over the support sleeve. Thus, the plug body is reliably connected to the outer conductor of the cable by crimping and the inner conductor part is protected within the plug body.

It is then provided that the cable sheath of the cable is preferably stripped 10 to 1 5 mm behind the connector and a metal terminal is crimped directly onto the cable shielding of the cable. With the metal terminal is a reliable or low-impedance ground connection, for example, with the body of a vehicle, which is in electrical communication with a negative pole of a battery when the plug is used in a vehicle made.

The application of the metal terminal directly on the braided shield of the cable has the disadvantage that the cable sheath is additionally injured, so that a contact of the cable shield braid is even possible.

The present invention is not limited to use in a vehicle, wherein the term vehicle includes any means of transportation within the scope of the invention, in particular vehicles on land, water or in the air, including spacecraft.

The invention is not limited to a specific connector device or a specific connector, the invention is particularly suitable for the assembly of RF cables. The connector can preferably be used as an HF connector, in particular PL connector, BNC connector, TNC connector, SMBA (FAKRA) connector, N connector, 7-16 connector, SMA connector, SMB connector, SMS Be configured connector, SMC connector or SMP connector.

The connector can be designed as a so-called FAKRA connector, which corresponds to the so-called FAKRA standardization scheme (FAKRA = Fachkreis Automobiltechnik) for SMB connections. Here, a plastic housing is provided, which the Steckerkör- holds, protects and pre-positioned for plugging with another connector with plastic housing. The housing may additionally have mechanical codings, so that only matching housings can be plugged into each other.

From US 2003/0176104 A1 a coaxial connector with a plastic housing is known which corresponds to the so-called FAKRA standardization scheme for SMB connections.

Such plastic housing for coaxial connectors, which are also called FAKRA housing found in automotive engineering for data transmission cable. These data transmission cables are usually coaxial cables or similar shielded and single electrical conductor based cables. The mechanical dimensions of such FAKRA housing in the interface area, d. H. in an axial portion of the housing, which cooperates with a complementary connector to produce a mechanical connection between the two plastic housings are specified in the DIN 72594-1 as amended in October 2004.

For such connectors, the invention is particularly suitable.

When inserting the plug body in the housing, such as a FAKRA housing, it is essential that the connection dimensions are maintained correctly, so that a complementary connector can be connected to the connector, without causing damage and also the signal transmission is optimal.

It is known from the prior art to insert a securing element, which is referred to in the art as a secondary fuse, into the housing in order to fix the inserted plug body in the end position. The secondary fuse is inserted orthogonally to the insertion of the plug body into the housing.

The known connectors, in particular the connectors according to the FAKRA standardization scheme, enable a secure and reliable connection with a complementary connector. A disadvantage, however, is that in order to produce a ground connection of the cable sheath must be additionally injured to contact the outer conductor, in particular the braided shield of the cable. The contacting of the shield braid and the stripping of the cable sheath also require a corresponding effort during assembly and jeopardizes the reliability. The present invention has for its object to simplify the assembly in a connector device and to improve the reliability.

This object is achieved by claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the further claims.

The plug connection device according to the invention has at least one connector. The connector has a housing, at least one plug body for connection to an outer conductor of a cable and at least one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable.

The plug body preferably has means for connection to the outer conductor and the inner conductor part preferably means for connection to the inner conductor of the cable.

Preferably, each connector has only one connector body, but it is also possible to assign a connector several connector body.

Depending on the configuration of the connector, it can have one or more inner conductor parts for connection to one or more inner conductor parts of the cable.

For a preferably provided embodiment of the connector, in particular as FAKRA connector, the formation of exactly one inner conductor part for connection to an inner conductor of the cable is particularly suitable. Such a configuration is particularly suitable when the connector is provided for connection to a coaxial cable.

The feature "plug body" may in the context of the invention comprise both a plug body and a plurality of plug bodies, which are each associated with a connector. Furthermore, the feature "inner conductor part" can define both only one inner conductor part or a plurality of inner conductor parts, which are connected to a corresponding number of inner conductors of a cable and are assigned to a common connector.

According to the invention, it is provided that the housing has at least one receptacle for inserting the at least one plug body. The housing may in principle be designed such that it has a plurality of receptacles for inserting a plurality of connector bodies. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in particular if the housing is a so-called FAKRA housing, only one receptacle is provided for inserting a plug body. However, the invention is not limited to this.

According to the invention, a contact element is provided which can be inserted into the housing such that a front region of the contact element electrically contacts the plug body inserted into the housing on its outer circumference, wherein the contact element is electrically conductively connected to a fastening means in order to independently of the cable a ground connection to produce with another component.

By this solution, the assembly of the connector device is facilitated and increases the reliability.

The solution according to the invention allows in a particularly simple manner a connection between the outer conductor of a cable and a ground connection. For this purpose, the contact element contacts the plug body inserted into the housing, which according to the invention is connected to an outer conductor of a cable, and thereby establishes an electrical connection with the fastening means. For this connection, it is no longer necessary to strip the cable sheath outside the housing and to crimp a ground terminal onto the braided shield of the cable. The solution according to the invention makes it possible to produce the connection within the housing, without the need for an additional stripping process.

The solution according to the invention makes it possible for an outer conductor of a cable to be connected to a plug body. The plug body can have a connection region in order to connect a further plug, a cable or the like to the plug body. In addition, it is now provided according to the invention that a contact element makes electrical contact with the plug body on its outer circumference in order to produce an additional connection, which is a ground connection, with a further component. The further component may be a mass component, for example a vehicle mass (body, negative battery pole or the like).

The connector according to the invention may be provided for connection of the cable with a complementary or mating connector to a connection region of the connector, for example, to connect the cable with a secondary cable or to connect the cable to a circuit board or an electrical device. In addition, the outer conductor of the cable is connected via the electrically contacting with the outer periphery of the plug body contact element and the fastening means with the further component to provide an additional ground connection. The outer conductor of the cable can thus be advantageously electrically connected to the further component via the contact element or the fastening means. Through the ground connection, the electrical signal transmission quality can be improved. In particular, improved shielding can be ensured and the electrical connection can be more robust overall.

Characterized in that the contact element is inserted into the housing of the connector and is adapted to produce the ground connection with the further component, a secondary fuse can be combined with a ground connection. The secondary fuse can be designed to show a fitter the correct positioning of the plug body relative to the connector and / or the housing of the connector, wherein the secondary fuse is preferably inserted only in a correct positioning. This can preferably be ensured by the fact that a displacement path for insertion of the contact element is only completely accessible if the parts of the connector are aligned according to each other or inserted into each other.

The fastening means can be designed as desired. The fastening means may in particular be designed to produce a simple ground connection, for example with the body of a vehicle or another suitable component. The fastening means can be connected, for example by a screw or similar measures to a vehicle ground.

It is sufficient if the fastening means is designed to produce a simple ground connection. It is not necessary for the fastening means itself to be fastened directly to the further component, for example the body of a vehicle. It may be sufficient if the fastening means serves to establish an electrical connection between the contact element and the further component, without itself being mechanically fastened to the further component.

Insofar as a mechanical attachment of the connector is provided, this can optionally be done via additional holder. In one embodiment of the invention, however, it can be provided that the fastening means itself is already designed such that the fastening means can be mechanically fixed or fixed directly or via fixing elements. The fixation or attachment can be carried out on the other component, with which the ground connection is made. However, the invention is not limited thereto. It can too be provided that the determination of the connector via the attachment means to any, possibly also non-conductive component takes place.

The plug connection device according to the invention is suitable for any connector, in particular the already mentioned connector, and can preferably be used in all HSD, FAKRA and high-voltage connectors, which have a metallic, in particular shielding outer conductor.

It is advantageous if the front region of the contact element can be positively connected to at least part of the outer circumference of the plug body.

By a positive connection, a good and reliable electrical contact is ensured. Furthermore, a positive connection additionally fulfills the task of a secondary securing of the plug body in the housing, whereby the connection dimension can be ensured.

According to the invention it can be provided that the contact element is inserted into the housing at an angle, preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal or axial axis of the plug body, and is positively connected to the plug body in an orthogonal orientation. As a result, a particularly suitable secondary fuse is produced.

The connection of the plug body with the housing can be done basically in any manner. However, it is particularly advantageous if the plug body is inserted in the axial direction of the plug body in the receptacle of the housing. For this purpose, the receptacle can preferably be formed as a bore, in particular as an axial bore, in the housing. In this type of connection of the plug body with the housing can be produced in the episode by the contact element, a particularly advantageous secondary fuse, which ensures with little effort that the plug body no longer accidentally or independently dissolves from the housing and in particular the Anschlussmaß is defined.

The housing is preferably made of plastic.

It is advantageous if the plug body and the receptacle are designed such that an end position of the plug body is fixed in the receptacle of the housing. Such a configuration of the plug body and the receptacle makes it possible for the plug body to be positioned in the housing before the contact element is inserted into the housing and preferably provides for a secondary fuse.

Preferably, the housing is designed such that the plug body is locked in the intended end position, including, for example, a snap connection, in particular a snap body or a snap hook is used, which allows insertion of the plug body, but prevents retraction of the same against the plug.

The housing or its receptacle is preferably designed such that it serves as a primary fuse for the plug body. Preferably, the primary fuse is designed releasably. Preferably, the housing is designed as a FAKRA housing, which may already have such a primary fuse.

It is advantageous if the connector has a securing element which can be introduced into a recess of the housing such that a movement of the housing relative to the securing element is limited at least in one degree of freedom.

The fuse element, as well as preferably the contact element, serve as a secondary fuse, which secures the plug body in the housing or the receptacle of the housing as soon as it has reached the intended end position.

Preferably, the securing element is supplied to the plug body at an angle, particularly preferably orthogonal to its axial direction, resulting in a particularly advantageous securing.

It is advantageous if at least a part of the securing element is located in a displacement path of the inserted into the housing connector body.

In particular, when the plug body is inserted by a movement along the axial axis in a receptacle of the housing, it is particularly suitable to form the fuse element and introduce it into the housing, that a part of the fuse element is in a displacement of the inserted into the housing plug body. This can be achieved particularly advantageously if the plug body has a taper, a recess, a recess or a recess, into which at least a part of the securing element can penetrate, in order to avoid a redrawing and / or a further insertion of the plug body into the receptacle. Alternatively, but less suitably, the plug body may also have a projection or a bulge which is blocked by a part of the securing element.

The securing element may have a latching hook or the like, which hooks on a correspondingly suitable recess of the housing, so that a retraction of the securing element is prevented when it is inserted so far that the securing element secures or fixes the plug body. Alternatively, the housing can also have a latching hook and the securing element can be designed accordingly. The receptacle or the housing may be formed such that the latching hook is releasable again, if necessary, to remove the fuse element again and to pull the plug body, possibly after additional release of the primary fuse, again from the housing.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the contact element is used together with the fuse element as a secondary fuse to set the plug body in the final position in the recording and secure.

It is particularly advantageous for securing the plug body, if it has a taper on its outer circumference, in which engages the contact element and preferably also the securing element or a part of the securing element. The taper can be designed as an annular circumferential taper.

Depending on the design of the plug body can be provided that this has a two- or multi-part construction. In this case it can be provided that at the junction of two parts of the plug body, a taper is formed, which is used for the engagement of the contact element and / or the fuse element use.

To produce a particularly suitable connection between the contact element and the plug body, at least the front region of the contact element may be formed as a terminal. The clamp may preferably have two clamping arms, which at least partially surround the plug body on its outer circumference. The clamp may be configured such that it has two partial ring-shaped clamping arms and the terminal is slid laterally or from a radial direction on the outer circumference of the plug body. Preferably, the clamp is designed such that it clamps at least a part of the outer periphery of the plug body between them and thereby fixed. Preferably, the clamp comprises an annular portion of more than 180 ° of the outer circumference of the plug body. Regardless of the specific design of the contact element, but in particular in an embodiment of the contact element such that the front region is formed as a terminal, it can be provided that the contact element is detachably connected to the plug body.

It is advantageous if the securing element is positively connected to the contact element.

For this purpose, it can be provided in particular that the securing element has a recess and the contact element is designed as a terminal at least in the front region. The terminal can protrude through the recess, wherein the contact element is biased such that the contact element spreads in the recess and thus is positively connected to the recess. It is particularly advantageous if the contact element has a recess or a recess which is positioned in the region of the recess, so that the edge of the recess of the securing element engages in the recess of the contact element and thus a positive connection is produced.

Instead of a return, the terminal may also have a projection and the recess may be designed to be complementary.

The contact element and the securing element can be handled according to their positive connection as a component. In this embodiment, it may be appropriate to produce the electrically conductive connection between the contact element and the fastening means on the securing element. In this case, the securing element is at least partially made of metal, preferably formed entirely of metal.

The contact element or the securing element can be connected to the fastening means, in particular electrically connected.

It may be provided in one embodiment that the contact element is located in a recess of the fastening means, without any contact with the fastening means. In this embodiment, it may be provided that the securing element is electrically conductively connected to the fastening means, at least when the contact element and the securing element are inserted in the intended manner in the housing and the contact element electrically contacts the plug body. In this embodiment, the securing element is at least partially electrically conductive, preferably by an embodiment at least partially or completely made of metal. The connection between the securing element and the fastening means can in this case be effected in that the securing element with the Attachment, for example, by a snap connection or otherwise connected. However, it is also possible in one embodiment of the invention that only the housing of the connector is connected to the fastening means, for example also by a snap connection or otherwise, and the securing element is located between the housing and the fastening means. The fastening means may, for example, have a plate-shaped profile in the area of contact with the securing element, so that the securing element is clamped, in particular electrically conductive, with the fastening means after the connector or its housing has been fastened to the fastening means between the housing and the fastening means. Due to the electrically conductive, preferably positive connection between the fuse element and the contact element and, since the contact element electrically contacts the plug body, thus an electrically conductive connection between the plug body via the terminal or the contact element and the securing element is produced with the fastening means.

Such a configuration is particularly easy to implement and only requires simple assembly steps.

According to the invention can also be provided that the contact element is positively inserted into a recess of the fastening means or formed integrally with the fastening means.

In particular, as an alternative to the production of an electrically conductive connection between the contact element and the fastening element by means of the securing element can also be provided that the contact element is directly connected to the fastening means, in particular such that an electrically conductive connection is made. For this purpose, the fastening element may have a recess into which the contact element is inserted in the same manner as has already been described with respect to a possible connection of the contact element to a recess of the securing element. As a result, a positive and possibly releasable connection between the fastening means and the contact element is produced. The connection can be made quickly and reliably with simple measures. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the contact element is connected in a different manner, for example by soldering, gluing, riveting or the like with the fastening means. It can also be provided that the contact element is formed integrally with the fastening means. In particular, in a one-piece design of the contact element with the fastening element, the securing element may be omitted. In particular, when the contact element is electrically connected directly to the fastening means, can be dispensed with a metallic design of the fuse element. In this embodiment, it makes sense to form the fuse element made of plastic. Furthermore, it is useful in this embodiment, that the securing element has a passage to insert the contact element and to connect the front portion of the plug body.

In this embodiment, it may be provided that first the securing element is inserted into the housing, for example, pre-assembled. Before or after the connector housing can be inserted into the receptacle of the housing to the intended end position. Subsequently, preferably, the securing element can be further inserted in the manner already described until it secures the position of the plug body in the receptacle and preferably serves as a secondary fuse. Then, the contact element can be inserted at any position in the housing, preferably, the contact element is inserted into a passage of the fuse element such that the contact element is inserted so far that its front portion is connected to the plug body.

It is advisable that the contact element is previously, preferably positively connected to the fastening means and the connection to the housing takes place in that the housing is clipped onto the contact element and thus preferably the housing is attached on the one hand to the fastening means and on the other hand, the plug body the contact element, which is preferably formed in the front region as a clamp is clipped.

Of course, the connection of the fuse element and the contact element with the housing can also be done in a different order.

The fastening means is preferably formed at least partially of metal or an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the fastening means is formed of metal.

The contact element is at least partially made of an electrically conductive material, preferably at least partially made of metal, particularly preferably completely made of metal. The contact element is preferably formed completely in the form of a clamp, which preferably has resilient properties in order to reliably enclose the plug body on its outer circumference.

It is advantageous if the fastening means has at least one support and / or at least one snap connection part for fastening the housing of the connector. Especially It is advantageous if the fastening means has both a support and a snap connection part.

The snap connection part may for example be designed as a snap hook, which snaps onto a suitable counter element of the housing and fixes the housing at the intended position on the fastening means. Alternatively, the housing may also have one or more snap hooks which engage a suitable counterpart of the fastener. The support of the fastening means may be formed, for example, as a plate-shaped projection, optionally with a suitable edge projection for defined recording, in particular for placing a bottom of the connector.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the at least one snap connection part at least partially penetrates into a groove in the outside of the housing in order to form a positive connection in the axial direction (or insertion direction) between the housing and the fastening means.

Preferably, two snap connection parts are provided in the manner of snap hooks. The snap hooks may at least partially, preferably completely, comprise the housing of the connector on two opposite outer sides. The snap hooks can be designed such that they can be pushed laterally over the outer circumference of the housing of the connector. Preferably, the snap hooks clamp a part of the outer circumference of the housing of the connector between them and fix the fastening means thereby (releasably) to the housing.

The fastening means may comprise at least one eyelet. The eyelet may be provided to establish a connection between the fastening means and a mass part, for example a vehicle mass. For this purpose, for example, a screw inserted through the eyelet and the fastening means are screwed accordingly. Here, other connection options are conceivable, in particular releasable connections such that the fastener is again easily detached from the mass part. Preferably, a low-resistance electrical ground connection is produced.

In one embodiment of the invention may be provided in particular that the fastening means comprises connecting elements to produce or form the ground connection with the other component. A connecting element may also be the aforementioned eyelet. In one embodiment, the fastening means may also be formed or consist only of the connecting elements or a connecting element.

Preferably, the fastening element may be formed such that it has connecting elements to produce a ground connection with the other component or to allow the connection. Particularly preferably, the fastening means may be formed such that it has a design to attach the fastening means to the housing, in particular such that the fastening means is defined defined on the housing and, in particular in connection with the determination of the contact element, a gives precise positioning of the fastener on the housing.

The fastening means can also be designed such that it has means for mechanically fixing the fastening means to another component, for example the further component. This is optional. On a mechanical fixing of the fastener to another component is not important. This can also be achieved elsewhere in the context of the invention, if at all a determination of the fastening means is provided on a further component. In the context of the invention, it is essential that the contact element is electrically conductively connected to the fastening means, and the fastening means is designed to produce an electrically conductive connection between the contact element and another component, wherein the compound is formed as a ground connection.

In a particularly preferred development, the connecting elements can be designed as a crimp connection in order to connect a ground connection cable to the fastening means. As a result, the ground connection with the further component can be produced or formed in a simple manner.

The use of a ground connection cable as an electrical connection between the attachment means and the further component has proven to be particularly flexible in handling. The ground connection cable can be electrically and mechanically robustly connected via the crimped connection, for example via one, two or more Crimpkiemmen with a connection region of the fastener. For connection to the further component or a mass part, the ground connection cable at the end, which is not connected to the fastening means, for. Example, an eyelet, a cable lug or the like, which or is crimped example, in turn, to the ground lead cable. The ground connection cable can then be screwed, for example, to the further component or attached to a connection point of the other component. The ground connection cable can also be connected in a different way to the further component or the mass part, for example by gluing, soldering or clamping. The connection of the ground connection cable with the fastening means can be done otherwise, for example, the connecting elements may be formed as solder joints, adhesive surfaces and / or clamping surfaces.

In a preferred refinement, it can be provided, in particular, that the fastening means, the at least one snap connection part, the contact element and the connection elements for the ground connection are formed in one piece.

Preferably, the fastening means is formed with the aforementioned components as a one-piece sheet. The attachment means may then preferably be manufactured by the stamping and bending technique.

In a further development it can be provided that the housing of the connector and the fastening means are designed such that the fastening means, when this is inserted into the housing of the connector, does not project beyond the outside of the housing of the connector.

In particular, when the fastening means is formed as a sheet metal, this can fit tightly along the outer circumference of the housing of the connector (preferably coplanar with the associated outer sides of the housing or against the associated outer sides of the housing set back). The connector can thus have a compact construction and the fastening means can be protected from damage.

It is advantageous if the fastening means is designed for fastening and electrical contacting of a plurality of plug connectors.

The electrical contacting can take place via the contact elements, which may be part of the fastening means or are connectable thereto, in the manner already described.

Preferably, the connectors can be used in parallel side by side in the fastener or be connected to this. In one embodiment of the fastening means for receiving a plurality of connectors, it may be advantageous if two or more connection options, in particular eyelets, for fastening a fastening means to a mass part, such as a vehicle mass, are available.

The contact element according to the invention, in particular in combination with the fuse element, can advantageously take on the task of secondary fuse or generally fuse and also ensure the connection dimension, as well as establish a connection between the outer conductor of the cable with a mass part. When the plug connection device according to the invention is used in a vehicle, the mass part may be a vehicle ground, in particular to produce an indirect electrical connection to a negative pole of a vehicle battery.

The connector according to the invention can be provided in particular for connection to a data transmission cable, in particular for high-frequency applications.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be shown in principle with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with each other. The features of an embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be connected by a person skilled in the art to further meaningful combinations with features of other embodiments.

a perspective view of the connector device according to the invention with a vertical longitudinal section through a housing of the connector, wherein a plug body is shown uncut;

a rear view of the connector device of FIG. 1; a perspective view of the connector device from the direction of arrow II I of Fig. 2;

a horizontal longitudinal section through a connector device of FIG. 1; a plan view from the front of a fastening means with a contact element and a securing element;

an illustration of Figure 5 from behind. Figure 7 is a plan view from the front of a fastening means with a contact element and a securing element in a second embodiment;

Figure 8 is an illustration of a possible mounting of a plug body and a securing element in a housing of the connector;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from behind of a fastening means for fastening and electrical contacting of several connectors;

Figure 1 0 is a perspective view from the front of a fastener of FIG. 9;

Figure 1 1 is a view from behind of a fully equipped with connectors fastener for fastening and electrical contacting of multiple connectors;

Figure 12 is a particularly preferred embodiment of a one-piece fastener;

Figure 13 is a particularly preferred embodiment of a connector for use with the one-piece fastener of Figure 12; and

FIG. 14 shows the particularly preferred connector of FIG. 13 with an inserted fastening means according to FIG. 12.

The plug connection device according to the invention is illustrated in the embodiments with reference to a so-called FAKRA standardization scheme, wherein only the essential features of the invention are shown in more detail below. Possible embodiments and variants emerge from DIN 72594.

However, the present invention and the illustrated embodiment are not limited to a FAKRA connector or a FAKRA housing to understand. The solution according to the invention is suitable for any connector.

The features of FIGS. 1 to 14 shown below, insofar as this is not technically possible, can be combined with one another as desired.

The invention can be implemented in various variants. In the exemplary embodiment, two variants are shown as examples. Figures 1 to 1 1 show a first variant, in which the fastening means 2 and the contact element 13 are formed separately from each other and plugged into each other. In these figures, the fastening means 2 is further designed such that the fastening means can be mechanically fixed to a further component / component. Figures 12 to 14 show a particularly preferred variant of the invention, according to which the fastening means 2 is formed integrally with the contact element 13. In FIGS. 12 to 14, no means are formed on the attachment means 2 for mechanically fixing the attachment means 2 mechanically to another (arbitrary) component. Basically, this is but also possible. In the figures 12 to 14, although a one-piece design of the fastening means 2 is shown with the contact element 13, but this is not mandatory. The fastening means 2 and the contact element 13 may also be formed as independent elements and connected only electrically and preferably also mechanically.

FIG. 1 shows a vertical longitudinal section through the plug connection device according to the invention with a plug connector 1 and a fastening means 2.

The connector 1 has a housing 3, which is also shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 4 and 8 to 1 1. This may be a so-called FAKRA housing of a connector 1.

Figures 13 and 14 show a slightly different variant of the housing 3, which, however, preferably also designed to be compatible with the FAKRA standardization scheme.

The housing 3 is preferably made of plastic.

The connector 1 further comprises a plug body 4, which is connected to an outer conductor 5 of a cable 6 shown only schematically in Figure 1. The connection of the plug body 4 with the outer conductor 5 can be done with known measures, for example by soldering, gluing, clamping or crimping. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided in a manner not illustrated in detail that the plug body 4 is crimped with the outer conductor 5. For this purpose, the plug body 4 may optionally be formed in several parts, preferably at least a part of the plug body 4 is formed to be crimped onto the outer conductor 5. This can preferably take place in that a cable sheath 7 of the cable 6 is stripped to the extent that the outer conductor 5, which may preferably be a braided shield, is exposed. The plug body 4 can then be crimped onto this braided screen. If appropriate, it may be provided for this purpose that first a support sleeve (not shown) crimped onto the outer conductor 5, in particular the braided shield and the braided shield then knocked back over the support sleeve and only then a part of the plug body 4 or a connector for connection to the plug body 4 or the plug body 4 is crimped in one piece on the folded outer conductor 5 or otherwise connected to this.

The connector 1 further comprises at least one inner conductor part 8 (see FIG. 4), which is provided for connection to an inner conductor 9 of the cable 6. The connection can For example, by soldering, gluing, clamping or crimping done. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the inner conductor part 8 is crimped onto the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6. The inner conductor part 8 is preferably connected to the inner conductor 9 of the cable 6 after the outer conductor 5 of the cable 6 has been exposed and preferably turned over, and before the plug body 4 is crimped onto the outer conductor 5. For fixing the inner conductor part 8 on the inner conductor 9, this can be previously stripped, which can be done with known measures.

FIG. 4 shows, in section and by way of example, the course and the arrangement of the inner conductor part 8 within the plug body 4. In a combination with FIG. 1, it is shown how the plug connector 1 provides a connection in order to set up a further, not shown, complementary plug connector and electrically connect to the inner conductor part 8 and the plug body 4.

In the connector 1 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the connection to the outer conductor 5 of the cable 6 (not shown there) and the connection of the inner conductor 8 of the cable 6 to the inner conductor part 8 can basically be provided in a similar or identical manner.

In the exemplary embodiment it is shown that the plug body 4 receives a single inner conductor part 8. Of course, the plug body 4 can also accommodate a plurality of inner conductor parts 8 which are connected to a corresponding number of inner conductors 9.

Furthermore, it is shown in the embodiment that the connector 1 receives a plug body 4. In principle, it can also be provided that the plug connector 1 receives a plurality of plug bodies 4. The embodiment is to be understood accordingly.

As can be seen from the figures, in particular from FIGS. 1, 4, 8 and 13, the housing 3 has a receptacle 10 for insertion of the plug body 4. The receptacle 10 is formed in the embodiment as a bore which extends axially through the housing 3. In the exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that the plug body 4 is inserted into the housing 3 or the receptacle 10 of the housing 3 by a movement along its longitudinal axis or in the axial direction A (see FIG. The plug body 4 and the receptacle 10 are designed such that an end position of the plug body 4 is fixed in the receptacle 10. Preferably, it is provided for determining the end position that the plug body 4 in its end position noticeably engages in the receptacle 10. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided for this purpose that the housing 3 has at least one latching element 1 1 (see FIG. 4), which deflects laterally or radially when the plug body 4 is pushed in and allows the plug body 4 to pass through, but in the case of rich the end position of the plug body 4 returns to its previous or undeflected position, preferably spring back so that the locking element 1 1 the plug body 4 is in the way when it is withdrawn against the insertion direction. The latching element 1 1 may preferably be designed so that it can be operated and thus optionally deflected, for example by inserting a screwdriver to allow removal of the plug body 4 from the housing 3 and the receptacle 10 as needed.

Preferably, the plug body 4 has a taper 12 into which the latching element 1 1 penetrates when the plug body 4 has reached its end position in the receptacle 10. This can also be an arbitrary return, a recess or the like. However, the formation of a preferably annular circumferential taper 12 has been found to be particularly suitable. The taper 12 can also be produced, for example, by virtue of the plug body 4 having a two-part or multi-part construction, wherein the taper 12 is preferably formed in the connection region between two parts of the plug body 4.

In the exemplary embodiment can be provided that the receptacle 10 and the plug body 4 has mechanical coding, so that the insertion of a not provided for the housing 3 plug body 4 is mechanically prevented.

According to the invention, a contact element 13 is provided which can be inserted into the housing 3 in such a way that a front area 13a of the contact element 13 makes electrical contact with the plug body 4 inserted in the housing 3 on its outer circumference. The contact element 13 is electrically conductively connected to the fastening means 2. As a result, regardless of the cable 6, a ground connection with a further component 24 (see FIG. B. a conductive body part of a vehicle. The front portion 13a of the contact element 13, which comprises the outer periphery of the plug body 4, is particularly well illustrated in Figures 1, 7 and in Figure 12. FIG. 4 shows in the illustrated horizontal longitudinal section only a short section of the front region 13a of the contact element 13, which is otherwise covered by the plug body 4 shown in section.

FIGS. 5, 7, 9, 10 and 12 show the contact element 13, in particular the front region 13a of the contact element 13, without the inserted plug body 4.

A connection of the contact element 13 with the fastening means 2 can be taken in particular from FIGS. 2, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11. In the variant of Figures 12 to 14, however, the contact element 13 with the fastening means 2, as already mentioned, preferably formed in one piece.

The front portion 13a of the contact element 13 is positively connected in the embodiment with at least a portion of the outer periphery of the plug body 4. The front portion 13a of the contact element 13 is formed as a terminal 13a. The terminal 13a in this case has two clamping arms, which are preferably resilient and are deflected for connection to the outer periphery of the plug body 4 from its unloaded position and after connection with the outer periphery of the plug body 4 again, as far as possible, spring back and thus the plug body 4 between take up or include.

The contact element 13 can contact the plug body 4 basically at any position. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the contact element 13 or its terminal 13a engages in the taper 12 of the plug body 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking element 1 1 engages in the same taper 12, but this is not absolutely necessary. It may also be different tapers, depressions, recesses or the like. However, the use of a common taper 12 may be constructive and thus economically advantageous.

In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the contact element 13 is positioned in the housing 3 such that the contact element 13 engages in the taper 12 when the plug body 4 has reached its end position, whereby a connection dimension of the plug body 4 is ensured.

As can also be seen from FIGS. 1 to 1, the plug-in connector 1 in this variant has a securing element 14 which can be introduced into a recess 15 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 8) of the housing 3 such that a movement of the housing 3 is limited relative to the securing element 14 at least in one degree of freedom. The limitation of the movement of the housing 3 relative to the securing element 14 in at least one degree of freedom, preferably at least in the direction of movement for pushing in and pushing out the plug body 4, is particularly advantageous if the securing element 14 directly and / or via the contact element 13 on the fastening means. 2 is fixed. In this case, movement of the housing 3 with respect to the fastening means 2 is already limited by the securing element 14, preferably at least in the direction of movement or longitudinal direction or axial direction A of the housing 3. Preferably, the securing element 14 and the recess 15 of the housing 3 is designed such that the housing 3 is limited relative to the securing element 14 in other degrees of freedom in its movement. Furthermore, it can be provided that the securing element 14, when this is fully inserted into the recess 1 5, locked in the intended end position in the housing 3. For this purpose, a latching hook can be provided. The latching hook can preferably be releasable in order to remove the securing element 14 again from the recess 15 or the housing 3.

By a substantially positive reception of the securing element 14 in the recess 15 and the latching hook can be provided that the securing element 14 and the housing 3 are substantially immovably connected to each other.

As can be seen in particular from the illustration of FIG. 4, at least part 14a of the securing element 14 protrudes into a displacement path of the plug body 4 introduced into the housing 3. In the exemplary embodiment, a part 14a of the securing element 14 protrudes into the taper 12, so that a Retraction of the plug body 4 from the housing 3 or from the receptacle 10 is blocked by the part 14a.

In the exemplary embodiment is shown that both the contact element 13 and the securing element 14 are connected by an orthogonal movement with the plug body 4.

The contact element 13 and also the securing element 14 thus extend orthogonally in the direction of the plug body 4, when this is inserted into the housing 3 in the end position.

The part 14a of the securing element 14 projects as well as the terminal 13a and the locking element 1 1 in the same taper 12, but this is optional.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 2, 6, 9 and 10, the contact element 13 in the variant of FIGS. 1 to 1 1 is inserted in a form-fitting manner into a recess 17 of the fastening means 2. Alternatively, the contact element 13 may be connected in any manner with the fastening means 2, for example by soldering, gluing or riveting. The contact element 13 can also be formed in one piece or in one piece with the fastening means 2. A one-piece design is shown in the variant of Figures 12 to 14.

By the positive connection shown in the embodiment, a good mechanical and electrically conductive connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 is produced. Preferably, in all embodiments, the fastening means 2 and also the contact element 13 are at least partially electrically conductive, preferably the fastening means 2 and also the contact element 13 is at least partially formed from an electrically conductive metal. Preferably, the fastening means 2 and / or the contact element 13 is essentially completely, particularly preferably completely, made of metal.

The positive connection of the contact element 13 with the recess 17 of the fastening means 2 can be particularly advantageous in that the contact element 13 is resilient and has a taper 18, in which engages the edge of the recess 17 to the contact element 13 in the recess. 1 7 to fix. Preferably, the contact element 13, as shown in the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 1 1, an embodiment with two clamping arms, which extend mirror images of each other and each having a taper 18, in which the edge of the recess 17 engages, as shown in Figure 2 can be seen.

Alternatively, the contact element 13 may also have a projection and the recess 17 may be designed to be correspondingly complementary for producing a positive connection.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the securing element 14 can have a passage 19 in order to insert the contact element 13 and its front region, ie. H. the terminal 13a to connect to the plug body 4. This has the advantage that the housing 3 need not have an additional recess for the passage of the contact element 13, but the passage 19 can be formed in a simple manner in the securing element 14, which is already in a recess 15 of the housing 3 anyway. The contact element 13 is thus inserted by the presence of the passage 19 in the securing element 14 in the housing 3 in the context of the invention.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 1 1, the passage 1 9 is formed in two parts, so that for each clamping arm of the contact element 13, a passage is created.

The securing element 14 is preferably made of plastic in this embodiment. The fuse element 14 is preferably not electrically conductive in this embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the securing element 14. Shown in FIG. 7 is a relatively flat design of the securing element 14, but this is the case here not primarily. The embodiment of Figure 7 differs from the above-described embodiment essentially in that the contact element 13 is inserted into a recess 20 of the fuse element 14. The contact element 13 may in this case be configured in the manner as has already been described in the exemplary embodiment, in which case an edge of the recess 20 of the securing element 14 engages in the taper 1 8 of the contact element 13 or its mirror-symmetrical clamping arms to receive the contact element 13 in the recess 20 positively.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, no direct connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 is provided. The electrical connection between the contact element 13 and the fastening means 2 takes place in the embodiment according to the figure 7 on the fuse element 14. The fuse element 14 is for this purpose at least partially electrically conductive, preferably at least partially made of metal, more preferably substantially or entirely of metal. The contact element 13 may be loosely positioned in a recess 17 of the fastening means 2. It can be provided that the securing element 14 is connected, for example, by a snap connection with the fastening means 2. The connection can also be done in other ways. In principle, a firm connection between the securing element 14 and the fastening means 2 can also be completely dispensed with. This is particularly possible when the housing 3 is connected to the fastening means 2 such that the securing element 14 is clamped between the housing 3 and the fastening means 2 and is thereby fixed accordingly.

In principle, the securing element 14 can also be used in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7 in a recess 15 of the housing 3 such that a movement of the housing 3 relative to the securing element 14 is limited at least in one degree of freedom. The securing element 14 in the embodiment according to FIG. 7 can also be designed such that it has a part 14a which penetrates into a displacement path of the plug body 4 introduced into the housing 3 when the securing element 14 is positioned accordingly.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 to 11, the fastening means 2 can have a support 21 and / or at least one snap connection part 22 for fastening the housing 3 of a connector 1. In the embodiments of the variant of Figures 1 to 1 1, both a support 21, on which a bottom of the housing 3 can be placed, and a snap connection part 22, which is formed in the embodiment as a snap hook, is provided. The support 21 may have a securing edge, in order to limit in particular a horizontal movement of the housing 3 in addition. The fastening means 3 may further comprise at least one eyelet 23 or a plurality of eyelets 23, which may be provided to electrically and mechanically connect the fastening means 2 with a mass part or with the further component 24, for example a vehicle mass or the like.

FIGS. 9 to 11 show an embodiment of the fastening means 2 for receiving and fastening as well as for electrically contacting a plurality of plug connectors 1. Shown in the embodiment are three connectors 1, to the specific number of connectors 1, which can accommodate a fastener 2, the invention is not limited. In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 9 to 11, the fastening means 2 has two eyelets 23. Alternatively, only one or more eyelets 23 may be provided. Furthermore, the design of the eyelets 23 or their presence in all fasteners 2 is optional. The eyelets 23 may possibly be omitted completely, but it is advantageous if the fastening means 2 has connecting elements in order to attach the fastening means 2 in a simple manner to a mass part or to the further component 24.

As is apparent from the embodiments with respect to the variant of Figures 1 to 1 1, a fuse of the plug body 4, as long as the fuse element 14 and the contact element 13 are not yet brought to the plug body 4, by a corresponding design of the housing 3, in particular by the locking element 1 1 done. This is called a primary backup.

After insertion of the securing element 14 and / or the contact element 13 in its end position of the previously positioned in the housing 3 plug body 4 can be secured by this. This is referred to as a secondary backup, with an interaction of the contact element 13 and the securing element 14 in particular being suitable for this purpose. The contact element 13 and the securing element 14 can also be responsible for the positionally accurate fit of the plug body 4 in the housing 3 and thus also ensure the connection dimensions for connection to a complementary connector, not shown.

FIG. 8 shows the securing element 14 in a so-called pre-locking division. The securing element 14 is preferably preassembled in the housing 3. For mounting of the plug body 4 is provided that first the plug body 4 is inserted into the housing 3 and then, when the plug body 4 has reached its end position in the housing 3, the secondary fuse 14 is pressed to the Endverrastung. Subsequently, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plug connector 1 can be clipped onto the contact element 13, which is already connected to the fastening means 2.

In the variant shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, a securing element 14 can be dispensed with.

Figures 12 shows a particular variant of the fastening means 2, which is basically preferred. FIG. 13 shows a housing 3 which is suitable for this variant, and FIG. 14 shows the fastening means 2 and the housing 3 in an assembled position. All the features already described above can of course be combined with the features of this variant, if this is not technically excluded.

The fastening means 2 of this variant also has a contact element 13 which, however, is now preferably formed integrally with the fastening means 2. Furthermore, two snap connection parts 22 are provided for fastening the housing 3 of the connector 1, which surround the housing 3 for this purpose on the outside. The housing has a groove 25 in the outer side, in which the snap connection parts 22 can penetrate, to form a positive connection in the axial direction A between the housing 3 and the fastening means 2. The snap connection parts 22 are preferably formed integrally with the fastening means 2. It can also be provided that the snap connection parts 22 are designed as any connection elements and in particular such that they penetrate into the housing 3 and thereby produce a mechanical, in particular positive and / or non-positive connection between the fastening means 2 and the housing 3.

Finally, the fastening means 2 has connecting elements 26 in order to form the ground connection with the further component 24. In the present case, the connecting elements are designed as crimp connections 26 and likewise preferably in one piece with the fastening means 2.

A ground connection cable 27 may preferably be crimped over the crimp connection 26 on the attachment means 2 in order to form the ground connection with the further component 24 (see FIG. 14). For this purpose, the ground connection cable 27 may preferably have a cable lug 28 (or the like) at the end, which is not crimped with the fastening means 2, for electrical and mechanical attachment to the further component 24. Preferably, the fastening means 2, in particular according to the variant of Figures 12 to 14, be formed as a thin sheet. The fastening means 2 may be formed as a stamped and bent part.

Preferably, the housing 3 of the connector 1 and the fastening means 2 is formed such that the fastening means 2, when this is inserted into the housing 3 of the connector 1, does not protrude beyond the outer sides of the housing 3 of the connector 1, preferably set back. The housing 3 can have suitable recesses and / or recesses for this purpose, as can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Plug connection device with at least one plug connector (1), wherein the one plug connector (1) has a housing (3), at least one plug body (4) for connection to an outer conductor (5) of a cable (6) and at least one inner conductor part (8) for connection to an inner conductor (9) of the cable (6), wherein the housing (3) has at least one receptacle (10) for insertion of the at least one plug body (4), characterized in that

a contact element (13) is provided which can be inserted into the housing (3) such that a front region (13a) of the contact element (13) electrically contacts the plug body (4) inserted into the housing (3) on its outer circumference, and wherein the contact element (13) is electrically conductively connected to a fastening means (2) in order to establish a ground connection with a further component (24) independently of the cable (6).

2. Plug connection device according to claim 1,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the front region (13a) of the contact element (13) can be positively connected to at least part of the outer circumference of the plug body (4).

3. Plug connection device according to claim 1 or 2,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the plug body (4) and the receptacle (10) are designed such that an end position of the plug body (4) in the receptacle (10) is fixed.

4. Plug connection device according to claim 1, 2 or 3,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the plug body (4) has on its outer circumference a taper (12) into which the contact element (13) engages.

5. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 4,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the plug connector (1) has a securing element (14) which can be introduced into a recess (15) of the housing (3) such that movement of the housing (3) relative to the securing element (14) is limited at least in one degree of freedom.

6. Plug connection device according to claim 5, characterized in that

At least a part of the securing element (14) is located in a displacement path of the plug body (4) introduced into the housing (3).

7. Plug connection device according to claim 5 or 6,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the securing element (14) is positively connected to the contact element (13).

8. Plug connection device according to claim 5, 6 or 7,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the contact element (13) is electrically conductively connected to the fastening means (2) via the securing element (14).

9. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 8,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the contact element (13) is positively inserted in a recess (17) of the fastening means (2) or formed integrally with the fastening means (2).

10. Plug connection device according to one of claims 5 to 9,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the securing element (14) is made of plastic and has a passage (19) in order to insert the contact element (13) and to connect its front region (13a) to the plug body (4).

11. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 10,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the front region (13a) of the contact element (13) is formed as a terminal.

12. Plug connection device according to one of claims 5 to 11,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

a part (14a) of the securing element (14) engages in the taper (12).

13. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 12,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the fastening means (2) has at least one support (21) and / or at least one snap connection part (22) for fastening the housing (3) of the connector (1).

14. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 13,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the at least one snap connection part (22) at least partially penetrates into a groove (25) in the outside of the housing (3) to form a positive connection in the axial direction (A) between the housing (3) and the attachment means (2).

15. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 14,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the fastening means (2) has at least one eyelet (23).

16. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 15,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the fastening means (2) has connecting elements (26) in order to produce the ground connection with the further component (24).

17. Plug connection device according to claim 16,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the connecting elements are designed as crimp connection (26) in order to connect a ground connection cable (27) to the fastening means (2).

18. Plug connection device according to claim 16 or 17,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the fastening means (2), the at least one snap connection part (22), the contact element (13) and the connection elements for the ground connection are formed integrally.

19. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 18,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the housing (3) of the connector (1) and the fastening means (2) are designed such that the fastening means (2), when this is inserted into the housing (3) of the connector (1), not over the outer sides of the housing ( 3) of the connector (1) protrudes.

20. Plug connection device according to one of claims 1 to 18,

d a d u r c h e c e n c i n e s that

the fastening means (2) for fastening and electrical contacting of a plurality of plug connectors (1) is formed.