EP3713018A1 - Electric connector, secondary fuse and method for mounting of an electric connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connector (1), having a connector housing (2) with a front opening (4) provided for inserting a mating connector (3), a rear end (5) facing away from the front opening (4), at least one receptacle ( 6) for an electrical contact element (7), and a primary fuse (10) which is designed and arranged to engage with the contact element (7) when the contact element (7) is in an axial end position in the receptacle (6) . Furthermore, a secondary fuse (14) blocks the latching between the primary fuse (10) and the electrical contact element (7) in a form-fitting manner in a fuse position (P _S). It is provided that the connector housing (2) has a guide (15) for the secondary fuse (14), which is designed such that the secondary fuse (14) can be introduced into the connector housing (2) through the front opening (4), wherein the secondary fuse (14) is in a starting position (P _A) in the plug-in path of the mating connector (3), and wherein the secondary fuse (14) is in the direction of the rear end (5) of the connector housing ( 2) is displaceable into the securing position (P _S) so that the secondary fuse (14) in the securing position (P _S) releases the plug-in path for the mating connector (3).

Description

The invention relates to an electrical connector, having a connector housing, a primary fuse and a secondary fuse, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention also relates to an electrical plug connection, comprising an electrical plug connector and an electrical mating plug connector, according to the preamble of claim 13.

The invention also relates to a secondary fuse for an electrical connector according to the preamble of claim 14.

The invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical connector, according to which at least one receptacle of a connector housing is equipped with a contact element of the connector, according to the preamble of claim 15.

When cables are assembled, their conductors are typically connected to a plug connector in order to subsequently be able to establish electrical connections with other cables or conductors that have corresponding plug connectors or mating plug connectors. A plug connector or mating plug connector can be a plug, a built-in plug, a socket, a coupling or an adapter. The term "connector" or "mating connector" used in the context of the invention is representative of all variants.

To assemble the cables, depending on the cable type, it is often provided that the cables are first provided with contact elements. The connector housing can have corresponding receptacles for the contact elements. The contact elements are usually fixed in the receptacle by means of a so-called primary fuse (also called "primary latching").

Particularly on connectors for the automotive industry or for vehicles, high demands are placed on their robustness and the security of the plug connections. For example, a plug connection must withstand high loads, for example mechanical loads, and remain closed in a defined manner, so that the electrical connection is not accidentally disconnected, for example while a vehicle is in operation. Ensuring safety is a priority, especially when it comes to the autonomous operation of vehicles and driver assistance systems.

Another requirement for connectors for the automotive industry is that they should be easy and reliable to assemble. The connectors for the automotive industry also often have to be highly impervious to dirt, dust and / or liquids, in particular depending on the place of use.

The primary securing for attaching a contact element in a receptacle (i.e. in a slot) in the connector housing is usually provided by a latching connection between a groove formed in the contact element and one or more latching hooks of the connector housing which protrude radially into the receptacle. The latching hooks can be formed on a distal end of a fastening arm.

To secure the primary fuse or the latching connection between the latching hook or hooks and the contact element, in particular to prevent a latching hook from emerging radially from the groove of the contact element, fixing means or so-called secondary fuses are known from the prior art, in particular under the term "Terminal Position Assurance" (TPA).

A generic electrical connector is in the US 2015/0133002 A1 disclosed. It is provided that a contact element is inserted into a receptacle or into a slot. The receptacle has a longitudinal axis which extends in the insertion direction of the contact element. When the contact element is inserted so far into the receptacle that it has reached an intended final locking position, a primary fuse engages in a recess of the contact element by a radially inward movement in such a way that the primary fuse blocks the contact element from being pulled out of the receptacle . The US 2015/0133002 A1 further discloses a secondary fuse which is displaced by a movement radially from the outside in the direction of the contact element, so that the secondary fuse prevents the primary fuse from moving radially outward. The secondary fuse thus secures the primary fuse in its final locking position.

The ones in the US 2015/0133002 A1 The secondary fuse disclosed is arranged in a shaft which runs radially through the connector housing and opens into the receptacle or into the slot in the connector housing. This can cause dirt, dust and / or moisture to get into the receptacle during subsequent use of the connector. Especially for applications in which the connector has a high level of tightness and durability is required is the one in the US 2015/0133002 A1 disclosed electrical connectors are therefore not optimally suited.

Furthermore, it is desirable that electrical plug-in connectors have a structure that is as uncomplicated as possible, that they can be installed easily and that they can be handled reliably.

Another problem can arise if a contact element was not pushed sufficiently far into the receptacle during the connector assembly. In this case, the primary fuse cannot, or at least not sufficiently, engage with the contact element. If the connector is delivered in this state and later plugged together with a mating connector, usually no or no sufficiently stable electrical and / or mechanical connection of a contact element of the mating connector with the incorrectly positioned and insufficiently secured contact element of the connector can be established. It is important to avoid this error case, especially for critical plug-in connection applications.

In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector and an electrical plug connection in which or in which a contact element can be reliably secured in a connector housing, in particular simple assembly and high tightness of the Connector or the connector should be guaranteed.

The present invention is also based on the object of providing an improved secondary fuse for a plug connector which reliably secures a primary fuse for latching a contact element in a plug connector housing.

Finally, it is also the object of the invention to provide an advantageous method for assembling an electrical connector, in which a primary fuse for latching a contact element in a connector housing can be reliably secured by means of a secondary fuse.

The object is achieved for the electrical connector with the features listed in claim 1 and for the electrical plug connection with the features listed in claim 13. With regard to the secondary fuse, the object is achieved by the features of claim 14 and with regard to the method by the features of claim 15.

The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

An electrical connector is provided, comprising a connector housing with a front opening provided for inserting a mating connector, a rear end facing away from the front opening, and with at least one receptacle for an electrical contact element. The connector housing also has a primary fuse which is designed and arranged to latch with the contact element when the contact element is in an axial end position in the receptacle. Furthermore, the electrical connector has a secondary fuse which, in a fuse position, blocks the latching between the primary fuse and the electrical contact element in a form-fitting manner.

In the context of the invention, an electrical connector with any number of contact elements can be provided.

It can be provided that the electrical connector has a receptacle for a single electrical contact element. In principle, however, provision can also be made to introduce several contact elements into a common receptacle. The invention is described below essentially in such a way that precisely one receptacle is provided for each contact element; although this is preferred, it is not to be understood as limiting.

The contact element or the contact elements can be viewed as part of the connector within the scope of the invention.

The contact element or the contact elements can already be connected to one or more conductors of an electrical cable before being pushed into the at least one receptacle. However, this is not absolutely necessary; A subsequent connection of the contact element or the contact elements to one or more conductors of an electrical cable is also possible.

As an alternative to a connection of the contact element or the contact elements with an electrical cable, a connection with other electrical conductors can also be provided, for example also a direct connection to lines or connections on an electrical circuit board (“printed circuit board”, PCB). A connection with several cables is also possible.

In principle, an electrical cable connected to one or more contact elements and having one or more electrical conductors can also be regarded as part of the plug connector within the scope of the invention.

The contact element can be, for example, an inner conductor contact element or an outer conductor contact element. However, the contact element is preferably designed as a coaxial contact element in which an inner conductor contact is guided coaxially within an outer conductor contact and is electrically isolated from the outer conductor contact, for example by means of a dielectric. A contact element can also be provided which has a plurality of inner conductor contacts, for example two, three, four, five, six or even more inner conductor contacts.

The contact element is connected to the connector housing in that the contact element is inserted into the receptacle of the connector housing until the contact element is in the axial end position in the receptacle. In the axial end position of the contact element, the primary fuse latches with the contact element in such a way that a positive connection results in the axial direction, in particular in the pull-out direction. The primary fuse can thus prevent the contact element from being pulled out again or, if necessary, from being pushed even deeper into the receptacle.

The locking of the primary fuse with the contact element can preferably take place in that a fuse element of the primary fuse is moved radially inward, i.e. H. in the direction of the contact element or the interior of the receptacle, latched with the contact element. The contact element can for example have a groove, in particular a radially circumferential groove into which a latching hook of the securing element penetrates.

The axial end position in the receptacle is preferably selected such that the contact element assumes a position in which it makes electrical contact with a mating contact element of an electrical mating connector when the electrical mating connector is correctly connected to the electrical connector.

According to the invention it is provided that the connector housing has a guide for the secondary fuse which is designed such that the secondary fuse can be introduced into the connector housing through the front opening.

In principle, several secondary fuses can also be provided within the scope of the invention in order to secure latches between the primary fuse and several contact elements independently of one another. Correspondingly, several guides can also be provided for the individual secondary fuses. For the sake of simplification, the invention is described below essentially using a single secondary fuse, but this is not to be understood as limiting. If more than one secondary fuse is used, all the features described below that relate to the secondary fuse can also be related to the other secondary fuses and, if necessary, duplicated. For example, two, three, four or even more secondary fuses can be provided.

The secondary fuse can be fed to the primary fuse in a particularly advantageous manner in that the secondary fuse is pushed axially over the primary fuse or over its fuse element and thereby secures it in a form-fitting manner. In this way, a latching between the primary fuse and the contact element can be guaranteed permanently and reliably. Unwanted snapping of the primary fuse can be prevented even under adverse environmental conditions.

A particular advantage of this solution is that - compared to the prior art, such as this in the US 2015/0133002 A1 - a radial access leading to the receptacle can be dispensed with, whereby a waterproof connector or a connector that is protected against dust, dirt and / or ambient moisture can be easily formed. To secure or block the primary fuse, the secondary fuse can be inserted in a simple manner through the front opening of the connector housing, which is already present for inserting the mating connector in the connector housing.

According to the invention it is further provided that the secondary fuse is in a starting position in the insertion path of the mating connector, the secondary fuse being displaceable in the direction of the rear end of the connector housing into the fuse position in such a way that the secondary fuse in the fuse position releases the insertion path for the mating connector.

The guide for the secondary fuse is preferably designed in such a way that the secondary fuse can be displaced within the guide in the direction of the rear end of the connector housing into the fuse position in such a way that the secondary fuse in the fuse position releases the plug-in path for the mating connector.

Since the secondary fuse itself does not have to take over the task of securing the contact element in the receptacle, but merely secures the primary fuse, it is possible to manufacture the secondary fuse inexpensively, preferably from a plastic. As a result, cheaper ones fall, especially compared to a design made of metal Production costs, which can be important in particular for high-volume production in the automotive sector.

In a development of the invention it can be provided that the connector housing is designed in several parts and has at least one outer housing shell and an inner housing shell arranged within the outer housing shell, the inner housing shell having the at least one receptacle.

In particular, a two-part design of the connector housing consisting of an outer housing shell (or an outer housing, also referred to as "surrounding housing") and an inner housing shell (also referred to as "insert") can be advantageous for simple assembly of contact elements. The inner housing shell can, for example, be pre-equipped with one or more contact elements, which may already be connected to electrical conductors of one or more electrical cables, and then introduced into the outer housing shell together with the contact element or with the contact elements.

A multi-part connector housing can also improve the modularity and thus the flexibility of a correspondingly equipped electrical connector.

A latching can preferably be provided between the inner housing shell and the outer housing shell in order to secure the inner housing shell in the outer housing shell against being pulled out and, if necessary, also against twisting.

A housing guide can be provided in order to introduce the inner housing shell into the outer housing shell.

The guide for the secondary fuse is preferably formed on the inner housing shell. The guide can, however, also be formed on the outer housing shell or result from a defined gap between the housing shells only when the housing shells are assembled.

Mechanical play can be provided for guiding the secondary fuse. The guide can thus also be designed as a rough mechanical guide. For example, it can be provided that the guide is formed through a recess in the connector housing. Mechanical play of the guide in the direction of the securing position can preferably be reduced.

It can be provided that the contact element or the contact elements are inserted into the receptacle (s) of the inner housing shell, after which the primary fuse is appropriately locked, and then the secondary fuse is brought into the fuse position before the inner housing shell is inserted into the outer housing shell . However, it can also be provided that the inner housing shell is already mounted in the outer housing shell when the secondary fuse is moved into the fuse position.

A connector housing with more than two housing components, for example a three-part connector housing, a four-part connector housing, etc. or a one-part connector housing are also possible.

According to a further development of the invention it can be provided that one receptacle, two receptacles, three receptacles, four receptacles, six receptacles, eight receptacles, ten receptacles or even more receptacles are provided for receiving one contact element each.

In principle, any number of receptacles for receiving contact elements can be provided. As already described above, it can also be provided that a single receptacle receives a plurality of contact elements.

In the context of the invention, a multi-pole connector can thus advantageously be formed.

If more than one receptacle is provided, several receptacles or all receptacles can be arranged next to one another in a row. It can also be provided to arrange the contact elements in several rows "one below the other", in particular to arrange them in two rows one below the other.

For example, it can be provided that the connector housing, in particular an inner housing shell of a multi-part connector housing, has four receptacles for four contact elements, with two rows of two adjacent receptacles arranged one below the other to ensure a symmetrical distribution of the contact elements around the longitudinal axis or central axis of the connector housing to provide.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the primary fuse latches for latching with the contact element with a groove, a depression, a recess or a latching element of the electrical contact element.

It can be provided that the primary fuse has at least one latching element, preferably at least one latching hook. The primary fuse can also have, for example, two, three, four or more latching hooks.

The latching hooks can be formed on a respective fastening arm and at least partially protrude into the respective receptacle.

The contact element preferably has a groove which is particularly preferably formed in an outer conductor contact of a coaxial contact element. In particular, a groove running radially along the circumference of the contact element or the outer conductor contact of the contact element is particularly suitable, since the contact element can then be inserted into the receptacle in different orientations (viewed in the direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis of the contact element), regardless of the rotative Alignment of the contact element can be ensured that in the axial end position the primary fuse engages in the groove of the electrical contact element.

However, other variants are also possible in order to ensure a latching between the primary fuse and the contact element in the axial end position in the receptacle.

The latching between the primary fuse and the contact element can be reliably implemented, for example, if the primary fuse is elastic and the primary fuse spreads radially by moving the contact element into the axial end position until the primary fuse jumps into the recess, groove or other recess .

In a particularly preferred development of the invention, it can be provided that the primary fuse is in the displacement path of the secondary fuse from its starting position to its fuse position or in the fuse position when the contact element is inserted into the receptacle but is not yet in the axial end position.

It can thus be ensured that the connector can only be plugged into an associated mating connector after the primary latching has been secured. A plug-in prevention through the secondary fuse can thus be guaranteed.

The embodiment mentioned can be particularly advantageous in order to ensure that an electrical contact element which has not yet been locked inadvertently remains undetected and a faulty plug connector is thus released for use. As long as the electrical contact element is not inserted sufficiently into the receptacle, the primary fuse cannot lock onto the contact element, which at the same time prevents the secondary fuse from being pushed completely into the connector housing, since the primary fuse is in the displacement path of the secondary fuse.

A mating connector can therefore not be inserted or at least not completely inserted into the connector. In particular, it can be provided that the secondary fuse blocks complete insertion of the mating connector in a form-fitting manner as long as the secondary fuse is not in its axial end position.

For this purpose, the axial extent of the secondary fuse can preferably be designed such that the secondary fuse prevents the mating connector from being plugged into the electrical connector as long as the secondary fuse is not in its fuse position.

It can be provided that the axial extent of the secondary fuse is chosen such that the secondary fuse blocks complete insertion of the mating connector into the connector in a form-fitting manner when the secondary fuse is not in its securing position.

It can also be provided that the axial extent of the secondary fuse is selected such that the secondary fuse blocks electrical contact between one or all of the contact elements of the mating connector and one or all of the contact elements of the electrical connector in a form-fitting manner when the secondary fuse is not in its fuse position.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the axial extent of the secondary fuse is selected such that the secondary fuse blocks mechanical locking of the mating connector with the connector in a form-fitting manner when the secondary fuse is not in its securing position.

For example, it can be provided that the axial extent of the secondary fuse starting from the front end of the secondary fuse facing the front opening of the connector housing to the rear end of the secondary fuse is at least the axial distance between the front end of the primary fuse and a mechanical interface of the connector housing for connection to the mating connector housing corresponds.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the primary fuse has a single fuse element in order to latch the contact element or several of the contact elements together, or has several fuse elements in order to latch individual contact elements or groups of the contact elements independently of one another.

The primary fuse can thus be designed in one piece or in several pieces.

The primary fuse can for example have a plurality of securing elements, for example latching hooks, which protrude into different receptacles for latching with the corresponding contact elements and which are able to latch with the contact elements independently of one another. However, provision can also be made for a single securing element, for example two latching hooks connected via a web, to latch several contact elements simultaneously. However, the multi-part variant of the primary fuse is particularly preferred.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a single secondary fuse can be provided in order to block the single fuse element or to block several of the fuse elements together. However, at least one further secondary fuse can also be provided in order to block individual fuse elements or groups of fuse elements independently of one another.

A multi-part design of the secondary fuse and / or the primary fuse can be advantageous since individual contact elements can then be inserted and secured into the respective receptacles of the connector housing later or at different times.

A multi-part solution for securing the primary fuse can thus be provided. Several secondary fuses can therefore be used to block several fuse elements or a multi-part primary fuse independently of one another in a form-fitting manner.

The plug connector can have a plurality of secondary fuses which are each designed to block the primary fuse or a fuse element or a plurality of fuse elements of the primary fuse in a form-fitting manner.

For example, a first secondary fuse can be provided to block one or more fuse elements, for example to block two, three, four, five, six or even more fuse elements together, and a second secondary fuse to block one or more additional fuse elements, for example two, three to block four, five, six or even more security elements together. In particular, the first secondary fuse can jointly block all fuse elements which are arranged next to one another in a first row and a second secondary fuse can jointly block all fuse elements which are arranged in a second row arranged below the first row.

In particular, if the electrical connector has multiple receptacles arranged in one or more rows, it can be advantageous to use a secondary fuse to secure multiple fuse elements of the primary fuse for simultaneously securing multiple contact elements in the receptacle arranged in series.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the secondary fuse latches in an initial position within the connector housing and / or in the fuse position with the connector housing.

Latching the secondary fuse in the starting position can be advantageous in order to deliver the secondary fuse (or the secondary fuses) together with the connector housing or to keep it captive in the connector housing until the secondary fuse is finally used to lock the primary fuse in a form-fitting manner.

Latching the secondary fuse in the fuse position can be advantageous in order to prevent unintentional displacement of the secondary fuse in the direction of the front opening of the connector housing. As a result, the electrical connector can be even more robust and secure.

Preferably, a common locking element of the secondary fuse can be provided for locking in the starting position and in the secondary position.

In a further development of the invention it can be provided that the secondary fuse can be displaced from the starting position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing in the direction of the fuse position.

A deviation from the mentioned parallel displacement can also be provided, for example an insertion along an angle of 45 ° or less, preferably 30 ° or less, particularly preferably 20 ° or less, very particularly preferably 10 ° or less, more preferably 5 ° or less, in particular 1 ° or less (in each case relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector housing). The guide can be designed and aligned accordingly in the connector housing.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the secondary fuse is designed to block a radial movement of the primary fuse directed outward from the longitudinal axis of the connector housing.

This makes it particularly easy to prevent the primary fuse from opening or a securing element, for example a latching hook of the primary fuse from a complementary latching element of the contact element, for example a groove, from escaping.

The secondary fuse can have at least one blocking element in order to block the primary fuse or a fuse element of the primary fuse in a form-fitting manner. The blocking element can form a shear area, which can be formed in particular as a function of the design of the primary fuse. For example, a conical shear area can be provided in order to move the secondary fuse axially over the primary fuse particularly easily.

The blocking element of the secondary fuse can preferably be formed on the end of the secondary fuse facing away from the front opening of the connector housing. The blocking element can, however, also be formed in a central area of the secondary fuse.

In an advantageous development of the invention it can be provided that the secondary fuse is designed in the form of a plate or has an annular or partially annular cross section.

In principle, the secondary fuse can be designed differently depending on the number and arrangement of the individual contact elements or the respective receptacles and / or fuse elements. The examples mentioned are not to be understood as restrictive.

A secondary fuse designed in the form of a plate can advantageously simultaneously secure the primary fuse, in particular a plurality of contact elements arranged in a row next to one another. A secondary fuse with sleeve-shaped, ring-shaped, partially ring-shaped, square or rectangular cross-sectional profile can also advantageously secure a plurality of contact elements arranged in at least two rows (or their primary fuse).

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the secondary fuse has a spike-like or web-shaped expression, which can be inserted between at least two receptacles in order to block the primary fuse.

A spike-like or web-like expression can be particularly advantageous in order to secure a plurality of contact elements arranged in rows by positively locking their primary security.

The invention also relates to an electrical connector, comprising an electrical connector and an electrical mating connector. The electrical connector has a connector housing with a front opening provided for the insertion of a mating connector, a rear end facing away from the front opening, and at least one receptacle for an electrical contact element. The connector housing also has a primary fuse which is designed and arranged to latch with the contact element when the contact element is in an axial end position in the receptacle. In addition, the electrical connector has a secondary fuse which, in a fuse position, blocks the latching between the primary fuse and the electrical contact element in a form-fitting manner.

The electrical connector preferably has the at least one contact element.

With regard to the electrical connector of the electrical connector, it is provided that the connector housing has a guide for the secondary fuse, which is designed such that the secondary fuse can be introduced into the connector housing through the front opening, the secondary fuse being in a starting position in the insertion path of the mating connector and wherein the secondary fuse is displaceable in the direction of the rear end of the connector housing into the fuse position in such a way that the secondary fuse in the fuse position releases the plug-in path for the mating connector.

The axial extent or the length of the secondary fuse is preferably designed such that the secondary fuse can be used as a plug-in prevention device if the primary fuse is not yet completely secured.

It can particularly preferably be provided that the secondary fuse prevents a plugging process between the connector and the mating connector as long as not all contact elements are correctly attached in the receptacles in the connector housing and thus each primary latching connection is correctly closed.

The secondary fuse can advantageously be designed in the form of a slide. The secondary fuse can be pushed into the connector housing in the axial direction, starting from the interface or the front opening of the connector housing.

The plug connector housing of the electrical plug connector is preferably designed in several parts and comprises at least one outer housing shell and an inner housing shell arranged within the outer housing shell. The at least one receptacle is particularly preferably arranged in the inner housing shell.

The electrical connector and the electrical connector are not restricted to a specific connector type, the invention being particularly suitable for connectors and connectors for high-frequency technology. In particular, plug-in connectors or plug connections of the type PL, BNC, TNC, SMBA (FAKRA), SMA, SMB, SMS, SMC, SMP, BMS, HFM (FAKRA-Mini), H-MTD, BMK, Mini Trade Coax or Makax.

The electrical connector according to the invention and the plug connection are preferably designed or set up for high bit rate signal transmission.

The invention also relates to a secondary fuse for an electrical connector, in particular in accordance with the above and following statements, the secondary fuse in a fuse position blocking the latching between the primary fuse and the electrical contact element in a form-fitting manner. It is provided that the secondary fuse can be introduced into the connector housing through the front opening in such a way that the secondary fuse is located in the plug-in path of the mating connector, the secondary fuse being designed to be slidable within the connector housing in the direction of the rear end of the connector housing into a fuse position to be in which the secondary fuse releases the plug-in path for the mating connector.

A particularly advantageous use of the secondary fuse according to the invention relates to a watertight connector, in particular a watertight connector for high-frequency technology.

The secondary fuse can form an axial stop for the mating connector with its plug-side end or with the end pointing in the direction of the front opening of the connector housing (based on an inserted state of the secondary fuse).

The design of the axial stop of the secondary fuse for the mating connector or for the mating connector housing can be any. Preferably a frontal stop is provided. However, the stop can also be designed in the form of a sleeve.

The secondary fuse can also form a fuse area for the primary fuse with its cable-side end or with its end pointing in the direction of the rear end of the connector housing (based on an inserted state of the secondary fuse).

Finally, the invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical connector, according to which at least one receptacle of a connector housing is equipped with a contact element of the connector, a primary fuse of the connector housing engaging with the contact element when the contact element is in an axial end position in the receptacle, and wherein a secondary fuse blocks the latching of the contact element with the primary fuse in a form-fitting manner in a fuse position. The secondary fuse is inserted into the plug connector housing through a front opening of the plug connector housing provided for plugging in a mating connector, the secondary fuse being in an initial position in the plug connector housing in an insertion path of the mating connector.

Several secondary fuses can also be provided, as already explained above in connection with the connector.

1. 1. eine Unterstützung bzw. Verstärkung einer Primärsicherung in ihrer verrasteten Position;
2. 2. eine Steckverhinderung bei nicht vollständig verrasteten Kontaktelementen.

The secondary fuse can advantageously implement two functions:

1. 1. a support or reinforcement of a primary fuse in its locked position;
2. 2. A plug-in prevention if the contact elements are not completely locked.

The secondary safety device can be moved axially from the starting position into the safety position, for example manually by a fitter or by means of a tool, for example a screwdriver. If the secondary fuse is locked in the starting position, for example by means of a locking hook, it can be provided that a fitter must first apply a corresponding axial force in order to release the locking. Also a levering of the latching for moving the secondary fuse from the starting position into the securing position can be provided.

An automatic movement of the secondary fuse into the fuse position, provided that the primary fuse or the contact elements are completely locked, can, however, also take place simply by inserting the mating connector. It can thus be provided that the secondary fuse is only moved into the fuse position by inserting a mating connector in the case of a correctly closed primary fuse, since in this case the displacement path from the starting position to the fuse position is released by the fully latched primary fuse. A separate process step, according to which the secondary fuse must first be manually moved into the fuse position before the mating connector is plugged in, can thus be omitted.

According to the invention, the secondary fuse is on the plug side, d. H. from the front, inserted into the connector housing.

The secondary fuse can be shifted between the starting position, in which the primary fuse is preferably in an unsecured operating state, and the fuse position, in which the primary fuse is preferably fully latched to the contact element or elements, and can thus be positioned axially within the connector housing.

The secondary fuse is preferably guided within the connector housing in such a way that it is only possible to move the secondary fuse into the fuse position when the primary fuse is correctly closed.

The solution presented below represents an invention which is independent of the solution of claim 1 and which can also be implemented in combination with the features mentioned above and below. The independent invention relates to an electrical connector with a connector housing with at least one receptacle, into which an electrical contact element can be inserted along a longitudinal axis running in the insertion direction, and with a primary fuse which engages with the electrical contact element in an axial end position in the receptacle, and with a secondary fuse to secure the primary fuse in the final latching position, the secondary fuse being designed and arranged in such a way that the secondary fuse can be displaced along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle from a starting position into a securing position in which the secondary fuse enables the latching between the electrical contact element to be released and the primary fuse blocked positively.

Features that have been described in connection with the plug connector according to the invention can of course also be advantageously implemented for the plug connection according to the invention, the secondary fuse according to the invention and the method - and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages that have already been mentioned in connection with the plug connector according to the invention can also be understood in relation to the plug connection according to the invention, the secondary fuse and the method - and vice versa.

In addition, it should be pointed out that terms such as “comprising”, “having” or “with” do not exclude any other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as “a” or “the” which refer to a single number of steps or features do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

It should also be emphasized that the values and parameters described here have deviations or fluctuations of ± 10% or less, preferably ± 5% or less, more preferably ± 1% or less, and very particularly preferably ± 0.1% or less of the respectively named Include value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded when implementing the invention in practice. The specification of ranges by start and end values also includes all those values and fractions that are included in the respective named range, in particular the start and end values and a respective mean value.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly be easily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and sub-combinations with features of other exemplary embodiments.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

Figur 1

einen elektrischen Steckverbinder mit einem zweiteiligen Steckverbindergehäuse und zwei Sekundärsicherungen in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Figur 2

eine Sekundärsicherung in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Figur 3

die Sekundärsicherung der Figur 2 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht;

Figur 4

eine erfindungsgemäße elektrische Steckverbindung mit einem elektrischen Steckverbinder und einem elektrischen Gegensteckverbinder in einer Schnittdarstellung entlang der Längsachse der Steckverbindung, mit einer ersten Sekundärsicherung in Ausgangsstellung und einer zweiten Sekundärsicherung in Sicherungsstellung;

Figur 5

eine vereinfachte, vergrößerte Schnittdarstellung zur Verdeutlichung des Prinzips der Verrastung der Primärsicherung und deren Sicherung durch die Sekundärsicherung in einem unverrasteten Zustand der Primärsicherung;

Figur 6

eine vereinfachte, vergrößerte Schnittdarstellung zur Verdeutlichung des Prinzips der Verrastung der Primärsicherung und deren Sicherung durch die Sekundärsicherung in einem verrasteten Zustand der Sekundärsicherung;

Figur 7

eine Vorderansicht der inneren Gehäuseschale des Steckverbinders gemäß Figur 1 mit einer plättchenförmigen Sekundärsicherung;

Figur 8

eine Vorderansicht der inneren Gehäuseschale eines weiteren Steckverbindergehäuses mit einer Sekundärsicherung mit teilringförmigem Querschnitt;

Figur 9

eine Vorderansicht der inneren Gehäuseschale eines weiteren Steckverbindergehäuses mit einer Sekundärsicherung mit ringförmigem Querschnitt;

Figur 10

eine Vorderansicht der inneren Gehäuseschale eines weiteren Steckverbindergehäuses mit einer Sekundärsicherung mit plättchenförmigem Querschnitt zur Sicherung mehrerer in einer Reihe angeordneter Sicherungselemente einer Primärsicherung; und

Figur 11

eine Vorderansicht der inneren Gehäuseschale eines weiteren Steckverbindergehäuses mit einer Sekundärsicherung mit dornartiger Ausprägung zur Sicherung mehrerer in mehreren Reihen angeordneter Sicherungselemente einer Primärsicherung.

They show schematically:

Figure 1

an electrical connector with a two-part connector housing and two secondary fuses in a perspective view;

Figure 2

a secondary fuse in a perspective view;

Figure 3

the secondary backup of Figure 2 in a further perspective view;

Figure 4

an electrical connector according to the invention with an electrical connector and an electrical mating connector in a sectional view along the longitudinal axis of the connector, with a first secondary fuse in the starting position and a second secondary fuse in the fuse position;

Figure 5

a simplified, enlarged sectional view to illustrate the principle of locking the primary fuse and securing it by the secondary fuse in an unlatched state of the primary fuse;

Figure 6

a simplified, enlarged sectional view to illustrate the principle of locking the primary fuse and securing it by the secondary fuse in a latched state of the secondary fuse;

Figure 7

a front view of the inner housing shell of the connector according to Figure 1 with a plate-shaped secondary fuse;

Figure 8

a front view of the inner housing shell of a further connector housing with a secondary fuse with a partially annular cross section;

Figure 9

a front view of the inner housing shell of a further connector housing with a secondary fuse with an annular cross section;

Figure 10

a front view of the inner housing shell of a further connector housing with a secondary fuse with a plate-shaped cross-section for securing several fuse elements of a primary fuse arranged in a row; and

Figure 11

a front view of the inner housing shell of a further connector housing with a secondary fuse with a spike-like shape for securing several fuse elements of a primary fuse arranged in several rows.

Figure 1 shows an electrical connector 1 according to the invention in a perspective view. The connector 1 has a connector housing 2 with a front opening 4 provided for inserting a mating connector 3, a rear end 5 facing away from the front opening 4, and at least one receptacle 6 for an electrical contact element 7 on.

The connector housing 2 is constructed in several parts in the exemplary embodiment and has an outer housing shell 8 and an inner housing shell 9 arranged within the outer housing shell 8, the receptacles 6 being arranged in the inner housing shell 9. Of course, different configurations of the connector housing 2 are also possible, in particular a one-piece solution.

In the exemplary embodiment, four receptacles 6 are provided for receiving one contact element 7 each. The contact elements 7 are in Figure 1 not shown for the sake of simplicity; are in the Figures 4 to 6 recognizable. The receptacles 6 are arranged in two rows of two receptacles 6 each arranged one below the other within the inner housing shell 9 and are thus symmetrically distributed around the longitudinal axis L of the connector 1. In principle, other arrangements of the receptacles 6 and a different number of receptacles 6 are possible, for example only one receptacle 6, two receptacles 6, three receptacles 6, six receptacles 6, eight receptacles 6, ten receptacles 6 or even more receptacles 6 for each receptacle one or more contact elements 7.

The inner housing shell 9 can be inserted axially into the outer housing shell 8 and latched, for example, within the outer housing shell 8.

The electrical connector 1 also has a primary fuse 10, which is designed and arranged to latch with the contact element 7 when the contact element 7 is in an axial end position (cf. Figure 4 or Figure 8 The position shown of the contact elements 7) is in the receptacle 6. In the in Figure 1 A multi-part primary fuse 10 is provided which has four individual fuse elements 11 in order to lock a contact element 7 in its axial end position in the associated receptacle 6. The securing elements 11 are designed as latching hooks in the inner housing shell 9 and are arranged in an elastic manner at the ends of corresponding fastening arms 12, for example in the Figures 4 to 6 is easily recognizable. The primary fuse 10 is capable of latching with the contact element 7 (cf. Figures 4 to 6 ) to latch with a groove, a recess, a recess or a latching element of the electrical contact element 7. In the exemplary embodiment, the contact element 7 has a radially circumferential groove 13.

In principle, it can also be provided that the primary fuse 10 is formed in one piece and comprises only a single fuse element 11 in order to latch a single contact element 7 or a plurality of contact elements 7 together. For example, two latching hooks connected via a web can be provided in order to latch the entire upper row and / or the entire lower row of the contact elements 7 at the same time when the contact elements 7 are inserted into the corresponding receptacles 6.

The electrical connector 1 also has two secondary fuses 14, which are in a fuse position P _S (cf. Figures 4 and 6th ) block the latching between the primary fuse 10 and the electrical contact element 7 in a form-fitting manner. The connector housing 2 or the inner housing shell 9 has a respective guide 15 for the secondary fuses 14, which is designed in such a way that the secondary fuses 14 can be introduced into the connector housing 2 through the front opening 4.

In the embodiment according to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 two secondary fuses 14 are provided. Each of the secondary fuses 14 is designed to simultaneously block two fuse elements 11 of the primary fuse 10 arranged in the same row in a form-fitting manner. In principle, however, only one secondary fuse 14 can be provided in order to block a single fuse element 11 or to block several fuse elements 11 together.

An enlarged view of one of the secondary fuses 14 is shown in FIG Figure 2 (Top view) and in Figure 3 (View from below) shown in perspective.

Figure 4 14 shows a sectional view along the longitudinal axis L of an electrical plug connection 17, comprising an electrical plug connector 1 and an electrical mating plug connector 3. To clarify the functional principle of the secondary fuses 14, FIG Figure 4 a state of the plug connection 17 in which a first secondary fuse 14 is in its starting position P _A and thus in the insertion path of the mating connector 3, the mating connector 3 or the mating connector housing correspondingly to the secondary fuse 14 (see lower secondary fuse 14 in Figure 4 ) strikes axially. The second secondary fuse 14 is already in its fuse position P _S , in which it blocks the primary fuse 10 in a form-fitting manner or prevents radial opening of the primary fuse 10 (upper secondary fuse 14 in Figure 4 ). It can be seen that the secondary fuses 14 can be displaced in the direction of the rear end 5 of the connector housing 2 into the fuse position P _{S in} such a way that the secondary fuses 14 in the fuse position P _S release the insertion path for the mating connector 3.

The secondary fuses 14 can preferably be displaced from the starting position P _A parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the connector housing 2 in the direction of the fuse position P _S.

In order to provide a particularly reliable plug prevention, it can be provided that the primary fuse 10 is in the displacement path of the secondary fuses 14 from its starting position P _A to its fuse position P _S (or in the fuse position P _S ) when the contact element 7 is inserted into the receptacle 6 is, however, is not yet in the axial end position. The principle is based on the Figures 5 and 6 clarified.

This in Figure 5 The contact element 7 shown has not yet been fully inserted into the receptacle 6 or is not yet in its axial end position, which is why the primary fuse 10 is not yet fully latched to the contact element 7. Since it is in the displacement path of the secondary fuse 14, it is not possible, despite the insertion of the mating connector 3, to insert the secondary fuse 14 axially deeper into the connector housing 2, which is why the mating connector 3 does not fully insert into the connector 1 or into the connector housing 2 leaves. The axial length of the secondary fuse 14 is preferably dimensioned in such a way that electrical contacting of the mating connector 3 with the connector 1 is prevented as long as the secondary fuse 14 is not in its fuse position P _S. More preferably, locking of the mating connector 3 in the connector 1 can also be prevented as long as the secondary fuse 14 is not in the fuse position P _S.

In Figure 6 the contact element 7 is sufficiently pushed into the receptacle 6 or is in its axial end position, which is why the primary fuse 10 can latch with the contact element 7. As a result, it is also possible to move the secondary fuse 14 into its fuse position P _S , for example by hand or by inserting the mating connector 3. The secondary fuse 14 is designed to move the primary fuse 10 radially outward from the longitudinal axis L of the connector housing 2 to block and has for this purpose at least one blocking element 18 which can be pushed axially over the primary fuse 10 or over the fuse element 11 of the primary fuse 10, whereby a radial movement of the primary fuse 10 is blocked.

It can be provided that the secondary fuse 14 has one or more latching elements 19, for example a latching hook (cf. Figure 3 ), in order to lock into the connector housing 2 in the starting position P _A within the connector housing 2 and / or in the securing position P _S.

A possible method for assembling an electrical connector 1 can provide that at least one receptacle 6 of the connector housing 2 is equipped with a contact element 7 of the connector 1, after which the primary fuse 10 of the connector 1 engages with the contact element 7 when the contact element 7 is in its axial end position is located in the receptacle 6, and after which the secondary fuse 14 in its fuse position P _S blocks the latching of the contact element 7 with the primary fuse 10 in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the secondary fuse 14 can be inserted into the connector housing 2 through a front opening 4 of the connector housing 2 provided for the insertion of a mating connector 3 or, starting from a front end of the connector 1 in the direction of a rear end 5 of the connector housing 2, into the connector housing 2 be introduced until it is, starting from an initial position P _A, in the securing position P _S and releases an insertion path of the mating connector 3.

As part of the method, it can be provided that in the case of a multi-part connector housing 2, the inner housing shell 9 is first inserted into the outer housing shell 8 and then the secondary fuse 14 is inserted starting from the front end of the connector housing 2 or through the front opening 4. However, it can also be provided that the secondary fuse 14 is first inserted into the inner housing shell 9 and then the secondary fuse 14 is inserted into the outer housing shell 8 together with the inner housing shell 9. In this way, the assembly or the connection with the contact elements 7 and one or more cables (not shown) can be simplified if necessary.

The Figures 7 to 11 show various variants for forming a secondary fuse 14 together with the inner housing shell 9, each in a front view.

Figure 7 shows a variant in which again two secondary fuses 14 according to FIG Figure 1 are provided, again only one of the secondary fuses 14 being shown in one of the guides 15 of the inner housing shell 9. For the sake of simplicity, the contact elements 7 are again hidden.

An alternative to using multiple secondary fuses 14, for example for one in Figure 1 Connector 1 shown with the four receptacles 6 or with the four contact elements 7 is in the Figures 8 and 9 shown. The only secondary fuse 14 is partially annular ( Figure 8 ) or ring-shaped ( Figure 9 ) designed to simultaneously block all four fuse elements 11 of the primary fuse 10 with a positive fit when the secondary fuse 14 is in its fuse position P _S.

In Figure 10 an alternative embodiment of a plug connector 1 is shown in which the receptacles 6 and the fuse elements 11 of the primary fuse 10 are arranged in a row and a plate-shaped secondary fuse 14 is used to secure all fuse elements 11 of the primary fuse 10.

Finally shows Figure 11 a secondary fuse 14 with a spike-like or web-shaped expression 20, which can be inserted between at least two receptacles 6 in order to block the primary fuse 10. In this case, too, several secondary fuses 14 can optionally be provided, with a first secondary fuse 14 securing a first row of contact elements 7 and a second secondary fuse 14 securing a second row of contact elements 7, or a single secondary fuse 14 with a correspondingly long, spike-like or web-like shape 20 (indicated by dashed lines).

In principle, any further variants for forming the secondary fuse 14 or further cross sections for the secondary fuse 14 can be provided. The ones in the Figures 7 to 11 The secondary fuses 14 shown are only to be understood as examples.

Claims (15)

Electrical connector (1), having a) a connector housing (2) with a front opening (4) provided for inserting a mating connector (3), a rear end (5) facing away from the front opening (4), at least one receptacle (6) for an electrical contact element (7 ), and with a primary fuse (10) which is designed and arranged to latch with the contact element (7) when the contact element (7) is in an axial end position in the receptacle (6); b) a secondary fuse (14) which, in a fuse position (P _S ), blocks the latching between the primary fuse (10) and the electrical contact element (7) in a form-fitting manner, characterized in that
the connector housing (2) has a guide (15) for the secondary fuse (14) which is designed such that the secondary fuse (14) can be introduced into the connector housing (2) through the front opening (4), the secondary fuse ( 14) is in an initial position (P _A ) in the insertion path of the mating connector (3), and the secondary fuse (14) can be moved in the direction of the rear end (5) of the connector housing (2) into the fuse position (P _S ), that the secondary fuse (14) in the fuse position (P _S ) releases the insertion path for the mating connector (3). Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the connector housing (2) is constructed in several parts and has at least one outer housing shell (8) and an inner housing shell (9) arranged within the outer housing shell (8), the inner housing shell (9) having the at least one receptacle (6). Electrical connector (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
one recording (6), two recordings (6), three recordings (6), four recordings (6), six recordings (6), eight recordings (6), ten recordings (6) or more recordings (6) for recording each a contact element (7) are provided. Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the primary fuse (10) latches with a groove (13), a recess, a recess or a latching element of the electrical contact element (7) for latching with the contact element (7). Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
the primary fuse (10) is in the displacement path of the secondary fuse (14) from its starting position (P _A ) to its fuse position (P _S ) or is in the fuse position (P _S ) when the contact element (7) is in the receptacle (6) is inserted, but is not yet in the axial end position. Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
the primary fuse (10) has a single fuse element (11) in order to interlock the contact element (7) or several of the contact elements (7) together, or has several fuse elements (11) in order to secure individual contact elements (7) or groups of contact elements ( 7) to be locked independently of each other. Electrical connector (1) according to claim 6,
characterized in that
a single secondary fuse (14) is provided to block the single fuse element (11) or to block several of the fuse elements (11) together, or at least one further secondary fuse (14) is provided to block individual fuse elements (11) or groups of fuse elements ( 11) to block independently of each other. Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) is locked in the starting position (P _A ) within the connector housing (2) and / or in the fuse position (P _S ) with the connector housing (2). Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) can be moved from the starting position (P _A ) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector housing (2) in the direction of the fuse position (P _S ). Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) is designed to block a radial movement of the primary fuse (10) directed outwards from the longitudinal axis (L) of the connector housing (2). Electrical connector (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) is plate-shaped or has an annular or partially annular cross-section. Electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) has a spike-like or web-shaped expression (20) which can be inserted between at least two receptacles (6) in order to block the primary fuse (10). Electrical plug connection (17), comprising an electrical plug connector (1) and an electrical mating plug connector (3), the electrical plug connector (1) having a) a connector housing (2) with a front opening (4) provided for inserting a mating connector (3), a rear end (5) facing away from the front opening (4), at least one receptacle (6) for an electrical contact element (7 ), and with a primary fuse (10) which is designed and arranged to latch with the contact element (7) when the contact element (7) is in an axial end position in the receptacle (6); b) a secondary fuse (14) which, in a fuse position (P _S ), blocks the latching between the primary fuse (10) and the electrical contact element (7) in a form-fitting manner, characterized in that
the connector housing (2) has a guide (15) for the secondary fuse (14) which is designed such that the secondary fuse (14) can be introduced into the connector housing (2) through the front opening (4), the secondary fuse ( 14) is in an initial position (P _A ) in the insertion path of the mating connector (3), and the secondary fuse (14) can be moved in the direction of the rear end (5) of the connector housing (2) into the fuse position (P _S ), that the secondary fuse (14) in the fuse position (P _S ) releases the insertion path for the mating connector (3). Secondary fuse (14) for an electrical connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the secondary fuse (14) blocks the latching between the primary fuse (10) and the electrical contact element (7) in a form-fitting manner in a fuse position (P _S ),
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) can be introduced into the connector housing (2) through the front opening (4) in such a way that the secondary fuse (14) is in the insertion path of the mating connector (3), the secondary fuse (14) being designed to be inside the Connector housing (2) in the direction of the rear end (5) of the connector housing (2) to be displaceable into a securing position (P _S ) in which the secondary fuse (14) releases the insertion path for the mating connector (3). Method for assembling an electrical connector (1), according to which at least one receptacle (6) of a connector housing (2) is equipped with a contact element (7) of the connector (1), a primary fuse (10) of the connector housing (2) with the contact element (7) latches when the contact element (7) is in an axial end position in the receptacle (6), and a secondary fuse (14) in a fuse position (P _S ) interlocks the contact element (7) with the primary fuse (10 ) positively blocked,
characterized in that
the secondary fuse (14) is introduced into the connector housing (2) through a front opening (4) of the connector housing (2) provided for the insertion of a mating connector (3), the secondary fuse (14) being in a starting position (P _A ) in the connector housing (2) is located in an insertion path of the mating connector (3).

Images